Hennepin County — Transcript
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Watershed Management and Environmental Stewardship
Inter-Agency Cost Sharing and Service Delivery
Affordable Housing and Home Ownership
Small Business Recovery and Support
Infrastructure and Public Works Projects
Votes (20)
Open Appointments for 2026 Watershed Board Applicants (9M Creek WHED)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:06:50] · Seconded by Unknown [00:06:52]
Three applicants presented their qualifications for the 9Mile Creek Watershed Board of Managers. The first applicant, a retired professional engineer with 34 years in water resources and 13 years in Bloomington's water resources group, emphasized stewarding resources, climate change, responsible growth, and fiscal responsibility. The second applicant, Steve Johan, highlighted his environmental interests, community advocacy for bike infrastructure, and analytical skills as an accountant. The third applicant, Chrisanne Lauria, sought a second term, focusing on environmental stewardship, collaboration with Bloomington, and applying scientific principles to water resource management. No formal action on specific appointments was taken at this stage, but the applications were received.
Amendment to an agreement with the Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:07:54] · Seconded by Unknown [00:07:57]
The committee considered an amendment to an agreement with NACDI to increase funding for community engagement and the creation of a community garden, specifically in the Little Earth area. Commissioner Connley praised NACDI's work in providing fresh food access and preserving food resources, highlighting the popularity and positive impact of their initiatives.
Authorize acceptance of additional funding from the CDC for childhood lead poisoning prevention
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:09:05] · Seconded by Unknown [00:09:07]
The committee authorized the acceptance of additional CDC funding, extending the program term and increasing the total amount for childhood lead poisoning prevention. The Chair expressed deep personal connection to lead removal efforts, wishing for faster progress but acknowledging gratitude for the received funds.
Set Basset Creek Watershed Management Commission 2027 max levy
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:10:04] · Seconded by Unknown [00:10:07]
The committee approved setting the 2027 maximum levy for the Basset Creek Watershed Management Commission at $2,862,900. Christopher Gensel and Laura Jester explained that the levy would fund five projects to improve water quality in Basset Creek, Plymouth Creek, and the Mississippi River, impacting multiple cities within the central portion of the county. Commissioner commended the commission for its diligent multi-year review of these vetted projects.
Approve minor plan amendment to the Elm Creek Watershed Management Plan and set 2027 max levy
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:12:28] · Seconded by Unknown [00:12:32]
The committee approved a minor plan amendment to the Elm Creek Watershed Management Plan and set its 2027 maximum levy at $520,150. Christopher Gensel stated that the amendment adds one project to the Capital Improvement Plan, and the levy will fund three water quality projects in Champlain and Maple Grove, affecting the northern portion of the county.
Approve minor plan amendment to the Shingle Creek Watershed Management Plan and set 2027 max levy
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:13:46] · Seconded by Unknown [00:13:49]
The committee approved a minor plan amendment to the Shingle Creek Watershed Management Plan and set its 2027 maximum levy at $159,75. Christopher Gensel explained that the levy would fund one water quality project in Maple Grove, which is being added to the commission's Capital Improvement Plan, covering the central part of the county.
Approve minor plan amendment to the West Mississippi Watershed Management Plan and set 2027 max levy
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:14:48] · Seconded by Unknown [00:14:50]
The committee approved a minor plan amendment to the West Mississippi Watershed Management Plan and set its 2027 maximum levy at $106,50. Christopher Gensel informed that this levy would fund one water quality project in Maple Grove, added to the Capital Improvement Plan, and serves the northeastern part of the county.
Direct county administration to explore cost sharing, shared service or joint delivery models
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:15:56] · Seconded by Implicitly by discussion [00:16:00]
The committee directed county administration to explore various models for cost sharing and shared service with state and local government entities. Mr. Rogan emphasized the county's budget challenges and the need to find cost savings and improve services, citing successful historical collaborations. Commissioners expressed strong support, highlighting the unprecedented times, the unsustainability of sole reliance on property taxes, and the need for a methodical approach. Specific areas like health departments, crime labs, social services, transit, and assessing services were mentioned as potential candidates for future collaboration.
Amendment to an agreement with Wakeley Consulting Group LLC for actuarial and consulting services to Hennepin Health
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:24:39] · Seconded by Unknown [00:24:43]
The committee approved an amendment to increase the Not-To-Exceed amount for Wakeley Consulting Group's actuarial and consulting services to Hennepin Health for a three-year term. Max Billing, CFO of Hennepin Health, clarified that these services include professional actuarial support, annual opinion preparation, rate negotiation with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, and encounter data management. He also noted that Hennepin Health is a self-supporting enterprise fund, not using property tax dollars.
Human Services and Public Health resolution (Report 2610)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:27:07] · Seconded by Unknown [00:27:09]
The committee approved the Human Services and Public Health resolution, Report 2610, which includes various contracts and amendments with providers. There was no specific discussion on the details of the contracts, but the item represents a routine approval of ongoing service agreements.
Joint powers agreement with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs for services for veterans experiencing homelessness
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:28:06] · Seconded by Unknown [00:28:09]
The committee approved a joint powers agreement with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, accepting funding to continue services for veterans experiencing homelessness and retain one grant-funded FTE. Neil Doyle, Director of Veteran Services, reported that while Hennepin County effectively ended veteran homelessness in 2024, 69 veterans still experience it. He highlighted the significant progress made from 89 veterans nine years ago and emphasized the goal of increasing income and preventing crises. Commissioners praised the vital work, the satellite office in Richfield, and the team's dedication.
Authorizing pilot project for registering title to abstract portions of part Torrens residential property
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:33:14] · Seconded by Unknown [00:33:17]
The committee authorized a pilot project to register abstract portions of partially Torrens residential properties, waiving associated fees. Alison Schubing, Hennepin County Examiner of Titles, explained that about 9,800 parcels have a dual abstract/Torrens status, causing confusion, added costs, and title issues. The Torrens system offers conclusive ownership and protection. The pilot will assist seven owner-occupied homeowners by drafting documents and walking them through the administrative CPT process, prioritizing low-market value homes. This initiative aligns with disparity reduction by addressing barriers for lower-value homeowners and aims to streamline recording and prevent future title problems. Commissioners praised the innovation and potential for broader impact.
Negotiate an agreement with Tech Logic Corporation for design and construction of installation of automated materials handling system at the Southdale Library
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:41:03] · Seconded by Unknown [00:41:05]
The committee approved negotiating an agreement for an automated materials handling (AMH) system at the Southdale Library, with a not-to-exceed amount of $320,112. Mr. Rogan explained that this would be the county's eighth ultra-sort AMH, supporting the new Southdale library. He highlighted Southdale's high circulation volume (650,000 items/year) and the role of AMH systems in efficiently processing the 15 million materials handled annually across the Hennepin County Library System.
Agreements for preliminary and final design engineering professional services for various road projects
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:43:52] · Seconded by Unknown [00:43:55]
The committee approved three related items for design engineering services: an amendment for CASA 19 intersection improvements (Kimley Horn), an agreement for preliminary design of CASA 10 reconstruction (Kimley Horn), and an agreement for a rehabilitation project on Cas 60 Baker Road (CBS squared). These agreements represent initial steps for significant infrastructure upgrades, funded partly by state aid and transportation advancement accounts. A commissioner requested a follow-up on the final design for CASA 10.
Agreement with MnDOT for the reconstruction of I-494
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:45:50] · Seconded by Unknown [00:45:51]
The committee approved an agreement with MnDOT for the reconstruction of I-494 from West Bush Lake Road to 24th Avenue. The project has an estimated county cost of $860,000, supported by state aid. Commissioner Gotel moved the item, noting its relevance to her district.
Negotiate an agreement with the City of Minneapolis for maintenance and operations on county roadways
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:46:58] · Seconded by Unknown [00:47:00]
The committee approved extending an agreement with the City of Minneapolis for maintenance and operations on county roadways within the city until December 31, 2027, with no change to the $1.6 million annual cost. Commissioner Green questioned if this would be impacted by ongoing cost-sharing discussions, to which staff confirmed it would not initially. Commissioner Connley inquired about the agreement's longevity (over 30 years) and the potential for re-examining it to find cost savings, given that $1.6 million is a significant amount. Staff explained the efficiencies gained by the city's local workforce handling tasks like pavement maintenance and snow removal.
Negotiate various agreements for Green Partners environmental education programs
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:50:47] · Seconded by Unknown [00:50:50]
The committee approved negotiating agreements for Green Partners environmental education programs, totaling $173,000 for various organizations, including public schools. Angie Timmons from the Environment and Energy department explained that the program empowers residents and youth to take environmental action, supports the county's goals for zero waste, climate action, and disparity elimination. Since 2012, the program has awarded 311 grants totaling nearly $5 million, funded by the solid waste enterprise fund. Commissioners praised the focus on youth engagement and the program's success.
Amendment to an agreement with 2116 Nicollet LLP for the 2116 Nicollet project
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:56:06] · Seconded by Unknown [00:56:08]
The committee approved an amendment to extend the affordability term for the 2116 Nicollet project to December 31, 2083, without changing the Not-To-Exceed amount. Abby Lucen from Housing and Economic Development explained that this longer term, beyond the original 50 years, ensures continued affordability for 43 deeply affordable units, 11 of which are reserved for individuals exiting homelessness. The committee expressed strong support for extending affordability periods.
Terminate and forgive AHIF agreements with Alliance Housing for the Scattered Site 8 portfolio
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:57:56] · Seconded by Unknown [00:57:57]
The committee approved terminating and forgiving Affordable Housing Investment Fund (AHIF) agreements with Alliance Housing, allowing for a creative restructuring of their Scattered Site 8 portfolio in Minneapolis. Abby Lucen explained that this action facilitates the conversion of rental duplexes into affordable homeownership opportunities, in partnership with the City of Lakes Community Land Trust (CLT). CLT will renovate properties before sale, and one unit in each duplex will have an 80% AMI homeownership restriction, while the other will be unrestricted for the homeowner to rent. The initiative aims to stabilize Alliance Housing, create affordable homeownership, and support neighborhoods. Commissioners praised the innovative approach and its potential to close the homeownership gap.
Negotiate amendments to agreements with Next Stage to provide small business recovery funding
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [01:03:02] · Seconded by Unknown [01:03:04]
The committee approved negotiating amendments to agreements with Next Stage to expand the uses of small business recovery funding, making up to $1 million available for low-barrier financing and allocating approximately $500,000 for financial, legal, and marketing assistance. Patricia Fitzgerald from Housing and Economic Development explained that these funds will support small businesses recovering from federal immigration enforcement actions and other challenges, boosting revenue and customer traffic. Commissioners lauded the crucial support for small businesses as economic drivers of the county.
Notable Quotes (40)
I believe that stewarding the district's resources leads to a better community by preserving habitat, which in turn provides recreational and educational opportunities for residents and visitors.
It will be up to the board of managers to find creative ways to counter the effects of climate change, foster responsible growth, and continue to be fiscally responsible.
I am interested in being a board member because I care a lot about the environment. I just finished up a launch to legumes grant through the state of Minnesota this summer.
I have also focused on fostering collaboration between the city of Bloomington, where I reside, and the watershed district. Together, we can promote sustainable practices and initiatives that enhance a community's water resources and conservation efforts.
I'm just going to sing the praises right quick of uh NACti and the work they're doing in the community uh in and around Little Earth uh in the south side of Minneapolis around food access, fresh food access um and preservation of um food resources.
I just wish we could speed it up and do it faster. Um, but this is the dollars that we have and we're grateful for the CDC to do this.
The requested special levy will fund five projects benefiting the water quality in Basset Creek, Plymouth Creek, and in downstream water resources, including the Mississippi River.
I just want to commend the Basset Creek WHED Commission for uh getting quite the spread. There's Golden Valley, Minneapolis, Theo Worth, Crystal. Um I know it's been a a big lift to get to to this level and I really appreciate the due diligence and um and and eager to support this.
The plan amendment adds one project to the wershed commission's capital improvement plan and county staff are recommending approval of this amendment. The requested special levy will fund three water quality projects in the cities of Champlain and Maple Grove.
Requested special levy will fund one water quality project in the city of Maple Grove. This project is proposed to be added to the wershed commission's capital improvement plan as part of a plan amendment and county staff are recommending approval of the amendment.
The requested special levy will fund one water quality project in the city of Maple Grove. And this project is proposed to be added to the wershed commission's capital improvement plan as part of a plan amendment. And county staff are recommending approval of this amendment.
At a time like this, it's essential that we explore service models that can generate cost savings uh for residents and improve services.
This is, as we saw in public comment today, a very, uh unprecedented, unusual, um a really frightful time for a lot of our residents. And, uh so to have in the whereas clauses kind of codified. Uh we hear from residents, I'm nervous that my story isn't being told, that my experience is um being erased.
I've long said that we should fold in health departments with the city. Uh I'm particularly interested in housing inspection uh and that and 311 and and that data being more streamlined.
I do think there's things that we would take a look at if we can do and I'll say one that I think I think we need to look at transit. I don't think our partner is interested in delivering transit to all of our uh residents.
I want to make sure that as we're going through this that we're also looking at how we make sure that we're delivering or that the service is being delivered well whether it is by us or a regional entity or the state or whatever it might be that um that we are looking at the entirety of what we uh and our residents expect from a service.
Wakeley they provide services that include professional and actuarial support uh preparation of the annual actuarial opinion. Uh they provide rate negotiation support with Minnesota Department of Human Services and as well as uh encounter data creation reconciliation and submission.
And as Henipin Health is a self-supporting enterprise fund. It does not use property tax dollars.
As you are aware, Henipin County effectively ended veteran homelessness in 2024. Although this was a major achievement, this area remains a high priority as veterans continue to experience homelessness.
I hear constantly when I go to town halls and stuff from our veterans who saying how much they appreciate having that satellite service there. Um it's easier for them to access. There's free parking and they really rely on a lot of folks from Bloomington too.
As a benchmark, about 9 years ago, we were sitting at 89 veterans at this time. uh experiencing homelessness. So, we are moving the needle.
When a parcel includes both land types, a resident must file in both offices. So, this doubles fees and it also um doubles staff workload. and failing to record in both office failing to record in both offices creates title issues.
The torren system provides benefits because a torren certificate of title provides conclusive ownership. It streamlines future title exams and indexing. It links more readily to GIS and tax records. It protects land owners against adverse possession uh losses from fraud or errors that's guaranteed by the state and it eliminates the need to maintain an abstract of title or file affidavit of nonidentity.
This is seems very brilliant, honestly. Brilliant and kind of boring, which is seems to be a a proper intersection for saving money and and streamlining services.
I don't see um any benefit that would remain from remaining dual enrolled and like I said owners don't generally know that they are. Um it it increases the fees. They have to pay double and it really leads to um you know a lot of national uh companies don't know that we have two systems and things only get filed in one office and it creates title problems.
Southdale in 2024 was the uh fifth highest in circulation. And just to give some context to that, they uh process uh 650,000 uh items uh every year. And that's about 53,000 a month.
We have about 15 million uh materials that are checked out uh every year from the Henipin County Library System and the AMH uh across the system really make sure that u we're able to process those and and move books around the system uh efficiently and effectively.
I realize this is a recurring thing and I wondered if this is going to be impacted by the revised um, cost sharing agreement that's sort of in development.
Would it save money for us to do this a little bit differently and how we do maintenance? Um, I'm looking at both of you, but uh, just if there's ways that we can start looking at possibly saving money in this area.
This um this maintenance pol policy is really about doing typical pavement maintenance, snow and ice control, street sweeping, all of those things that really have the efficiency of the workforce that is right there. Most of our operations are outside of the city of Minneapolis and so there we are seeing some efficiencies just by having this agreement.
The green partners program supports organizations to implement projects that engage and empower residents to take action to improve the environment. Um and they also are projects that engage youth in environmental education and leadership opportunities.
We talk a lot about how accelerating zero waste involves behavior change and who better to lead that than our youth. So, I'm really excited to see uh the public schools, all of this is is youth environmental education and that's important because our youth are really really engaged around zero waste. They just want to know how to do it and how to tell their friends that they can do it, right?
I would love to see some engagement um more in the outside of Minneapolis. Uh there's a lot of youth in kind of across the county to uh to engage with and I see um a lot of great programming in in Minneapolis. Uh but would love to see expansion across the entire uh county.
We tend to wholeheartedly support longer affordability periods and this project is no exception. Staff recommend approval of this action which will gain three additional years of affordability that includes 43 deeply affordable units 11 of which are reserved for people exiting homelessness.
Restructuring will allow conversion to home ownership of most of the duplex properties in the portfolio. Within each property, one unit will be will have a home ownership restriction limiting buyers to 80% of AMI and the other unit will be unrestricted for the homeowner to rent out.
I commend your creativity. This is uh really smart governance while achieving our outcomes and being realistic about people's situation, you know. And so um the way in which this organization has approached housing cost burden on the individual level it is clear that we are also doing so for our um housing providers and to do that with alliance makes a lot of sense.
This is this is innovative and um you know the more that we're able to close the the home ownership gap in this county the better. And um I'm really interested in like these rental to home ownership conversions because we're talking about duplexes here and so there's opportunity for you know the purchase of a duplex and maybe you have a large family and then everybody just has a place to live. Like this is this is really really great and um really um ties into what just what we're doing around home home ownership opportunities that are affordable um for folks who who need that.
Specifically, the item makes up to a million dollars 1 million available in the form of low barrier financing that can be used for a variety of small business needs. The action also allocates approximately $500,000 for financial, legal, and marketing assistance for small businesses.
You've got to tell those Elevate Henipin people that they are superstars and they're doing great work.
Our small businesses in Henipin County are the drivers of the largest county in the state. So, by default, they're the economic drivers of the state. And so the way in which we approach small business recovery, small business support is absolutely critical.
Ordinances & Resolutions (23)
Human Services and Public Health resolution including contracts and amendments with providers.
Authorization to set the maximum levy at $2,862,900 for water quality projects.
Minor plan amendment for Elm Creek Watershed.
Authorization to set the maximum levy at $520,150 for water quality projects.
Minor plan amendment for Shingle Creek Watershed.
Authorization to set the maximum levy at $159,75 for water quality projects.
Minor plan amendment for West Mississippi Watershed.
Authorization to set the maximum levy at $106,50 for water quality projects.
Amendment to an agreement to provide community engagement and the creation of a community garden.
Authorization to accept additional funding from the CDC for childhood lead poisoning prevention.
Amendment for actuarial and consulting services to Hennepin Health.
Agreement for mutual cooperation and to accept funding for services for veterans experiencing homelessness.
Authorization for a pilot project to streamline land title registration and reduce title defects.
Agreement for design and installation of an automated materials handling system at Southdale Library.
Amendment for preliminary and final design engineering services for intersection improvements on CASA 19.
Agreement for preliminary design engineering services for reconstruction of CASA 10.
Agreement for preliminary and final design engineering services for a rehabilitation project on Cas 60 Baker Road.
Agreement for the reconstruction of I-494 from West Bush Lake Road to 24th Avenue.
Agreement for maintenance and operations on county roadways located in Minneapolis.
Various agreements to provide funding for environmental education programs.
Amendment to an agreement for the 2116 Nicollet project, extending affordability term.
Termination and forgiveness of AHIF (Affordable Housing Investment Fund) agreements with Alliance Housing for the Scattered Site 8 portfolio.
Amendments to agreements to provide small business recovery funding, expanding uses and allocating funds for financing and assistance.