I pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you and welcome. All right. At this uh point in the meeting, we take public comments and I have a list of four people who want to speak. Hillary, >> good morning. >> Morning. And where are you from, Hillary? >> My name is Hillilary Patz and I live in Victoria, Minnesota, District 3. Election integrity is a major topic in our country right now and it's very important to me as an election judge. I have confidence in Minnesota's election system. I also believe just as strongly that every eligible voter must be able to cast ballot freely and without intimidation or fear. The US Department of Justice has recently increased its scrutiny of Minnesota elections. The DOJ has sued Minnesota seeking access to federal election records and has raised concerns about voter role maintenance and illegal voting. President Trump has also publicly questioned the integrity of Minnesota elections, insinuating we even had dead people on our voter roles. I think it's important we respond to those concerns with facts. For example, Minnesota's voter registration database may contain records of people who have died, but that does not mean those individuals remain eligible to vote. Minnesota statute 2011.13 requires county auditors to change the status of identified deceased registant registrants to deceased in the statewide voter registration system. The state receives death information from Minnesota's Department of Health, the Social Security death index, and vital records agencies in other states. Maintaining that information is part of election administration, not evidence that deceased people are being permitted to vote. On August 11th, Department of Justice sent federal observers to Henipin and Ramsey counties for Minnesota's primary election. Both counties declined to allow those federal monitors to be inside polling places during voting and instead relegated them to stay 100 ft from the location per Minnesota statute 204 C06. Whatever our political affiliations, I hope we can agree on one principle. Eligible Carver County voters should be able to enter their polling places and exercise their constitutional right to vote without intimidation or fear. With that in mind, I have three requests for the board. First, I ask Carver County to decline to allow federal election monitors into our polling places on November 3rd. If the Department of Justice tries to send election monitors to Carver County, I ask the county to do the same as Henipin and Ramsay and to decline to allow them access closer than the 100 ft boundary. Second, I ask each of you to sign the pledge that we will provide to abide by the United States Constitution and Minnesota election law, to refuse to comply with unlawful executive orders or unlawful data requests that would improperly restrict voting, and to faithfully perform your role in recognizing and seating the candidates who are lawfully elected in November, regardless of the party. Third, I am asking for greater transparency and compliance with Minnesota Secretary of State public access guidelines surrounding the Carver County Canvasing Board. Minnesota law provides for a five member county canvasing board, including the county auditor, the district court administrator, the mayor or town board of chair of the county's most populous municipality, and two county commissioners selected by the county board who are not candidates in the election. Following the August 11th primary, the Carver County election calendar listed a Carver County canvas for August 13th at 3 PM. However, despite extensive searching of the county's public information, including us using AI chat bots, I could not find the location of that meeting, the names of the five people who served on the canvasing board, an agenda, minutes, or information explaining how a member of the public could attend. The canvasing process is an important part of election certification and the public should not have to search extensively to find out who is certifying our elections, when and where they are meeting or how to observe that process. Before the November election, I respectfully asked the county to prominently publish the names of the canvasing board members, the date, time, and location of the canvas, an agenda, a clear information explaining how members of the public may attend. After the canvas, I would also ask that the minutes and certification documents be readily available to the public as well as information on any post-election reviews. Election transparency builds election confidence. If we want citizens to trust the results, we should make it easy for them to see how those results are reviewed and certified. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you, [applause] >> Monique. Good morning, chair and commissioners and fellow residents. My name is Mon'nique Lacroy and I live in Carver County in District 4. I appreciate the work you do to protect both the security and accessibility of our elections. Today, I am building upon my previous testimonies and I am asking the board to adopt and maintain a clear written election day plan in case federal agent enforcement appears at or near polling places in a way that could intimidate, disrupt, or exceed lawful authority. Visible armed enforcement, aggressive questioning, or directives that interfere with ordinary voting procedures can create a chilling effect. People may choose not to vote if they feel threatened, singled out, or unsure about their safety. Our responsibility is to make sure voting remains orderly, accessible, and lawful. I want to be clear. I am not assuming confrontation will happen and I personally do not believe armed intimidation will happen but knowing a response plan is in place can calm fears in the community. I'm asking for preparedness and calm coordination so election staff, the county attorney, the county administrator, and the sheriff's office understand roles before any incident occurs. Here is an example of what that plan might look like. Of course, I do not assume to know more about how this would work than our seasoned election staff and team. I have only been working with elections for a few years. Number one, establish a single point of contact at each polling location who can immediately communicate with arriving law enforcement to confirm legal authority and basis for their presence and what they are asking. election workers to do. Number two, require a documented neutral incident protocol if federal officers arrive. Election election staff keep polls open and maintain lawful procedures while recording objective details, times, locations, names, or badge numbers when available, and a factual log of specific actions. Staff would not escalate verbally, not obstruct lawful safety operations, and not comply with instructions that unlawfully interfere with voting access. Three, a rapid legal response chain is needed. If intimidation or interference is suspected, the on-site election point of contact would immediately notify the county attorney and county administrator. The county attorney would advise how local officials should respond to specific directives so we are not guessing on election day. If lawful instructions conflict with election access obligations, what would a clear process for seeking clarification be? Define the sheriff's office role as safety and order only supporting safe, lawful operations while ensuring that no one is blocked from entering. No one is removed from lawful lines and no one is coerced into leaving a polling place. The focus must always be to maintain the right to vote without fear and keep the polling place functioning. Finally, an afteraction review to determine what worked and what could be done better. Again, this is an example of a written response. I understand the importance a written plan to be safeguarded and only shared with the appropriate people such as head judges. Commissioners, this is about protecting eligible voters from intimidation and ensuring our election process remains steady and fair even under pressure. I am asking you to make sure there is a written response plan with assigned responsibilities documentation steps. Treating this like emergency preparedness planning now prevents confusion later. Since I prepared this statement, I spoke to Kendra Olsen, the election official for Carver County. She has assured me that there is in fact a written emergency plan in place for intimidation at the polls. I have great trust in our election officials and municipal clerks and the team that has provided Carver County with safe and accurate elections. All these years I have lived and voted here, but these are different times. Thank you for your time and for your commitment to fair elections in Minnesota. [applause] >> You're going to make me say your name, sir. Major. >> Yes, that's actually correct. >> Oh, going to get lucky once in a while. Welcome, >> chair and commissioners. Thank you for the opportunity to speak today. My name is Major Abdul Cayam. I am a resident of Chaskca District 3. Being a Kawar County resident for last eight years, I've never appeared here. But today, the stakes are high and that's why I'm here. I'm here with a simple and respectful request that each one of you support and sign a democracy pledge. This pledge is not about supporting one party over another. It's not about favoring one candidate over another. It's about something much more fundamental. Protecting the integrity of our elections and our mandate. Respecting [clears throat] the law and making sure every eligible voter can exercise a right to vote without fear, intimidation, or unnecessary barriers. The pledge asked for three basic commitments. Number one, to uphold and abide by the US Constitution, the Minnesota Constitution, and applicable state election laws. Second, to refuse to comply with any unlawful executive order, directive, or data request that seeks to res restrict lawful voting or improper interference interfere with election administration. And the third to faithfully carry out lawful responsibilities regarding election results and respect the seeding the duly elected winners regardless of party. These should not be democratic principles or republican principles. They should be American principles. We should be clear that fear tactics, intimidation, misinformation or other efforts designed to discourage legally eligible voters from participating have no place in our elections. People should not be made afraid to vote. They should not be made to feel that participating in an election is dangerous, suspicious, or unwelcome simply because of their name, their background, their neighborhood, or their political choice they may make. At the same time, protecting the right to vote, and protecting election integrity are not opposing ideas. They all go together. We can insist that election laws are followed. We can insist that elections are secure and that at the very same time we can protect every eligible citizen's ability to cast a lawful ballot and have that ballot fairly counted. This is where local leadership becomes important and visible. When political pressure comes from Washington, from St. Paul, from political organizations or from any other direction, we want you to know that our local leaders will stand with constitutional law and the voters of Cover County. We also want our election officials and election workers and volunteers to know that our community supports them when they perform their duties. Please know that the people you serve will stand behind you when the law is uphold. So today I respectfully ask you that you please review and pledge review this pledge and sign it. Your signatures will send a powerful and reassuring message to the people. You represent that here in Carver County, we may disagree politically, but we can stand together in defending lawful elections, protecting eligible voters, respecting the will of the people, and preserving public tr trust in our democratic process. Thank you for your service to Carver County, and thank you for considering our request. >> Thank you, [applause] Natasha. Good morning. >> Good morning. My name is Natasha Adams. I live in District 1 of Carver County. I believe in the integrity of our elections in Carver County and the officials we've hired to manage them. My concern is that our federal government does not share that belief. The right to change how elections are run by the states is constitutionally delegated exclusively to the US Congress. Nevertheless, the current administration is considering the declaration of a national emergency that would give the president complete authority over our elections. If states cannot count the votes legally and honestly, then Trump says the federal federal government should step in. That might entail confiscating mail-in ballots. That might mean taking over polling locations. That might mean deploying armed federal agents to our polls, which is my greatest biggest concern. Despite federal law that prohibits the federal government deploying armed law enforcement agents to polling locations, the Trump administration repeatedly refuses to rule it out. In response, several states, including Virginia and Illinois, have enacted laws explicitly limiting a federal law enforcement or military presence at polling locations. Minnesota has not. Let me be clear. I cannot think more highly of our Chaza police. First on the scene, Sergeant Kyle Hance ran into a burning house and saved my sorry, my 79year-old mother-in-law last year. Our police department is more than honorable. They are exemplary. Emergency preparedness training for election judges in this county notes that they are to call the police in the event a rogue person tries to interfere with our voting systems or voters at polling locations. But what if that person is a federal agent? [sighs] I spoke to this board on July 7th about my experience with ICE intimidation last winter. I've always been a law-abiding citizen and a citizen. I've never and would never uh would not ever seek to engage with ICE in any fashion. I've never followed them, spoken to them, impeded them, nothing like that. So, I did not expect to be repeatedly followed from my house extremely close to my rear bumper by ICE vehicles. I didn't expect predict that twice they'd swoop in, instantly black in my driveway the moment I walked out to my car to go to work. What I did not tell you in July was that I did call my beloved Pesca Police Department. Uh they said if I was sure that this was ICE, then they could not do anything for me as they cannot impede any federal action. Unfortunately, if federal agents are deployed to our polling locations, our Chesca police cannot prevent them from carrying out this unlawful executive order. Would our country were our county sheriff have to follow the same protocol and stay away or would the sheriff participate in the executive order action? There is so much uncharted territory here. I urge you commissioners and all of you listening, do not dismiss the questions and concerns we raise here today or or think of them as unrealistic. People like me, myself, who experience the pattern of haphazard methods, ICE agents have demonstrated here in Carver County firsthand, speak with certainty when we say our questions are prudent and our concerns are valid. We believe nothing should come between a citizen and their right to cast a ballot. Our most fundamental of democratic rights, our right to vote, should never be impinged, dissuaded, or compromised. There should be no fee, no fear, no repellent force imposed upon a rightful voter in the United States of America. Commissioners, when federal directives arrive that contradict state law and circumvent the separation of powers instilled in our sacred constitution, your highest duty is to refuse them. Protect the integrity of our systems, the unrestricted nature of our polling places, and the chain of custody established by state statute. Please sign the pledge that Maser has read to you. We will be we have people from all of our uh county districts here today. Um they will be your each of your constituents will be sending you an email uh with that pledge and following up with you individually. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. [applause] Anybody else? Anybody else? Patricia popular topic this morning elections. >> Would you identify yourself and where you live? >> Patricia Williamson. I am the Carver County Republican Chair. I am glad to be here this morning. I just wanted to make sure that the commissioners were aware of the ruling that took place at the Supreme Court on Friday. uh the Minnesota Voters Alliance versus the city of Minneapolis in concern to the 18 days of early in-person voting. Uh this is a polling place and should be using party balanced election judges, which is something that I have been asking the county commissioners to pay mine to for the last couple of years. Um, I sure hope that they will, all of you take into thought the recent ruling on Friday and um, take a look at that and consider how Harvard County can also act accordingly. And hopefully we can continue to have good observation from all citizens in this county of their election processes as indicated in law and as intended by the legislature. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else? Mr. Meisner. David Meisner Chask award 4. I've been here before and I've been pretty outspoken about the the uh absentee ballot board as you guys know that we're not using party balance judges on those boards in Carver County or we are using them but in a limited sense we're using more or less county staff to handle absentee ballots. I think that's a problem. I think anyone in here would realize if all of these absentee ballots were in the hands of Republicans to be tabulated, they would probably have a problem with it. I think I would have a problem with that, too. We need to use party balance judges. The law requires it. Statute 203B 121 says that the board, the established board must consist of a sufficient number of election judges uh as provided in sections 204B19 through 22. It continues to say you can use deputy county auditors and deputy city clerks, but the word consist means it must be made entirely up of election judges. Period. And that's codified in a previous statute 203B13. So I encourage all of you to use 100% election judges which offers us bipartisan oversight of all ballots. That's how we prevent a rigged election for handling all ballots in Carver County and all the municipalities here absentee early and election day. And that's pretty much all I want to say. Thanks. Thank you. [applause] Okay, anybody else? [snorts] Seeing none, we will move on with the rest of our meeting. Thanks for being here. [clears throat] >> All right, we do have an amendment to the agenda, item 2.10. So, if I can get a motion to amend and approve the agenda. >> So, move, Mr. Chair. >> Second. >> Okay. I got a motion by Lynch and a second by Anderson to approve [clears throat] the agenda today as amended item 2.10. Any discussion hearing? None. All those in favor say I. I. >> Those opposed. Motion passes. Approval of the August 4th, 2026 minutes. >> Move to approve as presented. Mr. Chair. >> Second. >> Okay. I got a motion by Fehee and a second by Anderson to approve the August 4th, 2026 minutes. Any discussion on that hearing? None. All those in favor say I. I. >> Those opposed. Motion passes. Community announcements. Commissioner Fehee. >> Mr. Chair. Thank you. Um, first of all, just wanted to thank the Carver County Fair Board. Um, all of their staff and all of the volunteers for another successful fair located in Waconia. Um, I had the opportunity to chat with quite a few members from Environmental Center, their staff, the park staff, also the library staff. Uh, we're all out manning the booths at the fair. So just thank you to all of them for for all of their work. Highway 212. Uh, as everyone knows, uh, the construction continues and I continue to ask people to slow down in the construction zone. And you go back and look at that con construction in the expansion history from Eden Prairie to Chaza and then from [clears throat] Carver to Cologne and now to NYA. Um it's really an exciting time for our community and also Carver County and just to see all that industrial growth to see Chanhassen grow and their industrial centers and to see Chaza grow and now with the [clears throat] excuse me with the new big woods industrial park coming and then more importantly we just learned about the new Banguards expansion. Bungards is going to invest another 135 to $140 million into their facility. And I think the big key to that, not only economic development, but that bridge that we put in at the Bungard's intersection to be able to have those trucks get in and off of Highway 212 at the Bungard's intersection is just a very exciting time. So, congratulations to all of the staff. Uh, congratulations to Bungards and thank you to Bungards for their investment in their existing facility. And then lastly, just wanted to invite everyone out to Stiffton's Fest. That's Minnesota's oldest celebration held in Norwood Young America. It starts on Thursday, August 27th, and then runs through Sunday, August 30th. So, if you want to come out and listen to some German music, get an opportunity to eat some German food and just a lot of activities taking place that weekend, come on out. Uh, slow down on Highway 212 as you get there, but Highway 212 is open and come on out and celebrate some German fun. Thank you, Mr. Chair. >> Uh, Commissioner F. It sure does seem like they like to have fun in western Carver County between county fairs and stiffens and we should take note here in the east side. Mr. Utterman. >> Well, Mr. Chair, we all had the opportunity to be downstairs at peer awards today. It's once a year we get to recognize staff. So, special call out to Carrie and her team and specifically Michelle for pulling that off. 16 years worth of doing that. And it just dawned on me um Commissioner Orman was speaking and and and um recognizing the folks um how much work is being done in Carver County. And we don't always do it perfectly, but we're in interesting times where we're seeing a lot of shifts from the state and federal government. Um we're building new things. We're looking in the future. Commissioner Fehee talked about 212. I call it the road of gold. Um we're doing major um developments on Highway 5. historic times in Carver County and it's on the backs of 750 people that work for us currently and those that have worked for us in a long time. And so it's just it's it's that once a year we get to see everybody and bring everybody together. Um but we informally do peer awards daily when um co-workers um praise each other or notice sent of thanks or when we have dialogue. So thank you for continuing the peer awards. It's important. Um second thing I had was uh the conversation today with a group of people about elections. um elections were want run I would say close to flawlessly but on our staff um for the midterms and so first thanks to the staff um for making sure that's there um Commissioner Anderson and myself were on the canvasing board I know herself myself a couple others had a chance to observe some of the public areas um that probably weren't as public in the over the years but we've evolved and we've responded to some of the feedback from community members and I think the team has done a nice job Dave are you back there too Dave your team's done a nice job one of the questions that was asked was did your staff feel safe and did the people coming in feel safe and that was preemptive to what was shared today and I think the answer was a resounding yes and there's protocols in place to address those things if they if they pop up God forbid that they do we haven't really had any issues and finally can uh thank you and congratulations to all the candidates the ones that moved on the ones that didn't um the five of us understand this and most people in the room understand an elected role is a different role comes with a different interview process and a lot of things that sometimes people that haven't sat in the role don't understand, but we're primarily here to serve you and the people. And so we um we lean into some of these conversations that are more difficult. I'll echo what Commissioner Fehee said about the Kenn County Fair. My kids and I had a chance to be there. Um one of the best values when it comes to anything associated with a fair, it's probably half or a third of the price of going to the state fair. We got to see motorcy. We got to um see a lot of neighbors. I think we had 50 kids from the softball team that were sitting together, which just was kind of an impromptu. So, it's a great um number of days in Waconia and it draws from a lot of different areas. Um Chaza Cubs are moving on to state. So, I wanted to recognize that. And then I'll also echo echo what Commissioner Fee said as well. Um the role that we play informally and formally when it comes to economic development. and I had a chance to be with individual developer um that has multiple projects that have come out of the ground um and that will continue to come out of the ground in eastern and western Carver County that will add 30 to $50 million plus to our tax base in a matter of of uh 16 to 18 months. Um we'll probably be one of the top taxpayers in Wakonia. We'll probably be one of the top taxpayers in Victoria. These people are coming here based on decisions we're making now, but mostly based on decisions that have happened over the last several decades to make this a great place where people want to develop. And we sorely need that tax base to shift some of the b uh the burden off of individual homeowners. So was good to have this person invested in our community and offer ways that he can make it even better. And so we'll continue to listen to those. Thank you, >> Commissioner Anderson. >> All right. [clears throat] Um, as Commissioner Udman stated, um, I was part of the canvasing board this time as, uh, which, um, is a great honor. Um, that's something that I that I was able to do on the school board and and was able to do that, um, here as well. And I also want to thank Dave, uh, Kendra's team and and the work they did. I I stopped in a couple times checking on them. um loved the observation piece and and and the signs that that talked about how we need to behave as citizens if we're observing that. And my understanding is everyone was respectful and um no issues. So, so that's a good phase one and uh phase two is a biggie, but but that was a good um start. Uh I also wanted to um acknowledge the end of the summer. I know last year, last week I kind of gave you a hard time for that, but Chan Hassen is having a summer shindig uh uh today from 5:30 to 7:30 at Market [clears throat] Square. So, I would encourage everyone to show up for that. And I also wanted um to I I happen to be sitting both on the Chesa Library um task force as well as the downtown CHASA task force and both of those groups are asking for feedback. So if you go out to um the Chesa uh city of Chesa website, you can gather um you can answer some questions on that. And um because I sit on both of those task force, I um invited Mayor Taylor Hubard to sit on the CAP board uh for so now she is the newest member of um the CAP agency board because you know why not? So we're we're excited to have her join that board. That's all I have. >> All right, Commissioner Lynch, anything? spent a lot of time at the fair and u it was already said we talked to a lot of different people a lot of different people from the suburbs of Minneapolis come to uh Carver County Fair because it's um it's smaller and they feel safer so it was absolutely wonderful and uh my and everyone else mentioned construction too remember we got to go through short-term pain to have long-term gain so right now highway 10 and you know not only highway 5 highway 10 is milling overlay highway 10 will be a short it'll be milling overlay. Just picture how nice it'll be when it's absolutely new asphalt on there. So, with that, I thought you maybe you were talking about my diet plan. Uh short gain pain. Um I [clears throat] do want to uh we were downstairs uh with the peer award nominees and everybody. Always good to see all those I did say it pretty people down there. Uh great employees. Um uh I think the opening remarks uh said it all and uh so it's good to see them. Um uh I think that's about it. I I don't have a whole lot more. Um I did not make it out to the fair. Uh which is probably good thing for my diet program. But uh that's about all I have. Okay. Hearing none. Can I get a motion for the consent agenda? >> So moved. Second. >> Okay. Got a motion by Anderson and a second by Lynch for the consent agenda. Any further discussion hearing? None. All those in favor say I. I. Those [clears throat] opposed. Motion passes. County administrator report. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just a couple brief comments on your calendar. Upcoming meetings. Page two of your packet. First of all, the September 1st meeting 9:30 start. That's uh start of school, I believe. Mr. Thank you. So, uh, have fun sending your kids out. Uh, September, is that 6th, uh, Miriam Jun, no, I'm sorry, the eth, >> uh, Miriam Junction Trail is listed at noon. It's actually 12:30, so we'll correct that on the next agenda. Uh, excited to see that project and we'll be talking about parks projects, but what a great project that is. So, 12:30 start and your calendar is right and we'll get this corrected. That's all I have, Mr. Chair. Okay, very good. We are going to adjourn this regular session and for those watching at home, we're going to go into a work session regarding a partnership with Three Rivers Park District. So, can I get a motion to adjurnn? >> Some moved. >> Second. >> Got a motion by Uterman and a second by Lynch to adjurnn this meeting. Any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed. Motion passes. We are adjourned. Mr. Chair, as Lynon's walking up, could I uh could I kick this off? >> Certainly. >> I've been working closely with Lyndon. Happy to see uh Bo Carlson. Super is superintendent a title uh Three Rivers Parks. Luke Skinner. Uh forgot your title. I know you report to Bo Luke. So, there you go. Uh thank you for coming and I I wanted to mention uh thanks to to them both of them and Three Rivers Park just the board that the district itself. I think it takes a little bit above and beyond call of duty to enter into these partnerships. I I like that idea of improving the region and not just your own current borders. I think that's behind the the reason that these folks are in the room today. So, thank thank you. I you know, sometimes these things are they're always difficult, right? Never easy, but again, I wanted to make sure that I expressed that appreciation because uh we wouldn't be here without that. That really is what a partnership is about, right? And thanks to Lynon, too. Uh done a lot of work behind the scenes here. Uh the employee relations team, I [snorts and clears throat] know look Bo, your your team has done a lot too, right, to try and get us to where we are today. So with that, uh, Lynon, you want to walk through? >> Sure. Thanks, Dation. Commissioners, good to be here. >> Um, so yeah, we'll just go through the agenda first for this morning. >> Background, how we got to where we are. Quick overview of our existing systems, both the county and three rivers. Uh, talk about [clears throat] the proposal itself on the park system. and then some uh highlights of the partnership details, the budget of course which is very critical. Go over those numbers and then talk about um if the board chooses to move ahead uh the joint powers agreement, you know, some high level framework on what will be in there and then next steps. So, we're kind of going to do a tag team here between myself and and these guys. So, we'll just uh see how it goes. the background if you remember. First, I have to apologize for the time it's taken to get to this point. I know even though it's a ton of work. We've got a lot going on in public works as you know. So, I would have preferred to, you know, have this a little more information to you sooner, but it is what it is. Uh we did have the meeting if you remember back in September last year where we talked about this potential um partnership and some high level discussion on on the benefits. Um the direction from you all was to keep exploring [clears throat] the idea and uh see if we can if if it comes to fruition can we get it can we get it implemented by the first of the year in 2027. So between then and now, we've done a lot of data gathering and sharing uh with Bo and his staff and Sam and Hope from my office have done a ton of work gathering that information, putting it in a packet uh and giving it to uh to to these guys. Um Sam also gave them a tour of the parks which I think was very helpful for them to see what a what a great asset we have. Um we looked at some of the equipment as well. We shared that information. So, a lot of data that went into, you know, where we are now. We talked, Dave and I had meetings, several meetings with with Bo and and Luke on how the the governance might work. You know, obviously Scott County has a partnership model with Free Rivers. So, it's somewhat similar, a few few differences. Um, obviously the budget is a big deal and the level of service analysis. you know, we've got uh what what do we want to accomplish out of out of this for our parks, not only now but into the future and uh yeah, a lot of coordination. So, any questions so far? Okay, so you guys know about our park system. It is a gem. And this is, as you know, we split up our county into two regions, east and west, and our folks take care of of u 706 acres of regional parks. Uh we do have a small set of county parks. If you remember, there's one at the Bavaria boat access and a small one down there on County Road 32 by the river. So 26.1 miles of regional trail that we look after and then there's kind of a interesting one number six on the screen there. That's a county county trail along Highway 11. It's in a township, but we we take care of that one as well. Um Sam gave me this info. This is the 2025 visitation estimates. You know, that's been growing as you know over the years. Really, really well, which is, you know, that's a really that's a highlight for our for our system. As that continues to grow, we get a we get a little bigger piece of the pie from from the regional um formulas. So, that's a good thing. We're almost up to two million user visits per year, and that's broken down by by park and trail on the screen. So anyway, that's just our our system. So Bo or or Luke are going to talk about Three Rivers, give you a little [clears throat] update on background on them, similar to last time, and then we'll keep going. >> Hi, Bo. Are you having a good summer? >> Good morning. Yes, I am, Commissioner. Thank you very much. It's been a very good summer. Very busy. Uh very hot, but golf has been very popular, remains very popular. So, we're always happy about that. And not a ton of rain to keep those folks away. So, we continue. Um, thank you again for having us here this morning. We're excited about this conversation, excited about the potential. Uh, as was mentioned, you know, when you look at the region as a whole and you think about parks and how we deliver park services, you know, when you talk about the metro regional system that was created in the mid 1970s, to look at 10 different agencies that would deliver these services is not extremely efficient. You have 10 agencies that have each their own administration. You have separate services. you have separate ordinances, you have separate rules, fees, etc., etc. Integration of these systems that it can be seamless across boundaries, political boundaries, when really when we recognize in the end those park users, they don't care who's managing the park, whether it's us, whether it's Carver County, whether it's the DNR, they just want to recreate and we want to create those opportunities to break down barriers to allow them to get out and recreate. So, these are exciting conversations. I really enjoy this and thinking about where this could go and where this could go as a system. When you look at Three Rivers, and we talked a little bit about this when we were here last year, but we were a system, a special park district that was established in 1957. We're the only special park district in the state of Minnesota. We were established by the legislature to be a single-purpose agency to do only parks. We're not charged with doing all some of the other challenging things that government has to deal with. So, that's a good thing. We're based on the mission of delivering parks in a natural resource-based setting and that's it. Our jurisdiction is suburban Henipin County. So it's everything outside of the city of Minneapolis in Henipin County. That's our tax base. That's what supports our operation. We have a board of commissioners. Uh we have five elected and then two appointed by Henipin County. That's the connection we have with Henipin County. Although Henipin County has no over or over oversight for us or jurisdiction over us. We're slightly connected to them simply by the appointment of two uh board members. Some details about our system. We're about 27,000 acres of land. Uh we have about 16 and a half million visits. So when you look at the comparison between the two, uh we've got 10 parks. We've got seven park reserves. So park reserves are larger tracks of land. Um typically they're about a thousand acres in size. Carver Park Reserve is a park reserve. Uh that also has a special policy related to it that we call it the 8020 policy. 20% of that land is utilized for development. 80% is kept in its natural state. So it's really preserving and keeping track of the last best places in our metro area in perpetuity. So future generations will have that opportunity to recreate and kind of see the natural area around us. We also have five special recreation features. These are unique elements of the system that fit in by providing something a little bit different than a park reserve or a regional park. Uh Nuremberg Gardens is a good example of that if you're familiar on Lake Minnetonka. It's an ornamental garden uh that we operate. We've got 17 regional trails totaling about 180 miles. Uh we have six golf courses as I mentioned uh very connected with golf. We have two ski areas and a Nordic ski system. So we have Highland Hills ski area. We also have Elm Creek ski area up in Maple Grove. Uh both of those Highland Park and also Elm Creek have uh man-made snow systems. So we make our own snow for both tubing and cross-country skiing as well as downhill uh at both facilities. But do those nine six six golf courses are they deliver a surplus if they were their own entity? >> Uh Mr. Chair, uh Commissioner Udman, not sure the protocol with a study session here, but uh yeah, we operate those under an enterprise system. So both our golf and ski operations are separate. There's no tax dollars that go to those systems. Their expectation is that they cover their costs and they cover their capital. So when we have capital investments that are made at those facilities, it's all through revenues that have been generated at those facilities. So in the instance of Baker Golf, for instance, we just did a major cart path overhaul and an irrigation overhaul. It was about a $2.5 million project that was all paid for out of proceeds raised by that golf course itself. >> Thank you. So integration within the Carver system. One of the things we talked about, you know, with being such a close close neighbor and particularly having Carver Park Reserve literally west of Lake Minawashta Park, um it is a system that is very tightly connected. When you look at the three trails, for instance, Dakota Rail, we have a portion of that in Henipin County. It connects to Carver County. Um the Minnesota River Bluffs trail actually was operated by three rivers and we turned it over to the county. Uh same went for the Lake Minnotonka LRT trail. So this system is very connected and has been very connected for years. As we talked about the management model for this, we operate our system overall through a cluster system and that's an efficiency that we utilize to manage regions of our park versus each individual park having its own management structure. We utilize a cluster that then has a staff that's there that can provide all of those services. When we looked at this system, we recognized when you look at the size and scope of Carver County parks, including the trails as well as the different parks themselves, we could manage that through a Carver County cluster that essentially would be a centralized location out of Carver Park Reserve that would then manage all of the parks and all of the trails throughout Carver County. That would be a new cluster within our system. uh but it would be a system that would provide the service to provide all the maintenance activities at those various parks and the trails going forward. Currently that cluster is part of our Lake Minnetonka, Gail Woods and Kingswood cluster that would split off and be back into Henipin County. The efficiency of all of this is that we do have the opportunity to utilize the resources of all of Three Rivers. So if we have a scenario for instance a hazard tree removal or we had a big storm coming through, we can harness the resources of the entire district and bring that to Carver and work on that particular uh opportunity or particular issue, whatever we might have. And when you look at the size and scope of our system, we've got about 430 full-time equivalent positions within the park district and over 2,000 seasonals that we employ. So it's a sizable workforce that we would bring I think pretty adequate resources to deal with ever whatever we might be faced with. This was [clears throat] an opportunity to provide just this oversight of the different resources that both parties bring to the table. Um I should mention too maybe taking a step back when we look at some of these models and I just reflect on this because we had looked at the same uh kind of diagram with Scott County. Um, so when we looked at these models and what we could do as far as a joint powers arrangement, this wasn't something we just did from scratch. Uh, we've had two relationships with other entities that are very similar to this. And you look at our Scott County relationship that dates back to the mid 1970s when we started with a joint powers agreement with them to provide park services. Uh, we've also in the last year and a half taken on the city of uh, Bloomington. So all regional facilities in the city of Bloomington are under the operation of Three Rivers Park District now. And it was literally the case in Bloomington where we had a park on both sides of the road. One side was managed by Bloomington, one side by Three Rivers. Two people mowing grass essentially in that same facility. It just didn't make sense. So by creating that efficiency, we can better provide the services there. And Bloomington can focus their energy on local parks versus the regional park system. So this is a model that we actually provided with Scott County. And this is somewhat similar in showing the different assets that we both bring to the table. And the idea of this is there's direct services, but there's also a lot of indirect services. They'll have to be a part of bringing this forward and kind of making this work. Whether that's administration, whether that's public works, whether that's HR, um all are going to have to be involved in these conversations going forward. We look at the same on our end that there's a lot of resources we bring to the table, but that's the asset again of the system as an overall. So when we look at this, there's direct costs related to delivering the services and there's kind of the indirect or inind services that come with it and with that again that could be a variety of different behindthe-scenes things that are going on to ensure the successful delivery of this. >> Yeah. >> All right. Thanks. >> So yeah, back [clears throat] to this one. So yeah, we yeah, just as Bo mentioned, we did look at this closely and obviously the that's our departments on the left. So we feel those departments will still be involved on a day-to-day basis with this partnership. And then the three river services on the right, which we'll briefly highlight in the coming slides. Um the first one is the staffing. So our existing park staff is is made up of 15.38 FTEEs. The proposal at implementation should this move forward with three rivers would be 15.96. Uh we talked about level of service. It's a very similar level of service model uh for the parks and trails, but the one of the key differences is Three Rivers likes to do work with their field staff rather than contracting out services. they they're a big believer in hiring. So, you'll see there's a a new carpenter trades position in this proposal. So, there'll be a lot of hands-on work done by the field staff uh rather than hiring it out to contractors. Um, one of the other things that is included in this model, it includes all of our county maintenance staff, rec staff, and admin staff. They would become Three Rivers employees. Uh, Carver County manager position. This is one that Dave and I talked about a lot that's really key to making this work is having that liaison between the county and three rivers. That's a really important position. And then the management duties uh will be performed by existing Three Rivers staff. So they did the the preferred model is in the future and this there's no timeline for this that uh there will be some probably some restructuring done that would include adding a facility supervisor, a park service assistant and more temporary seasonals. U but that that's not in the uh the 2027 proposal. That's down the line. No no date on that. But at the at the offset the idea would be there' be 15.96 FTE. this Lyndon. >> Yep. [clears throat] >> Sorry to interrupt you, but if you want to go back to that slide, please. Um, the contracted services. Do you have an estimate on currently how much we contract on a yearly basis? >> Um, yes, I do. Um, and there is a budget slide commissioner coming up. >> Okay. >> Maybe we'll go through it at that time if that's okay. >> That's fine. >> Cool. Yep. Lynen, while you're on here, I think that 15.38 15.96. The majority of that is full-time is like four or so um stock. >> Yes. Uh great question, Commissioner. Yeah, we're at 10.8 permanent. >> 10.8. Okay. >> And 4.58 seasonals. >> Thank you. >> So like 1.9 of those are in maintenance and 2.7 of the STO season programming campground stuff. So this gives you a snapshot but this is a good story to tell and I'll have Bo explain you know the three riverside but you know this our existing org chart is on the left and you know if you remember in 26 we did a reorg there where we added a assistance park director position as well as our park director which is Marty who's retired as you know um but so those two positions are actually vacant and um but the rest is considered assistant from the past, our technicians, uh, and our volunteer rec w recck services folks. So, and then on the right, this is where those existing employees would fit into the three rivers system. So, if this were to proceed, our current employees and core job functions would remain pretty much the same. Um, we looked at the, you know, with [cough] HR's ER's help, we looked at the benefits and and salary models and they're very, very similar, which is really good. Uh, there's a few nuances. We have PTO, they have vacation sick, but overall the structure of of the uh of the the staffing is ext and in salary and benefit system is very very similar. So, that's good. So, uh, you'll see in yellow that the big change is well, one of the one of the changes is adding that trades position to this equation, but everything else is pretty much the same. And then we got the Carver County manager at the top there, which would be the key a key position for us to to uh as a liazison between us and Three Rivers. uh Bo if you wanted to talk about how this fits into your overall org chart system. >> So seeing this kind of makes me realize we probably should have had our broader whole system um or chart that we had everything included but this is really focused on two different sections. So it's our operations section uh which is more facility services that kind of thing and then it's our park maintenance side of things. Uh in addition to that, our second area which is our department of engagement and visitor experience, that's where we do all of our programming out of. So that's where we have our outdoor recreation and education staff. Um so when we look at the rec specialists and the wreck educator, they would be incorporated into that side of things. The [clears throat] broader picture here, what you're not seeing is all the other departments within the organization that would be part of this transition as well. So we have an entire department of natural resources that's about 40 employees that are working in uh wildlife, water and forestry. We have our HR department, we have uh finance, we have marketing, communications. So a variety of those other departments that would also be supporting the partnership going forward um in providing those different services. So when we think of just the direct service again of the kind of boots on the ground or field delivery of those park services, there's going to be a lot of behind the scenes that will be incorporated within that. So somebody making a reservation at Lake Wakonia Park would be calling our reservation department. They would be booking that reservation and then scheduling that appropriate staff to cover that building whenever that reservation group was going to be coming in. Um one thing just to mention on the trade side, just the uniqueness of that. So we have currently six carpenters within our system. Uh this would add an additional carpenter and the whole idea is bringing the resources of all of those folks together. The way we can kind of look at this or we try to look at this think of it not necessarily as an individual but 2080 hours or 280 hours of work that would go on in Carver County around the trades. So when we need a whole crew of those carpenters to come in and put in a stair uh way or a drinking fountain or whatever it might be, we bang it out in a day and we can do that because we have the resources to do it. That's where you have the savings when you look at contracted services. So if you're going out on the market, you're probably paying whatever that markup is on the actual construction, but you're probably paying an additional 15 to 20% on administrative costs that goes with putting those contracts together and delivering all those contracts. All of that is saved because it's our folks buying the materials, installing, and putting that to work kind of in the parks themselves. >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes, sir. >> If I could add, uh, number one, >> back to the Could you go back up? >> Yep. >> There you go. Very proud of our employees and the work they have done over the years and uh the which is really to me the key to where our park system is at. These are boxes, right? But there's people in there. So Lynon and I have a lot of discussions with with Luke Kimbo about how would this all play out. We want to make sure we have good representation not only by I think you use the term boots in the ground. I like that which is critical but all the way up through the management level and making sure that we have that connection not only not only to our management but to the park commission and to the board. and that's built into here. Uh, which is really important to to recognize. I'd also recognize uh this the existing staff. There's uncertainty created by this >> and we're being very careful about how we talk about it and roll this out. We want to make sure we're we're informing the unions appropriately and then and then making sure we connect and communicate with staff. Uh, which is difficult. Again, uh we can't necessarily say exactly what's going to happen to you, but but certainly uh in this diagram, it shows our efforts to maintain what we have and to build on that uh full well knowing that it's it's a pretty good fit, but it's not perfect, right? uh I know because of the management and administrative sort of economies of scale there there's opportunities here and we we're setting ourselves up to build on those as we move ahead beyond this structure to to accommodate that and I I think in in that lies some great again opportunities and efficient uh opportunities to grab efficiencies as we move forward and and fit a little bit better into the the three rivers models because of that that existing structure they have in the economies of scale. So um so my message to employees would be hang on we'll we'll we'll be providing more information I and again uh very understanding and acknowledging the uncertainty this causes right because to me it's not like our our current system is comp it's certainly not broke we're doing so well right and we're looking to to take that and make it even better and that's my perspective on on why we why we would uh propose such a significant change. One piece to just mention too, you know, one of the key [clears throat] elements or critical elements is that Carver County manager. Um, one of the components that we've certainly learned or lessons learned in our Scott County relationship is you have to build trust. You have to build relationships. We don't have those relationships in Carver County. It wouldn't be an expectation that we would probably know what's interesting in Norwood Young America or what their relationship to Baylor Park is. But having that person that's there that has the existing knowledge of the system, the relationships with the communities, the relationship with the Carver County staff is going to be critical to our success. And obviously having that person have a direct line to Luke and myself is also going to be critical that we have the opportunity to interact, understand what the interest of the park commission is, understand what the interest of the county board is, and then deliver those services back in the field. So that relationship with the Carver County manager again is a critical element of management as we go forward and looking how we can deliver that. We have a very similar relationship in Scott County. We have a general manager of parks down there. Um she is the eyes, ears, and connection point with the county board with administration down there and delivers those messages back. And while certainly you'll see Luke and myself at park commission meetings and at board meetings when issues arise if we do get to that point certainly that person is going to be the direct person that is having that constant communication and conversation going forward. >> Just a couple general questions on that slide both if I may. >> Yeah absolutely. um that Carver County manager role. I I think definitely that's a critical piece uh if we move forward with this in general currently. Are the unions the same with Carver County and Three Rivers unions? >> Um Mr. Chair, Commissioner, they are not the same. So we're a separate union. We're a little bit different. We're only represented by three different work groups. So it's our maintenance staff, it's our public safety staff, and our public safety sergeants. It's actually a different union than what your current maintenance union is, as I understand. Um, but as was mentioned, it looks like very similar uh benefits, very similar uh pay structures and that kind of thing. And then in general, just because we're at the top level type of discussion, is it uh will those Carver County employees be absorbed by Three Rivers or is there an interview process? >> Uh Mr. Mr. Chair, commissioner, it would be the expectation that they would just be absorbed within our system. >> And then >> another maybe mention or element to mention within that again they would enter we have a lateral entry process within our contract. It would be a lateral entry. So they would gain the same experience and background that they had within Carver County as the organization that they've spent years maybe working with. uh they would also then be eligible for all the benefits within our system which would be as we have positions opening up they would be able to apply for either transfer or for promotional opportunities again when you look at 430 FTEES within our organization there's lots of opportunities for growth within our system uh we have right now what we're talking about is basically um a park maintenance supervisor an operations supervisor we have eight clusters of that size within our system that they would have opportunities somewhere else if they so choose or if they wanted to stay where they're at right there. Um so there is a track for both sides of the employees to look at other opportunities within the organization if they were so interested. If not that's fine too. And then uh Bo, you had mentioned the benefits with uh the health insurance and then the accumulated PTO that Carver County employees would have and the longevity that they have established and how that all merges together. I know that's kind of getting into the weeds, but how have those absorption or transactions taken place? We've had a very good discussion both our HR department and I think it's called ER on the Carver County side um where they did talk about exactly that. So as was mentioned we have a little bit different system. We have vacation and sick leave. I think you guys utilize at PTO but there would be a transition process that we would have to get into the details of each individual employee find out where they're at in their employment history and their tenure with the organization and figure out how that transition would happen. Um, one of the things that we have tried to watch too is health insurance. Just making sure that that's as seamless as possible going from one provider to a different provider. Uh, but those are in the details that I think we'll have to work through on a employee by employee basis to kind of understand where everybody's at. >> Thank you, Mr. >> If I could follow up. Good questions, Commissioner Fay. Very important to the employees and also very employ important for us from we want to make sure we're following the the right processes, right? And uh I think at the highest level I think you understand what but I want to make sure our employees would become Three Rivers employees >> and that's a real important sort of thing to keep an eye on because in that lies the agreement between those individuals and three rivers. >> I think in the end uh the employees will have a choice right as they as they further understand and are are shown an offer. I think uh Luke used the word absorbed. I think it's more of a quasi to sort of traditional employment offer in the end, right? Uh that that again we'll be working on uh setting the stage for that. We intentionally aren't uh for example going to employees and saying here's exactly where you would be placed. Here's your salary schedule. We look at that as job [clears throat] in the end. We we have again looked at the at the broader picture and made sure that we are in relative alignment and it it was actually refreshing to see we are in very good alignment. It shows me that we're market competitive that our health insurance is now um in a very good spot too right and all those changes. So, so again without going further than that I can I can say there will be next steps with our team and their team their team and ultimately uh offer offers etc rolling that out if in fact you want to move forward with this. >> Well and and I guess my question is then what is what has been the communication with our staff to date? I mean I know that Sam has been involved but um I mean obviously they know this public meeting is on the agenda. We talked about it back in September. Um, has there been other like what change management has happened >> with that? >> I'd ask Lyndon to come up. I I say there's been some I I would say though it's again a little frustrating because it's [clears throat] so difficult, right? To >> what? Well, it is. I mean, we've we've we've we've we've put our staff in the neutral zone. That's kind of how these things go. I I get it. There's a lot of questions, but I'm just kind of curious as to >> not a lot. the commissioner, we've taken the ER's direction on how to do this. >> Y >> obviously with the unions involved, we've been very careful. So, >> um this is kind of the first step. You know, obviously if this becomes reality, you know, that communication is going to open up tremendously. >> Yep. >> So, as of now, I've talked to Sam at meetings, but other than that, not a lot of, you know, interaction with each employee yet. >> Yeah. >> Well, and unfortunately, that's kind of how these things go. But that that's what I assumed. But >> yeah, >> we don't want to get ahead of ourselves, >> right? We need to not get ahead of Thank you. >> Okay, I think you're back. Uh, >> you know, on that point while you're coming back up, [clears throat] I don't know when our last meeting was on the topic. The thing that I had missed was Three Rivers is formidable across the state and recognized nationally. Um, and there's 500 employees, which in my mind means a lot more opportunity for our staff. Pay, my understanding is is comparable, if not just maybe a smidge better on the Three River side. Certainty and security with your tax base and all those things. And when I saw the slide that just popped up, I asked a question about the 11. It looks like headcount grows because I think there was a fear that was circulating that said, "Oh, we're going to partner with three rivers and we're going to find these efficiencies and it's all going to come through headcount reduction on our side." That's I'm not seeing that in the slides. And so those are the to Commissioner Anderson's point, those are kind of the big rocks of fear and things that are going on. I've been through a number of transitions and change management with big corporations and I was talking to one of our ER staff. You know, sometimes you have one hour pull you in the office and then you you lay it on them and you don't have a chance to react. We're in this situation where this has been out there for a year and people do have a chance to react and now they start making decisions after we get past our busy season. We're getting into the fall and the winter. They got a little bit more time. They're thinking if this thing were to happen on January 1st, what does it mean for my personal family, our finances, etc., etc. And that's not lost on us. And so I' I'd urge us informally or formally to have FAQs that when these questions do come up because I am if you you may not be getting them, but I'm getting a number of questions. Some of them are very specific and the reality is we don't have the answer until we have the timeline. >> Right. That's right. >> And this gets us closer to that timeline and and I appreciate the transparency. I heard that there was a couple meetings that had to be moved. That's the result of other staffing things that we've got going on, personal challenges within public works, etc., etc., etc., that bump some of this and information. And so sometimes when we have the, hey, we're going to have a meeting and it doesn't happen, we fill the gaps with things that come into our head. And so I think we're answering a lot of those. I'm taking some notes. I'll fire them off afterwards to say we do have answers for some of them. The other ones, we can have timeline for when the answers might come. And I think that's helpful when staff is watching this. I think we got 17 watching online right now. I'd imagine some of those are park staff. Um, and we're doing we're being delicate along this. The other thing is is this isn't unprecedented because a number of years ago you guys have had a chance to go through something very similar with Scott County. And so you've done it and it proves that if you talk to those staff, if you wanted to pick up the phone and call those staff, most if not all of them are in a better position than they were in the midst of it and a year afterwards. So anyway, I just wanted to share that because I do know the concerns of Commissioner Fehee, Commissioner Anderson, myself, others. Um we hear you, we see you and we have decision- making and they take there's a timeline that needs that needs to be take place. So go sorry. >> No, Commissioner, thank you. Um and I do want to emphasize I think maybe a point that you did make and we had that previously on an earlier slide. Um we have the expectation of growth within the system. We do recognize that. We think to build this out to be what this system can ultimately be, we need to grow in size and that includes adding some new staff and some critical positions. But we got to get there. It takes some time and part of that's building on the revenue side. Part of that's better managing expenses and all of that to get to that point that we can add to that system. But the expectation is that we would ultimately grow the number of FTEEs that would be delivering services in Carver County. And Bo, just one other clarification. You had mentioned earlier that the Scott County relationship started in the 70s. So has that relationship changed in the last 10 years? Uh comm Mr. Chair, Commissioner. Yeah. So it it evolved and I the way I would maybe cover it briefly without going through 20 or 50 years of history. You know, when we started it was really an acquisition JPA. So the idea was acquiring land. Uh Scott County did not have the tax base at the time or the wherewithal at the time to secure some property particularly Murphy Hannerhan Park Reserve and they approached us and asked if we would financially contribute to the acquisition of that property and we did and we really focused on acquisitions and there were a variety of acquisitions that happened in Scott County in the early 2000s. It started to realize we started to realize in conjunction with the county we were changing. We were going from an acquisitionbased to an operationbased system. We were no longer acquiring land. We were now delivering the services in the county itself. And at the time in the early 2000s, the county said, "You know what? We think we can do it alone." And they actually split from the JPA and said, "We've got this. We're going to take it ourselves and we're going to run the system. We don't think we need to have you guys here anymore." They did that for about two years and then they came back and said, "You know what? We can't do this. We need you guys." [laughter] Um it was unique because it was basically two regional entities again in the same county delivering those services. We had Clary Park and Murphy Hanneran that we were operating. They were trying to build a system from scratch and they recognized they just didn't have the ability to do it and they came back and that has been a very good transition and it's worked very well. Uh it's allowed us to open additional facilities at Spring Lake, at Cedar Lake Farm. We're acquiring uh Blakeley Bluffs. We've added miles of regional trail. In fact, we're going to be out at Miriam Junction September 1st uh with our board to take a look at that. We're very excited about that destination trail coming into the system and I think it's going to be hugely popular. Um so yeah, it has been a transition in that relationship. >> Thank you. >> So jumping back into kind of the highlights operations and maintenance and I think we've kind of club uh excuse me covered this already but just talking again about the cluster. Uh again I want to emphasize that bottom point assistance from other three areas are areas as needed. [clears throat] Um it really is the resources of the whole system that we bring forward. If it's tree removal we have forestry staff. It's a water quality issue. We have water staff that comes in and works on that. If it's deer management we have wildlife staff that can make recommendations and look at what's going on and understand the situation. So, it's much broader than just the delivery in the Carver cluster, but it's the organization itself as a whole. >> Mr. Chair, can I mention as I'm looking at that map, uh, Carver, Could you flip back once, Lyn? Of course, we all know about Carver Park Reserve. [clears throat] >> Uh, thank you for that park. I like it how you name the name, right? But it it is uh operated, even though it's in our jurisdiction, operated by Three Rivers and funded by Three Rivers. And one of the first meetings that Lynon and I had with Bo, and I'm not sure Luke was there or not, but I had asked a question and clarified basically made a statement. You know, if this is about transferring Carver Park over to Carver County, we're not interested. And of course, well, I was glad to hear uh Bo's response. Absolutely not. So just want to make that sure that sure that statement is out there and the understanding of that because it's got it has a long history uh and there were some attempts uh nobody in the room here but others to shift that burden to Carver County uh which that is not the case again under this model. >> Correct. And just another question, Lyndon, if you can go back to it's number five on our packet. >> Five. >> Keep going back. It's one of the early slides right after the background right there. >> Yes, sir. >> So then to that fact, the regional parks is 706 acres. How many of that is Carver Park Reserve? >> Zero. Yes. >> Zero. >> Okay. I just wanted to clarify that. Thank you. >> We should uh also, if you haven't been out there, um maybe align a tour for the board since that is such a critical piece of this this partnership. >> Yeah, that' be great. Get you get you maybe have maybe you visited quite a bit, but uh I was out there said a couple weeks ago and [snorts] some nice improvements have been made. >> Yeah. >> Well, and furthermore, the the history of that it's not a real old park, right? I mean, wasn't Senator Mcnite involved? Jonathan Corporation, the whole fun from my youth history. Um, yeah, if we can kind of dig that up along the way. Um, it is a magnificent place. Uh, but and and unique because wait a minute, Three Rivers owns this in Carver County and what what does that mean? and but I know there was a an amazing history of how that beautiful piece of land came to be. So, >> all right. Thank you. Moving on. So, we're going to we're not not going to totally get in the weeds, but we're going to give you some highlights of of the partnership uh in [snorts] specific buckets. Facilities, equipment, asset management. Uh Three Rivers manages parks, buildings, and facilities. We have done, I think you're aware, a study recently on our facilities with with W and associates. So, we are going to get together and talk about what they discovered and figure out how that works into the future with us, whether storage needs, maintenance needs, um you know, that the county needs to do based on this this potential partnership if it happens, where those might occur, things like that. So, it's there's a good opportunity there to look ahead, which is great. We've got a lot of data. Um the equipment, that's another big one. We have really nice equipment as you know. Thank you to the board for funding our equipment budget. That's huge. Um there's about 45 units plus or minus that work for the parks. Uh those would get transferred to Three Rivers. They perform all repair and maintenance and they manage the replacement schedule that we currently do. Uh they have an internal service fund for equipment. and that's a line item in their budget that covers all costs for equipment. Um, but if there's a need for additions to the fleet or retirements, uh, we I think the county the county would approve those. So, if there's a new piece of equipment that's not currently in the fleet, that would probably be outside of that internal service fund. [clears throat] We treat that like we do now with our budget process. It's usually an attachment E request with finance to add to the equipment. So, that would continue. the county would still be involved with that. Of course, um trails, I mean, asset management itself, you you know, we have a really good asset management system at the county and we've been working on the parks assets for the last three years and we've got a really robust system. The good news is we use the same software as Three Rivers. So, transitioning that data over them will be pretty easy. And I think as far as I'm concerned, we still need to be involved with that because we're really good at this stuff and I know they've got a pretty robust system too. So we will still review and assist with the performance metrics and targets for our assets. Uh recreational programming, reservations, rentals. I'll let these guys describe how Three Rivers does this. So again, I think I mentioned before, uh, we would manage all the facilities and reservations. We would centrally take reservations. I think there's some benefits in that. If somebody were to call in wanting to get into Lake Minnetonka Park, but we're booked already, we can steer them to Baylor. We can steer them to Mininoashta, other facilities that might be open. Uh, there's some benefit there. We do have a fee structure that we provide within our system both for rentals as well as passes uh, for various activities. So we have a dog off leash pass. We have a cross-country ski pass. We have a variety of other passes. Uh we'd have to look at that within the system. That's obviously a revenue that goes to the bottom line that helps fund the services that we're providing. Um we are a free system like Carver County is. So all our facilities if you want to come in, take a walk, go fishing, that kind of thing, all of that is free. But those value added facilities that we have that there's extra or above and beyond service that's provided, we do charge a fee for those. So we would have to look at that going forward. And then one of the elements that really makes us unique within the regional system, we have probably the most robust programming system within uh the metro regional system as a whole, um just school groups alone, we do about 750,000 school kids that come through our system on a regular basis. In addition to group programs and public programs that we do, both nature-based as well as recreation and activity based. Uh the county currently does a great system of programs, a lot of really great recreational programs. Uh we think we can build on that with some nature-based programs that would be supported out of the nature center, Lowry Nature Center and some of the staff there um to really advance moving public programming forward uh within this relationship or partnership. >> Can I just ask one question kind of going back to that slide? [clears throat] I'm assuming then all all IT functions. So I um any of our information technology was not transferred to that. I'm assuming all that would transfer to Three Rivers Rivers Park as well. >> Correct. >> Correct. >> Just clarifying. >> That's a great question. There's a lot of there's a lot of details to be worked through. So I can't uh say that I'm going to give you every single piece of information today. >> No, it's okay. There's a lot there's a lot to do still to get this thing going if you choose to go that way. Um big one, right? Planning. We're a growing county as you know. Um we have opportunities here, you know, with our new funding for trails which is really exciting. Um but that does take work. You know, the work that Sam and his group have done on the on Baylor Park is is tremendous. That's a really good master plan and we have an implementation plan that we need to move forward. So the county is responsible or will continue to be responsible to establish our priorities within our system uh for planning and CIP projects. Again, the county manager role will be really important to keep that CIP updated and coordinate with myself and Three Rivers leadership to make sure it's updated and and everything's, you know, working in there. uh we would budget projects of course uh uh these are CIP projects annually and update our long-term financial plan as we do and then three rivers would also adopt the CIP in in their in their overall CIP. So uh as you know we do get a lot of grants that would continue again the manager would be and three rivers would prepare those met council and other competitive grants that have come up. We've done a nice job of getting several of those. A natural resource grant is one for an example at Minowashta. But those funds would still flow through the county um and to and to three rivers. If we are the owner of the infrastructure, which we are, those grants have to come to us. They can't go direct to Three Rivers. But the projects themselves once they're set and and and ready um to to move forward would be managed by Three Rivers staff. questions on that. Okay. Public safety. This is another significant um part of the partnership. We do not see a significant change from what's happening today. Three Rivers public safety department would continue to patrol the park reserve. Our sheriff patrols our parks and trails, but our sheriff also responds to all park callouts, including the park reserve. And that's kind of what happens today. and we don't see that changing. If you remember, we do provide some funding from the regional rail budget to the sheriff to patrol the uh the regional rail corridors. That would continue. Uh another one that's really important is Met Council um and legislative coordination. [clears throat] uh three the proposal is three rows would represent us at the Met Council committees and working groups but we would still be involved between the manager myself and you guys um you know would still be involved with those committees and working groups as needed. Um the legislative priorities the board would continue to establish our priorities in coordination with Free Rivers Bo and their lobbyist and the county lobbyists would assist with legislative initiatives. So I I see this as another benefit. We would get we would get stronger in this area and we as you know we have we have a few initiatives out there whether it's Lake Wakonia or maybe Baylor Park in the future that we want we want to move forward. So that will be a benefit. I I see having Bo and the Three Rivers lobbyists help us as well as Tony and his his crew, you know, help with that. And of course board members and county staff would assist with that like we do and testify as needed. So I think that's going to be another potential benefit to [snorts and clears throat] increase our coverage in that area. And >> Lyndon, just a question on this slide. You had mentioned board members and it brought me back to one of the very beginning slides by Bo and the Three Rivers. Their current board of commissioners is five elected individuals. How are they elected? We have five different districts within our excuse me, Mr. Chair, commissioner. We have five different districts that are assigned for each commissioner and they're just in the general election. So, currently we have three that are up for reelection right now. Um, one just went through the primary process and she did prevail in that. So, um, just like you would in a standard county election, it's just a down ballot element. >> Okay. And they currently are not county commissioners. Correct. >> They are not county commissioners. They're park district commissioners. So, um, that is again, it's a registered element within the Secretary of State's office. You can look that all up as far as who's filed and all the candidate information. So, it's treated almost like a county commissioner, but it is not technically a Henipin County Commissioner. >> Okay. And then the two appointed ones from Henipin County, are they county commissioners? >> They are not county commissioners. Uh, Mr. Chair, Commissioner, they are not county commissioners. They're just appointees of the county board. Um, so anybody can apply in that process. They go through a selection process like they do in all their advisory boards within the county system. That could be similar to the library board or some of those other elements where they select those individuals and they put them in that position. Uh they then serve with the same duties as the elected members of the board. Um but it is to give that kind of influence a little bit back when it was created that the county has some say in some of the members of our board itself. So based on your experience with these various districts, has any other county said for example, we want a county commissioner on that free rivers district board. Mr. Chair, commissioner, um there is a process of annexation. So uh when we look at broadening the tax base of Three Rivers to expand into a different area that is defined in statute, that could be an option. say for Scott County. We have not explored that option. We're just not ready for that and not ready for that relationship. If that were to happen, that would be an expansion of the board and would have representation then on our board that would oversee the relationship. Um because of population differentials, that just doesn't work. Um it's better now for us to have a direct relationship with the Scott County Board. that Scott County actually has say and what their park system is doing as well as their parks advisory commission that provides recommendations going forward to the board. um they have better representation I think in that relationship and then we have what we call a policy committee that's made up we'll talk about this in a minute or two um that's made up of two members of our board and two members of the Scott County board where they meet quarterly to talk about issues talk about items of interest and then we have an annual joint meeting that we do where we get together both boards to talk about the budget talk about what's going on and then exciting new projects >> and so if Carver County was absorbed into the system. What park district would we be part of and who's our current commissioner? Now, >> Mr. Chair, commissioner, you would not have a member on our board that would be a part of that. You as the board in Carver County would still very much be involved in the decision-making process. Um, that would again go through your parks advisory commission as it does today and in front of the board for consideration. We're really the implementing arm. We're just delivering what you folks have decided as far as priorities within the system. And that goes to the budget, that goes to the CIP, that goes to improvements. It's simply then saying, "Okay, based on our decision, we want you to deliver this new park building at Baylor. Then we would deliver that as the implementing agency directly on your behalf. So there would no not be a need for representation on our board, nor would we expand our board to reflect Carver County. Uh again, that would be in that joint relationship that we would have in those quarterly meetings and our annual policy meeting to make sure we're kind of pulling the right direction. >> So then going back to my original question of those five elected, could a Carver County resident ever run for one of those five positions? >> Mr. Chair, Commissioner, they could not because we're not our jurisdiction again is suburban Henipin County. So you do have to prove residency in suburban Henipin County. >> Got it. >> To be eligible. And is there somewhere down the road that we might want to change those bylaws? Because if ultimately Carver County becomes part of Three Rivers to expand that to maybe enable a Carver County resident to run for a position or do you expand your board to seven for example because your area is getting bigger and bigger. Just just a comment both. >> Mr. Chair, Commissioner. No, I appreciate that. That is a very complex um problem down the road. Um it's all defined in statute. When we were created, there was the expectation that we would have as a single purpose agency the ability to expand and take on more area. Um so it is spelled out and it is a pretty difficult process, but um that could be something down the road that we explore. >> So we're really treated more like a client in some ways. Uh, Mr. Chair, Commissioner, I I would say a partner, but >> partner I mean, yeah, I I know and I get that we're definitely partners on this, but >> Correct. >> but because we have uh a manager assigned to us and we have those joint um meetings. We we still have a significant say and and our pork board would stay intact. Correct, >> Mr. Chair Commissioner. Correct. >> Okay. The idea would be we might actually have more say continue to have than than if we would to dilute that and just have one member, but potentially we'll have to kind of see how this plays out. >> Yeah, >> Mr. Chair, if I could add some potential clarification. Always follow the money in the governance discussions, right? So, so to me to simplify it, the the boundary current boundaries of Three Rivers Park will not change >> and that taxing authority that lies within those boundaries will not change. So therefore, that the representation of the electeds and then the two appointed does not change. >> Correct. >> Our key connection and I like the word partner better than client, but I >> I do too. >> Uh our connection is contractual through a joint powers agreement. >> Right. That that to me is always the key way to think about this. Therefore, that maintains your control through that joint powers agreement which really relates then to the finances right of of the the relationship with three rivers. So that that joint powers is really important of course and we're working on that. We will be u got a long ways to go though and I would admit January 1 concerns me a little bit. So, um, good thing Lyn's not paying attention because I put him on the spot. [laughter] >> Yeah. >> Right. So, so hopefully that's helpful to understand. I've had some some questions from board members about confusion that but the fundamental governance isn't changing, right, is the bottom line. It's more the the relationship with this contractual relationship that we have as a partner. >> So, our governance isn't really changing. No, >> I mean it's just who's doing the work >> who's doing it. They're not our employees. It's a contractual this contractual relation >> and and as importantly uh that control is there that fiscal control is there >> right >> now. Admittedly you could argue well you are giving up some control. It's a different agency. These aren't your >> I would I would say that is true and there's there's some significant tradeoffs however as we're talking about these these opportunities and efficiencies and more of a regional system. I think that by far overshadow to me that concern but I but I do say I would say that is a key choice that you have you know relinquishing some control for this different model that that that does have that strong you maintain that strong uh contractual authority and therefore fiscal control but yet admittedly there are some of those trade-offs. >> Yep. Just in case in point Dave for example and I know we've talked about the barn at Baylor Park. >> So if the park board the Carver County Park Board recommends that we remove the barn at Baylor Park and build a brand new pavilion. Just the what if and that direction comes out of the Carver County Park Board. [snorts] And if we're in this relationship with Three Rivers and Three Rivers comes back and says that's not a good idea, is there communication that's taken place at the parkport level so those conflicts don't happen? For example, >> Mr. Chair, Commissioner, I think that's a great example. Um, you know, one of the elements of the partnership would be that we have enough of a relationship that we would be in constant conversation about the priorities for the county and where the county would want to go. Um, our policy board again is a policy board. They rarely get into the weeds of decisions like that. Um, if it were a situation that we as a staff on the Three Rivers side said, "Yeah, I don't know that that's your top priority right now, getting rid of that barn." we would want to advise early in that process and have those conversations with staff, with your park board to kind of understand what that was. But if ultimately it was the decision of this board to go forward and maybe remove the barn and build a pavilion, we would essentially support that through the process of the grant applications, through the funding cycles, and then ultimately we would deliver as the project manager to oversee how that implementation would happen and then integration within the operation. So we're managing every element of it from [snorts] a maintenance and programming and reservation standpoint on the back end. >> The other if I could Mr. Chair the other clarification I would add the park commission and that good example to think about the park commission may may come up with that recommendation that a new pavilion should be in place. Ultimately that would go in here to the to the to the county board uh through our uh long-term financial plan through our budgeting cycle. The Met Council's involved, of course, all that takes multiple years. There's many steps, including uh the the leveraging potentially of this partnership by legislative efforts. And to me, that'd be a great part of that would be if we could get some state money, right? And and again, I think we're strengthening that relationship here, uh that legislative relationship. I mean, we got we have to watch that. be mindful that we're, you know, joining a pretty big player here. We want to make sure our our needs are being laid out there, too. But, but I think those again are are very good strategic advantages that ultimately come back to the board still under this proposed relationship. >> The SL we've jumped ahead a little bit, but it seems like we're kind of getting into this how this flow of work would happen. Um, and Dave, thank you. That's a very good kind of description of things. You know, one of the other elements that would be again, we have to be handinand in this process as we talk about maybe that example again. It might require a master plan amendment through the Met Council. We would take the lead on that and assist in putting that amendment together. It might take some architectural design work to get the design up to a point that you have something you can walk in front of legislators for funding. We would do that internally through our planning and design department. um you know as we get again to the legislative and what those funding sources would look we'd assist in the application through the mech council for mech council dollars or assist legislatively in requests that would go forward so there's lots of different touch points along the way that I don't think it would be a situation where you'd get something to a decision-making process and we'd say whoa wait a minute take a step back we don't want to do that we would be very much in the no and know kind of what's going on going forward that you would be comfortable we'd be comfortable and we'd make a recommendation a joint recommendation that would fit both entities. >> Could I temper expectations too, Mr. [laughter] and it's a great example as you think that through. Uh don't don't anticipate Three Rivers is now going to pay for a pavilion at Baylor Park. >> What [laughter] would that be wonderful? Right. I think I think to leverage I think it makes it more possible uh to leverage uh not only issues like the legislative efforts but the you know to to talk about exa that example maybe we need some engineering help to to lay out a rough sketch and maybe that's absorbed right we've talked about that maybe maybe we don't get exactly charged you know directly for that and maybe we don't have to hire a consultant to do that because Three Rivers has the model that makes it reasonably easy to do that right and to continue that discussion. So, you know, to me that that is the beauty of the partnership. Uh and ultimately, again, those those items land back in your lap for decision- making, right? >> If I could, I'd like to point out there are no plans to take the barn down at Baylor before this hits Facebook. There are no plans and then build a pavilion. They remodel it and uh put in some handicapped bathrooms, but no plans to take the barn down. [laughter] >> Good point. >> Thank you for example. It's [snorts] just an example. >> Bo, you talked about the funding and and I think it's an important one too, not just today, but in the future. And I think you said on a previous slide that um does Three River show up on a line item on Henipin County tax bills. >> Uh Mr. Chair, Commissioner, yes, we do. We're in the other category. >> Yeah. I I I I've always kind of like like the thought of stripping parks out and putting them on a county bill, but it doesn't seem like that's feasible unless you change legislation. Um, my utopian would be is that whatever we're paying from a levy shifts to a line item that says parks because I think parks are one place that people love and they they vote for it inequivocally. It's one of the top few reasons why people live here. Um, but if there was a path for that and we carve it out, then that could potentially be on taxes, a collection source that goes directly into, you know, loosely saying improvements or vision within our parks. You're currently generating that. What percentage of your overall budget comes from that line item on people's taxes in Henipin for the for your regular operations? >> Mr. Chair, Commissioner, our budget is roughly 80% tax dollars or levy dollars if you will. >> Yep. And then I was just looking at it. I think if we take um visits to parks and trails for us, it's less than less than a dollar per visit. Like 82 cents, 83 cents. If I look at overall visits based on you guys' levy or budget, it's closer to three $3. And I think that exemplifies not a misuse of dollars but an investment because if I go to Elm Creek and that experience is different than an experience that I have at Baylor and sometimes I say hey we're it's like we're playing division three here which is good we've done it well nice facilities things you guys are like high division one and so the cost delta is that experience and so that's what I look at but I think if people were to vote with their wallet in a referendum or vote with their wallet on their taxes they would say yes we want more parks we want you to invest in there and I I think in the last I don't know five plus years we've seen that we've gone from you know kind of duct tape and twine to let's address 20 years of deferred maintenance. We've seen the new building at Paradise Commons. We've seen master plans etc. And so we're evolving as our population says we need to modernize where we're at and we're doing that. I think you put it on steroids um in partnership with Three Rivers. So sorry I digress but that's I just want to say that from the >> Mr. Chair Commissioners just a couple elements of that. So I I think when you look from a value standpoint, so the average household value in suburban Henipin County is about $420,000 somewhere there in there. I think based on the last assessment, that average home pays us about $100 a year. >> So when you look the breakdown, I think that's a pretty good value for what they're getting. When you look at that system as a whole, 27,000 acres, 180 miles of trail, you know, we kind of often say, and I credit this to Brian Rice, we're the cheapest healthcare system in the the world when you think about it. you know, the investment that people are making into that system and what they have available to them from a recreation rebirth, regrowth, whatever you want to call it, that recharge within our system as a whole. >> Um, one of the elements and and not to dismerge them at council, but that I will a little bit. Unfortunately, one of the elements of I think differential within the system, the formulas that are created really don't help emerging systems grow. It's based on budgets, it's based on acreage, it's based on visitation. The best way we can affect additional money being invested back into Carver County is to increase visitation >> 100%. >> And number one, that's going to be what we're going to focus our attention on is how do we get more people using your park system? >> Whether that's breaking down barriers, breaking down awareness, access to trails, trails are the hugest gateway to more visits within the system. That's been our experience by far. Uh we're now to a point we see almost as many, if not almost more trail visits we do than park visits. But there are opportunities there and that's what we really have to be hyperfocused on when we talk about reinvestment back into the system. Because when you look at that formula breakdown if it is an improvement at B at Baylor, excuse me, regardless of whatever that might be, it's only going to be based on that slice of the pie that Carver County receives, which unless we can grow that slice of pie is going to be locked in on that smaller dollar amount, which is where we have to affect change. >> Yeah. Good. Thanks. Well, and I was going to say add add the political side of this, which is um you know, the 10 regional park agencies all work together pretty well to get more funding for parks, but they are competitors and uh regional park agencies can't necessarily control their legislators and the bonding bills that they want to get passed. Um, in the past we've had some pretty rogue people from Dakota County legislators. Um, um, but there there's only so much money. A lot of it is just divvied up by by formula. Uh, but then there's there's bonding and there's other things and legislation. And so we're we're together, but we're still kind of competing against each other for a limited pie. And um we have less legislators than three rivers. We'd kind of be competing against three rivers >> but working together. >> So Mr. Chairman, >> yes. Can >> I ask a question? How is the how does this partnership affect the entry and fees? Can that change? and who's going to, you know, basically monitor that or, you know, that this board voted not to charge to use parks. Wash is a good example. So, I don't know how that changes. Mr. Chair, um, county attorney, that would not change. We don't charge fees in our system, so there'd be no uh, difference there. It would be equivalent to what we are. As I mentioned in the beginning, we do charge some fees for some of our activities. We'd have to look at that fee structure. Again, that's all revenue that goes back into supporting the system as a whole. Maybe to mention a little bit without getting totally into the weeds, but the way we would calculate our revenue generation, it's similar to what we do in Scott County. All dollars collected in Scott County stay in Scott County. So, this would be a separate budget outside of our general fund budget. That would be the partnership budget for Carver County. and we would have a whole separate list of um expenses as well as revenues that would all be charged to that budget itself and the revenues would be a part of that and collected as part of that as a whole >> and Mr. Chair uh and we'll do we'll make sure that those decisions are the county boards again right now if if we are if we want to change fees typically we have to do a public hearing and we'll do that in December. If you have a contractual agreement, you we might be able to do that differently, but you still have the check and balance back here in the boardroom. I know there's some desire to to align fees, which makes sense, right? But I think again, it's important that the board's okay with that if especially if they're going up. So, we'll be working on that as part of the the overall agreement, one of the details. So, there could be an example where you currently charge fees. Um, but we wouldn't, for example, I was looking at your website in preparation. um you charge $64 a year for um dog park access as a voluntary fee. We don't through Minawasha. Could those two be separate or in partnership would we want to be in alignment? I I get the reasons and the pros and cons. I actually think most dog park users would favor that so that they can accelerate um and reinvestment in those places, but we could have a scenario where we were different on that. Or would you want to see it? Would your preference be alignment? >> Mr. Chair, commissioners, I think alignment ultimately would be the goal. recognition that we can't just say, okay, as of January 1st, suddenly all fees are going to apply to all systems within Carver County. There has to be a transition >> and we can look at what that transition is. Um, but alignment ultimately, I think, is an ideal goal just from the value standpoint from the customer that they know that if I'm buying that off leash area fee, it's not only good at Minowashta, it's good at Carver Park, it's good at um, you know, all Bryant Lake, it's good at all of our other facilities within the system. So there's a value equation there that they're actually for their buying power getting more. Um, so that's the thing that I think we have to think about from an alignment standpoint and a promotional standpoint. How do we get that word out that people see that as a benefit long term, but it's a transition that'll take some time. Maybe [snorts] jumping back to where we were on the show or the slideshow. Um, so I'll just hit on these real quickly. Just again some highlights, some of the detail things that we've talked about, just miscellaneous areas. So marketing, branding, we would be the lead, but we would work closely with the county in that communication, we would again provide the lead services on that, but the county very much would assist depending on the circumstance, depending on what's going on. And we've had that relationship with the county already on a variety of things. I think the county road 11 project, there's been really good communication and information that's been out there regarding that upgrade. Um recognizing Carver County Regional Rail Authority uh does provide a level of coordination and require a level of coordination as it integrates with the trail system not dissimilar to what we have with the Henipin County Regional Rail System. We're a permit within their trail corridors. We deal with a lot of improvement upgrades, utilities that come in and we have to manage all that. The expectation would be the same here. We would have the county parks manager being a part of that. County attorney certainly would be a part of that. our attorney, um public works staff, etc. Going forward, planning, design, natural resource management, all elements again that we would be the need or the lead, but we would utilize uh public works to assist as necessary depending on who is kind of the lead in the particular project that might be happening. >> Yeah, there's a lot of other details to be discussed. Uh commissioners, like the ordinance, for instance, we want to review our park ordinance, see how that compares to Free Rivers. um insurance risk management, you know, they're self-insured. We have MCIT, so we got to go through that. I think the limits, the liability limits are the same. So, that's good news, but it's all part of the process. Uh budget. So, this is the draft 27 budget highlights. Here you can see the expenses on top. Uh salary as you mentioned, Commissioner Fehee, contracted services. On the expense side, this is Three Rivers proposal for 27. Um so on our current budget for for contracted services is around 285,000. >> So you can see that's substantially less and the reason but the salaries fringe number is higher because there's a few more people. So again that's doing the work with the staff rather than contracting it out. You see there's quite a bit of a difference there. Right. Um supplies commodities are pretty pretty similar. equipment fund. That's the one I mentioned that they take care of repair and maintenance, fuel, everything to do with equipment. That's a line item in the budget. And then another significant one is that capital sites and grounds preservation. Again, our number was higher higher than that. Last year, I think our current proposal, assuming this partnership didn't happen, was we had 397 in the budget. So, that's a lesser number. Again, a lot of that's done with in-house staff. So you can see the overall budget there is about 2.3 million. The revenue side, we got some good news there. Um O andM funds are going up. I got this number from the Met Council. So it's about a $30,000 increase uh from last year, which is good. You know, it's based on the formula funds. That's that's great. Uh parks and trails legacy funding, we propose on using some of that like we continue like we do now, but a little bit more in the staffing side. Um, so that that helps out the levy impact or the net levy. Uh, then they we got program fees. We talked about park fees, program fees, commodity sales, and then we do continue to have that transfer from the the regional rail budget over to parks. Um, that helps uh with the budget. We've always done that. So, the total county levy needed for this proposal is 1.46 million. And um that compares last year I think our overall levy for parks was 1.47 as 26 25 we're about 1.42 so we're very similar at 24 we had like 1.3 a million in levy but to make this work you know so we need the one point out of the 1.46 46 1.35 comes from the parks budget. Um just the way the numbers work, we need additional funding from other areas. You think about, I think you mentioned it, Commissioner Anderson, it so there is a cost for each employee that other departments pay for. So there's utilities that uh Nick's department pays for for the Paradise Commons. So we need some of that funding. And then the shop fleet budget we need that that's funded out of operations. So we need 100 about 108,000 that comes [clears throat] from other departments levy into this proposal to make it whole. So that that's the proposal. Um as I mentioned with the increased revenue and the fact that we're using some of the grant funding for salaries again in lie of capital um expenditures and on the ground staffing uh for for a lot of our regular maintenance projects that saves that's a net county levy savings overall of about 98,027. >> So that's a good thing. >> Yeah. >> Lyndon a question for you. you had mentioned on the expense side the equivalent or the equipment fund. >> Yeah. >> On the balance sheet then those 45 units that we're going to transfer to Three Rivers, what's the value of all those? >> I don't [laughter] I don't have that number. You mean the current value if we sold them off? >> Yeah. Is it a couple million dollars or >> Yeah, probably. But if you think about it, because this question did come up with Shelby, is uh shouldn't we just get shouldn't we get a credit for that? But the reality is, and I think that they could talk about the Bloomington model that maybe didn't work so well with their equipment, the shape of their equipment was, you know, if we sold it off, took the money, they would still have to build that up. >> They charge us for new >> Exactly. >> They would [snorts] charge us for new equipment. um it's a transfer to them, but then they manage the ongoing expenses from here out with their with their fleet management or their equipment fund. And so we're working on that list of equipment. We'll give that we've given a prelim list to them, but we'll we'll give them a final list of what what needs to be transferred and that'll be part of the the details as we go forward. questions on the budget. >> Kind of a pleasant surprise. I I wasn't expecting a savings. No offense. I mean, it would have been I mean, I'm great. I'm thrilled, but I um so so that's that's been a pleasant surprise. >> Oh, Mr. SH if I could add to that comment, Commissioner Anderson, that's partially based on my direction as we're >> you'll see next week uh the budget recommendation uh trying to balance things out and >> u I appreciate the work that's been done behind the scenes here to make this make this work to come up with a portion to help keep our levy down. But again, to me, ultimately it does go back to the board. We could do this quite frankly same thing with >> no change to Three Rivers, right? We could move some of this O andM around and >> and make make this work. But I I think it is part of the good the good story here. I think ultimately again it's >> uh the the same questions will be asked and same prioritization, the same board decisions. I know, you know, quite frankly, one of my concerns is I know Three Rivers loves parks and that pressure will be there, uh, right, to to do better and better, but I think ultimately that service level choice is the county boards. You don't have to exactly match Three Rivers. I think they have a high level of service, which is good, good for them. [clears throat and cough] Stay tuned on that. I think the budget did come together nicely. Thank you, Linda. So, I think we touched on this a little bit. So, a lot of these [clears throat] slides are going to be repeat, so we'll go quick. Um, again, the budget, we we both have the county and three of us has their own budget. That doesn't change. There's no other financial commitment from either agency. So, that's the soft cost that Bo mentioned and that [snorts] also mentioned down below. Um, they administer the operating budget. Obviously once the the pro the budget's approved the uh they are managing the budget as it goes into the year. Um grants for projects, programs and staffing needed for county owned land and infrastructure come through us. I mentioned that before and again there's some examples about the resources and expenditures committed to the partnership that aren't part of the budget are you know my my time free river's other time their other staff the admin work attorney time. you think about all those there's there's a lot that goes in behind the scenes to make a partnership like this work and our maintenance crews are you know will be available as needed not to say we're going to do it every day but if there's a need to help out it's just another one of the examples it is a partnership and we're in it together so there's a lot of costs that you can't really identify the total dollar amount on but it's it's important to recognize that it is part of the the JPA. Again, I think you've had a great discussion on this already, how it all works, the two boards and what their authorities are. It encompasses all of regional parks and trails operations in the county. This map is a good one to look at because you can see the the dotted lines. You Bo mentioned the user visits and our trail system. Those are the future trail [clears throat] system based pretty much out of our comp plan with a little bit of refinement. But you can see there's a lot of a lot of work to do on the trail side, but that brings in user visits. So >> with the new TAA funding that we have, we have a great opportunity to kind of move this forward. And as these become high priorities, we'll work on getting them funded. Whether that's through the regional solicitation, federal funds, which we haven't done really good at, but I think the new system gives a little bit of a chance. whether it's a major trail that we need to try to get bonding for or they use parks and trails funds for whatever it might be and then supplement that with [clears throat] new taa funds which is about three million a year it's available really move the the trail system forward so that's a really exciting time for us which will help the revenue come in when when we're done. So, um, obviously the future we showed out of the comp plan future parks, you know, that may might need to happen in the future. The Miller Lake Park and then the Minnesota River Bluffs parked down below there. Those are just, you know, I search areas as you as you know that are in for future regional parks in our county. Um, again, that's part of the authority. Three Rivers has final decision-making authority on on the park reserve. That's theirs. uh no cost for the county for that. Uh we you you guys retain full decision- making authority, policy and budget for our parks and trails, including the future ones. Um Carver, our current employees will become Free Rivers employees under this proposal. There'll be an annual work plan just like we do every year with the budget process that's that's developed and presented to both boards for adoption. And then obviously the in the part of the JPA will have a termination clause. Um Scott County has one in there. It's a proposal and we'll still work on the details on this is a 12-month termination of the agreement. Of course, that would mean we'd have to get our assets back >> over time. Not not not simple, but assets, equipment, even a staffing transition would have to come back to the county. We will have that information or that clause in the agreement. We talked about how this flows. I don't know if you want to go through this again, but it's [clears throat] kind of the process. The unique thing is that policy committee that's in between which I think is really helpful to coordinate all the activities and the key position that the parks manager is going to hold as the as the leaison and I'm going to assist with that of course as well between the county and three rivers benefits. I think we again we we've kind of touched on this and you guys can come to your own conclusion on this but I think the efficiency of coordination is huge. you know with their experience that they have and the expertise that's invaluable in my mind. We are growing. So this is a chance for us to to grow well. Um strengthening our voice at a regional state level even national probably um is there's an opportunity there and uh on the cost side it's neutral and it I think but very much value added to the public. So those are really the the nuggets of the benefits of the partnership and we've we've talked about that a lot already so I won't go into that too much more. So next steps um if you choose to move ahead uh we finalized the budget it's pretty much there. Uh the JPA is going to take some work over the next uh month to draft that up which the board would approve as with Three Rivers. We're we're if if you choose to move forward, we'd like to get that JPA done um on October 6th if possible. And I think Three Rivers has a board meeting the following week on the 14th if I'm not mistaken. Obviously, the employee and union coordination is is is very very important. So, we'll be doing that as well. So, that's all I got. So if you guys have more questions for me, Bo, Luke, >> one more slide. >> Oh yeah, sorry. >> Yeah, this is kind of Yeah. So here's our recommendation as a between myself and and these guys and Dave is to uh move ahead with it to develop the JPA um with an effective date of January 1st. A lot of work to be done, but we think it's possible. Commissioner Lynch. >> Uh, [clears throat] excuse me. I am delays on to the park board. I have been for a while. We have wonderful employees. The one administrator he touched on this too. Before we make this, we want to make sure that uh our our uh employees are taken care of and I think they they will be. I don't anticipate any surprises. Um, I do see a lot of value added by this partnership. I think that with [snorts] uh you said you had, I think, six uh carpenters and now you're going to add a seventh. I see value added. This would really implement camper cabins, >> you know, and it would efficiencies like uh when we did the barrel uh bridge at Baylor, you know, with uh the carpenters there, it would go much faster. Uh the the the staircase at Minowasha be a much more value added. >> Um I do have [clears throat] one question. Would this hamper in any way uh the Baylor expansion? >> [snorts] >> Um, I don't think so. Although it will take some time to prioritize where we want to go. I mean, obviously we have Lake Waconia Regional Park expansion which we've submitted for bonding. Do we do that again? Do we switch our priorities to Baylor? You know, we have some money already in in the budget right now set aside for the Lake Waconia expansion. So, we've got, you know, with our CIP, you know, by the long-term financial plan, November, December, we want to zone in on what's the priorities and then obviously coordinate with with Bow and Luke how we're going to accomplish that. So, short answer is no, but the proof's in the pudding on how we can move that forward. >> The other um comment I would have is when it snows, no one cares who plows the road. If it's the township, the city, the county, or the state, they just want to have the public wants the road plot. And I really think with reservations, if you call up to get a reservation for Baylor and there's none available, but we have a reservation in Minnetonka. We have a a spot in Scott County. Oh, okay. You went from just a place where you couldn't go camping and now you can. Uh, and I'm and for whatever reason, too, there's an out in here. I just want to make sure there was an out. Uh, I don't anticipate this going south, but I'm just glad there is an out. >> I I I'd like to e echo that. I [clears throat] mean, it's always good to have an exit plan and um so so I appreciate having an exit plan. You just you just never know. But um uh I think that [snorts] for me is Three Rivers has a stellar reputation and um the people who have approached me who've known about this most of them have been um excited about this partnership. So for me this is um I think this is going to increase uh the services to our community. I think our employees have done an amazing job. Um, this is just one of a hundred different things we do at Carver County and having an organization that just does parks and is is really going to benefit both our employees and our community. And and that's exciting. It'd be exciting to kind of see how how our parks can can grow and expand through this partnership. So, And what are the three rivers? >> Mississippi, Mississippi, Minnesota, and the Crow. >> All right. >> And if you haven't kayaked down the Crow, >> it's pretty exciting. It's pretty fun, [laughter] >> actually. >> It sounds like we have a barn to sell >> again before that hits Facebook. >> I think the timing on this is right. I think it's been out there for over a year. here. I know there's been discussions for a while. So, people have had a chance to give feedback uh most almost exclusively has been positive is why why haven't we done this before? Um you know, what could this mean for us? I do think the devil's in the details and I think you've answered 90% of those questions as they start to flow in. I think we should have a mechanism to get particularly staff answers, also the public as well. Um, I think that there was a concern of local control and I echo what Commissioner Lynch said, which a lot of this is based on our relationship with Yubo. We like you, but if you get hit by a bus or, you know, you retire in 20 years, we don't know who's coming next and so I think the safety on that one is the local control is we're choosing who we're contracting with, who we're partnering with, and we do have an out. Um, and then I don't think we ever came down this path to say, "Oh, this is going to be a budget saver." We said, "This is going to elevate our parks." Um, and I think it is the product that Three Rivers puts out is better than the product that we're able to right now. That's it's just factual and that's no disrespect to anybody else, but it's an encouraging path. Um, but I just went through because Mary Kay had provided the budget from the last couple years in the areas where you know centralization where we don't have to both do this. Um, the data collection, the software, the booking uh agency stuff um there's probably efficiencies when it comes to training and co-raining where we don't necessarily have to send people away. We probably have a lot of wealth of information. Maybe we do the rentals income potential like Commissioner Lynch said could be um great. The question I had there was just from a public facing standpoint because I know people get weird about some of this stuff. The signage I've seen some of the signage where it's co-branded um will the signage change and then advertising. I'm guessing you'll make our system available to the base of the Three Rivers user and likewise we'll now probably have greater our our residents will have greater access or visibility. H how has advertising gone? Um both the the signs at the park and then also like programming and other things and opportunities that are available. Maybe to address the uh the signage first. That might be the easier one. But um again, I see a transition that's going to take a little bit of time. You've got some new signs that you've put up in a couple locations, particularly Minowashta that I'm aware of. Um you know, we're not going to go in there and just replace that January 2nd and make sure that that's up and different. We do have a co-branded logo that we do with Scott County. It's Three Rivers in partnership with Scott County. I could see something like that that would work very well. Um, again, it's just the power of the brand and we can expand that to reach all our existing members and users as far as uh Scott County members and users and potential residents or potential future users. The idea would be absolutely that we would have targeted am uh campaigns for advertising services that we would provide programs that can be a combination of social media that can be um traditional advertising methods a lot of different things and we would just incorporate that into our overall system. >> Yep. Thank you. Two more comments and then I'll shut up. Um um I just I want to call out the value of Three Rivers that you already said. It's it's increased capabilities, increased amenities, efficiencies that we just talked about, its resources, its political pull, its opportunities, and its bold vision. And I think that if you have the opportunity to partner with somebody that's bigger, it comes with some challenges, too. But like you guys are the prof ultimate professionals, and we gain a lot from being in the same room and and partnering on that stuff. I do think um uh January 1 um is is kind of the moment where it makes it easiest transition for all. And so, um, we've had other timelines with buildings and other things. I'd like to say it seems like we have general support, get this in the boardroom for approval as soon as possible and then lay out a timeline so our staff know, um, and the public know what the next building blocks are because it is aggressive to get to 111. I think it's doable and I think it's probably the easiest on all um, all things considered. And so that'd be my ask is that we get into the boardroom for approval and then we lay out a very specific timeline so staff and the general population knows what the decision points are moving forward. So, >> okay. Anybody else with a comment? Commissioner Pay. >> Yes, Mr. Chair. Thank you. Um, thank you for being here. For me, it's definitely a work session and that's where we have all the questions and the answers. Um, I continue to struggle with the local control issues and definitely want to learn learn more about that with the union issues, the employees, the PTO, the health insurance, and how that all comes together. Um, my suggestion would be if we could delay it six months to get all of that stuff answered. Um, I think staff and from what I learned here today, it's going to be pretty tough task to get it done by January 1. So, that's just some of my feedback, Mr. Chair. >> Okay. >> Anybody else? >> I would, if I could, I just like the BOR expansion, too. Would this put a damper on it? Would it speed it up? Would it help it? Would it hurt it? So, get an answer on that. right now? [laughter] >> No, [clears throat] in come back in the future >> because uh January 1 is coming pretty quickly. >> Yep. >> Uh and to split it in half for half a year budget. [snorts] So have something effective July 1. Is that what you're thinking? Well, I think uh Mr. Hezy can let us know if those things are not possible. Um I don't think you've said they aren't between Lyndon and um do we need six months? >> Well, Mr. Chair, my suggestion would be to to stay on the same timeline. let us go back to work and work together uh and bring the unions in, bring the employees in uh and then come back to you [cough] and let you know if that is if more times needed. At this point, I think the problems associated with going with a midyear would outweigh that path. But I I am uh concerned that it's quick, right? But I I I think it's doable if we can can get through the the various issues. Uh so so that would be my recommendation, but it sounds like that the board's generally on track with that. You can revisit it with >> we're generally on track with January 1. Generally, >> right? >> Yep, I am. >> Okay. Thank you very much, Bo. Good to see you, staff. Good job. >> Thank you. I think this meeting is adjourned. >> All right. >> Thank you. >> I'd like to point out how mature I am.