Presentation: Building a Balanced Urban Ecology
Presentation, no formal vote.
James Wiskerchen from the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District presented on their comprehensive strategies to combat climate change impacts and manage flood risk. He detailed their 10-year plan, climate action framework, and an integrated system for both short-term flood prediction (weather forecasts, real-time measurements, water level sensors) and long-term risk modeling (surface water, groundwater, storm sewers). The model integrates data from 29 cities, two counties, and MnDOT, representing a significant technical achievement. Commissioners expressed strong support, highlighting the model's value for long-term planning, regional collaboration, and replicability for other jurisdictions. Concerns were raised about the disparity of infrastructure data and the need for standardized, shared resources across cities.
Approval and submission of the updated Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act regional plan
Motion carries.
Moved by Commissioner Fernando [0:24:28] · Seconded by Unknown [0:24:30]
Noula Slatyer Johnson from Workforce Solutions presented the updated Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) regional plan, emphasizing its collaborative nature across six workforce development areas in the metropolitan region. The plan aims to connect education and training to employment, meet employer needs, and create career pathways, with a focus on ensuring equitable access to economic opportunity across the diverse workforce.
Amendment to agreement with Kutak Rock LLP for legal services related to renewable energy
Motion carries.
Moved by Chair Gotel [0:24:54] · Seconded by Unknown [0:24:55]
This item sought to extend the agreement term to December 31, 2027, and increase the not-to-exceed amount by $100,000 for a new total of $200,000 for legal services related to renewable energy. No further information or discussion was requested by the commissioners.
Negotiate two agreements for lead education and grant recruitment services
Motion carries.
Moved by Unknown [0:25:29] · Seconded by Unknown [0:25:30]
This item authorized the negotiation of two agreements for lead education and grant recruitment services for the period of November 15, 2026, to November 14, 2029, with a total combined not-to-exceed amount of $560,000. No further information or discussion was requested.
Authorize investment officer to use additional statutory investment authority
Motion carries.
Moved by Unknown [0:30:08] · Seconded by Unknown [0:30:09]
Fran Killian from the Office of Budget and Finance presented the annual request to authorize the county's investment officer to use additional statutory authority for repurchase agreements (repos) and reverse repos beyond the standard 90-day term. She explained this ensures safety and liquidity, with an internal limit more conservative than state statute. The county's fixed-income portfolio is risk-averse, with a short duration, positioned for market changes. Commissioners inquired about market risks and the necessity of longer-term agreements, receiving assurances about the portfolio's stability and flexibility.
Direct the county administrator to implement strategies that prevent, reduce, and mitigate the impact of domestic violence
Motion carries. This item has been progressed.
Moved by Commissioner Fernando [0:44:03] · Seconded by Unknown [0:44:05]
Commissioners Fernando and Conley co-authored a resolution to direct the county administrator to implement domestic violence strategies based on a prior inventory report. Key components include establishing a victim-survivor advisory committee, addressing recommendations, and integrating efforts within Public Health's Safe Communities. Discussion highlighted the public health implications of domestic violence, disparities in how cities handle cases, and the need for standardized victim support. Commissioners emphasized leveraging lived experience, addressing resource gaps, and advocating for legislative changes to ensure consistent services across Hennepin County. The item was moved to be progressed to a future board meeting for further consideration and refinement.
Amend a second amendment with an agreement with Kotiviti Inc. for audit software services
That item passes.
Moved by Unknown [0:46:17] · Seconded by Unknown [0:46:20]
This item involved amending an agreement with Kotiviti Inc. to extend the end date to December 31, 2029, and increase the not-to-exceed amount by over $410,000, bringing the new total to over $1.2 million for heat as audit software services. The committee passed the item without requesting further review or discussion.
Authorize the use of opioid settlement special revenues for the 2026 budget
That item passes.
Moved by Unknown [0:47:33] · Seconded by Unknown [0:47:35]
Director Lolita Eulola presented this item as a clerical authorization to assign strategies and codes for opioid settlement dollars as required by the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), clarifying that it does not change the overall budget authorization. Commissioner Green inquired about the ability of community organizations to secure longer-term contracts. Director Eulola confirmed that, after initial 2-year contracts, they are working towards extending contracts through 2027 and beyond, based on community feedback, to allow for better long-term planning.
Human Services and Public Health resolution & Joint powers agreement for Next Generation Employment Services Grant
The motion carries.
Moved by Unknown [0:52:45] · Seconded by Unknown [0:52:46]
Item 2A involved a routine Human Services and Public Health resolution for contracts and amendments, with more details in Board Report 2614. Item 2B was a joint powers agreement with Isanti and Sherburne counties to launch the 'Together We Thrive' pilot program, receiving $558,235.29 for next generation employment services. Both items were considered routine and approved without further discussion.
Amendment to agreement with Minnesota Department of Human Services for African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act
The motion carries.
Moved by Unknown [0:53:32] · Seconded by Unknown [0:53:35]
Kwesi Booker, Chief Children and Family Services Officer, presented an amendment to extend the funding period for the Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act through December 31, 2026. The $2.5 million in received funds cover staffing, active efforts, family group decision-making, increased family services, and required 100% case reviews. Commissioners confirmed future funding for 2027 and expressed strong support for the program's objectives despite the amendment being a 'bookkeeping' item.
Agreement with CornerHouse Interagency Child Abuse Evaluation Center
Motion carries.
Moved by Unknown [0:58:34] · Seconded by Unknown [0:58:35]
This item involved an agreement with the CornerHouse Interagency Child Abuse Evaluation Center to conduct interviews of children and vulnerable adults involved in or witnessing abuse or maltreatment. The agreement was extended to December 31, 2028, with a modest increase of $4,000 to the not-to-exceed amount, totaling $44,662. The item was approved without further discussion.
Arms Part 2, Incorporated to provide a jail management system for the Hennepin County Jail
Motion carries.
Moved by Unknown [0:59:22] · Seconded by Unknown [0:59:24]
Jail Administrator Joel Field presented an amendment to extend the agreement with ARMS Purchaseco Incorporated for the ATMS jail management system through December 31, 2029, increasing the not-to-exceed amount by over $1.3 million. Field emphasized the system's criticality for jail operations. Commissioner Lundy inquired about integrating the system with city jails for intake efficiency, suggesting cities could invest in the software for a seamless transfer process. Field acknowledged previous discussions and an openness to exploring efficiencies while noting challenges related to data integrity. Commissioners expressed enthusiasm for such inter-jurisdictional collaboration.
Authorization to negotiate an agreement between Hennepin County and Clay County to provide title examination services
It carries. It is passed.
Moved by Unknown [1:06:58] · Seconded by Unknown [1:07:00]
This item authorized Hennepin County to negotiate an agreement to provide specialized title examination services to Clay County at no cost to Hennepin County, on a fee-for-service basis. Dan Rogan and Allison Shubring explained this groundbreaking partnership, noting it’s the first such inter-county service for Hennepin, with potential for future collaborations due to the scarcity of experienced attorneys in smaller counties. Commissioners enthusiastically supported the initiative, viewing it as a model for streamlining government services, sharing resources, and reducing duplication across counties, despite minor technological differences between county systems.
Contracts for construction and cost participation and other road projects (Block 2A-2J)
The block is approved.
Moved by Unknown [1:15:23] · Seconded by Unknown [1:15:24]
The Public Works Committee reviewed and approved a block of ten routine items pertaining to various road projects across Hennepin County. These included agreements for stabilization improvements, jurisdictional transfers, routine maintenance, pedestrian safety enhancements, and multiple professional services contracts for preliminary and final design engineering for road reconstructions. Additionally, authorization was granted to apply for state discretionary grant funding for a road rehabilitation project. Commissioners expressed appreciation for the extensive work undertaken by staff to maintain and improve county roadways.
Environmental cleanup and material reuse services (Block 2K-2M)
Those items are approved.
Moved by Unknown [1:17:34] · Seconded by Unknown [1:17:39]
This block of items included negotiating a Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund Agreement with Trellis Company for cleanup at the Cheatham Apartments property, negotiating various agreements for building material reuse services, and an Environmental Response Fund (ERF) grant agreement with the city of Rogers. Commissioner Conley inquired about the distinction between the Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund and the ERF. Mary Finch clarified that both are funding mechanisms for cleanup, with the RLF being EPA-sourced and a long-standing program, and staff working closely with developers to determine the best-fitting program.
State Legislative Priorities and Platform Draft (Discussion)
Motion carries (to progress to November 10th board meeting).
Dissent: Commissioner Edelson expressed opposition to repurposing bonding for geothermal conversion, advocating for resident-focused investments.
Moved by Unknown [1:25:22] · Seconded by Unknown [1:25:23]
The Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) team presented the draft 2027 state legislative priorities and platform. Priorities include maintaining focus on service delivery funding, increasing state investment, and advancing county-wide initiatives like disparity elimination and climate resiliency. Discussion on the platform centered on a proposed repurposing of $26 million in bonding from a failed recycling facility project to geothermal conversion for county buildings; Commissioner Edelson dissented, arguing for direct resident impact. The platform also outlined climate and energy goals, including support for material bans at landfills, and general government issues like election law modernization and prevailing wage compliance. The priorities and platform were progressed for further review.