[music] Good afternoon. I'll call to order this meeting of the Henipin County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. I'm Irene [snorts] Fernando, chair of the board and District 2 Commissioner. I'm joined by District 1 Commissioner Jeff Lundy, District 3 Commissioner Marian Green, District 4 Commissioner Angela Connley, Vice Chair and District 5 Commissioner Debbie Goel, District 6 Commissioner Heather Eden, and District 7 Commissioner Kevin Anderson. Henipin County acknowledges that the magnificent land and vibrant waterways from which our institutions benefit are located upon the cultural, spiritual, and indigenous homeland of the Dakota Oate. [snorts] Henipin County calls attention to the Dakota people's ongoing connection to this special place. [gasps] First on the agenda is the pledge of allegiance. Please join me. I pledge allegiance 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. >> Uh colleagues, as we approve the agenda, I'd entertain a motion to um amend to move 90 from consent to appear right after this approval. So before item three. Um, I'll entertain that motion. >> Second. So moved. >> Thank you, Commissioners Connley and Green. All those in favor of the agenda as amended, please say I. I. >> I. Opposed. [gasps] Motion carries. Um, so for members of the public, 90 out of consent has been moved and we are now going to be in a moment. We'll be moving and discussing it. 900 reads, "Denouncing the violent and unlawful actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Henipin County offered by commissioners Connley, Fernando, and Eden. Colleagues, I distributed an R1. That's a revision to this. Um, I'll move the R1. May I have a second, please?" Thank you, uh, Commissioner Eden. Um, so allow me a brief introduction of the R1 and then we'll open it up to colleagues. Uh first for uh for those watching at home, the original language was unanimously passed out of committee on January 13. I thank co-authors Commissioner Connley and Commissioner Eden as well as all colleagues for your care on behalf of residents in your steadfast defense of the Constitution. Since that uh since the item passed out of committee on January 13th, um a vote of this current board meeting was always going to be needed to ratify that committee vote. uh it's given many many things that have occurred from January 13th to present um as well as uh persistent uh misinformation um it is important that the our one that has now been moved also includes what has occurred in our communities from January 13th um to now. So the language originally had 10 whereas clauses all of which sought to be factual for the purpose of providing context for the six revolving claus resolving clauses. Uh the R1, the revision before us contains 22 whereas clauses again in an effort to document what Henipin County has experienced during Operation Metro Surge uh here in January. [sighs and gasps] Instead of the six, excuse me, in addition to the six original resolving clauses untouched, there is an additional clause in the R1 that recognizes the First Amendment and seeks to condemn the use of chemical irritants on peaceful protesters in the press. So, I wanted to first just introduce the differences. Colleagues, you have both a clean version and a redline version. Um, and uh we'll we'll open uh the floor up and Commissioner Connley, you can go ahead. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, in addition to my comments when we first introduced this, I wanted to add more. Um, every day since we introduced this this bar, um, there has been, uh, a lot of trauma and confusion and fear in our communities. And frankly, I'm very very sick of it. And I'll be glad when I is gone from our communities. I think that the additional um pieces to this resolution speak not only to my heart but speak to what I see with my own eyes, speak to what um my residents have called and told me specifically what they're feeling. I want to call out two pieces of this and then I'll pass it along. Um but Alex Prey was a ICU nurse at the VA hospital in District 4. His last documented words were, "Are you okay?" This is someone who dedicated his life and career to caring for people. I read that he wouldn't leave his house without his dogs. Neither will I. This is someone who is our neighbor and someone who has been viciously mischaracterized by the federal government. I also want to call out the resolving clause that reads that the Henipin County Board of Commissioners recognizes the United States Constitution's First Amendment that protects freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. and condemns the use of chemical irritants or less thanlethal munitions as crowd dispersal tactic tactics on peaceful protesters and press. I have a um a report that was done by the National Institutes of Health. The National Institutes of Health conducted a study on people that were exposed to tear gas and it states 83% reported experiencing at least one of the outcomes of interest including uterine cramping 69%. Early menstrual bleeding 55%. Breast tenderness 30% and delayed menstrual bleeding 19%. Chemical agent exposure was significantly associated with higher odds of an adverse reproductive health outcome. What's happening in our communities is a public health crisis. It has long-term impacts especially the use of chemical irritants which I have seen being thrown at people uh regardless just without warning without anything. These are long-term impacts that are happening to people who would be future um parents, future caregivers. They have um devastating physical impacts um on human beings in general as per the National Institutes of Health. Um I am extraordinarily supportive of of this bar, but also the calling out of this uh egregious use of chemical irritants on people given the long-term public health impacts. Thank you. Commissioner Edson. >> Thank you, Chair Fernando. Um, Alex Prey uh lost his life on Saturday and I just want to focus on the things that he Well, thank you actually, Commissioner Connley, for saying the great things that he's done. Um what was interesting is after Renee Good's death and after Alex Py's death um where they were killed on on the on the streets um they were labeled immediately a domestic terrorist and there was no investigation done. I do hope that we will have the BCA and I know that there's been a lawsuit filed to make sure that the BCAA can actually do an independent investigation with all officer involved shootings in the state of Minnesota. It is common. It is not just it's not a political issue. It's common. That's just what you do. It's the best practice. Um and so things have gotten so political and the tension so high in our state. Um the trauma that's going on from kids to seniors to everyone in between is not good for us and it's people don't have access to food. People don't have access to health care. They kids are scared to go to school. People are not going to work. This is not making any of it. It's not making us safer. And so with that, I just I thank you for bringing this bar. Um if anything it it may not make things better but I think we are in a hopefully uh today and yesterday it felt like there was a shift. I hope with Tom Homer coming to our state that he will hear the trauma that we've all been through and our state has been through. So, I hope that this is a step and I honestly I continue to say that like not only should we be speaking out, but every city council member should be speaking out, businesses have been speaking out. I was glad to see some of our larger businesses uh speaking out to some extent um this past weekend. So, we'll continue that pressure and thank you uh Chair Fernando for leading this. >> Commissioner Goodell, >> thank you. I just want to say that I actually appreciate this because this is a historic document. We are recording history. I'm actually going to have this uh put at the Henipin History Museum after this and I'm hoping that staff will continue to document these things and pass them on to our history museum because this is um an awful, horrendous thing that has happened to our state. And we need to make sure it is well documented and that we don't forget what happened here and that at some point in time this will be displayed to other generations so they will see what happened at this moment in time. Our you know everybody the ICE is trampling our civil rights. That's clear and simple. They're going doortodoor. They're going through hospitals, churches, schools, preschools. Um they're closing our small businesses. the economic impact will be years to turn around and people's lives may never totally turn around, especially those families that are torn apart and they're they've lost a loved one, especially a bread winner here. And so I'm I'm grateful for bringing this forward. I I fully support it. I won't repeat all the the great comments that my colleagues have already said. >> Commissioner Green. >> Um thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you to the co-authors. Um, so first just a comment on the changes that were made to and just to say that they're absolute no-brainers to include everything that was added. Um, they in and of themselves are are enough to blow a gasket. Um, I wanted to just name a little bit about what's happening, the continued travesties in the community, the blatant disregard for the Constitution. Um, I appreciate the discussion of chemical irritants. Um, I want to draw everybody's eyes to a Star Tribune article that showed the different canisters being used um based on things that they had picked up in the community. Uh, there were products that were known carcinogens. There were products that have been discontinued for use in the United States, which gave me no comfort because apparently we're still exporting this stuff. Um, anyway, and then further the disregard for crime scene preservation. So, um, I do I'm, you know, we're all reading the same signals and hoping that there's going to be a a calming and a change in the situation, but the ramifications of the um sort of polluted crime scenes, those and the and the um just the complete lack of interest in charging ICE agents, th that will be a long hangover from all of this. Uh, and I worry about it. Um, I guess the headline is I'm really glad that we're passing this and it's an important important statement. Thank you, >> Commissioner Lundy. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh, I want to thank the three who brought this forward for putting the work to put these words to paper cuz sometimes they're difficult to do and also just documenting the many different things and this is just the the tip of the iceberg I would say uh that we've seen that we've received messages. Uh I also want to highlight, you know, the effects of uh ISIS behavior and activities. We have, you know, the suburbs, people not showing for work. We have businesses closing. We have people not going to school. Um and even as they're American citizens. Why? Because they have seen people uh you know, stopped. We've seen a Brooklyn Park cop who happens to be happens to be Latina uh who was pulled over and boxed in by uh ICE agents. Um, again, they pulled over cop and they boxed her in simply because of her looks. It had nothing to do with anything else. Um, and so, you know, the racial profiling of just pulling people over. Um, you know, I have friends who have uh kids who are here studying, who are from abroad who are worried like they carry everything with them because they don't know if they're going to get pulled over even though they're studying at our university. Um and so you know the message that sends that their fear um you know they don't want to go to class and I don't blame them. I can't legally you know tell them that don't worry right like I might tell my sons don't worry about stuff but I can't tell them that because frankly I don't know. Um and so you know highlighting that I think the behavior you know 22% of my district is foreign born. Many of the people who fled governments that would just pull people over and they disappear sometimes forever. Uh they' just be gone. And that's very similar unfortunately to what uh our federal government has decided to do in its enforcement of immigration law. And I wrongly enforce it. So they came here for a better life. I've not met a single person who says they come here for the handouts. They come here for opportunity. They come here for the freedom. Uh when people around this world are uh being oppressed and I think of the people in a Iran uh guess what flag they fly. It's the American flag. And there's a responsibility that comes with that. When people think of freedom, they don't think of what we've seen here. They think of people coming here to have a better life. And that's what I want all people to do. Um, I just wanted to highlight, you know, a couple things. One, very well documented this about the first amendment rights. They are absolute uh people have absolutely the right to speak freely, to speak against government, to protest against government. This is not Iran where they executed thousands of people, but still just the fact that they executed one is is bad enough. Um I also want to highlight something that I think was wrongly portrayed in the media is that um Alex Prey had legal right exercise his second amendment rights and was doing so and the responsibility that he had. So his rights were not only his denial of his right to live but al his first amendment and his second amendment because he did everything right despite what the government went out and told everybody. Um the fact is you can do what he was doing. He did have uh everything properly done and uh it was still used against him. And so that's a lesson to us all that first and second amendment are not there for just the hell of it. They're there for a reason. uh they're there to be respected and no one gets the privilege of taking those away. Um certainly not with a gunshot. So, thank you, Madam Chair. >> Commissioner Anderson. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I want to just take a moment to highlight also that the administration's rationale in the at the beginning of all of this was for to address uh criminals and illegal immigration uh for community safety. And I think if that were in fact what they were doing in terms of finding people who were a danger to our communities, I don't think that we would have a problem. That's not what happened. That's not what has been happening. And the way that they have approached their power has been an absolute disgrace. And Commissioner Edson, you mentioned the hope that we have. There's a new tone coming about, but we cannot accept giving away our rights and our rights to due process that is afforded to every person in our community for an illusion of peace. Now, I want peace. I want us to be in a community that can exercise their rights to protest, to engage in government in a meaningful way. And we can do that. And Minnesota showed that we can do that. And I think it is a testament to the people in our communities showing up not just in Minneapolis but in small communities throughout the state and in suburbs to say enough is enough. We need to get back to a place where the government is accountable to people and the government is there for service to the people. So, I appreciate this the work that went into putting bringing this together and I think as long as we have leadership like we have in Minnesota, we will continue to be able to shine a light forward for so many more people and for others across the country. Thank you. >> Thanks everybody for your thoughts. Um, like you, I am absolutely heartbroken for our communities, for our neighbors, and for the families of Renee Good and Alex Prey, both killed at the age of 37. 37. It's a couple years younger than me. [snorts] I honor their humanity and acknowledge the deep pain felt by their loved ones and our community. They acted out of justice and compassion to aid their neighbors. They are heroes. May they rest in peace and power. The taxpayer funded violence and harm we are experiencing is inhumane, unlawful, and unconstitutional. Racial profiling, detaining minors and children, overt and aggressive citizen checks to kids. I didn't have an idea. at age 13. >> US citizens detained with no counsel, no paperwork, and now two neighbors killed on video by federal agents. Video that exists because of the bravery of their neighbors. United States due process means that justice is pursued through legal action. Credible investigation and courts, not through guns, murder, and indiscriminate violence on our streets. But we must not look away. We must continue telling the truths we are seeing and experiencing here in Minnesota. It is heart-wrenching during a time where the federal reality is cutting funds for food, health care, and housing. It seems as though these funds have been reallocated for kidnapping, violence, and family separation. Just think about that. Is that what taxpayers prefer to fund? I saw a report that said Operation Metro Search costs $18 million per week. For reference, SNAP benefits paid to eligible Henipin households was $3.6 million per week in 2025. I know these figures are not a one for one, but mathematically that is five times the amount spent weekly on SNAP in all of Henipin County for this so-called operation. Since it began in December, many of us have been calling out the overt lawlessness and racist practices of ICE and CBP. And we've been calling it unprecedented. [snorts] Unprecedented is a word that is a hallmark of my time in governing from 2019 to present. With an absolute broken heart, I must assert that I don't think that this is unprecedented anymore. History [snorts] shows us that these actions are key steps in a predictable playbook. A predictable playbook that decreases democracy [snorts] and promotes authoritarianism, fascism, autocracy. Federal power and resources are being used to destroy our civil liberties. And we have two neighbors dead. What was manufactured as an immigration crisis [snorts] was already hurtful for many people who are connected to immigrant communities. As a very proud child of immigrants, that was always tough. But the law and order and the paperwork and we engaged with some amount of good faith, but this is just not justifiable in any manner anymore. I don't think it was then and [snorts] it really, really isn't now. What we're seeing, in my opinion, is not an accident. I'm seeing videos of aggressive federal agents in Maine and in Utah and all across the country. [snorts] These are the steps that history books tell us are essential in decreating democracy and promoting fascism. I like many of you find myself stunned, [snorts] completely stunned in grief, in anger, in sadness, in disbelief. I find myself frozen. And I think it's because numbing is a tool of self-preservation in times of trauma and uncertainty and crisis. But together, through the inspiration of motans and neighbors all across our community, I believe that we can and must resist the urge to give into this frozen numbness because numbing our pain might also numb our shared humanity. And is only through the collective wisdom in our bodies and ancestral story lines that we will get through to the other side of this. Authoritarianism thrives off of overt violence and redefining or twisting what is true. So today we are voting on an action that documents what Henipin County residents can sitably express as our experience here. And every single day residents are taking courageous steps to document and speak their truths about what is happening in their lives. My understanding is that this is all on purpose to sew pain that is so overt, so much anguish that we that our spirits are crushed that we become defeated. But motans are not defeated and Americans are not defeated and every person who finds themselves in our geography and under our care are worthy human beings and we are privileged to get to serve you. Over the weekend, there were a 100,000 strong in Minnesota and double that across the country in solidarity towards justice. Authoritarianism is brittle and requires constant control. And together people, not positions, not titles, not resolutions. The collection of people have something much more enduring than that. We have we have actions and courage and bravery rooted in love and care and leadership that is rooted in the expansiveness that comes from protecting and cultivating our shared humanity. So to all motans, residents, neighbors, our friends, family members, co-workers, and especially to our young people and itty bitty children. [snorts] I am very proud of our unrelenting courage, compassionate caregiving, and a fierce resilience towards justice. Our neighbors are stronger, more united, and more resolved than ever. Ultimately, I do believe that our shared humanity and love for one another will prevail. That only occurs when we arise with one another, leading with integrity, caring for one another with dignity, governing with courage, and fighting for shared humanity without apology. The resolving clauses of this action direct just that this organization remains steadfastly in service to all of the people, workers and community members who find themselves in our geography or in need of care and service. we remain with you leading towards accountability and justice [sighs and gasps] and I look forward to ensuring that we live out the promise of this bar that we uh will very soon vote on. So with that colleagues if there's nothing further I believe we will uh proceed to vote. Uh for those watching at home we moved 90 from the consent agenda up to right after the approval of the agenda. We [snorts] passed an R1. That means there was a pretty significant revision. Um, this is pretty hot off the presses. So, it will be uh published uh likely uh you know after the meeting. So, I do acknowledge that. But with that being uh with the R1 of 900 before us, receive a vote. All those in favor please say I. >> I. >> I. >> Opposed. [snorts] Motion carries. Uh next on the agenda is number three, which is Henipin Highlights. >> This is not a public hearing. So [clears throat] why are we making this statement? Because two years ago you all said you were going to shut down the her but you have not committed to setting a date something you voted to do. >> People are dying. On our agenda, we just completed um as amended, we just completed 9. Three is Senate highlights for which uh we have none listed. [sighs] Four is minutes from the previous meeting. um 4A the meetings from January 6, 2026. May I have a motion, please? >> Second. >> Thank you, Commissioners Anderson and Connley. Any [snorts] notes or corrections on the minutes? Seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carries. Five is referral of correspondence and department communications. 5 A through C are correspondence and 5D to R are department communications. May I have a motion to accept and refer as recommended? >> So move. Go tell. Thank you, Commissioners Gotel and Lundy. All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion carries. Six is commendations for which we have none. And seven is Commissioner Communications. And we have two. The first is human trafficking and exploitation awareness month offered by Commissioner Eden. Go ahead. >> Thank you, Commissioner Fernando. January is human trafficking and exploitation awareness month. Human trafficking and is is an issue that affects our entire community. It can happen to anyone regardless of age, location, race, or gender identity. Human trafficking is the exploitation of a person through force, fraud, or coercion for labor or sex. It often involves manipulation, control, and survival. It is not a choice. In 2004 or 2024, 83 cases of trafficking were identified in Minnesota, involving 133 victims. Henipin County has the highest number of youth impacted by sex sexual exploitation in Minnesota. Henipin County recognizes the importance of raising awareness about human trafficking and exploitation. Promoting promoting pre prevention strategies and supporting survivors. Youth experiencing exploitation are not alone. A network of survivors and support services in Henipin County is ready whenever help is needed. Henipin County's no wrong Wrong Door program supports youth at risk or of facing sexual exploitation, connecting them to resources, including health care, counseling, emergency shelter, and case management. No Wrong Doors robust network of partners are committed to preventing youth exploitation, making a meaningful difference in the lives of survivors in our community. Last week, uh I as well as several um Commissioner Fernando, you were there and several of our staff and and county employees had the honor to attend uh the walk to end silence and awareness event at the Mall of American recognition of human trafficking and exploitation awareness month hosted by No Wrong Door. I know Tia is here. Shout out to Tia for doing such a great job with uh organizing. [applause] I walked alongside hundreds of community members, partners, and Henipin County staff. It was really great to hear some of the youth that actually uh spoke as well to uplift and show our support and to empower survivors and their families. Walk to End the Silence represents what is possible when communities come together to confront difficult realities with compassion. This is an issue I care deeply about on a personal level. But I'm also on the Henipin County I'm the Henipin County Leaison to No Wrong Door Advisory Committee. As a county leaders, we have a responsibility to support this work through continued partnership, investment, and accountability. That commitment extends beyond today and into policy, services, and systems we help shape. Human trafficking and exploitation thrive in silence. It was heartening to see so many residents and organizations join this to support the work. Thank you to everyone um including I just want to Lisa Bailey. I don't know where she is. Maybe she's here. And then just Tia again. Amazing amazing job. >> [applause] >> In addition to the shout out to the staff, just want to shout out to the um to the youth youth advisory board. Uh to have anything that is you know youthled and um you know person center victim centered is just really really incredible. So thank you. Survivor centered uh Commissioner Lundy. >> Thank you Madam Chair. I want to thank Commissioner Ed for bringing this forward. Uh the irony is not lost on me and I don't mean it's a good irony. You know uh we started building uh the first teen homeless shelter was built on the fact that there were uh girls that are being sex trafficked and they were being threatened by people who are taking advantage of their status here in America. They were legally here but they they were not American citizens. And so people are using that and sex trafficking, human trafficking only works when people have something on you that you have to fear more. So people would rather engage in whatever the trafficking, the sex trade because it's considered less harmful than the alternative. And so just highlighting the role that thank you ICE and the board of protection for actually making it harder for these people who are in this status to come forward because they would rather remain in the the hell that they have than go and be arrested. And so these things all play together. the expectation of victims um play that and especially when you look at the how the trafficking rings work. Uh it is based a lot of times on on immigrants and their families because they are fearful of things being done to them and that allows exploitation to take advantage of them. Um and so I want to thank you. I want to highlight those two things are connected. They are not better now. Uh do the actions of ICE they are actually going to be worse. Thank you madam chair. >> Absolutely. Thank you. Commissioner. Uh, we're still under number seven, Commissioner of Communications. The second one we have is celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the National Day of Racial Healing offered by Commissioner Connley. Go ahead. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes. So, last week, Monday, January 19th, was Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the day after, January 20th, was the National Day of Racial Healing. It is very important for us to celebrate and recognize both of these days as an opportunity to bring all people together, reflect on our shared values, and create pathways to heal and recover from the effects of racism. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, myself and my fellow commissioners attended the annual Twin Cities Martin Luther King Jr. holiday breakfast alongside other leaders and community members. Each year, this breakfast celebrates Dr. King and creates an imperative to live out his legacy. Today, in our homes, our communities and our world. The proceeds from the event benefit the UNCF Twin Cities to support local students of color to attend college. On Tuesday, Henipin County co-hosted two virtual events for the National Day of Racial Health. One for government staff in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas and the other for the greater Twin Cities metropolitan community. Both events featured two powerful local voices in the racial healing space. Minneapolis council member and former mayor of Minneapolis Betsy Hajes and former Minnesota State Senator Mi Mua, both of whom have dedicated their post public service careers to advancing racial equity and racial healing. The focus of these events was on why racial healing matters, why it's of importance, how communities can cultivate it, and what it looks like to move from conversation to real transformation. Thank you uh to the outreach and community supports department for your work with local city and county partners for putting on the event series. The [snorts] legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is one of humanity and love for one another in the face of outright immoral behavior. It will forever be our duty to uplift our shared humanity in all that we do and especially because it is what is morally right and just. We are being called right now to carry this legacy every single day. leaders. All of us must put humanity at the forefront of policy and action for the people that we have been called to serve, especially in the face of dehumanization, cruelty, and authoritarianism. Thank you. >> Thank you. Um, next on the agenda is number eight, which is the claims register. We have three items, 8 for the period ending January 9, 2026. 8B for January 16, 2026 and 8 C is a claimed register for the period ending January 23, 2026. >> My move of approval for the three. >> Second. >> Thank you, Commissioners Green and Connley. All those in favor, please say I. >> I. Opposed. >> Motion carries. Nine is the consent agenda. These are items that would have passed unanimously out of committee. Since we've already uh voted on 9, I'll take a motion for 9A to 9. Please >> move approval. >> Second. Thank you, Commissioners Green and Anderson. Colleagues, anything that you'd like to highlight prior to voting? Hearing and seeing none, all is in favor, please say I. I. I. Opposed. Motion carries. 10 are non-consent um items. These this would have passed out of committee but not unan not unanimously, excuse me, for which we have none. 11 are progress items. These are items that would have progressed from committee to board without a vote. and we have several because of our annual community advisory board um designation. So, I know there's a lot of notes and paperwork for this. So, just Yes. Everybody take uh your moment to to collect that. >> Yes. >> Ask for a progress motion for item 11A. This is the many appointments for Minihaha Watershed. There's a technicality. >> Yes. Absolutely. So, um there's a progress motion by Commissioner Gotel um for 11A to our next board meet meeting which would be on Thursday, February 12th. Um I'll second that and maybe bring that to a vote now. Colleagues, all those in favor of progressing 11 A, please say I. >> I opposed. [snorts] >> That item is progressed. Um we'll move to 11B. And so, uh, let me just kind of explain this a little bit for those members of the public. We have community advisory boards and, um, at times we have more applicants than there are available spots. And the the process by which we select members is not intuitive to residents. It's not intuitive to us either, quite frankly. But this is the method that we uh vote when um complying with open meeting law and as a public governing body. [snorts] And so there are several community advisory boards. We will go kind of board by board. If there are fewer um applicants than available spots, we can vote by voice. If there are um a number of these that um sometimes it is appropriate for a slate, then we will u move that slate and allow that commissioner to speak to that. And then for the remaining uh the with the assistance um and support of um our clerk uh she will call one commissioner at a time and we will name that individual um that we are voting for. This is the first time that we are publishing that or publicly stating that and [snorts] if the appropriate number of votes prevails then that uh resident is appointed. So just for um a little bit of housekeeping if you will and uh with that >> can I speak to them? >> Yes I think speak to all of them right is that >> well well at one of the times they come up because to tell you the truth this was a very difficult year. This was Yes. >> So, so if I could just talk to the capital budgeting task force one, I I sent my suggestions around. We we do a lot of checking, factchecking, making sure people have been present, making sure they've been contributing. Um, we've also been looking at their performance and other things. We've also been looking at the distribution by district and geographic location. But I'm going to tell you that we've never had I don't think this many people apply for the capital budgeting task force. Um I know that the first one on the list is an incumbent and it has been asked that we he he is hugely valuable that he serve another term but on the others there are several people here because they were all so qualified. So I'm sorry colleagues I don't have a good suggestion but you have lots to choose from. Every one of these people are qualified. I just want to say that. So whoever starts the the the bidding [laughter] will go to >> So we're just gonna Yeah, we're going to go one at a time and just try our best. everyone. So, um again 11A which was the 2026 watershed board applicants and appointments has been progressed to the 12th. Now 11B is the um is for the capital budgeting task force. And for this one we have 10 applicants for two at large spots and we will rely on our clerk to vote. So please go ahead Mary Rose. Commissioner Lundy, >> Carol Vosberg, [clears throat] >> Commissioner Green, >> Greg Stika, >> Commissioner Connley, >> Greg Stika, >> Commissioner Goautel, >> Greg Stika, Commissioner Eden, >> Greg Stika, [snorts] >> Commissioner Anderson, >> Greg Stika, >> Commissioner Fernando, >> Greg Stika, who has attained the a prevailing number of votes. And so congratulations to being appointed to the CBTF. We still have one more vacancy and so when you're ready we can begin. Commissioner Green, >> Carol Vosber, >> Commissioner Conley, >> Carol Vosber, >> Commissioner Gautel, >> Katherine Fleming, Commissioner Eden, >> Carol Bossber, >> Commissioner Anderson, >> Carol Bossber, >> Commissioner Lundy, >> Carol Bosenberg. Commissioner Fernando, >> Carol Bosber, and congratulations to Carol for being appointed to the CBTF as well. That completes the two vacancies for CBTF, which is 11B on the agenda. I thank everybody for applying. We will now move to 11C, which is county extension committee or University of Minnesota Extension. Madam [snorts] Chair, if I may just speak to this one. Um, we were looking at appointments that would be um across districts that needed to be filled somewhat here. So, some of that was some of the choices that you see on the choices of the seven applicants and only three vacancies to try to balance things out. >> Thank you. Yes, we have three vacancies and seven applicants. And um, please go ahead, Maria Rose. >> Commissioner Connley. >> [snorts and clears throat] >> Dr. Pchek, >> Commissioner Goautel, >> Susan Pelchek, >> Commissioner Eden. >> Um, and we're on County Extension, sorry. Right. >> Yes. Uh Chris van de lit lights. >> Commissioner Anderson. >> Uh Susan Paul. >> Commissioner Lundy. >> Uh Susan Palic. >> Commissioner Green. Susan Palic. Commissioner Fernando, >> Susan Pichchek, and congratulations to Dr. Apache for being appointed to the U of M extension committee. We still have two more vacancies and so we will um continue with the clerk's guidance to hopefully fill these two. >> Commissioner Goel, Chris Vanderlight, Commissioner Eden Commissioner Anderson, >> Chris Vanderlite, >> Commissioner Lundy, >> Chris Vanderlight, >> Commissioner Green, >> Chris Vanderlight, >> Commissioner Conley, >> Chris Vanderlight, >> Commissioner Fernando, >> Chris Vanderlight, And congratulations to Chris for being appointed to U of M extension. We have one more vacancy. [sighs] Commissioner Eden, >> Dora Hart, >> Commissioner Anderson, >> Dora Hart, >> Commissioner Lundy, >> Dora Hart, >> Commissioner Green, >> Waji Alawak, Commissioner Connley, >> Dora Hart, >> Commissioner Goautel, >> Dora Hart, >> Commissioner Fernando, >> Dora Hart. Congratulations, Sedora, on your appointment and we fulfill the vacancies. And of course, thank you to all who applied. Um, colleagues, we are on to 11D, which is the human resources board. For this body, we have one applicant for two at large spots. [snorts] So, I would appreciate a motion to appoint Wajdi al- Moaf to the HR board. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you, Commissioners Green and Gotel. All those in favor, please say I. I. Opposed. Motion carries. And congratulations to Washi. 11E is the adult mental health local advisory council. Uh um it is our past practice to have a slate proposed by our health chair, Commissioner Connley. Is that >> Yes. So I'll um I'll hand the floor to you. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes. As is customary, the chair of our public health committee will recommend a slate. I appreciate staff for helping to prepare this slate and colleagues I have passed out to you all um the slate as it is and I will read the the recommendations. The five applicants are Brian Edwards of district 1 and Donna Rapas from district 7 for the two consumer vacancies. Laya Zamar District 4 for the atlarge the single at large vacancy. Lewis McKinley, District 7 for the single VA family member vacancy and Nene Emani Simone District 7 for the single provider vacancy. Thank you. >> I'll move this late. >> That's a second. >> Okay. Thank you. Commissioners Gotell and Anderson with a slate before us. Colleagues, are we prepared to vote voice vote? All those in favor of the slate, please say I. I. opposed. Motion carries. Um 11F is the library board. We have 20 applicants for five at large spots. Um in the past we have done this uh one at a time. Are we prepared to do that today? Colleagues, >> you know, if that's the wish of the board, I just want to let them know that Jessica Craft is currently in an executive position um as one of the incumbents to to be elected. Just so people have that. And I'm sure they've got it somewhere in their notes as well. >> Okay, >> that's the only note I have. Otherwise, we can just go. >> Wonderful. Thank you, Commissioner. Um, with that, uh, Miss Rose, [sighs] >> Commissioner Anderson, >> Jessica Craft, >> Commissioner Lundy, >> Jessica Craft, >> Commissioner Green, >> Jessica Craft, >> Commissioner Conley, >> Jessica Craft, Craft, >> Commissioner Gotel, >> Jessica Craft, >> Commissioner Eden, >> Jessica Craft, >> Commissioner Fernando, >> Jessica Craft, and congratulations on your reappoint. [sighs and gasps] We still have four vacancies and so we are ready when you are. Commissioner Lundy, >> Ashley Cron, >> Commissioner Green, >> Ashley Cron, >> Commissioner Conley, >> Ashley Cone, >> Commissioner Gautel, >> Ashley Ashley Cron, >> Commissioner Eden, >> Ashley Cron, >> Commissioner Anderson, >> Ashley Cone, >> Commissioner Fernando, >> Ashley Cone, and congratulations Ashley for being appointed to the library board. We have three vacancies still, >> Commissioner Green. Uh, >> Mary Nstrom, >> Commissioner Connley, >> Dr. Rebecca Loen, >> Commissioner Gotel, >> Dr. Rebecca Lohen, >> Commissioner Eden, >> Dr. for Rebecca Lohen. >> Commissioner Anderson, >> Rebecca Lohen, >> Commissioner Lundy, >> Rebecca Lohan, >> Commissioner Fernando, >> Rebecca Owen, congratulations on your appointment to the library board. We have two more vacancies. Commissioner Connley, Michael Sorenson, Commissioner Gotel, >> Kim Kang, >> Commissioner Eden, >> Michael Sorenson, >> Commissioner Anderson, >> Kim Kang, Commissioner Lundy, >> Kim Kang, >> Commissioner Green, >> Kim Kang, >> Commissioner Fernando, >> Kim Kang. Congratulations to Kim for being appointed to the library board. And for our last vacancy, >> Commissioner Goel, >> Michael Sorenson, >> Commissioner Eden, >> Michael Sorenson, >> Commissioner Anderson, >> Michael Sorenson, >> Commissioner Lundy, >> Michael Sorenson, Commissioner Green, >> Michael Sorenson, >> Commissioner Connley, Michael Sorenson, >> Commissioner Fernando, >> Michael Sorenson, and congratulations to Mike for your appointment to the library board. And thank you to all the applicants. So colleagues, we are now at 11G, which is the race equity advisory council. We have six applicants for eight at large spots. Um if it pleases the body, we could appoint um all six applicants to the REAC verbally. May I have a motion? >> I'll move the slate. Second the slate. >> Thank you, Commissioners Edison and Kotel. Um the slate the applicants are Kandra Reing, Cresten Gekle, Ibraim Oalabi, Lindseay Pluger, Petta Salazar, and Yaba Gobana. All those in favor, please say I. >> I. Opposed. >> Motion carries. The slate is approved and thank you all um for your service to the REAc. 11H is the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Board. Um colleagues, you'll note that there are a few sections. Uh but I I believe we can do all of this um verbally. >> So the first is the community- based organization section. We have one applicant for one spot. May [snorts] I have a motion to appoint Kelsey Ragnes? >> Second. >> Thank you. Commissioners Anderson and Green. All those in favor, please say I. I >> opposed. Motion carries. Congratulations to Kelsey. Next is the private sector business section. We have one applicant for four spots. May I have a motion to appoint Rebecca Sterns. >> So moved. Clau. >> Thank you. Commissioners Gotell and Connley. All those in favor, please say I. I. >> I. Opposed. Motion carries. And congratulations to Rebecca. And then we have the organized labor organization section where we have one applicant for one spot. May I have a motion to appoint Kim Shrup? So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you, Commissioners Anderson and Green. I'll note that this vote requires a super majority to be reappointed with a motion and second. All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. So that completes 11H. So I believe we're on to 11 I, which is the birth Justice Community Advisory Board. Um, this one is uh similar. We have five applicants for 13 atlarge spots. If it uh pleases the body, we could verbally appoint all five applicants. And >> I'll move that slate. >> Second. >> Thank you. Commissioners Gotel and Connley. So that would be Austin Fala, Kevin Alundes, Naomi Abraham, Rachel Voit, and Yaba Gobana. Is that right? >> Mhm. >> With a motion and second. Um all those in favor please say I. >> I opposed. Motion carries. And we've also made um five appointments to the inaugural or you know first year for our birth justice community advisory board. >> So colleagues uh those are our progressed items. Did I miss anything? We did we do that correctly? >> Just madam chairman say I'm going to ask the clerk's office. We do have vacancies still that we would go out again and advertise to see if we could fill some of those vacancies. I know I will work hard to look I have some folks that I'd like to see on this birth justice community board and I will be happy to try to I'm sure we all will up here at the deis to find really great qualified people to step up on this new board. >> Absolutely. Yes. So we still have we first off we thank everybody for applying and for participating in this contributing to our civic uh you know your civic duty through this uh way. We will get an update on how many vacancies make sure that we are still promoting it. Um, and thank you for that reminder, Commissioner Godell. So, uh, back to the agenda. 12 is old business, which would have been items that this board has seen previously and were laid over to today for which we have none. And 13 on the agenda is immediate approvals, and we have several. Um, we will just go for the most part one at a time. [sighs and gasps] Uh, colleagues, 13A and B are um, immediate approvals, but these are very routine items. If it pleases the body, we can um, approve both. and I can read them into the record. >> Yeah. 13 A and B moved. >> Second. >> Um 13A and B are moved by commissioners Connley and Gotel. 13A is the bid award for Bridge Tower which does BIS does business as finance and commerce for publication of a official matter with Henipin County. The period is January 126 to December 31, 2026 with a not to exceed of 200,000. And 13B is to a is an award to ECM publishers for publication of the 2025 financial statements in a publication with circulation in the southern suburbs um for with an amount of 2,000. Uh both of those are before us. Colleagues, any discussion? Hearing and seeing none. All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carries. 13C's to award a contract to Ryland Construction Company, Inc. for the city hall and public safety facility jail finishes and upgrades project. This is for um a little over $6.9 million. May I have a motion, please? >> Second. >> Thank you, Commissioners Eden and Connley. Uh, Miss Wetland, >> Chair Fernando, commissioners, consistent with county purchasing rules, this item's before you to award a bid to Riley Construction Company for upgrades and remodeling to county spaces at city hall and in our public safety facility. The work is part of an approved capital project that is included in our 5-year capital improvement plan. Christy Duffy, operations director with facility services, is here to provide details if needed. >> Thank you, colleagues. Is there discussion for item 13 C? Question or discussion? Hearing and seeing none. All those in favor, please say I. I. >> I. Opposed. [gasps and sighs] Motion carries. 13D to award a contract with Tyizac Concrete LLC for accessibility improvements along various county roads. Um the amount is $994,000. May I have a motion, please? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you, Commissioners Gotell and Anderson. Miss Wland, >> Chair Fernando, commissioners, consistent with county purchasing rules, this item is before you to award a bid to Taisac Concrete LLC for accessibility improvements along various county roads. The work supports the county's Americans with Disabilities Act transportation plan. Jessa Taboich with Transportation Project Deliveries here to provide additional details. Welcome. >> Thank you, Madam Chair and commissioners. I'm Jessa Tboyovich with Transportation Project Delivery. Today, I'm requesting contract award for accessibility improvements planned in conjunction with our pavement preservation program across the county, including along Old Chakapi Road in Bloomington, Basslake Road in Brooklyn Center, York Avenue in Edina, and Manitu Road in Tonka Bay. Staff is recommending contract award to Taiz Concrete, who is the lowest bidder. This work supports the county's Americans with Disabilities Act transition plan by improving accessibility for all people who travel along the corridors. Thank you. I'm happy to answer any questions you have. >> Go ahead, Commissioner Alson. >> Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you for that. Um, I'm wondering if you have a list of like priority and how you're going about doing it. I'm just I'm going to all my city councils and I need to make sure they know about all the things like Tonka Bay super helpful. But do you have upcoming projects and is there a list just so I would be able to have access to that? >> Certainly. Commissioner Fernando, um Commissioner Eden, we do have um a map that shows all of the work that we have going on across the county. Um and that would include our ADA work as well and we can provide that to you as you go meet with your cities. >> Further discussion hearing and seeing none. All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Opposed. U. Motion carries and 13D is approved. 13E is to establish a meeting with the county board at Hannipan Health on February 11, 2026 beginning at 1 p.m. I'll move this. May I have a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Commissioner Anderson. This is very self-explanatory. Colleagues, all those in favor of establishing a meeting, please say I. >> I. >> I. Opposed. >> Motion carries. 13F is always a very heartwarming one. Use of the Henipin County Government Center skyway level and bridges 84, excuse me, bridges 8,4 and 17 for Valentine's Day weddings to be held on Friday, February 13th, 2026. May I have a motion, please? >> Second. >> Thank you, Commissioners Green and Gotel. Miss Wetland, would you like to speak to this? Chair Fernando, commissioners, item 13F grants use of the government center skyway level as well as certain bridge floors to perform the Valentine's free Valentine's marriage ceremonies over the noon hour. This will be the 12th annual event and there are representatives here from facility services Christy Duffy um and district court communication Matt Layman if you have any questions. >> Colleagues, any questions? It is very heartwarming event. definitely encourage people to walk around and just see families very happy. It's [gasps] absolutely wonderful. Um, all those in favor of 13F, please say I. I. >> Opposed? Motion carries. 13G is an amendment to an agreement with DHS for Ryan White program part B HIV aid services. The period is April 1, 2024 to June 30, 2026. This is a $597,000 receivable. >> I move approval. >> Thank you, Commissioner Green. I'll second it. Um, Miss Swedland. >> Sheriff Fernando Commissioners, our current public health director, Sarah Holly's here and can answer questions and provide background. >> Good afternoon, Madam Chair, commissioners. Um, this agreement originally provided $1.5 plus million dollars to Henipin County to deliver Ryan White HIV AIDS program part B HIV care um core [clears throat] medical and support services to low-income people living with HIV in the metro area which is 13 counties. Um DHS is updating their contract dates to align with the state fiscal year. Therefore, the current contract is being extended through June 30th of this year. Um the additional 597,000 was awarded to fund the extended contract period of April 1st to June 30th of 2026. Um and this money u will be distributed to existing subreient contracts and the remaining funds will cover administrative costs um incurred um to manage the part B funded contracts to support Minnesota Council for HIV and AIDS care and prevention. Thank you. Any discussion, colleagues? [sighs] >> [gasps] >> Seeing none, all those in favor of 13G, please say I. I. Opposed. Motion carries. Maybe not walk too far. 13H is to approve the appointment of Sarah Holly to the unclassified position of assistant county administrator of health effective February 9, 2026. Affirm that Sarah Holly will continue to serve as Henipin County Community Health Services Administrator and Director of Public Health for her prior appointments to those positions. May I have a motion, please? >> Second. >> Thank you, Commissioners Connley and Kotel. Miss Wetland. >> Chair Fernando, commissioners. So, this is one of two um appointments coming your way today that I have the privilege and honor to bring forward. So, I am pleased to offer this item for your consideration. Board action 26-0053 requests the appointment of Sarah Holly to the unclassified position of assistant county administrator over the health line of business. As you know, Miss Holly is currently Henipin County's public health director. She has more than 20 years of experience in public health leadership and administration with a strong record of advancing racial and health equity. Her expertise in policy development, cross- sector collaboration collabor collaboration positions her in driving innovation and eliminate disparities in health services across Henipin County. It's worth noting that Miss Holly will continue in her statutory role as the community health services administrator and as the public health director. I had the privilege of bring asking for this um supporting this appointment for Miss Holly to be our public health director and I'm very thrilled that we are now you're entertaining appoint of her as your assistant county administrator of health. >> Incredible. Um discussion any discussion before we vote and we ask for a very long and wonderful speech. [gasps] So with 13 H before us colleagues all those in favor please say I. I >> opposed. Motion carries and congratulations [applause] to our newly appointed ACA of health please. Miss Hollis. Thank you madam chair. I'll try to keep it short but thank you for the opportunity to speak again. Good afternoon, Madam Chair, commissioners, administrator Wetland, Deputy County Administrators Murphy and Rogan, and colleagues and residents. I'm so honored to be selected as Henipin Countyy's assistant county administrator for health. It's been a joy to serve as the director of Henipin County Public Health since June of 2024, the best local public health department in the state of Minnesota. Um, my passion for the health and well-being of our community is lifelong and embedded in my lived experience. At an early age, I wondered how I would impact the health health of my community when I witnessed family members navigating chronic health conditions, the complicated health systems that were not created for all people, and the continued disparities my own community face with growing needs in health, housing, income, and justice. This is all tied to how health impacts every part of our lived experience. My vision for health in Henipin County is one that centers equity, humanity, and care. In my time with Henipin County, I've seen both remarkable challenges and opportunities we face to make sure all residents can achieve good health. And across all these departments, I've seen the dedication to addressing racism as a public health crisis and commitment to eliminating disparities. In this role, I commit to bringing these departments together to advance this critically important work. By coordinating efforts and bringing together our collective expertise and talent, we can make a bigger difference and greater progress towards those goals. During these unthinkable and tragic times, we must not lose sight of how we continue to remain focused on healing and well-being of people. Health is a human right. That includes having the freedom to live in a just society. I want to thank my family and village for supporting me every day to serve our community. They put up put up with a long long hours, a lot of long hours. Um, but my commitment to this community, they've supported this for many years. Um, and I want to thank you all for this opportunity and thank the incredible staff in leadership in the health line of business and in the human services line of business in the entire county um, for your commitment for their commitment to serving our residents. Thank you for this appointment. [applause] Congratulations ACA Holly. Um, next on the agenda is 13 I, which is to approve the appointment of David Hwitt to the unclassified position of assistant county administrator of human services effective February 9, 2026. May I have a motion, please? >> Thank you, Commissioners Anderson and Connley, Miss Wetland, >> Chair Fernando, Commissioners. Again, I am pleased to offer this item for your consideration. Board action 26-000054 requests the appointment of David Hewitt to the unclassified position of assistant county administrator over the human services line of business. Mr. Huitt currently serves as the director of housing stability and human services. He has over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit and the public sectors. In his current role, he has focused on elevating the voices of people with lived experience of homelessness and develop and implemented the county's strategy for making homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring. Under his leadership, the county has achieved measurable results, including a 33% reduction in unsheltered homelessness locally since 2020 and the federal designation of having effectively ended veterans homelessness in 2024. Thank you. >> Thank you. Yeah, I know we're all just excited. Any uh any discussion before David's long speech? also hearing and seeing none. All those in favor of 13 I please say I. >> I opposed congratulations to EC. [applause] >> Uh thank you so much chair Fernando commissioners. Um it's it's a huge honor privilege to to be able to serve in this capacity as it's been a huge honor and privilege to be able to serve and support our efforts around ending homelessness making homelessness rare brief and non-recurring these last nine and a bit years. and you've seen me up here a few times before in that time. Um, I'll be honest, those are a little bit more comfortable to me where I got to come up here and talk about the work and talk about elevating the voice of people with lived experience and uplift the work of the team uh than today where I I'm supposed to talk a little bit about myself, but I'll I'll persevere. I'll push forward. Um, as as Commissioner Wentland noted, yeah, my public service background goes back a little bit longer than my time here. actually January 2002, I I took a six-month entry- level job with a homelessness nonprofit in London. I don't remember the exact date. So, for poetic license, let's say it was 24 years ago today. Um, and at the time, I know I I felt I had this very strong feeling that there was a failure of compassion in our community around these issues that I cared about greatly around mental health, around substance abuse, around alcohol abuse. I really wanted to sort of put my shoulder to that work. And in many ways, the last 24 years, that's kind of what I've been trying to do is sort of channel and convert compassion and kindness into effective public service. And um I've been really grateful for the opportunity to serve my community in the Whittier neighborhood uh this last decade. And you heard uh some of the work that we've been involved in and that I've been privileged to be a part of. Uh Commissioner Goali, you talked about how, you know, we kind of still live in history. I've produced this before, but I've been carrying this folder for many years. and it has a a copy of a contract from March 17th, 2020, the last in-person board meeting before we were all sent home for the pandemic when we signed the contract with a hotel and started bringing seniors and those who are highest risk from the pandemic out of congregate spaces to keep them safe. So, I've been carrying that around with me. I'm proud of the work that we were able to do then and through other really challenging moments. And clearly, we are in one of those moments right now. And I'm just really grateful for the opportunity to serve our community in this moment as well. and look forward to you working working with you all in this new capacity. Thank you. [applause] >> Congratulations to ACA's Holly and Hwitt. Very fun to say. Um we're on to 13J of the agenda. An agreement with Ballard Spar LLP Attorneys at Law for Legal Services with a not to exceed of $250,000. I'll move this. May I have a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Commissioner Eden. Miss Wetland. Chair Fernando Commissioners, item 13J is related to our discussion during this morning's closed legal briefing. Deputy AD County Administrator Dan Rogan um can provide more information if you would like. >> Welcome, Madam Chair. Uh on January 20th, a subpoena to testify before a grand jury um was addressed to the custodian of records for the Henipin County Board of Commissioners. It was delivered to our uh chief compliance officer. The subpoena was issued by federal court and requested uh of the United States attorney for the district of Minnesota as part of a federal grand jury criminal proceeding. The subpoena contains eight separate requests, all of which relate to federal immigration enforcement and the county board's directions and communications associated with responding to that enforcement. um th this subpoena is similar to others that have been um uh served on uh the city of Minneapolis, uh the mayor's office, uh Ramsey County, and the governor's office and the attorney general's office. Minnesota law permits the county board to pay for criminal uh defense for individuals when there is uh an item that arises as a result of the work that they are doing. because the US Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation that appears to be brought against county officials arising out of uh the performance of their duties, including uh the seven of you. Uh state law authorizes this contract to go forward. I'll uh stand for any questions. >> Thank you. Um discussion, colleagues hearing and seeing none. All those in favor of 13J, please say I. I opposed. Motion carries. [sighs and gasps] 13K is the last item on our agenda and it is celebrating and honoring Black History Month offered by Commissioner Angela Connley. Would you like to move it? >> I will move it. >> I will second it and go ahead, Commissioner. >> Thank you. So, February is coming and February is Black History Month. Uh, this month is an intentional time to learn about black history in America and Henipin County and celebrate black excellence and contributions in our country. This year marks 50 years since the creation of Black History Month and 100 years since Black History was first commemorated nationally. So, it is fitting that this year's uh national theme is a century of Black History commemorations. And I would be remiss if I didn't mention the history we just made today with the appointment of Sarah Holly as the first black woman to hold an ACA position with Henipin County. I will ask the clerk to read the proclamation and then I'll have some to say afterwards. Whereas in 1925, Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History and conceived and announced Negro History Week to be celebrated during the week encompassing the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas in February 1926. And whereas in 1976, then President Gerald R. Ford expanded the celebration to a month and urged Americans to seize the opportunity to honor the too often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every endeavor throughout our history. And whereas the consequences of historical disinvestment of black communities in Henipin County must be acknowledged and the reparation of these harms centered in the work of the county across all lines of business. And whereas repairing harm that has deeply impacted black residents is in alignment with Henipin County's declaration of racism as a public health crisis. And whereas we understand that by addressing with intention the complex legacy of suppression and discrimination in housing, health care, child protection, education, criminal justice, and economic mobility. We build a better tomorrow for the next generation of black residents. And whereas all Henipin County students, educators, and residents should know the rich history and contributions of black people in Henipin County, rededicating ourselves to nurturing a bright future for our black students and residents. Be it resolved that the Henipin County Board of Commissioners hereby proclaims February as National Black History Month to recognize the amazing and everlasting efforts and accomplishments of black descendants descendants of the African diaspora in Henipin County, Minnesota and the United States of America. >> Thank you, Miss Rose. Celebrating black history in Henipin County is important because black history is American history and we honor the history of uh our contributions to this country on so many levels. As I mentioned earlier, the 2026 national theme is a century of Black History commemorations. The founders of Black History Month urge us to recognize this theme by exploring the impact and meaning of commemorating black history and life and the role it has played in transforming the status of black people in the modern world. In addition to this proclamation, the Lowry Avenue Bridge will be lit up red, black, gold, and green on February 1st in recognition of Black History Month. Thank you. >> Thank you, colleagues. Any additional comments before we vote hearing and seeing none. All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carries. In February is officially proclaimed National Black History Month in Henipin County. >> That was the last item on our agenda. So a motion to adjourn is in order. >> So move. >> Second. >> Thank you. Commissioners Green and Gotel. All those in favor say I. I. Opposed. We are adjourned. But don't go too far. We have a brief meeting of the Henipin County Railroad Authority. Good afternoon everybody. Call to order. >> Call to order this meeting of the Henipin County Regional Railroad Authority. Today's Tuesday, January 27th, 2026. Um the first item on our agenda is to approve the agenda. Uh is there a motion to approve? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Um moved by Commissioner Connley, seconded by Commissioner Fernando. Any edits or changes suggested? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. >> I. I. >> All those opposed, our agenda is approved. Um the first item of business is SEC item 2 2A [clears throat] specifically is our meeting minutes from January 6, 2026. I will move approval. Is there a second? >> Second. >> A second from Commissioner Lundy. Any notes or edits? Um seeing none, all those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. All those opposed. The minutes are approved. Uh we have no claims registers today. And under four, section four, we have 4A, an item for new of new business. Um, it's con to consent to an assignment of lease granting Minnotonka Industrial Portfolio LLC permission to assign lease a lease agreement to UP Minco LLC for rental of rail authority property in Minnetonka. Uh, is there a motion to approve? So, >> second. >> A motion from Commissioner Lundy and a second from Commissioner Fernando. Um, Miss Zernie, if you could share a recap. Chair Green and Commissioners, the request before you is consent to assign the lease from the current owner to a new future owner. The lease originated in 2002. The new assignment of this lease would in would in would extend through February 2028, 2029, include rent payment of $3,923 per year, and either party may terminate within 90 days notice. Um, thank you so much. Any questions? Um, seeing none, all those in favor say I. >> I. All those opposed. That item is approved. Um, seeing no further items uh on our agenda or brought today, I will call us adjourned. Little