Recognizing the Impact of Helping Paws and the Hortman Family on Hennepin County
Passed Unanimously
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Eden [00:03:03] · Seconded by Commissioner Fernando [00:03:04]
Commissioner Eden initiated the recognition, detailing Helping Paws' work and the Hortman family's profound contributions, including raising assistance dogs. Alisa from Helping Paws spoke emotionally about the establishment of the Hortman Heroes Fund following tragic losses. Angie, a service dog recipient, shared personal testimony on the life-changing impact of her dog Ora. Commissioners expressed gratitude and emotional connection to the cause and the family's legacy.
Amendments to agreements with county jails or correctional facilities to temporarily board Hennepin County detainees extend the end dates to 12312027
Passed Unanimously
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Fernando [00:27:03] · Seconded by Commissioner Gotel [00:27:09]
Joel Phil from the Sheriff's Office explained the need for these agreements due to ADC capacity. Commissioner Anderson moved an amendment to explicitly cap the 'not to exceed' amount to 'annexing needs' for transparency, which was seconded and supported by commissioners. The Board acknowledged the Sheriff's Office for reducing the requested amount from an earlier figure, reflecting responsiveness to board feedback.
To set the maximum 2027 property tax levy and proposed 2027 budget
Passed Unanimously
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Fernando [00:33:23] · Seconded by Commissioner Gotel [00:33:31]
Commissioner Fernando highlighted the board's pride in the budget's direction to protect services and vulnerable residents, noting the 2027 budget is lower than 2026, but the levy increased due to federal and state disinvestment. Commissioners Gotel, Connley, Green, and Anderson emphasized the strain on residents from property taxes and other rising costs, advocating for state legislative reform and diversified county revenue sources to address federal funding gaps.
To establish a closed meeting to discuss Henepin Healthcare System Inc. capital budget and campus plan on October 6, 2026
Passed Unanimously
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Fernando [00:49:10] · Seconded by Commissioner Green [00:49:13]
The item was presented as a straightforward procedural matter to schedule a closed meeting for discussing sensitive financial and planning details related to the Hennepin Healthcare System Inc.'s capital budget and campus plan.
To award an agreement to Dawn Construction for the juvenile detention center Dave Room safety project at $1.21 million
Passed Unanimously
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Gotel [00:49:59] · Seconded by Commissioner Anderson [00:50:00]
Christy Duffy detailed the project's safety and operational upgrades for the JDC's day rooms. Commissioner Gotel supported it as a move toward a 'friendlier facility.' Commissioners Connley and Eden expressed hesitant approval, questioning the investment in an aging, underutilized building versus newer models like the Youth Stabilization Center, while acknowledging immediate safety needs and calling for a broader strategic discussion on the future of juvenile detention.
Mental Illness Awareness Week Proclamation Offered by Commissioner Connley
Passed Unanimously
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Connley [01:06:21] · Seconded by Commissioner Fernando [01:06:24]
Commissioner Connley introduced the proclamation, noting it was requested by the Adult Mental Health Local Advisory Council. She emphasized the proclamation's goal of raising awareness, reducing stigma, and fostering open dialogue about mental health within the community, encouraging residents to seek and share support.
Declaring October 2026 to be Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Hennepin County
Passed Unanimously
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Fernando [01:09:12] · Seconded by Commissioner Connley [01:09:14]
Commissioners Fernando and Connley introduced the proclamation, detailing the widespread impact of domestic violence and outlining Hennepin County's comprehensive efforts through the Domestic Abuse Service Center, Sheriff's Office, Community Corrections, and Safe Communities department. Commissioners Anderson and Gotel highlighted community partners like Maria's Voice and Cornerstone and expressed concern about rising aggressive behaviors, calling for increased accountability and support for victims.
To set the 2027 Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority maximum property tax levy and the proposed 2027 budget and schedule a public meeting
Passed Unanimously
Dissent: None
Moved by Chair Green [01:21:49] · Seconded by Unknown [01:21:51]
Kevin Dockery presented the HRA budget, emphasizing a 0% property tax levy increase while the overall budget grows due to local affordable housing aid (LAAHA) sales tax funding. Chair Green highlighted the $15.4 million in LAAHA funds, which will enable significant new affordable housing production, preservation of existing units, homeownership opportunities, and sustainable housing initiatives without increasing property taxes.
To approve a lease agreement with Skyidge 2 LLC for rental of a 14,400 square ft hikra property in Minnetonka for a period October 1st, 2026 to September 30th, 2031
Passed Unanimously
Dissent: None
Moved by Chair Green [01:29:01] · Seconded by Commissioner Anderson [01:29:13]
The item involved the approval of a five-year lease agreement for an HRA property in Minnetonka. The lease, for 14,400 square feet, represents a continuation of an agreement established in 1996 and includes receivables of $8,800. The discussion was brief and procedural.
To set the 2027 Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority maximum property tax levy and proposed budget with a public meeting and adoption of the final 2027 budget and levy scheduled
Passed Unanimously
Dissent: None
Moved by Chair Green [01:31:02] · Seconded by Commissioner Gotel [01:31:07]
Lisa Cerny presented the RRA budget, noting a 0% increase in the 2027 property tax levy while detailing increased investments in invasive species management, tree planting towards the million-tree goal, and progress on Green Line and Blue Line extensions. Commissioner Gotel praised the collaboration with the Met Council and excitement for transit projects. Chair Green highlighted the flat levy as a significant achievement given the substantial work underway.