almost. >> Will you please uh join me in the pledge of allegiance? I aliance 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. [clears throat] >> Thank you. Thank you for that. As we approach Veterans Day, uh this is the November 4th Carver County Board of Commissioners meeting and we'd like to open it up now to public comments and I know Mr. Mets has uh something to say about that. [snorts] >> Thank you, Mr. Chair and county board commissioners. So, this is going to be a little difficult, but um you know, I appreciate the opportunity to just recognize somebody that our office uh lost recently. On October 13th, 2025, Beth Young in our office died of ovarian cancer. And Beth was a senior administrative assistant for over 20 years in our office. And she was a real stalwart of our office. She was a steady force and um somebody that really lived her life with a lot of grace and humor and kindness and generosity. We had her celebration of life yesterday and our our office is really hurting right now and and it's uh it's tough because she's 61 years old and she was really special to us and and she has two children, Josh and Molly. And uh we're really eloquent yesterday speaking about her life and stories which was really great. and and then her husband Dana was the city administrator for Deep Haven for over 20 years. And so she brought a lot of joy to our office too and and really represented the best of Carver County. She was so hardworking, so smart, and so committed to public service. Continued to work when she was going through cancer treatment, and she uh was very family focused and really cared about people. So didn't matter what her role was or who she was dealing with in the office, she was really really focused on doing her best and and I was fortunate because when I came here from Mloud County, she was assigned as my administrative assistant and I didn't know her but I got the best. So, I was very fortunate and and [clears throat] made me much better as a prosecutor and and I I trusted her so much that I would bring her in for mock trials when we had a murder case because she's the the everyday person. This is going to be our juror. So, what do you think, Beth, about, you know, this case? What are the good parts about our case? What are the bad parts? and and so really valued her and and so we're going to really miss her and I appreciate the opportunity to recognize somebody, you know, that was um one of the very best of Carver County truly was and and so uh I wish she had another 20 30 years of her life. But uh as they said, she said towards the end of her life, she said, you know, it's going to be okay. and um you know live your life in the goodness that she was and the hard work and the humor and that's what we take from our office and others is that we can carry on that legacy of just doing you know good work and caring about people and having that uh focus and and having humor and the day-to-day things too. So thanks Mr. Chairman. >> Thank you Mark. >> Thank you Mark. Okay. The agenda review and adoption. Can I get a motion? >> So move, Mr. Chair. >> Second. >> I have a motion by Lynch and a second by Fee Heave to approve the agenda. Any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed. Motion passes. October 21st. >> I think we had one more. You want to make >> Yeah, we did. Did you want to say something? >> I'm sorry. I moved off public comments. Come on up to the podium. >> I thought I already had this discussion with you. >> I thought so, too. That's right. I'm Steve Curtis, 4430 Savannah Trail, Chaza, president of the Southwest Metro Chamber of Commerce. Just wanted to say hey to you fine commissioners and all you guys over here on the left side, you don't get enough credit for what you do. They take it all. That's all right. Anyways, no, just wanted to tell you what we've been doing at the chamber and excited to hear what your priorities are as we look at what ours will be as well for 2026 uh for this next session, but invite you to our mayor's lunchon November 18th, 11:30 to 1 at the Chaza Event Center. We have all four of our city mayors talk about 2025 and looking forward to 2026. So, that's about it. We have our gala this week at Hackmore Brewing. So, it's just been a I don't know, it's been a pretty good year for the chamber. when I took over in October of 23. I think we're budgeted to be 40,000 short and I think we might make a little couple bucks here and there this year. So, it should be pretty good 2026. So, thanks for your time, >> Steve. What was the date for the mayor lunchon? >> November 18th. >> 18th. Thank you. >> Always good to see you and keep fighting, >> Mr. Chair. We'll add that to your calendar, too. And uh let me let me know if you don't have the invite. We'll get it to you. And what was the credit we take? Do we do we get credit for something? We [clears throat] took it. >> We do uh need to give these guys credit over here uh all the time. I think we do. So, >> all right, Mr. Chair, I move approval of the uh minutes from October 21st with one modification. I voted I was abstaining from the consent on that one. It was recorded as a nay. Um other than that, I'd move approval. >> Okay. Okay. I got a motion by Uterman and a second by Anderson. >> Yeah. Second. Yeah. >> To approve the uh October 21st minutes as amended by Commissioner Udman. Any further discussion? >> Hearing none. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Those opposed. >> Motion passes. Community announcements. >> Commissioner Fay. >> Mr. Chair, if I may. Thank you. Uh wanted to give a shout out to the Zion Lutheran Church last night. Hosted their soup and pie supper and uh I went there and participated. It it was just incredible. Uh the soup and pies were delicious and just a a thank you to the Zion Luther Church. >> And then also we [clears throat] are asking the public to weigh in on Baylor Park [snorts] on November the 13th. Uh Carver County Parks is hosting two open houses to gather community input on long range plans for the Baylor Regional Park. Thursday, November 6th, it's at Lake Waconia Regional Park at the Paradise Commons. And then Thursday, November 13th, it's at Baylor Park um community room. And both times are from 6:00 to 7:30. So please come out and um provide your insights. Um we'll have the staff there and we'll have uh some familyfriendly activities for all the kids. So please come out and participate at these open houses. And then also uh Commissioner Anderson and I yesterday we attended the AMC District 10 meeting and we went uh through various things, a lot of discussions and we also started to talk about their legislative priorities and they um have some under environmental natural resources, general government, uh public health and human services and then also public safety and then transportation and infrastructure. And maybe Commissioner Anderson will be talking a little bit further about how those discussions went and those priorities. And a couple more things, Mr. Chair, wanted to um talk a little bit about the city of NYA at an upcoming meeting. Uh they're going to present their new plans for a wastewater treatment facility. Um, this project is critical to supporting the community's growth and long-term infrastructure needs. And they've invited uh Senator Grunhagen and also Representative Bobby Harter to attend this meeting and also myself. And with highway 212 expansion uh underway uh the city's preparing a significant development sack at Wakonia has begun a major expansion that will add about 80 to 100 high-paying jobs in the next few years. And [clears throat] excuse me, we've seen rapid interest in both the residential and the industrial growth. And the new industrial park is now on the market and we have an option agreement to purchase an additional 80 acres to meet that demand. And then also they have an upcoming meeting uh a developer is going to present plans for 77 new homes um marking only the beginning of what's expected over the next decade. So a lot of activity happening in NYA. And then also the city of Cologne uh recently approved um the village at Cologne their 18th additional final plat and for another 15 single family resident lots. So a lot of activity happening uh because of highway 212. That's all I have. Mr. Chair, >> the villages. >> The villages that it like in Florida. Okay. >> Hopefully it's not like in Florida. [laughter] Commissioner Urderman. >> Mr. Chair, I've had the opportunity to attend that mayor's lunchon and it is pretty informative. Um I like the ones that are the more about strategic and future than projects. Um but uh I think that before you joined, Steve, uh the second most attended chamber lunchon was when Commissioner Fehee and I did a a state of the of the county. And so I know that the planning of that is underway for hopefully early next um year so we can share some of the great things we're doing here. Um, Mark, I appreciate your comments about Beth. Uh, I think that we talk about people are our strength. Um, and and a moment like that, uh, is a moment that we actually elevate that that is what we we stand for and I think you embody that more than anybody, Mark. So, to Beth and her family, um, condolences, but, um, she's treasured and and love within the county and you elevated that. So, thank you. Um, I think that on the theme of uh community rallying together, we've uh at least Commissioner Workman, myself, maybe most members of this board have been inundated with messages and well-wishes and what can we do more of as it relates to SNAP and we'll get in the back room to Heather as well. And I would tell you that there's been um hundreds of conversations and a lot of effort that doesn't always get seen in the headlines or on social media. Heather's crew has worked closely with a lot of the not forprofits. We've addressed the challenges that lie before us. It looks like maybe the federal government's going to release some of those dollars. Just kind of a feelood story. Um I had the occasion to change my um uh insurance at my house, home homeowners insurance, and I got a nice little note from the guy that uh is my uh agent, and he says, "We every time when we bring on a new customer, we make a donation to a local uh charity, and they made a donation with a local food shelf on my behalf." So, I thought that was super cool and a nice little touch. But um SNAP is all about partnership and getting people fed that need to be fed and and looking at ways that we can do it better. um a call out to gather and grow to Love Inc. Uh Humanity Alliance uh a better society and Bountiful Basket particularly they've seen a lot of uh of community rally and make philanthropic or benevolent or just simple contributions uh to meet the need within our community and I think that's what Carver County is all about. Um in case you haven't seen it, pretty excited. Um Sam and your crew, thank you. Uh the new sign at Minowashta, it looks great. And I know we've had a lot of other conversations about um you know other parks that may be um in the same need and and and maybe have the brakes a little bit with the conversations we're having with Three Rivers, but if you go by there, the monument itself uh can be reused no matter what it is and the sign can easily be replaced if we need to upgrade or or change it. But man, it just makes it feel like a real park because that sign that we had before was was not great. So, thanks for the efforts. Um I know that sometimes these things just magically appear and happen. Um but thanks for all the effort on that. Um, school volunteering. I know we all volunteer in different ways. I know in past meetings we've talked about people's in um participations at pork chop dinners and breakfasts, rotaries, and and lions clubs, etc. I have a chance to volunteer at my kids school. Um, it's a Spanish immersion program. It's one of the one of the schools that is growing by leaps and bounds. Commissioner Anderson was attached to that when she was on the school board as well. People are actually choosing Carver County because of the school and because of Spanish [clears throat] immersion. And so to be in that school with their book club um was is is fun to see the the names and the faces and the people. And one of the conversations that came out of the book that we're reading was about bullying. And the question that was asked is is it more important or what's more detrimental to our community, kid bullying or adult bullying? And it was interesting to see the kids conversations. They all align that adult bullying is probably the worst. And so to see that within our schools and whatnot. Um, Hazeline, I had a chance to be up there last week and if if you haven't been up there or have the occasion to, we can get a tour scheduled. Uh, the general manager has been uh helpful in bringing Tom, myself, and others together and and they have a ask of the state um to try and bring uh seven major events in the next 20 years to Carver County. Some may see it as just a rich white people's private club. Um, but the economic impact that it could bring to our county um for the foreseeable future is [snorts] significant. um also had a chance to spend time with Phil as Tom and I have done multiple times. Uh he is probably one of the most strategic minds in this county and so if you get a chance to tap into his genius um the state partnerships, the impact to tax, I don't know if everybody knew it but it was the number one generator of um uh of um merchandise within the PGA and the people that come in there are largely not from here and so he's even uh open to a special tax for the merchandise that could generate a lot of local dollars. >> [clears throat] >> uh for state and local and so we're staying tight with that and the conversations associated with it. Uh we have a gentleman that lives uh within the county whose uh family business built the addition to that golf course. It's going to be nine extra holes which is fantastic. They have five cabins built. A sixth and seventh are on the docket, maybe an eighth as well. And so I want to underscore the fact that 29 will be a special year in Carver County when the Ryder Cup comes back to Chesa, the only city in the United States to host twice. Um, many of us on the board, I think maybe all of us on the board were at the 40 uh 4110 opening. Um, so kudos to Lynen's team and those that organized it. Um, this was, I think, one of the first events that the ribbon cutting was coordinated by our internal staff. They did a fantastic job and I my understanding is is it saved us a few bucks in doing so. And so what a momentous occasion. Four roundabouts and four in a mile. My kids and I had a chance to drive all four of them and they counted every one of them. And so, uh, it's kind of fun. I I I kind of forget that there was even a traffic light there and that was just six months ago. So, thanks for your team for those efforts. And then I know today we're going to talk uh a bit about legislative priorities. Um we've had a chance to meet with four of our five lawmakers. Um I think that engaged and available have been two words that explain uh the lawmakers we've talked to so far. Um we've reached across the aisle and initiated conversations. I know Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Workman, and others have been in favor of having a joint meeting with Scott County, but we pulled in some of their priorities to learn from. Um, Commissioner Fehee, he had mentioned some of the projects that Norwood, Young America, and I know Cologne's on the docket. Others have brought things forward. Um, but um, through scale and through Scott County, two of their priorities this year are sewer projects. If you add that to our seven and theirs that didn't make the list, um, we have double digit sewer projects um that may may take us partnering together to get some of these things done. And I know Commissioner Fehee was the mayor of Norwood for a good amount of time. Uh Connor and Karen need a shout out as well for the efforts of bringing additional business um to capitalize on that 212 um corridor as well. So um the last thing I have is it looks like Steve's off to a good start. Like to invite anybody that's able to join me as well. I always use this as an opportunity to do Movember. Uh Movember is an annual event during November that involves growing mustaches or beards to raise awareness and funds for men's health issues including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and male suicide prevention. I think that last piece was added because of the epidemic and the need for that. Um and guys and girls alike can participate in different ways. So this is just something you'll see this fur on my face until at least the end of November. So thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioner Anderson. >> All right. Thank you. Um, I had an opportunity to go to the uh newly opened F FRC. They had a family fun night and um so that was fun to to be there and and volunteer there. And >> what is F FRC again? >> The family resource center. So, thank you for asking. And that's that is um something that um was started by Carver County and we are partnering with a better society and other nonprofits to really build um u family resources um in our community. So that's just getting started. There's a ribbon cutting again on the 18th as well. Um but I was happy to to be there and um volunteer there. And I also had an opportunity to attend uh or to visit our local food shelf. Um and it is really like Commissioner Odman said, it's really heartwarming to see how many people are stepping up and and stepping in and and providing donations and volunteers. I think the biggest concern is they don't have a ton of capacity to serve others. Um not because they don't [snorts] have more food, but they don't have a lot of space. So, um that's something um that we're working with and and I do have uh a meeting scheduled with with both Bonif Baskets and CAP to to talk about um capacity and service to Carver County residents. And as uh Commissioner Fehee said, I did attend the the District 10 uh meeting yesterday. Um, a lot of counties are struggling with what we're what we're struggling with, which is um the state government is um the word was stealing uh money from the state in or from counties in some cases, but but really those cost shifts that would force us to increase um property taxes is pretty much unprecedented. And so I'm glad um so we had good conversations about HHS projects um mental health the our um opt out which I see that some transportation funding which again um has um uh the legislature wants to to take sales tax money and and give it to um uh the Met Council. So we had really really good conversations. Um, I love those conversations because it makes me feel like we're not in this alone. We have good partnerships and I'm seeing more and more [snorts] partnerships and um with um some other counties are uh combining their efforts for with their legislators on that as well. And I think the more we can have priorities that are similar, I I think the better off we're going to be in in this. So, um, feeling feeling good about that piece and and again, Mark, um, thank you for sharing those those kind remarks about Beth. It is always hard to leave a coworker. Sometimes co-workers become our family. So, um, so my heart goes out to to you, the entire, um, county attorney's office and her family. So, thanks for sharing that. That's all I have. >> Thank you, Commissioner Lynch. Um, hats off to uh Christine Fenner from Wakonia Chamber for they're the 25 and 26 retail community of the year in Wakonia. So, hats off to uh Christine Fenner in the Wakonia Chamber. Uh I like to say it's uh opening of deer hunting this weekend. Be safe. But if you don't you don't have to go to the woods because in the Wakonia area they have deas enjoying awesome retail. So there's many specials around Wakonia and uh sales and specials. It's a really a a cool day to be out there. Um driving across the Carver County today. The harvest is almost done and hats off to the farmers and drivers for keeping it safe. Uh and then I'd like to shout out to the Watertown Mayor uh girls uh soccer team. They placed second in the state. They got to play at the US Bank Stadium twice and then they ended up losing a hard-fought two to1 game to Providence Academy. So, which uh has some special athletes on that team, [laughter] >> they recruit >> uh Chad Chad Greenway's daughter is the she's the all-time state scoring record. She's for soccer and she's her best sport is basketball. It's uh quite an athlete to watch. It's uh pretty amazing. >> Chad Greenway, wasn't he a South Dakota who went to Iowa and came here? I don't know. >> [laughter] >> I know that covers everybody, man. >> What's the South Dakota? >> Sounds shaky to a simple mind. [laughter] >> I'm I'm borrowing uh Administrator Hemsy's glasses and I'm learning while his eyes aren't as bad as mine, I am seeing clearly because of his glasses. Uh I I have uh I have I've had quite a hiatus from funerals, >> but I have three people. Uh they do come in bunches it seems. Jan Rome just about everybody who's been around Kyber County for a long time. Jan Rome Rome Realy um passed away uh inner sleep uh known them since St. Hubert's and our kids in school and and another St. Hubert's guy, Dan Murphy, not even a Carver County resident, Eden Prairie, but a one of the best guys ever. Um, and my neighbor, my next door neighbor, Lawrence Shren. That's all I have to say about that. All right, politics snap. We have some events food events. Thank you, Heather. Wednesday, tomorrow, November 5th, from 5 to 8:00 p.m., a better society at 14 53 Park Road, sort of over by the Chanassen Public Works building over there across the street, uh, is having is a pickup site for emergency food bags. Wednesday, November 5th, 5 to 8:00 p.m., Bountiful Basket will host a good food giveaway drive-thru food distribution event at 2100 Stoutton Avenue. Chesa, I do believe that is our old pickle factory. Correct. >> [snorts] >> Uh, and that is on Thursday, November 6th from 4 400 pm to 5:00 p.m. So 1 hour bountiful basket good food giveaway. Uh, that is on the 6th. Then we have one on the 5th. Does everybody have those? I hope everybody has those great opportunities uh for additional food resources. The public can go to home-find food carver county findarvercount.org. That's all I have. Sorry I choked through my other announcements, but if that's all we have, let's go on to item number three, our regular session 3.1, 2026 legislative priorities. >> We can do consent. >> We didn't do the consent. We didn't do the consent. Oh, >> so let's do the consent. I see Commissioner Lynch has moved and Commissioner Fe has seconded our [clears throat] consent agenda. Is there any discussion on that? >> Mr. Chair, a couple questions. Commissioner, >> I know Lyn is in the room. I'm sure we have the answers. 2.5 is talking about the um plan that impacts Highway 10 up to 43. Um will the folks that are proposing Athletes Village be part of that those discussions as that unfolds? We got that sports complex being proposed >> on the right side. >> Yep. >> Yes. >> Okay, good. Uh the guy that's leading the charge asked me this weekend and so I said I'd get an answer. Thank you. Uh next one was is about Minoa Park. I think there's final payments um for on 2.6 [snorts] for the regional park improvements. Um did we see delays on that park and do they get penalized if there is delays on those? Was there delays in building the park in um in Minashta? And if so, do they get penalized for the delay? >> The play area I think you refer to. >> Why don't you come up? >> Mr. Chair and Commissioners, good morning. One more time, Commissioner. >> When they built the park, >> Yep. My understanding is they were behind schedule and there was delays and then there's some change orders. Does the delays uh do they get penalized for that? And that can that offset some of the change orders >> there? There there could be penalties and delay. Marty's still leading that. I know we're working on basically punch list items, some small items, >> but the change orders will be reflected in if there is penalties that'll be reflected in there. Y >> I just asked because our our budget is tight and so um I want to impress upon the taxpayers and the staff that's looking at this. >> It seems like we see an overabundance of change orders, but we don't necessarily see the offsetting. They were supposed to deliver on a timeline and they didn't. >> Correct. >> And so we didn't have the useful life of them for the couple months that we thought [snorts] we would. And so maybe there's an opportunity to use that to offset some of the so and not have to penalize our taxpayers. >> I will make note of that and speak. You know, Marty's continuing to lead that. I will say, Commissioner, that project is running under budget. So we we do have an intended surplus that would be rolled over to other priorities. >> Sounds good. >> CIP. Yep. >> And then 27, which is the consulting group for uh uh 212 project payment settlement. Um why would be we'd be on the hook for somebody else's air? I think it ran into the 3 million from state and a chunk from us. I just wanted to understand that more because my understanding was the core drilling was off and that wasn't necessarily our fault, it was theirs. So I was curious about that one. >> Yeah, Mr. Chair, commissioners. Um, when it comes to the soils, there's lots of considerations that go into that. Bottom line is Mindot only has 3 million to pay for the fix. Um, that's the maximum amount they're willing to put into it. Obviously, it's a shared project. You know, the county was the lead. So, when you lead a project for the state, you basically take the county takes the road from the state and then when it's all done, they take it back. >> Yep. >> Um, you know, we had several options to fix that, including um letting it sit for a while and do an overlay every five set 10 years, and you could calculate the math. take a long time to pay to spend three million, but Mindal wouldn't accept that approach. So, we were doing a full excavation. >> I guess my question, Lyn, is why wouldn't the contractor be on the hook for all or some of it? >> Uh, the contractor was directed to do the work. >> Okay. >> And uh they follow what the inspectors tell them and they were not told to stop the muck excavation. >> Okay. And those >> they weren't they were told not to continue with it. Uh, >> and who are they? >> Because it would require more land in order to >> Yep. >> do the full they were directed by the state >> not to do the work. Okay. >> And here we are. Okay. So, I just I just want to impress upon my peers that this is another example where [snorts] we took on a state project. >> They messed up and then we have to pay for the the mess up is it's another kind of unfunded state mandate. I appreciate everything you're doing. It's the right thing for the people that are traveling that road, but we're on the hook for partial dollars associated with their mess up. So thank you. I just >> The original plan chair [snorts] commissioner was the state wanted us to pay for all of this. >> Yep. >> The full three million. >> Yes. >> So we negotiated for about a year. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Them to step up. So great. >> We do have a little skin in the game. >> Thank you. Appreciate it. >> Okay. I have a motion and a second for the consent agenda. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor say I. >> I. Those opposed? Motion passes and we are going to move on to our 2026 legislative priorities. Mr. Hemsy, do you need your glasses? >> No, sir. I'll I'll swim through this one. Uh, thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, good morning board members. As was mentioned a few times already this morning. There's a lot going on not only at the state but the federal level. So, certainly every time we uh update our priorities, it's important. It seems like it's more important than it ever has been. And of course we were working with mult multiple groups AMC was mentioned this morning Mike others and trying to partner as best as we can with other especially metro counties I'm meeting with my metro group tomorrow we'll talk about just that so a lot of partnerships a lot going on a lot at stake and of course uh what we're talking about this morning is is our priorities are trying to boil it down to to you know a handful a dozen or so that's been our strategy which has been very effective if you think back even 212 for example that was part of a strategy a long time ago and look at it now [clears throat] so uh we've already talked about this in a work session uh thank you commissioner workman commissioner rudman for serving on the legislative committee to guide us through this uh there's no real magic behind this and you know sometimes should we put something on or not is is debatable and that's up to you as a board so I don't want to repeat again what what's already gone through uh multiple times uh you In addition to LA last week's work session, the the 11 that were on the list were the items that we focused on during this session last week. And the real focus I think is on on some of the top ones, the unfunded state mandates, federal mandates resulting in now a proposed this 2% state and federal tax shift search charge in our budget. Very obviously identifiable. Commissioner Anderson used the word unprecedented. I agree. So it really jumps out at you and and there's a lot of same similar between uh all these issues or most of them anyway with that sort of theme. So again I'm not going to focus on the details unless again unless you have questions uh point those out. So I will jump ahead here and again if you have questions on these let me know. I just saw a snap in here because we talked about that this morning. All these items are critical front page headline type type issues that we're focusing in on. I did want to point out uh my my fault. I missed this one. I had it ready and then I I didn't get it in the in the packet uh last week and before that actually you adopted a resolution on the Southwest Transit opt out issue. We did put together the language. I distributed that via email yesterday and here's a summary of that. Again, this was already mentioned, but uh really I don't know if attack is too strong of a word, but a bit of an attack on our opt out very efficient, very effective system uh by the Met Met Council in the state of Minnesota to really take that over uh which this is uh a position in opposition of that. We're asking that uh the legislature preserves that transit model. Oppose any proposal that would eliminate agencies such as Southwest Transit. I think there's uh three or four. So you got Minnesota Valley, Southwest, Plymouth, and Maple Grove, I believe. >> Yep. >> Uh would eliminate any of those. I think all those are run very effectively. Uh and then at stake is a distribution of significant money. So supporting that fair and equitable distribution of money and avoiding that that uh very bad idea I believe to take over our trans our opt- out transit. So I'd propose we add that uh to the list so that make 12. Uh Commissioner Udman also last week had requested a position in housing as we tried to clarify with him between then and now. Uh this is the language that uh Commissioner Rman presented to you. So that would be an option for the board to add that to the list too. That would make 13. With that, Mr. Chair, I'd take questions. >> Commissioner Anderson, >> um I I do have some questions. Um can we um can you talk a little bit about the process for coming up with these uh priorities? Uh well of course you you have a legislative committee that has uh two commissioner appointments appointed in January uh this year. You have commissioners Workman and Udman also critical and and I should have thanked the division directors in particular for submission of ideas concepts proposals uh recommendations try and sort through those as best as we can focus in on what we feel you know sort of the cream that rises to the top. So the multiple discussions with that group also uh but that those those are then packaged up. I should also thank Ari and our communications department for assisting. There's a lot of lot of work behind that packaged up for the legislative committee. Uh Tony Albbright, our lobbyist attends those meetings on a regular basis. He helps sort of guide through and sometimes talks us out of going certain directions. uh uh sometimes he uh it's very helpful obviously in in focusing in on what what may be strategically the smart moves here, right? Sometimes you don't want to put things on this list. Uh sometimes you want to just put things that are not not really a request but defense, right? Which uh that transportation issue with the uh uh improvement account, that's a good example. You want to put something on that says, "Wait a minute, that's defense, right? Don't do that, please." So that's the process. Uh, Madam Chair, now I would say, you know, the legislative committee that it's not a like most of our committees of that nature, that's not a voting committee. We try and reach consensus. I always look to the the two two board members on the committee to try and figure out what uh is there consensus and I I thought there was I but having said that we we kicked around a lot of different issues and Matt had >> Commissioner Rman had a whole laundry list that didn't make this particular list that uh the division directors then helped saying oh well yes an important topic but for whatever reason we wouldn't recommend putting it on this particular list. Well, and and about that, so the two items that have been um identified to to be included, what was the conversation? I know I've heard a lot of conversations about the opt out. We we've talked about that at length yesterday at at AMC. We passed a resolution. I mean, obviously, it seems like there's board support around that. What was the conversation around housing within the committee? >> I'd leave that more to uh Commissioner. Sure. >> Sure. >> So, we batt around a lot of ideas and if you look at this almost exclusively everything that's on our list is defensive. It's a priority. It's a policy year. Um there may or may not be funding. It could be a bridged uh year at the government. Um to your point earlier, my point earlier, um alliance building, intentional alliance building to try and get some of these defensive things done has bled over into some proactive things as well. We know as it relates to housing that we have a missing middle that we're probably more deficient here than in most places. We know that uh the affordability within Carver County is a reason why a lot of people don't come here. We know that our 65 plus population is growing faster here than almost anywhere to the detriment of our less than 18. And we know that that less than 18 is what's going to fill our our workforce um our schools etc etc etc. And so in in those alliance building meetings where which should culminate to our million-dollar meeting with Scott County um uh Mayor Briggs in Prior Lake has been at the table um defensively and offensively on the housing issue. multiple other communities. Um we're well aware that Scott County has legislative priorities and then if they plus it up they have something called scale which we don't have in Carver County, but it's a formal alliance between school districts, cities, and county. Um I think law enforcement is well informed in that as well. And from scale they had um housing as part of that priority from their from their um Scott County. They've had housing as a priority. So as we as we consensus build, most of this language came from stuff that they've had for a couple years. Um and it also reflects that it was on our priorities list I think for the first time ever last year. And so and for those reasons strategically um alliance building um proactive and then also knowing that at the state um bipartisan support Tony actually advised us yesterday that there it will be a topic at the capital this year. It does have bipartisan support. So we can either write ourselves into the story as part of a priority um or we don't have to. And so I I'm typically of an action guy. let's write ourselves into the story, be at the table, um, and be proactive in in the solutions versus be the lag status quo person. >> So the question that I have is, was this discussed at the in in the committee? >> Yes. >> So it was and so, but it wasn't brought as a recommendation because it was brought last week as a recommendation. So I guess I, you know, I been in government a long time. I believe it's not what you do and how you do from a process standpoint. My expectation is that um once something goes into committee, the recommendation that comes out of committee um and um that to get feedback. So I I am a little surprised that a committee member would would then bring it out for us to discuss. >> Commissioner, I understand. So you won't be supporting the Southwest Transit late edition. No, I will be because we we already support that one because Okay, let's uh why don't we go through the chair at this point? That's a good idea. Thank you. >> And also, so um so thank you. I mean, I guess that's um my expectation. The um Southwest Transit and the opt out is something that again we as a board did a resolution on that last week and it's something that we have discussed. I um but since this was brought up um I did reach out to um our community partners. I did reach out to um and while um there was some con concerns about this specific language um the the feedback that I got and actually I go back to and is um I don't see housing as part of our strategic objectives and we we went through that process earlier this year because we really need to focus As government, we have a we have a lot of things that are on our plate. Um, housing and economic development are things that are full-blown the responsibility of our cities and um and I and I and cities from the feedback that I got are putting this on their legislative priorities and there's plenty of entities um that are supporting that. Um so for me I think we should stay focused on what is our priorities as um as a county and I agree we are playing defense this year and it's never fun just playing defense. Um but but that's where we're at right now. And um we're we're at a place where where we're in defensive mode and I believe that less is more when it comes to priorities. I'm not thrilled that we added a 12th, but it makes um sense that's something that that we have. Um we also have a a wide array of areas that um we're responsible for. So, I guess I will support the opt out adding that as a 12th. Um, I I will not support housing because it's not part of our strategic priorities and it's it's not our role. >> Okay. Well, um I guess I I can kind of look at the language for me. The language um is very not specific. It's a narrative I know and I've heard for 40 years the school teachers and sheriff's deputies and the firefighter social work on food industry workers can't afford housing. And that of course isn't a Carver County boardcaused issue. Um but but I think the legislative committee can maybe do a better job of honing in on what it is we could possibly do. There is a new tax that was passed in 23 I believe that is that the three quarters or 50 >> 50 cent >> and so a lot of money is going in um I just feel as though the housing issue I know I sent sent commissioners a an article from the Wall Street Journal about how 30-year mortgages have caused housing crisis is to rise and there's probably a thousand things from Canadian timber to oil to land cost to everything else. So, I'm trying to figure out and I'm still willing and able to work on some language that would directly the the last sentence. I'm not sure. Commissioner Uterman, we support modifications to current state condominium law to help encourage the construction of new condominiums and small square foot dwellings only in that it's attached to the top of the paragraph which is I think sort of nudging the cities to change planning and zoning laws. And I know that was a very controversial issue in the legislature. I know at least one local legislator supported it. Um so uh I housing is definitely an issue. Um what [snorts] my role in that is uh I think this board is open to understanding that better, but I don't think as a legislative priority this quite hits it yet. So, if we could hone it down, uh, is is that the right word? Hone it, sharpen it to to specifically either play defense with the legislature what they're planning. I I think at least uh orally this board and and others and and certainly our cities, we're against the concept of having the state decide zoning in Chaza and Chanhassen and beyond. So, um, so, so we played defense, but I'm not sure I'm seeing what the legislative offense is. and and Commissioner Workman, as I um talked to some of our city partners, I guess um if we were to move into this area, which I'm not sure this is the year to do that, I I would recommend that we take the let them take the lead and use their language. I know some of this language was bothersome for them, but they but um so I I and and the missing middle piece makes them nervous. Um so again this is their role and um I too am open. Um I just think we need to partner with our cities on this and and let them take the lead and see how we can support them. Commissioner Orderman, >> I just think we have to be careful uh that we're really selective when we want to punt and take status quo and not get involved and when we do um highway 5, 41, 212, a significant amount of energy and resource was meant to do that to open up uh economic development. Corridors to commerce was used um economic development. And so the cities benefited from us taking the role even though it wasn't our job to do so. We came outside our swim lane because it made sense to do so. We came out our swim lane when we're doing water and soil stuff within the city of Chaza. And so we bring the people here with the road. And then we have cities that'll build 3500 houses underneath $700,000 that will create a vacuum of tax need. And those cities will be able to unilaterally decide whatever they want to do. And Heather's team will have to provide services. and Lynden's team will have to provide the roads and our water and sewer will have to provide the services and our uh law enforcement, albeit at the cities pay a portion of it, will have to provide base level services. And so we're real selective when it takes to get it to step into something that gets a little bit more challenging. But we're not all that selective when we say it's the city's responsibility to do those things. We're sitting on 16 and a half miles of gold on 212 on the promise of economic activity that of which 90% of it sits within the jurisdiction of the county. And we can solve this problem by simply zoning for it and allowing additional developments [snorts] both industrial, commercial, and um residential. I want to uh stand on the side of the goal that I had when I ran and the goal that I have when I'm in office. I want my kids and my grandkids and your kids and your grandkids to be able to call this place home. A great place to live, work, and play for a lifetime is our is our charter. And maybe we need to abandon that or put asterisks on there so long as you make $250,000 a year. But as it is such, my kids and your kids, unless you're making $250,000 plus a year, cannot afford to live in this community. And I'm trying to do something about it. I had no idea that I would I would I would get so much resistance from my peers. so much resistance from cities. So, either solve the problem or say you're not going to, you can't do both. And so, I stand on the side of let's put this on the priorities. Let's align with what our lobbyists said others are doing. Let's have partnership and strength in the Southwest Metro where our peers in Scott County, our peers in cities within Scott County are signing up for language similar to this. And we know this won't be final language. We know this won't be final language at the capital, but we know that our our friends on the Democratic side and the Republican side are toiling with this and I and I hope that they would would see that Carver County wants to be part of the solution, not just kick the can and say it's the city's issue. And so I fully support this. If you don't, that's your choice. Um, but this is one that I never anticipated being on the hill with. But as I see time and time and time again, housing is part of the overall ecosystem. And we can't claim to be the best place to live, work, and play for a lifetime if we don't step into conversations like this actively. So that's all I'll say. It doesn't seem as though it has support from my peers, and I accept that. >> Commissioner Anderson. Well, let me let me interject. If if I'm a legislator, and I I guess I would I'm a former one. If I looked at this, I am uncertain if I had a piece of housing legislation what this would support. It's broad. It it uh it talks about a problem, but it it doesn't show me the solution to the problem. So, uh, other than that last sentence, which I I I do not quite understand, um, um, and and and or the means to getting to that last one. I I don't know if I was a legislator if I would understand. So, I'm going to repeat my point. I I think we all know I think I don't think housing is part of the ecos ecos. It is the ecosystem and from which everything comes from. And so we definitely have a problem, but I just don't see this paragraph or these this paragraph helping get there other than we we would by voting for it, we'd say we admit there's a housing problem. I and I just did probably several times. So I I I know that the mech council is and has been for decades trying to undo our wonderful opt out system. So playing defense on that is really easy. Don't do it. But I I it is like I said, I sent the board an article on 30-year mortgages and how that's inflated the price of housing. believe that article or not, I'm not asking for I'm not telling anybody I under even understand. But um I I think this resolution is attempting to uh get at get at the business of telling the cities what to do. Commissioner Workman, Chair, if uh let me volunteer uh this language. Carver County supports state legislative assistance which provides additional funding and supports the coordinated efforts of achieving a sustained and increased availability of options across the housing life cycle. The prevailing objective for any housing initiative must provide local control to increase production of residential units, the preservation of existing homes, and housing uh stability programs for individuals and families. >> Mr. Mr. Chair, where is that verbiage coming from? >> Last year's approved by everybody on this board with the exception of Commissioner Anderson's language as number three on our legislative priorities. >> Commissioner um >> Commissioner Anderson, >> Chair Workman, if I may. Um two things. one is again I think this conversation was had in the legislative priority committee and I think um what I would expect in the is that information like this batting around wording like this should have happened in committee and um so that's uh number one I think we we really need to look at our process and we really need to do things so so bringing this up kind of at the 11th hour is a bit frustrating to me um be Carver County does support this. Our cities are all on board with this and that is where it belongs. If we wanted to get into this and in a way again we need to let the cities take the lead. I'm not interested in doing anything around housing that our cities aren't supporting. I'm I understand that it's a problem and I understand that we have a lot of a a skin in the game and yet it's the role of the cities and so if this something that we want to do um then then we really need to meet with our city partners and come up with language that we all agree with. and and at this point on the cusp of the next legislative session um this feels like too little too late from a process standpoint. >> Commissioner, >> Mr. Chair, I think the notion that this is in the dark of the night and behind closed doors needs to be rechecked and it's not at the 11:00 hour. Again, if I point to last year's legislative priorities that had unanimous support of the board, um albeit before you joined the board, um we could simply adopt the language that we had in 2025. It's been out there. It's been public. It serves our needs. It may not go far enough as anybody wants it to go, but it's a step in the right direction. It allows us to coalition building. To your point in your opening comments, we need to build more partners. Our partners are chomping at the bet to partner with Carver County and Scott County and the neighboring cities. And if we think that the cities are going to solve a problem they have chosen not to solve for 50 years. I know it's a hard one. Um because we're just going to punt to them. I don't I am not resigned to that notion. We've known that we've needed a $300,000 to $400,000 product for years and it hasn't been built. We've done the bookends. We've got the market [snorts] rate stuff. We got plenty of 700 plus,000 houses in our community. It seems like we have a good amount of the subsidi highly subsidized projects like um the three in city of Carver which serve their purpose. But I think it's frankly cruel to put somebody in a subsidized house and not have them have the next step up. What are they going to stay there and languish forever? Are we going to wait for the city to address something they haven't for 50 years? I just can't I can't accept that premise. And so I think the best compromise hearing all of this is just readopt the same language that we had in 2025 that we all approved. >> Well, reasonable. >> Commissioner Man, I think you're getting at my point. So, and I I I don't hold out a lot of hope for this today, but um as I said, I think the board's open-minded to looking at solutions in the future, but your $300,000 house. That would be a start. So, what can Carver, this Carver County board do to make a local city or ourselves develop, fund other to get a $300,000 house that that's what would work in language for housing because if you talk to a Pakornney or a Ripky who've developed things. It's the land. So, >> what are you doing? >> You know, going down 212, you're talking about farmers getting rich because their land is going to be worth so much money. Well, that's counterproductive to $250 to $300,000 houses. So, um you know, and I'm thinking about development. I don't know if all of you are on Highway 5 in Chanhasson right by Paisley Park just now. Two very large buildings have gone up. Uh that is all one company, the Bernard Bernard Group. Congratulations. It looks beautiful. Um but look how far in eastern Carver County a piece of Highway 5 hasn't been developed. and now has along with XL Energy next door that even looks nice. Um so so but I think the county board is getting a little a field with all of that but but for us to know exactly what it is we would ask the legislature to do force the cities to do to build that $300,000 house is I think what we would be looking for. That would be I think I think the board agrees the miss there's a missing middle. So how are we going to get to it and platitudes and like I said for 40 years I've heard about the sheriff's deputies that can't afford anything. They got to marry a nurse so they can afford. That's that's always the thing. So we get it. We've all been through it. we were all young once and so uh but I I'm really looking for more details and again the last sentence I don't know what the even the last sentence does um but build more apartments it seems like that's where we want our young people we want them all in boxed apartments near a light rail line and I I don't agree with that so um that isn't my suburban dream. But but anyway, so should we uh move to a motion on this? Commissioner Unerman, I see you had language to amend it. You could amend that motion. Should we lay it on the table, work on it? Does it have a hockey goalie mask on? Should we kill it while we have the chance? What do we What do we want to do? >> Commissioner Anderson. Uh >> final comment. One is we're not punting to the cities. It's their role. So uh we do need to talk about do we have a role in housing or not period. The other thing is um the world has changed since we did our last legislative priorities and I attended that legislative priority breakfast in December because I was um elected but not sworn in and and the world has changed and the state is looking to use county money and property taxes to solve their budgetary issues. So that's our number one priority this year is to fight for our tax holders, to fight for our taxpayers to to keep the state at bay. And our current the current 12 priorities do that. They send a clear message and a clear strategy by which most of our other um counties and um partners are in line with. Um so I move that we adopt the 12 legislative priorities um that include the opt out. >> Second. Okay. Okay, I got a motion by Anderson and a second by Fehee to approve the 12 legislative priorities which includes the opt out or is there 13? >> That would be 12. >> 12 would be 12 >> including the opt out. >> Sands the utterman housing language. Correct. >> Correct. >> Okay. Further discussion. Commissioner Lynch. Um, Mr. Chair, I've never been a top down uh type of guy. Um, I don't think we like it when the state plays top down with us and transferring unfunded mandates to us. I think the best form of government is the one closest to the people. Uh, cities have all their they have elected mayors, boards, planning commissions, and cities can decide how they would expand. Um, but I do fully support Southwest uh uh transit and and the opt out. uh we have to remember we have to stay in our lane. We have planning authority in the rural areas uh with the townships. Cities have uh planning and uh zoning authority within the cities. Uh like the last sentence you mentioned uh the construction of we encourage construction of new condominiums and small foot dwellings. Does that mean that your neighbor can build a small foot dwelling in their backyard and then rent it out? That's a discussion we don't want to have here and they can have it at the city. Again, the best form of government is the one closest to the people. So, >> thank you, >> Mr. Chair. And [snorts] also just with the seconding of [clears throat] the the motion going back to Commissioner Anderson's comment about the process and we had a work session about this just a week ago, 10 days ago, and there was nothing brought up in the work session. And with Commissioner Udman being on the legislative committee to have all year last year to be able to formulate a housing policy or priority, as we talked about in the work session, we know full aware that there's going to be other issues that are going to arise in the legislative session next year that aren't our priorities. But we're going to react to those and that's why you have a lobbyist and that's why we have two individuals serving on that committee because the ball is always moving forward. Okay, I got a motion, a second. Any further discussion on the Anderson motion? Okay, all those in favor say I. >> I. Those opposed? Motion passes. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair, board members. If I could follow up just then on the next steps uh on the screen, December 16th uh tenatively the legislative breakfast. Uh Kristen, have we received uh did we send out an invite on there yet? Okay. So, we're in the process of getting our SVPs. We want to get as many legislators in the room, of course, as we can. That'd be we [clears throat] would hold that 7:30 a.m. at the American Legion. uh we'll send out formal confirmation with that and then we'll we'll finalize the the packet with the priorities and get that in their hands too. We do have one more meeting with our individual legislators comm uh representative re this afternoon. So that's wrapping that up too. So on our way then to uh the legislative session on February 17th and a lot of work to be done in the meantime. Thank you Mr. Chair. >> Thank you. Move to adjourn. >> Was that your county administrative report, >> Mr. No meeting next week? I'll add that. >> Okay. >> Will people be deer hunting? >> Well, there's [clears throat] no meeting next week, >> right? >> And it's Veterans Day, too. So, honor honor the veterans on Tuesday. >> Okay. Now, I'll take a motion to adjurnn. Who said that? >> Commissioner. Commissioner Hutterman and Commissioner Lynch is seconding it proudly. Any further discussion and anything else? All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed. Motion passes.