Hennepin County — Transcript
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Workforce Development and Tutoring Services
Public Safety and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Staffing
Community Safety and Mental Health Response Programs
Memorial and Recognition for Public Service
Transit Infrastructure Project Funding
Residential Waste Management and Recycling Policy
Votes (13)
Agreements for Career Pathways, Employment Services, and Academic Tutoring
Moved by Unknown [0:02:40] · Seconded by Unknown [0:02:45]
This block included agreements with North Point and Wellness for healthcare career pathways for youth, an amendment with American Indian OIC for employment and training services, and an amendment with The Hive Blane LLC for academic tutoring. Commissioner Anderson raised a question about the impact of new reading curriculum legislation on the tutoring services for county-involved youth, prompting a commitment from staff for a follow-up memo.
Dedication of a Tree in Memory of Speaker Melissa Hortman
Moved by Unknown [0:05:40] · Seconded by Unknown [0:05:41]
Commissioners Connley and Lundy introduced a resolution to dedicate a tree in memory of former Speaker Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and their dog Gilbert, who were victims of political violence. Speakers emphasized the tragic nature of the event, the importance of public safety for elected officials, and the need to foster a less volatile political environment. The dedication was inspired by a suggestion from the Hortman children and will take place on the South Plaza.
Ryan White HIV AIDS Program Grant and Reinsurance Protection Agreement
Moved by Unknown [0:12:35] · Seconded by Unknown [0:12:35]
This item included an agreement through HERSA for a Ryan White HIV AIDS program grant, providing over $6.1 million, and an agreement to purchase reinsurance for catastrophic medical claims, not to exceed $5 million, as required by contracts with the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Both items were considered routine and passed without discussion.
Extend Suspension of Ordinance 9, Section 7, Subsection 1 Staffing (EMS Staffing)
Moved by Unknown [0:13:30] · Seconded by Unknown [0:13:30]
The committee considered a request to extend the suspension of a section of Ordinance 9 that would require two paramedics for all 911 EMS calls. Kristen Melstrom, Public Health Planner, explained the need for an extension until March 31, 2026, to collect and analyze a full year of 2025 performance data from various EMS staffing models before a final decision. Commissioners supported the data-driven approach.
Human Service and Public Health Contract Amendments (under 2515)
Moved by Chair Heather Edson [0:20:12] · Seconded by Unknown [0:20:13]
This item, described as a routine resolution, involved various contracts and amendments for human service and public health providers, with further details referenced in document 2515. It was passed without specific discussion.
Amendments to Joint Powers Agreements for Henepin County Embedded Social Worker Program
Moved by Chair Heather Edson [0:20:55] · Seconded by Unknown [0:20:56]
A block of items involving amendments to joint powers agreements for the Embedded Social Worker Program with a consortium of seven police departments and the cities of St. Louis Park, Edina, Richfield, Maple Grove, and New Hope. Commissioners lauded the program as an effective, holistic community service built on partnerships. Discussion touched on the program's value in diverting 911 calls, cost savings, and the need for a 'value statement' to cities. Staff clarified differences in agreement end dates were due to city budgeting cycles.
Amendments to Agreements with SAMHSA for Early Diversion, Community Crisis Response, and Systems of Care for Youth
Moved by Unknown [0:30:40] · Seconded by Unknown [0:30:41]
This block included three amendments to agreements with the Substance and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for early diversion, community crisis response partnership, and advancing systems of care for youth and families. These amendments extended dates and increased receivable amounts for these vital mental health and crisis intervention programs. The items were passed without specific discussion.
Amendments for 911 Alternative Mental Health Response Team and Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Funds
Moved by Chair Heather Edson [0:33:55] · Seconded by Unknown [0:33:56]
This block contained two amendments: one for an agreement with the Bureau of Justice Assistance to continue the 911 alternative mental health response team (extending the date with no change to funding) and another with the Minnesota Department of Human Services to accept federal funds for non-emergency medical transportation services (extending the contract and increasing funds by $1.5 million for a total of over $17.3 million). The items were passed without discussion.
Deconstruction Services Agreement and Organics Drop-Off Agreements (excluding one city)
Moved by Unknown [0:36:20] · Seconded by Unknown [0:36:21]
This block initially included an amendment with Better Futures for deconstruction services, negotiation of waste delivery agreements (Item 2B), and negotiation of organics drop-off agreements (Item 2C R1). Item 2B was separated due to concerns about negotiations with the 'city of the first class' (Minneapolis) and progressed to the full board. Items 2A and 2C R1 then passed as a block.
Negotiate Waste Delivery Agreements with Licensed Waste Haulers (Item 2B from Public Works)
Moved by Commissioner Green [0:40:10] · Seconded by Commissioner Lundy [0:40:11]
This item concerned negotiating agreements for waste management services, specifically identifying market prices for waste delivery. Commissioner Green raised concerns about a particular agreement with the 'city of the first class' (Minneapolis), seeking more detail and a separate conversation regarding its nuances. Following discussion, the committee voted to progress this item to the full board for further deliberation, separating it from the routine block.
Subordinate Funding Agreements for Metro Blue Line and Green Line Extension Light Rail Transit Projects
Moved by Unknown [0:42:05] · Seconded by Unknown [0:42:06]
This block comprised agreements with the Metropolitan Council for project staff services on the Metro Blue Line and Green Line Extension light rail transit projects, amounting to over $1.6 million in estimated receivables. Commissioners expressed strong support and excitement, emphasizing Henipin County's commitment to transit, its economic and social benefits, and the value of having county staff embedded in these crucial infrastructure projects.
Approve the Residential Waste Reduction and Recycling Funding Policy
Moved by Unknown [0:50:50] · Seconded by Unknown [0:50:51]
This item proposed approving a revised Residential Waste Reduction and Recycling Funding Policy, which governs the distribution of state SCORE funds to cities. Discussions revealed significant concerns about the adequacy of SCORE funding from the state, the need for transparent city performance data, and major policy inconsistencies and structural deficiencies noted in the report from the 'city of the first class' (Minneapolis), particularly regarding their approach to solid waste facilities like HERC and transfer stations. Due to these unresolved issues, the item was progressed to the full board.
Agreements with Better Futures Minnesota for Tax Forfeited Property Maintenance and Security
Moved by Chair Heather Eden [1:20:00] · Seconded by Unknown [1:20:01]
This item consisted of two amendments to agreements with Better Futures Minnesota. These amendments extended contracts for services including lawn care, snow removal, salt/sanding for maintenance, and routine exterior property inspections, boarding, and security for Henipin County's tax-forfeited properties. Both items were considered routine and passed without discussion.
Notable Quotes (14)
I know that there was um change in legislation uh to update the curriculum um for reading in schools. And I'm curious if I can get an update at some point, not right now, of the impact of that on county involved youth that are going through like are we seeing um improvements?
Serving in public-f facing roles should not avail us to intimidation and violence.
I think maybe if we all take a moment to think about um just what does that always lead to? It leads to more violence. it leads to more harm and maybe taking a moment um in thinking about ways that we can take the temperature down that would be good and best for frankly all of us.
The purpose of this request is so that public health on behalf of the EMS council can collect and report a full year of performance measure data from 2025 before the board makes a final decision on this suspended section of the ordinance.
So you actually need this extension. I think we're data driven up here and we really want to see the data before we move forward.
This is an example of a holistic community service where where county is working alongside um you know other jurisdictions and authorities and I look I'm eager to support it and look forward to further expanding in ways that the data uh shows.
Cost and value are two different things. People assume they're the same. they are not the same. And I think a lot of cities are saying the cost of the embedded social worker program and I think that maybe obviously we have our work cut out for us for the end of the year but maybe you know next quarter first quarter of next year if we get a presentation I think it'd be really important that we provide a value statement to these cities.
There is uh one agreement with the city of the first class that I believe a little bit more attention is needed. So I I didn't know what the what the will of this group was. Um, but I did email a potential uh path forward if depending upon how people want to do it.
It in a in a time where government functionality is not guaranteed. It's hard to call these routine. These are significant items. This is uh a lot of work, a lot of workers, kind of a countless amount of of years of advocacy and most importantly an essential service for any society
You can't build enough roads to fix our future. Um, and there are people, as I said in our budget hearing, uh, all you have to do is look at your insurance. Uh, cars cost more now than ever.
We receive about 4.4 million in SCORE funds every year from the state... And we pass 100% of these funds through to cities to support their programs on the front line in this case offering curbside recycling, organics, trash collection.
what uh uh gives me pause is section D of the policy which talks about cities of the first class, right? and the report that we got back from the city that ends with they don't have a dedicated department for zero waste.
if we were to lift up for a moment from an environmental standpoint, it is appropriate to have a solid waste facility in the city that generates the most trash.
how pathetic the dollars are that are coming into this? Um, we set a floor of $3,000 for our small communities. You know how much you can do with $3,000? I mean, let's be honest, like, that does not cover anything meaningful.
Ordinances & Resolutions (6)
Specific section regarding EMS staffing requirements, currently under suspension.
Document outlining details for human service and public health resolution contracts and amendments.
State Committee On Recycling and the Environment funds, sourced from solid waste management tax, distributed to cities for waste reduction and recycling programs.
Policy setting guidelines for allocating SCORE funds to cities and establishing performance standards.
Agreement through HERSA for HIV/AIDS emergency relief.
Future legislation mentioned as kicking in its first year of implementation in 2029, relevant to waste management policy.