[Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] Good afternoon everyone and welcome to the administration's operations and budget committee of Tuesday, June 24th. with 2025. First of all, I'd just like to say that I'm happy to announce that today Henipin County for the first time is live streaming our committee meetings on YouTube. We are adding Afternoon everyone. In addition and welcome to the administration's operations and budget committee of Tuesday, June 24th, 2025. First of all, I'd just like to say okay, we got that taken care of. So, I'm going to start that again. I'm happy to announce today Henipin County for the first time is live streaming our committee meetings on YouTube. We do live stream but not on YouTube. So we are adding this in addition to our current streaming tools provided to residents and Henipin County website. We're providing this second method so Henipin can increase access to live and archived official county business to a wider audience across our community. Residents can now access both live streaming and archive materials on Henipin County's YouTube channel. The handle is at henipinmn. And I just want to say that this has been a year in the making and rewiring this entire um area, the office area and the back to make this actually happen with the new tools that we had to implement to get this. I know that our seniors and our handicapped individuals have been asking for this because they say it's so much more attainable um and accessible for them. So, I just want to say thank you to all the staff and everybody who worked to make that possible. Really appreciate you. And at this time, I'm going to pass uh pass this off to Chair Fernando to intro introduce and to talk about June uh 14th and comments. Uh thank you, Chair Gau. I asked for time at the top of our committee agenda this afternoon because it's the first time the county board has formally convened since June 14th and it's important to acknowledge what has weighed very heavily on all of us here in Minnesota and across the country. Like so many motans I woke up early on Saturday June 14th to a disturbing and distressing reality that will forever shape our collective future. In the middle of the night, a gunman impersonated a police officer, stalked and terrorized four elected officials homes in Henipin County. This horror comes, as we've seen an intensifying political climate in recent years, including increased threats against public sector workers, from election staff to public works to social services and more. Thousands of our neighbors and friends who chose public service for the betterment of our communities, who dedicated who've dedicated their lives to the public good, and who have defended and strengthened our democracy. My heart breaks for the political assassination of Madame Speaker Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and their dog Gilbert. We extend our most heartfelt condolences to their children, family, friends, and community for this unimaginable loss. Commissioners on this board and team members across the organization have served alongside Melissa in community, at the legislature, and during her time working here at Henipin County. I myself had the immense privilege of directly working with and learning from Melissa. personable, attentive, open, and determined. A quiet fierceness, a balanced tenacity, an inquisitive studiousness. She governed. She governed with an unassuming confidence, a resultsoriented practicality, and an overt connection to her values. Melissa used her voice, platform, and gavel to push the envelope on behalf of all of her colleagues and community members, especially those like myself who might be overlooked by systems. Speaker Horman's legacy will live on through her transformational leadership. From cottifying abortion access to universal school meals to averting government shutdowns and the attempted murder of Senator John Hoffman, his wife Yevette, and their daughter is deeply, deeply troubling. I've had the privilege of working with John and look forward to continuing and strengthening our partnership for disability advocacy and services, health access, and healthcare workers. We extend our care and love to his family, friends, and community. Our thoughts are with all of the victims, their families, and every person feeling the fear and horror of this violence. I'd like to hold space for the fear that many are feeling right now. And not just elected officials, but also team members, partners, providers, community members, and residents across Minnesota. This fear is real and it is valid. It will take time, care, and community, but we cannot be defined by fear. And we cannot allow hateful language and acts of violence to become normalized in our communities. to residents and employees. In the face of continued uncertainty and constructed crisis, Henipin County remains unwavering in our commitments to continue services and lead in ways that advance our shared mission. In the face of intimidation, we must continue to lead with compassion, bravery, and a sincere belief in what's possible. Public participation and community building are necessary in representative democracy. We must choose individual acts of kindness and we must cultivate communally a shared future that we are proud to pass on to future generations. No matter who you love, where you were born, your race, gender, or faith, the people's love for one another can and will prevail. Henipin County's flags will continue to fly at half mass for Speaker Horton. The county board will honor her at our next full board meeting on Tuesday, July 8th, and the Lowry Avenue Bridge will be lit in state Minnesota colors in her honor. This coming Friday, June 27th, the public can pay their respects to Speaker Hortman between noon and 5:00 pm. She will lie in state at the capital with Mark and Gilbert. I plan to be there and if you are able, hope you are able to join in community. Uh, thank you for the time, Madam Chair, and I'd ask that you open up to any of our colleagues who may want to speak as well. Yes. At this time, I'd like to know if any of the other colleagues would like to speak at this time. I know sometimes it may be difficult. Some of you may or may not want to. It's up to you. Go ahead, Commissioner Eden. I um I didn't prepare anything. Um I didn't know we were going to totally open this up. I'm going to be honest. Um, so I was with Melissa on Thursday, two days before she was murdered and Mark as well. Um, I was part of the 2018 class that made Melissa Speaker, same year that we were elected, Angela and Irene. And she was uh, she was an amazing woman. Um, just like everybody's been saying in the news. And I think what goes beyond that is there's so many impacted that might not even have met her for more than 5 minutes because they knew what she stood for at the capital. She was a quiet force. Um always making sure that we would get things done. Um sometimes oftentimes things that we didn't always want to do. Her last vote um I think was was difficult for her. Everybody saw that that saw the coverage, but she it showed the strength of who she was as a person that she knew that the state wasn't going to be able to pass an operating budget. The state has to pass one, right? There's lots of state workers. She knew how many people would be impacted. Um and so I just would say um she loved Gilbert. That that dog was when I remembered she got Gilbert. Um he was really hard to potty train and um and Mark was just pure light. Um having a political husband myself, he was just very happy and kind and um and uh anyways I I'm happy to honor her. And I think the the thing that um I have told my sons over these last few weeks is or the last week and a half um is that you can hold space for joy and the joyful moments that she brought and also the complexity and the pain that we're feeling. So thank you for opening this up. Commissioner Lundy. Thank you, Madam Chair. you know, just briefly again I think uh much more eloquently by Commissioner Fernando and Commissioner Eden. Uh obviously I knew uh Melissa uh she was elected a couple years before I uh became council member in Brooklyn Park. Uh she was one of my bosses, so was her husband. So I I knew them well and uh just always knew that uh you know whether agreement or disagreement, she would always take a phone call. And to me, that's uh the most uh kind um description I can give of somebody is if elected official returns calls because not all do that. And she'd return text messages, she would return calls, she'd show up uh when we needed her to. And uh so I know that in her memory, lots of people will act hopefully better and that we will act upon what she strove to do uh for all of us. Thank you. Thanks, Commissioner Collie. Thank you, Madam Chair. And um man, that was powerful. This is all so powerful. I think that um for me, uh I would always fang girl when um Melissa Hortman would respond or or react to something I posted on social media. Uh I'm like, if that caught Speaker Hortman's attention, we must be doing something right. And the very last thing that I posted that she reacted to was I hosted uh Senators Smith and Clolobashar and Congresswoman Omar at a food shelf in my district talking about how devastating SNAP cuts would be and um how my own family benefited from SNAP benefits many many years ago and um and that was uh just told me the type of uh person type of person that she was. Um, and it wasn't only that. It was like any small thing that we posted about uh to capture her attention. I knew where her values were. Um, being uh a part of our IGR co-chair uh conversations are important and one of the uh conversations that I remember dearly of um someone from the Minnesota deleg Minneapolis delegation was just how much of a negotiator, how powerful of a negotiator she was. And that's something that I always heard in reference to her name was her negotiation skills and her um ability to see both sides and come to consensus. And not everybody has those skills in this work. Not everybody has the skills to build consensus. And that's something that I aspire to is to be that bridgeuer and that um someone who can can see consensus, find it among vast differences and lift it up and um so that's how I remember and I really appreciate the comment about choosing joy because I firmly believe that joy is healing, joy is powerful and joy is a form of resistance. I refuse to live in a society where we cannot serve the people who elected us to represent them with fear for our lives. I refuse to accept that society. So, I'm choosing resistance and I'm going to do that in her memory. Thank you. I just want to thank my colleagues and I'm glad that we're going to honor her more at the next board meeting because a couple of our colleagues are not here today and I know that every one of us have interacted with her and Senator Hoffman. So, we all have those lines that we've created and we all have some wonderful, beautiful memories. I I like your statement too, Commissioner Eden, around living in joy and thinking about the joyful times. I remember going down and she calls me down to her office and just says, "Well, Debbie," I said, "Can you just sit down and explain how this works in the county for me?" She says, "I don't I don't understand how it goes in and goes out through the county." And I said, "Yes, I can." And I said, "I really appreciate you working so hard to get some of these bills and things passed, but here's here's what that does for us, and this is why this was so important." you know, she didn't know it all, but she wanted to know that she did the right thing and she had the right impact. And you could all, you're right, you could call her. She gave out her cell phone number to us so that we could be there with her when we really needed her. She responded and that's she's such a great leader. No matter what side of the political fence you're on, she had a lot of respect for everyone. And um that's that's a really great piece for of her. So, I just want to thank all my colleagues and everything here. I think this was appropriate and needed. Thank you. Okay, we will continue on with the bud with the um agenda in front of us. Um the first item on our agenda are the minutes from the previous meeting of June 3rd, 2025. May I have a motion? Second. Been moved and seconded. Any corrections or changes? All those in favor signify by I. I opposed. Motion carries. We have some open appointment interviews, one for the watershed and then one for the community advisory board workforce innovations and opportunity. It's about 15 minutes worth of that if you want to get ready and get your paper and pencils out. Um I have my little note sheets here too. Um and I will ask then this the staff I believe we're going to start with the weather watershed board appointments. Can we have those played please? My name is Brienne Bungard. I am a resident of Eden Prairie within the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Wershed District. I am a more recent resident of Eden Prairie moving in in the last two to three years. Um, in that time I have come to serve as the vice president of the Mitchell Lake Association board and I'm an active me member in that association. Um, being on Mitchell Lake, I have a close tie to the watershed district. And in my professional career, I am a restoration ecologist and project manager. Um, I manage wetland, stream, and habitat restorations throughout the upper Midwest, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, the Dakotas, Illinois, and Missouri. I am familiar with the regulatory bodies of these states. Um and the wetland mitigation banking process is um where my focus lies. Uh I do wetland restorations for um for credits through the Army Corps of Engineers as well as habitat restoration for credits through the Fish and Wildlife Service. Um, the reason why I am applying for this position on the board is because just living within the watershed district, I have a passion for what the water quality is and could be. Um, as well as the plant communities and surface cover of the wershed district and how that impacts water quality. Um I am very passionate about the native plant diversity and increasing native plant diversity within an urban environment which can be extremely difficult. Um I also think that more focus needs to be put on the upland areas of a watershed district. um decreasing the amount of turf and concrete that we have and converting that more into um green space, green infrastructure. that is what um I'm most interested in being involved in within the wershed district and um tying that into what the lake associations need want what the stakeholders are and how we could all work together in achieving the goal of decreasing impervious services within the watershed district. I thank you for your time and I hope to hear from you. Good afternoon, commissioners. Thank you for the opportunity to speak today about my appointment, reappointment to the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District Board of Managers. My name is Tom Duval and I've had the privilege of serving on the watershed district board since July of 2022. During my time on the board, I've served as vice president, secretary, and now treasurer. These roles have given me a thorough understanding of our operations and the responsibilities we carry as stewards of our watershed. My focus has been centered on three key areas. Number one, modernizing our financial systems. I've worked to ensure that our reporting is transparent, accurate, and that we are responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. Number two, strengthening governance. I've helped raise revise our governance manual, aligning it with best practices and higher standards of accountability. Number three, planning for the future. I'm actively involved in the early stages of our next strategic 10-year plan, which will incorporate many aspects of our ecosystem health action plan known as EHAP. Professionally, I bring over 30 years of experience in energy and infrastructure, managing multi-million dollar projects and navigating complex regulatory and operating environments. My background in financial oversight, risk management, and strategic planning directly benefits our watershed work. But beyond experience, what drives me is my personal commitment to this community. I live here, volunteer here, and I spend time with my family enjoying the very resources we work to protect. Looking ahead, I see three main priorities. Number one, finalizing our financial system enhancements and setting up long-term reporting protocols to maintain ongoing transparency and accurate financial reporting. Number two, enhancing public engagement, working more closely with the cities in our district to better harness community knowledge and passion for our mission. Number three, continued development on our new 10-year plan utilizing traditional strategic planning and dealing with the complex backdrop of the challenges ahead. The work of the watershed district is essential in the promotion of sustainable practices which are the foundation of healthy thriving communities. We need board members who understand both the technical and financial dimensions of this work. I've shown that I've shown that I can lead on both fronts and I'm eager to continue serving in this capacity. A reappointment resolution from the city of Minnitankka is forthcoming and I respectfully ask for your support for a second term. Thank you for your time and consideration. Hello commissioners. Uh this is Leslie Stovink and I am applying to be on the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District Board. Three years ago I retired from the city of Ed Prairie after 25 and a half years as the environmental and also water resources coordinator. My duties varied over the years but were primarily related to water resources and education. Now that I am retired, I have found that I miss working not only with the people, but also the natural resources that play such an important part in our communities. Being a part of the board will provide me with a way to continue my work in the field while helping to manage water resource protection efforts going forward. My work experiences included tasks such as working with the city's development review committee which was established as an interdep departmental team to review development plans, developing plans for groundwater, wetland and storm water management. Designing and implementing exhibits and programs for the environmental learning center. coordinating lake improvement projects including aquatic invasive species management, alum treatments, and water quality testing. Thank you much for your time and consideration. Greetings, Henipin County Commissioners, staff, and citizens. My name is David Ziggler. I'm applying for a position appointment on Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District Board. I believe clean water is one of the most important legacies we can leave to our future generations. My qualifications include a bachelor's degree of mechanical engineering and a master's degree in business administration both from the University of Minnesota. I have over 35 years of engineering project management and general business management experience. I completed the Freshwater Minnesota water steward program in 2016. I helped develop and review the current Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District 10-year plan when I was president of the citizens advisory committee. I was first appointed to the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Board of Managers in 2018. I have served in the positions of secretary, vice president, and president. I participated in the Minnesota Watersheds annual conference is from 2016 through 2024. I am currently on the Minnesota Watersheds Executive Committee also co-chair of the finance committee and I currently hold the office of treasurer. I'm currently active in the Minnesota water stewards program and keep up with current science and best management practices through training and lectures like the University of Minnesota moves lecture program and the Arctic meltdown and extreme weather uh presentation. It's clear to me that by partnering with federal, state, county, and city government, and collaborating with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Board of Soil and Water Resources, schools, private land holders, and other key stakeholders. we can be more effective and better manage taxpayer dollars allocated to manage our water resources. Examples of collaborative projects include and I think that ends um for the watershed district. Um we'll move on to the workforce innovation and opportunity act. Can I ask staff to cue those up? Hi, my name is Kelsey Ragnes and I'm applying for a position on the Henipin Carver Workforce Development Board. I work at Ticada Pharmaceuticals as a manufacturing manager and I'm passionate about workforce development not only from an operational standpoint but as a catalyst for equity, economic mobility and long-term community success. At DECAD, I serve as a manufacturing manager where I lead teams, develop training programs, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. I'm proud to bring a unique perspective from the biioarma industry. One that's driven by innovation, strict regulatory standards, and a deep commitment to quality. In this space, we're seeing rapid changes driven by automation, digital integration, and evolving workforce expectations. These shifts highlight the urgent need to build adaptable talent pipelines and create access to meaningful future ready careers. That's where I believe boards like this could play a pivotal role by aligning public programs and education systems with real time industry needs. I'm excited about the board's focus on connecting job seekers with employers, expanding work workbased learning, and supporting those who've historically been left behind in our systems. I care deeply about building inclusive pathways into manufacturing, especially for women, communities of color, individuals with disabilities, and disconnected youth. I'd be honored to bring my experience and voice to the Henipin Carver Workforce Development Board. Thank you guys for your consideration. Best, Kelsey. Hello everyone. My name is Amanda Rush and I'm thrilled to have the chance to introduce myself and to be considered to serve on the Henipin Carver Workforce Development Board. I realize our time together is limited, so I'll do my best to keep this short. Growing up, my family taught me about the importance of hard work and community spirit. I was really lucky to be involved in activities that centered around teamwork and service, teaching me that true fulfillment comes not only from personal achievement, but from contributing to the greater good. So, if you fast forward to today, here I am, an HR generalist at Thought Logic Consulting, where we're all about transforming businesses with a little sprinkle of magic and some serious consulting expertise, of course. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with incredible teams across social enterprise, nonprofit, and the corporate world. Each of those experiences shined a spotlight on one undeniable truth. Creating meaningful workplace experiences is what truly drives me. My passion is all about crafting inclusive, high performing teams and cracking open opportunities for talent development. So, why am I excited to be a part of this board? Well, not only do I crave new challenges, like I crave my morning coffee, but aligning employee experiences with economic growth is my jam. With the skills I've honed, including navigating HR strategy and technology, I'm ready to amplify that shared mission. So, let's connect on how we can unleash that potential together in Henipin and Carver County. I really appreciate you considering me and I look forward to hearing more. Thank you. My name is Julio Vargas Essex. I'm the vice president of student affairs and enrollment management here at North Henipin Community College. I'm also a resident of Henipin County and I'm honored to be considered for an appointment to both the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Board and the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District Board. With over two decades of leadership in higher education and workforce development, I believe I bring a deep commitment to equity, innovation, and community partnership. My work has consistently focused on aligning education with labor market needs, expanding access to opportunity, and building a sustainable system that serves both individuals and the broader public good. for the workforce innovation and opportunity act board. I offer extensive experience in developing and managing workforce aligned programs that have led to opportunities such as internship and apprenticeship programs, advisory boards, u mentorship and coaching programs, career fairs, uh companion apps, and a plethora of other opportunities and collaborations with both internal and external uh partners. I've also led the implementation of a $256,000 Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Grant to develop customized training to Walman Optical employees and have overseen strategic enrollment and student success initiatives and have increased access for students and improve persistence and success rate outcomes. I've also served as an executive sponsor for a number of strategic initiatives such as our guided pathways uh framework and program and co-led accreditation and strategic planning efforts that I believe directly support the board's mission to evaluate employment needs recommend strategies for private sector engagement and monitor training programs across Henipin and Carver County for the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Wash Watershed District Board. That's a mouthful. I bring a strong interest in environmental stewardship and public education. I'm proud to share that North Henipin Community College was recently awarded a $200,000 environmental and natural resource trust fund grant from for our project titled Creating Water Leaders and Outdoor Environmental Laboratory. This initiative will provide hands-on environmental education and leadership development for students across the state of Minnesota, preparing the next generation of students for our natural resources. I believe this work aligns closely with the watershed board's mission to protect and restore water resources through community engagement and science-based policy. In both roles, I believe I would bring a collaborative spirit, a systems thinking mindset, and a passion for public service. And that concludes our interviews for for this round. As always, this these will be difficult choices. We have really great candidates as you have heard. So, um we will um I guess we we move this to the next meeting. Yeah, Madam Chair. It would be a progress or a layover. a progress. I guess we could progress it to July 29th if one wanted to. What do we need to report point by to chair? We have uh several that are expiring the end of July. So, you have two board meetings in uh the month of July, the 8th and the 29th. Uh it's your pleasure. You can lay over or progress to the next board meeting on the 8th and we'll see. everybody. Um, go ahead. Excuse me. Uh, thank you, Madam Chair. I I just I just actually wanted to talk for a moment for about how these these appointments work. Um, so the watershed districts have three years for the appointment and they can get up to three times, correct? And then they have to have a supermajority. Yes. Third. So of these, one person needs a supermajority. Correct. I guess I would like us to have this larger conversation about how these work. Um, it's my now going a little bit over into a second year, right? So, I've been here a full year now. It might be slightly dangerous. Um, but I I worry about the idea of using the supermajority to go and um, seniority is is a positive. I agree. But it also removes the possibility for other people to have a voice on these boards. And the watershed districts specifically tend to be an area where a lot of people actually want to be on them. Like of of the several candidates here, every single one of them is qualified. And if we only go with the idea that that David Zekeler, who is the incumbent, who I'm sure is lovely, again, very smart, seems very qualified, um that we if we lean towards that way, it it just makes it so that why would we ever have other people apply? I don't I guess I just would love to have that open that up. I mean, in Edina, what we would do for our boards is we would have you could be appointed uh two to three times. I can't remember the exact number, but then you'd have to have a year where you were off. And I think we should consider that. I mean, maybe it's not this this moment that we need to do it. Maybe we get through this round, but we talk about having it effective a year from now. But I really think we should be thinking about the equity of of voices on these these watershed districts. And so I would love to hear me. This is not the only board where we have a lot of folks. They also the libraries. Yeah. And also the race and equity at times has also had an overload of folks that are on it. And sometimes there's attrition and sometimes there is not. But yeah, they're very soughta and I have to tell you those watershed boards have a lot of work to them. I'm I'm amazed what these people the time they put in. Conley and then Fernando. Thank you, Madam Chair. To that end, uh I wonder if there's any uh statutory language or anything we need to consider. Is there a county precedent that was already set before our time that we need to be considering with these? Thank you. Chair, commissioner, commissioners, uh you have a policy on community advisory boards that discusses this uh concept of a supermajority for terms after three. So that's something we could you could all revisit and look at your policy to determine uh what you want to do to amend it. uh it has been in place for many many years. So maybe it's time to refresh and and look at it. Uh it and it's not uncommon to have uh appointments that require a supermajority when we look at the bodies uh with individuals who have committed you know their time, energy, effort, expertise to uh helping uh the county and its residents, its environment and many of the other aspects of these uh cabs. So, we can provide you with a a memo and the policy so you can uh look at it and determine if you want to amend it or modify it here in the near future. Okay. Commissioner Fernando. Yes. Thank you. Um so to the item at some point I think we will progress it to July 8th just mechanically but I really appreciate you raising this Commissioner Eden. Um some of these are cabs that fall under the rule making that um our administrators referenced some aren't. We we appoint in a similar manner but um each body might have a slightly different either statutory connection etc. So perhaps even just one um level above that what are the bylaws and or um chart some of them have charters some of them don't some of them have statute some of them don't. So maybe even just from the information gathering about what are the documents that are governing this particular very unintuitive weird process. I want to really acknowledge that uh the first time that I did did this process on this way it felt so awkward and we did like three hours in a row or something. We we didn't even break it up over time. So I just want to express agreement with um and gratitude that that you're reering it. I had kind of, you know, you can kind of get comfortable or um just sequencing prioritization and you know, 2019 was our first year, so 2020 was our second year. So, it it certainly just didn't stay on the top of my list. And so, I really appreciate you raising it. So yeah, the suggestion to admin would be just to get the documents because I know there's some that are connected to statutes, some have charters, some have bylaws, some don't have any, I think, and getting a sense of that um at a time where it's practical to implement it, such as the new year, for example, might be beneficial for this group. Absolutely. So yeah, and then whenever it's ready for a motion, I can do that, too. But Commissioner Lundy had a wanted to comment. Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh just want to echo I think it's always good to look at stuff. Um looking doesn't mean you do something with it, but it means I think it gives us options and especially some cases may have certain rules that apply. Um I actually was appointed to the HM County Library Board. Uh pretty I don't hold any grudges. None of you are up here. Um it took 14 votes. I got because I saw the total when I got the letter. It actually had the round by round and I kept getting three. So I was trying to figure out who the heck didn't like me. And then finally then the 14th round they gave up and I got them all but it was consistently done through that. But uh and so I do think the process is always it's difficult because we have so many people applying but I also like the idea that if people know going in that you can only sue two or three terms. I know city of Brooklyn Park we had two um and people would step off and if they had passion they'd come back and there's nothing wrong with that. And so I'm open to whatever at least having that discussion. I think it's worthwhile. Go ahead, Administrator Huff. Uh, Chair, Commissioner Fernando, we'll follow up with you. We have several of these that, uh, start out either with a statute or just a general policy by the county board. I was referencing the general rules that apply to the community advisory boards, but, uh, they're all each unique. Uh, there are some of these groups that are more challenging to recruit for, others we have dozens of folks that want to participate. And I was intrigued, Commissioner Lundy. Uh, so because it was 14 votes, you decided to run for election so you could change the policies. I I felt agrieved that I needed to set the right. No, I think this is great discussion. Thank you for bringing that up. And we'll we'll get we'll dig into this some more. So, I'll take that motion. I move um 2 A and two I motion to progress 2 A and 2B to the July 8th board meeting. And I'll second that. Any other conversations? All those in favor signify by I. I oppose. Motion carries. We are on to new business which is first we have some routine items. They're different enough I'm going to read them separately. Um item 3A is ratification of permits, lease, lease agreements, related property agreements approved by the county administrator from the period of January 1st of 2025 to March 31st of 2025 with a not to exceed of 15,000. May I have a motion on this? moved and seconded. Any questions on this one? All those in favor signify by I. I. Approved. Um 3B is a schematic design and budget approval of ACF men's visitation, education, and staff training remodeling project. Um the project number is accompanying. I'll move this. Do I have a second? Second. Does anybody want an update on this one? All those in favor signify by I. I. Ruth. Um item 3 C is submission of substantial amendment to the 2023 HUD annual action plan. Um negotiate two award modifications from uh July 1st of 2025 through June 30th of 2070 a total combined not to exceed of $1 million. Do I have a motion for this? Move approval. Second. Second. Does anybody want a an explanation on this one? All those in favor signify by I. I opposed. Motion carries. Um item 3D D is to negotiate an agreement with the Minnesota Department of Revenue for administration, collection, and enforcement of Henipin County Local Sales Tax. I'll move this. Do I have a second? Any any questions or conversation? All those in favor signify by I. I. Approved. We have an addendum. Item 3E. It's authorized uh withdrawal from joint powers agreement between Henipin County and city of Minneapolis and Minneapolis school district number one for youth curfe curfew truency services effective January 1st 2026. Is there a motion for this? I'll move it. Second. Can we get a brief summary on this one please? Sure. You certainly can. Uh this item has been brought by county administration seeking uh uh our withdrawal Henipa Countyy's withdrawal from a joint powers uh relationship that dates back to the 90s. Most recently is reaffirmed in 2017. It's uh now referred to as a youth connection center uh utilizing a vendor the link to help uh with tru uh truency and curfew originally was identified as a truency curfew center in the '9s and has gone through an evolution. This relationship has been uh consistent has provided access to services for youth that are brought by uh law enforcement. Uh it has been uh located historically in the downtown of Minneapolis. It's been comprised of the city of Minneapolis, Minneapolis public school district 1 and Henipin County. There's a JPA that meets annually to approve uh JPA board meets annually to approve uh the budget and uh renew contracts and take up other items and and uh receive presentations on data number you served uh and outcomes. Uh through uh changes uh Minneapolis public schools elected to withdraw last year. So there are two remaining members. Uh multiple meetings have been held between county administration, county staff, uh city leadership, the chief operating officer, and and uh deputy commissioner Amanda Harrington, Lisa Bailey, Jodie Wetland, uh from the county with myself. In these conversations, uh discussions have occurred around the future uh of this programming. Uh it has been decided after uh the pandemic that uh there was a need to go out and and seek uh input from community through listening sessions that has taken place read discuss and it led to discussions with the stakeholders that I mentioned the county attorney's office stakeholder courts uh and a decision after consultation with our staff and city leadership has been made that uh we should uh move away from the JPA model to a new model which would be a memorandum of understanding. It doesn't detract from the commitment of the partners. It just changes our operating model. And so this redesign of the uh YCC model uh means that we continue to partner with the city of Minneapolis through the memorandum of understanding. We're going to be more nimble in our management, not tied to an annual meeting. Uh it'll be operated and overseen by our safe communities department. Uh and in fact, that department is in the process of issuing or has issued a request for a proposal to select a community provider to implement the services starting January 1 of 2026. uh safe communities then will oversee the contract management and we'll seek input and guidance from uh the existing stakeholder group uh through theou the city will continue to provide physical space so starting in the fall of 2026 upon completion there'll be new physical space that will be located at uh Minneapolis South Safety Center on Minihaha Avenue the emphasis of the new YCC C will be on connecting uh young people to existing resources in the community, particularly those that are culturally responsive. Uh and that's part of the RFP that is currently in process and that include the use families uh in the process. Uh there will be potential referral services that uh include mental and behavioral health services, substance abuse treatment, truency supports, youth programming, and workforce development opportunity. Uh Lisa Bailey, our director of safe communities here is here as I am to answer any questions you may have about this next step. In the JPA, there's an out provision. we have to give advanced notice and that's why this is before you uh well in advance of uh the end of the year and the formation of this new structure. Uh I know in my conversations with Margaret Anderson Kellaher, the city at least city leadership is supportive of this next step and how we go about uh enhancing and improving uh the delivery of services uh with the memorandum of understanding. It involves financial commitment from uh both the city and the county to sustain these important resources for youth in our community. Thank you. Um Commissioner Fernando. Yes. Thank you, Madam Chair. I appreciate the the verbal because I was trying to connect some dots here. So, there were three members of the JPA. One exited last year, so there's just two of us and now we're exiting just to complete that to make sure I understand. Okay, great. Um, in theouou, are all of the three members back or is it just the two members? I uh chair commissioners, it'll be the two. Uh, I think one of the reasons, and I I don't want to speak for the Minneapolis public schools, was the, uh, financial commitment. Uh, we will partner with the Minneapolis public schools. Obviously, they're a critical part of this. whether or not they're built into theou as a partner in the relationship. Uh that will unfold and we will bring anouou forward at a later point as we get through the uh discussion and negotiation process. Second chair if I may. So um yeah these resolving clauses are about the GDPA. So that makes a lot of sense. very much support that I'm personally interested in theou I thinkou what is in there I think as a as a treatment anou is better than a GPA for this type of service so that's also logical I am interested around the truency services especially because we've heard you know then where does the county attorney fit into this where does the school um district fit into this so to the item before us this is very logical makes a lot of sense for the next step. Um I personally am I'm am more interested in the full kind of package especially with who's at the table, why, how, etc. Um since we're seeing a number of similar words or um circumstances that that this board has, you know, uh received information on recently and has had discussion on with respect to funding. So more comments for the next step. Um and thank you, Madam Chair. Commissioner Lundy. Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh, just agree with the process. I I just think that this needs to not be so Minneapolis. Um, I know for a fact that the suburban agencies don't take youth down to the YCC because it's not convenient. Um, and dropping off a kid who may be in Maple Grove downtown waiting for parents or for them to get a ride that may or may not appear doesn't make any sense either. So I I think the fact that we make it Minneapolis leads to the fact that all the numbers are Minneapolis. Um I know for many things, you know, uh Robin Hill School District has many connections with youth who live Minneapolis, but they go to school there, the the Brooklyn. So I think that this may be a legacy of the old where it was Minneapolis public schools, Minneapolis City. I think the new the way uh kids and families now move and they uh kids are active in many different places where they might run into contact with the justice system that having that mindset that it is Hannah County period and I don't begrudge setting up with Minneapolis at all. Um I think that's important for us to do. So, I I kind of really want to see what's inou. I know that a couple of the suburban agencies, Bookham Park specifically, has asked is there a way to set up a a satellite YC um to get the services because part of the I think the beauty of this is the ability to connect youth that don't end up at the JDC but have done something that we get connected to them so that we can start to connect them with county services and I think about the family services. So, um, that's what I'm really interested in is I think it should be bigger, but I'm not at all opposed to what you've got in front of us. Thank you. Chair, please. Chair, if I may, Commissioner Lundy, that's been a conversation since about 1995. And, and so, uh, I think one of the things that we have had conversations around has been how safe communities can support the rest of the cities in the county, uh, with access and providing those resources. So, uh, that is the intent. It's in process. Uh, and I really appreciate what you had to say because there is a critical need and uh to have it located in one spot in in Minneapolis uh doesn't necessarily meet the needs of uh our suburban partners and so that is in consideration. Uh the memo the memorandum of understanding is basically a cooperative agreement and and will include the partnership we have with education support services and the critical partnership we have with the head of county attorney's office. Uh they've had representatives uh from the get-go from the beginning and they'll continue to have those representatives. So the more school districts the more cities we can include provide access to these services across county will be really important. Okay, Commissioner Connley, did you have a comment? Anyone else? Okay. All those in favor signify by I. I opposed. Motion carries. The last item is an item of old business, item 4A, and there is an R1 that was passed uh around to you. You should have it to next to you. I'll move the R1. I'll second. It's been moved and seconded. Um, this is a loan to Henipin Healthcare Systems for capital medical equipment purchases. Um, Mr. Dr. Huff, any short synopsis on this? Chair, the R1 uh reflects conversations uh continuing conversations that uh I have had with uh commissioners and with hospital leadership dating back to the end of last year. to the hospital uh leadership uh the CEO, then CEO and their CFO indicated a a need for capital dollars and uh creating we needed to create a common understanding of what those capital dollars were for. As you know, the county uh provides significant capital investment for preservation and new buildings at the hospital. What our uh subsidiary corporation was asking for was uh capital for medical equipment purchases which uh they had a need for. There hadn't been purchases in in quite some time and equipment needed to be replaced. And so after multiple conversations and various proposals in April this year a formal request midappril formal request was made uh by uh the CEO uh of HHS. That request was uh for $30 million. And after multiple conversations I've had with Joe Matthews, the county CFO, we're doing what we believe we can do. Uh it's not the 30 million. uh uh my or the R1 you have before you takes what we previously had 10 million initially with a uh 5 million addition after 6 months review of payment payments and the ability to pay by HHS and moves and changes that amount to 15 million initially which uh I believe in communications with hospital leadership they have a dire need for 16 million and to replace uh certain pieces of equipment. So 15 is close to 16 and then after an another additional 6 months there can be a potential for uh another $5 million. So the total would be uh 20 million within uh six to 9month period. Uh there will be a separate document that we execute that will be a binding contract between Henipin County and Henipin Healthcare System uh with a payment with payment provisions and requirements. Understanding the initial term of this will be five years to repay with the potential to extend for an additional five years. the rate of return will be 4% peranom meaning that they'll be paying interest of 4% and that equates to what we believe would be what we would get in the current market uh with our investments. So uh this is uh this is what we're recommending under the circumstances and the need from uh our subsidiary who we want to partner with. Uh there is an additional provision that has been asserted into this agreement and that's based upon multiple conversations and and positions that have presented by uh HHS leadership and that provision reads as follows. Be it further resolved that the county board does not provide its approval as required under section 3.4 for the Henip and healthcare system bylaws for Henipin health care system to incur additional debt from any other source. What that means is because there have been suggestions that the hospital may go into the private market to get credit uh to incur debt to finance uh the purchase of capital equipment. Uh we've done legal has done a review of the the bylaws, HHS bylaws, and we believe that they've reached a threshold with their current outstanding debt for the specialty clinic that does not permit them to go out on their own into the market to get this private debt that it requires and it's a mandatory requirement county board authorize or approve in a separate resolution their ability to go out. And the reason for that is because uh in a parent subsidiary relationship if they were to incur that debt we own all their real estate. So I don't know what the collateral would be. And there's a potential that would impact Henipin County and its creditworthiness not our creditworthiness but our bond rating uh with a third party with our subsidiary corporation getting additional debt. So that is a very important provision after review and discussion with uh our team that uh we believe is necessary uh in order for this uh loan to occur. So I uh I stand for questions. Ben Schweert uh managing attorney of the civil division is here as well as Joe Matthews County's fin chief financial officer is here. we've all been participants in this and uh are uh comfortable with what we're presenting here this afternoon. I want to thank everyone for the conversation that we've had around this. It's it's a been um it's been a lot of work and it's challenging for the hospital and of course knowing what may come down on the federal side. It's very challenging for both the county board and the hospital. Uh Commissioner Fernando. Thank you, Madam Chair. I have one question and then pro several sweeping statements probably. Um, so to clarify, as you just said at the end, you all are recommending this approval in this cycle. Is this right? We're we're in a June 24, July 8th cycle. So I I see recommend approval on the bottom. So I can obviously answer that question. Is it for right now? uh chair this is timesensitive in light of what we're we're hearing and through this being presented to us at the time has created challenges uh we believe it's necessary in order for that equipment to be purchased so that patients can be cared for in this facility so we are recommending it now uh versus waiting until the end of July or into August uh because the procurement process will take time and and I think time is of the essence for certain pieces of equipment. Okay, Madam Chair, um and colleagues. So, I'm not comfortable voting on this today. I'll do a progress at a minimum because it sounds like that's the recommendation by admin. I'm just telling you my perspective here. Um should it go at the board, I would also request a divided vote or divided by each clause. There's five clauses here in the clean version. Um I'm very disheartened that this is how like financial discussions are uh taking place. Um that was a statement. So to the item I am very appreciative of the last resolving clause to clarify the debt piece. I am not entirely sure about my comfort level with the amount of delegations here. Now, I can appreciate that part of this recommendation is because we are the financial guarantor for the entity anyway. And so I I'm I'm perhaps kind of reading, you know, interpreting um strategically the benefit here. And these are really big numbers. These are really big numbers um at a time where there's lots of needs and absolutely the the hospital will receive uh support that it needs to continue forward. But if this board, it is my belief that if this board is who is voting on that, then we need to have access to the financial detail that allows us to make these decisions with our whole heart and our full throat or whatever the um the idiom is. And so I when it is appropriate to do so, I would suggest that a minimum of progress motion. colleagues. I'm just offering my individual concern about the size of the n these numbers and the the method of process um and delegations that are contained within it and I know the answer to this I think but I don't love the question this comes from what is the funding source for such a loan chair commissioner this comes from the general fund our reserves and that's the fund that we at this point in time with our current financial position would need to uh take those dollars from. I think I'm complete right now. Thank you, Madam Chairman. Um Commissioner Lendy, then Connley, then Thank you, Madam Chair. And um you know, first I want to lead with, you know, thanking staff for the work that we're trying to do. Um I I'm partly curious. So the uh fourth resolving clause I definitely support that because at the end of the day we're holding the bag. So if there is a they can't pay the any private enterprise is going to come to um us and say we want our money and which um is their right to do. That's what happens in the private enterprises. Um I'm curious to be what the risk factor a private enterprise would look at a loan request line of credit setup because you know here we have a kind of a relationship with HHS. We know that we value the people they serve the communities and that a private enterprise doesn't care. They're going to look at hard gold dollars and they're going to say what is the risk? What's the interest rate? And so the reason I say that is because I would like to know the risk factor to us even though as we do this um I don't know if you had a comment to that one Mr. Before I continue, chair, commissioner, commissioners, they're going to look at many things. Uh revenue cycle, uh cash balances, uh collateral, and as I mentioned, the real estate, real property is owned by Henipin County. So, uh I'm not going to speculate as to uh whether or not uh loan loan amounts are available, understanding when the risks increase, the interest rates increase. Yeah. For the uh borrower. And so, uh, I I think that this, you ask a really good question. The hope is, uh, they don't have to do this, uh, and go into the market because, uh, it's going to be a lot different than 4%. Well, and and thank you the answer. Just, um, I think that's the whole point because this would be an unsecured line of credit uh, which in my simple world means a credit card. uh and that interest rate is much higher and the securement from a institution is we they know they could hit us we'd have to pay the difference and so we're the security and so I absolutely agree with the fourth clause um you know based off some of the recent information that uh the HHS board hasn't signed on to the idea we should be finding ways to cost share does their board have to approve this because I think I'd really like to make sure that I'd like to hear that because we do everything we want on their side, but if uh if the HHS board can't find savings with us in partnership, um I would like to make sure that they acknowledge what's happening here. Chair, uh Commissioner, uh it's my understanding that they approved a $30 million uh ask. This is a counter to that. So my assumption is they've got to ratify the counter and if they don't then it doesn't happen because they're not going to sign any transactional document loan documents that we send to them. Okay. And if they don't approve it, does the fourth clause still prevail as far as I think to me I feel like we're reiterating for the public um that they don't have that position to go on the market with being that it's our collateral they're going to use. Sure. I I believe you're referring to the fifth clause. Oh, fifth clause if I'm not mistaken. And you're absolutely correct. Uh it it doesn't have to be in this resolving clause because right now that's our interpretation. They have incurred more than dimminimous debt. Therefore, without a Henipin County Board resolution, a majority vote to go into the market, they can't do it. Yeah. Um I I support the idea of progressing or I think that's the part I think that kind of discussion would be good. Um I just you know this is where we have our discussion. I just want to express my unease with that we're now into general fund. We're now really starting to move into it and I honestly as I sit here wouldn't know um the confidence of them being able to repay it. Um, we last year we had a 1% levy noted on our tax levy that we told the public that was going to them. Now we have the fund mid year we're going to do it. And I'm not saying the good or bads. I'm just looking at finances. Um, and I'm also, as I have been, and I think all of us are, um, we still have significant risk across. We don't know what the federal government's going to do in healthcare. We got kind of a pass for now in the legislature. They said we're going to set up a working group to look at disability waiverss. That doesn't mean it we're still going to get a present delivered to us at budget time. We still have significant risks. Uh this just compounds that in my mind. And again, I'm not saying do or don't, but um I think as we continue to do these type of things, it's going to continue to drive uh my desire that we have greater influence on what's going on there because if we are putting this is the one power that this board has. it's to levy taxes on property and to have that money allocated. And I think that we are starting to get into that area where uh my comfort level for me personally, not speaking for any of the board commissioners, um is starting to become very uneased that we've reached a point we're just going to have no choice but to keep putting money in because the prior money is put at risk. So that's just my concern. Um I like the idea of progress in it as we get more information. Um, but I absolutely want to hear HHS board pass this after hearing that they hadn't passed the our joint savings effort, which I think is uh unconscionable. And I say that very specifically. We are in a budget crunch. We need all of us to be working together. And for them not to take action is basically to say no. I don't know anybody I've ever worked with who says, "I need your help saving money." And for them to say no to us. So, uh, again, thanks to the staff for bringing this. Uh, I understand our responsibilities. I I think more discussion to come. Thank you. Commissioner Eden. [Music] Thank you. So, um, thank you for this. This is very helpful. Um, I agree to what Commissioner Lundy was saying about the uncertainty that we're facing. I also know that we've approved over roughly two billion for the next 5 to 10 years to invest in the health system. Is that correct? Uh chair, we have not. I mean that is still all open for conversation and uh the administrator has grave concerns over the financial wherewithal with our commitments to this organization and our communities for operating capital to take on additional indebtedness without uh a a clearly identified separate funding stream than property tax. and and that is uh a major issue that in light of what we're hearing and seeing uh with the hospital's operating budget uh and the multiple one-time asks that I've brought you to you and you've ratified that are separate and distinct from the $38 million that this county provides in uncompensated undercompensated care to HHS peranom. Uh these are issues and concerns because as Commissioner Fernando stated, where's the money coming from? It's coming from our general fund, our savings account. And that is not an unlimited resource. So to that, I mean, I I guess I would just say um my analogy for this like that comes up is if you can't pay the mortgage, you're not going to do it in an addition, right? We're not going to start building out. Um, so I honestly think that we need to start thinking about um, if we cannot buy equipment, I I support the equipment cost. I'm g to be very clear. I support that and I think we should hopefully get something if it has to be broken up to to Chair Fernando's point. I'm fine with that. But I think that we need to get that money to the hospital. But I do think that we should have a larger conversation if the hospital's struggling to that extent that we really need to get that under control. It's very concerning. It's concerning for the taxpayers. It's concerning for the people, the patients that need the care and so and it's concerning for the employees that work for the hospital. So we have a multiple we have a big issue here. Yeah. Bigger than this bar is is going to address. But um I I do hope that next week that we can push forward the 20 million to make sure that patients are getting um equal care that they would get at another hospital that has a different payer mix. Um and then I want us to talk about the bigger investments and maybe what we need to change if this hospital is struggling that much. So thank you chair. Uh there is an intent right now we have a consultant from Chicago that has been working diligently with our county team and with the HHS team that later in July you all are going to get a preview on that work uh and uh the cost and you're you all eventually are going to have to make decisions as to our ability to incorporate in the county's capital improvement program uh the request EST versus the reality of funding financing those requests. Okay. Commissioner Connley. Thank you, Madam Chair. I think everything has been said that I wanted to say, but I do um uh I I very much wish that this funding was coming from a different source. Um, I have been to the clinic and have been referred to it. Not a Henipin clinic, but I've been to a clinic and had to be referred to a different location because they didn't have the equipment that was needed for what it is that I needed. So, I think that patients who come to Henipin County Hospital to HMC is deserves to have top-of-the-line equipment. So, there's absolutely no way I would not support this. I want our residents to have um the equipment that is needed for their care period and this is our savings account and it's a lot of money and we are up against the unknown that isn't looking good right now. At the very beginning of our committee meetings today I talked about my experiences with SNAP and what's being talked about at the federal level with SNAP alone. So what does that mean when we are a county that operates off of very very limited revenue streams? It means what you said, grave concern for what 2026 could look like. So it pains me that this has to come from our savings account uh at the tune of $15 million. My question is then what are the repayment terms? It's not a question of can I don't have the specific question of can they pay it back. It's are we going to codify it in this resolution or is there an administrator uh discretion about repayment terms? When I think of a loan, I think of you're going to pay this minimum amount due uh as you spend this amount every month that's going to come to us. You have a grace period of 5 days like typical loan, right? So, can you talk a little bit about what the repayment terms are? So, chair, commissioner, there'll be a promisory note or an agreement that is executed by the county and uh the hospital with repayment terms uh the details of which I know that uh Mr. Matthews has discussed with the CFO at the hospital on timing sequence, but uh they will have to make regular payments and if they don't then uh that's why the second 5 million was tied out at at 6 months. Uh if they don't have funds coming in and days cash on hand, then there are real challenges as to payment terms on a note. But uh that will yet be determined. You know, one thought that I had here in listening to all of you is that obviously important reporting back to you as to timing and whether or not thing payments are being made uh and uh what those payments are. So, you have data coming to you showing that uh uh they're meeting the terms and obligations in in that note in that document. So, I don't know, Mr. Matthews, do you have any additional comments as to terms and what we've contemplated here? Right here. Thank you, Madam Chair. Joe Matthews, chief financial officer. We would anticipate two payments per year, which is pretty standard for a loan of this size. So, we'd have an interestonly payment in the summer and then a principal and interest payment typically at the end of the year in December. So, we would have regular checkpoints that we could provide to the board on payment terms and then also, as you're aware, you meet with their board periodically uh and review their financial condition. And so, we could review that at those checkups or an additional meeting if needed. But that would be the typical term. So, it' be twice a year that we would process a payment. Okay. Lots more discussion. Are you Commissioner Connley, you follow? Thank you. Okay. Follow up with Fernando and then Lundy. I still have my own too. Yes. Thank you, Madam Chair. Um I I want to be clear that it's what it's going for and who it's going for is not like what we're discussing here. At least for me, it's the unplanned, unbudgeted and scaled nature of what's in front of us. So I want to offer that clarity. The second thing, and I have served on the um HHS board since 2020. I've I I'm aware that the finances for the hospital are protected by statute, but ours are not. And so when this comes back before us in a couple weeks, like the public the the public should be able to access some amount of at least the county's discernment on the finances. I I'm looking at you cuz I don't want to um infringe upon the subsidiary's statutory ability, but we are now speaking about the county's funds. Mhm. And so I I just want to state that aloud that I am interested in in how we ensure that the public is able to access this conversation and get a sense of what we're discussing here. um again with respect to the other statutory uh authorities and privileges that HHS has. So that's so that's one aspect just the county portion of it. Um and I guess the second comment I would make. we're going to run into this dynamic hopefully with fewer zeros across lots of the our lines of business and certainly with um providers. So the the cascade the the impacts of of on high decisions financially are are resulting in mass layoffs kind of across um our provider community. We have not done that here and I'm very proud of that. Uh but I just I I want to express I I know we're already thinking it thinking it but we are in that so so the public is going to to be in is going to want and they they deserve the ability to access where their taxpayer dollars are going. Um and that's another aspect I want to express here. We usually don't raise that at this level with the exception of uncompensated care. I mean really other than one line item in a budget book, we don't actually aggregate all of the financial um interaction we have for many reasons. But again, this is such an unusual set of circumstances. And you're even saying that it's this timesensitive. So, I just wanted to uh express I don't know who's going to thread the needle on those sweeping statements, but I hope you can appreciate that the public deserves to have a sense of understanding around the funds that it has helped us populate in our savings account essentially. Chair, thank you, Madam Chair. Chair, commissioner, I appreciate what you just said. I mean, uh, this has been really challenging for administration, budget, and finance, uh, to come to a place where we're advancing nearly, well, two levy points, $20 million of general fund money, which is property tax. Yeah. Collected and saved over years. Uh, I I have the same concerns. Uh, I think it's critical that we have controls in place. And by controls I mean this is just not given to the hospital to put into their general fund their available cash on hand. We need invoices. I mean I I think that uh to have greater sightelines into what's being purchased when the cost uh all those things need to be accounted for in what we're advancing these very important dollars to do and it's just not given to them. So I uh Mr. Matthews and I will work with potentially our procurement area. Uh this is uh something that we have to have lots of documentation on and uh we may figure out ways to pay this and this may be a uh uh synergy if you will uh that uh there are different procurement models that we use and we pay directly to uh the medical device firms and I I think that uh that will give us better sightelines and create some understanding and awareness uh with our subsidiary corporation that we're here support, but we also there's some accountability. So, so I'm going to go ahead and speak because I haven't had an opportunity and I will come back to my colleagues. The gravity of the situation says discussion should continue but and and I'm glad to hear what you just said um Mr. Huff that's really important because one of the things is is I want to make sure that it's spent on capital equipment that's really needed dilapidated and that will serve a good purpose and bring in the revenue that will help pay for that particular piece of equipment. um at the last HHS joint meeting that we had um and I sit on the financial um committee subcommittee of the HHS of the hospital and that's the most information we have seen and the most transparency and I am disappointed to say that because we have been asking for that to show where are you going to pay for this how are you going to pay for this they've asked us to go ahead and okay in the financial committee to spend $30 million and go out to the market and look for it without telling us or having a plan of how they would repay a loan. So that that raises a huge red flag for me. So that I have a lot of concern about this. Um so I don't know what revenue source will be except for us the county ourselves and and that could lead us to a lot of problems. And I want to know that if they do get the 15 million, if they agree to this, then I would like to see us come back for the five million and get a another briefing on the 5 million, that would come back before we would let other money because again, we definitely want to see that the repayment is happening, what's going on at that time. Um, you know, I'm glad to see some of this happening here, but I I do have a lot of concerns to I think what Commissioner Lundy had said in regards to the fact of the partnerships that we have tried to offer and yet they seem to be sloww walking a lot of this and we've been asking for that for over a year that I know of. um and we haven't gotten anywhere. And we've already pointed out considerable savings that they could come up with several million dollars and they just do not seem to think that moving on that with us is is the way to go. Um and I I don't understand that relationship at this point in time. Um so I definitely would look for some more conversation. Commissioner Lundy and then I'll go to Eden. Um thank you, Madam Chair. just um it'd be interesting because I understand, you know, how much financial information that they would they can give us if they went to the private market. Are we getting the same information that a private market would ask for? Because I have a feeling it's pretty substantial. Uh if they because that's why I'm comparing it us compared to the private market. If they went to the private market, I have a feeling they'd ask for whatever the heck they want and if they didn't get it, they'd just walk. So, I'm curious, are we getting that same level of information the private market would get? Chair, commissioners, uh, with all the work that was done last year under board direction, uh, public finance management, PFM, uh, was able to access. Generally speaking, when we do this, there are agreements we have to sign non-disclosure, uh, to protect the data. I can't speculate as to what they'd provide or not provide in the private market. My hope is that we would get the same types of information if we asked. I don't know, though. The reason I'm asking is so I served on a board of directors for a credit union and any large dollar amounts have to go to the credit committee to be approved and then it goes to the credit union. So that is a way that credit is approved uh the credit union and I believe we are the credit committee right now. we have access to information so that we can make a determination and whether it's done public or private. I think that's a fair question, but I do know very large dollar amounts approvals at a credit union would go to the credit committee and we would see all the stuff that we needed and we make it. But it was it was confidential. Um, chair chair, I was just reminded by Mr. Matthews, under the operating agreement, Henipe County Office of Budget and Finance is entitled to see all the financial information that we request and ask for. So that's that's comforting. Okay. Thank you. Um the other part I am not comfortable with a twice a year payment and here's why. In six months we will be passing the levy if there's a surprise. The final right. Yeah. the final 11 which we I think we had some good conversations with the board that to help them understand our our calendar that when we get to September that's the final top end number then you know December our first indication that they might have an issue will be December which would be way too late for us to do any kind of course correction if because we're talking you know like you said two levy points just just for this one part. So uh chair commissioner uh point well taken. I think that uh a greater increased frequency of payment we'll have to work out just from the administrative side on our end office of budget and finance the frequency of that but I understand completely if it's every other month uh some continuous flow of of uh monies on the loan would be important here. Yeah. Uh and then the last thing and I again I I think staff you were bringing forth a agreement knowing that there's questions and concerns is just that um I'm also worried that um I think many of us have had where finances are not always stable and you're basically proverbial raising uh taking money from Peter to PayPal and so if you're trying to make your house payment you may not make your car payment or you vice versa. So, uh, you know, as we make those payments, is there something else that they're moving and then they come to us with a request in another category? So, that is a concern. I've live been laid off. I know what it's like when you are trying to pay a bill and you only have money for one bill and you have five bills. You prioritize on what's most important. So um if they are having money problems which I have no indication otherwise to think uh or to think any otherwise um that's they make the payment and then we have other things. So um I only say this I think this is a discussion the committee would have and I think this is good for our taxpayers frankly because we are dipping into the private fund. Thank you Commissioner Eden. Just one more quick thing um on the general fund. I just if next week you could just let me know or sometime this week or let all the commissioners know what percentage of our general fund this will be removing. Um I think the taxpayers I think we should be we should know that before we also make this decision. Chair commissioner will follow up with that percentage. Thank you. And and just finally I just I just want to say first of all this was really great conversation. I want to thank all my colleagues up here. I think we've got some really tough decisions. I think hospitals in general are in really poor positions and everything. Um I think we have to move carefully. You know, as I sit on the finance committee, one of the things that I have asked and we have yet to get is a strategy and the scenarios for what happens when the federals federal government cuts Medicaid. And let's face it, when you cut Medicaid, you also cut Medicare because they're braided. People don't realize that one will affect cuts to the other one. So you just don't cut Medicaid and put all these um new work requirements and everything and not cut Medicare as well. But we have not seen that strategy. We've not seen scenarios of how they will manage through that where I have seen on some of the other nonprofit boards that I am sitting on true strategies not not pretty strategies. I will tell you in some ways it would end some of our nonprofits. in others they would they would be crippled but they would manage. And so we definitely need to see what's going on with this institution. I I agree. What creditworthiness do they have on the outside market to begin with? It's probably only to the county board. Um and I think that that's that's very telling and I'm very concerned about that. Oh, go ahead, Commissioner Lundy. Uh Madam Chair, sorry. This will be the last one. Uh I think in your eloquent terms about the money and the risk I keep thinking back um and uh all credit and blame goes to uh Miss Wentland uh for searing this into my head which is it's not just the money, it's the requirements that get changed. So let's say we say you have to validate work every six months. They're not allowing us extra money to do that. We just have to take that bureaucracy on ourselves and then suddenly staff time where we're now that and other requirements and other uh things where the money doesn't go as far anymore because administratively we are now slowing down to do these other things. And so I think that's just as dangerous as this sheer cuts as when we have to meet these new requirements. And yet there's we're just supposed to eat that part. And so absolutely. Thank you. Okay. Um I believe that you would make a motion to Yes. I'll um I'll progress 4A to the July 8th board meeting. I'll second that. Any other discussion? All those in favor signify by I on the progress motion. I opposed. Motion carries. And that concludes our agenda. I'll call to order the Human Services Committee. It's Tuesday, June 24th. It is 3:05 p.m. and I'm Chair Heather Eden. Our first order of business is to approve the minutes from June 3rd. May I have a motion, please? So moved and second. Thank you. All those in favor, please say I. I. Opposed. Motion carries. We have one routine item before us today. Um I'll move item 2A before us. If I could have a second. Second. Thank you. Um it's been moved and seconded. I will now read the item into the record. Item 2A is a human service and public health resolution including contracts and amendments to contracts with the providers. More information is outlined in the human human services and public health report um 259. Are there any questions? These are just a lot of renewals. Pretty basic. It looks like we didn't want to don't have any questions. Thank you, Miss Wetland. Um with that said, being no questions, all those in favor of approving approving item 2 a please say I. I. Thank you. Opposed. Motion carries. That concludes the human services committee and we are adjourned. Come next like to call today's meeting, the law, safety, and justice uh meeting to order. Uh we have a few items. First up is 1A uh which is approval of the minutes from June 3rd. Uh can I get a motion a second please? Moved to second. We have a motion and a second. Any corrections, additions. Seeing none. All those in favor say I. I. Opposed. Motion carries. We have two items uh routine items. I I think given the topics and our discussion last time be best to do them separately. Um if I get a mo motion to move 2A, I'll read it into record. So moved. Second. We have a motion and a second. Uh 2A reads two new agreements with Minnesota District Court for drug court and mental health court services uh 7125 to 63027 receivable amount of $716,878. Does anybody want any background? I have Mr. Huff here. Okay, seeing none, I will move to a vote. All those in favor of 2A say I. I opposed. Motion carries. Uh we'll move 2B if I get a motion a second, please. So moved. We have a motion and a second. Uh 2B is an agreement with the Minnesota Department of Corrections for intensive supervised release. Contract period is 7125 to 63027 3,778,400 receivable. Uh does anybody want any background on that as well? Just some background. Yeah. Okay. Mr. Huff, chair, members of the committee, Renee Mkens is here to uh discuss this receivable from the state for ISR services. J commissioners, this is Rene Mkens with the Department of Community Corrections and Adult Specialized Services. The DOCCCR staff supervise high-risisk clients re released from a Minnesota correctional facility or prison. The community ultimately benefits as agents are aware of the client's whereabouts during the initial supervision and until the clients move to a lower level of supervision. Under the DOCCR and Department of Corrections grant agreement, DOCCCR supervises the highest clients released from a Minnesota correctional facility. The case loads are smaller in size in order to provide intensive supervision with numerous face-to-face contacts per week at their residents, employment, and in the community. The supervision allows for docr agents to provide intensive supervision in our Henipin County communities to reduce the risk to public safety. At any given time, there are 240 clients being supervised by ISR agents. Agent case load capacity is set at 15 clients to one agent which allows for the intensive supervision. DOCCCR providing supervision of these clients being released from a facility allows for hip county to know who is being supervised where clients are residing and the whereabouts in our community. The grant amount is the same as a previous cycle. funding a slightly smaller with a slight slight excuse me slight slightly smaller FTE count um from 17 to from 217 from what was previously 19 agents any other questions out yeah thank you Fernando thank you Mr. Sure. I appreciate the background. I was interested in seeing if we were maintaining levels. Um, and it sounds like we're for the most part able to maintain levels, but there is a little bit of a decrease. Um, that's what I was looking at. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Any other questions or comments? Seeing none, all those in favor of 2B say I. I. Opposed? Motion carries. And with that item uh complete uh the agenda of the last safe and justice committee is complete. The meeting is journ. Good afternoon. I'll call to order the public works committee. It's Tuesday, uh, June 24th, 2025 at 3:11 p.m. First item is to approve the minutes from the June 3rd, 2025 meeting. May I have a motion, please? Second. Thank you, Commissioners Eden and Gotel. All those in favor of the minutes, please say I. I. Opposed. Motion carries. We have several routine items, and I'll batch them in some um amount of similarity. Uh, 2A will go solo. the authorization to request a variance from Minnesota Department of Transportation standard for state aid operations related to CASA 153 Lowry Avenue reconstruction. Um I will move this. May I have a second? Second. Thank you, Commissioner Lundy. Um Miss Ernie. Chair Fernando, I would ask Jess Troboich to please provide some background on this topic. Excellent. Welcome. Thank you, Madam Chair and commissioners. I'm Jessica Travoyovich with Transportation Project Delivery. I'm requesting authorization to seek a variance for a shared use path with for the Lowry Avenue phase 2 project which is between Marshall and Washington Streets. The project is in the design phase and includes work under a BNSF railroad bridge. There is not adequate width under the bridge to carry the required shared use path with since the project will not rebuild the bridge, a variance for the project is needed. By approving this request, staff can request the variance to include a continuous shared use path for people walking, biking, and rolling along Lowry Avenue. Thank you. I'll be happy to answer any questions that you have. Thank you for the background and for the commitment to multimodal design. Um colleagues, any questions? Okay, two A's before us. All those in favor, please say I. I. I. Opposed. Motion carries. Um 2 B and C are kind of education related. I'll um may I have a motion for both and I'll read them into the record. Second. Thank you, Commissioners. Edison and Connley. 2B is an amendment to an agreement with Padilla to continue on broad food waste prevention campaign extending the end date to December 31, 2026, increasing the not to exceed by 395,000 for a new total not to exceed of $995,000 to seize an agreement with Bolton and Mink Inc. for environmental educational services. The period is July 8, 2025 to December 31, 2027 within not to exceed of 90K. Um these uh are routine with um with strong background outcomes uh contained in the resolution. Colleagues, is there further discussion or presentation desired? Hearing and seeing none, all those in favor of 2B and C, please say I. I opposed. Motion carries. Um 2D and 2 E are both MINDOT and bridge items. May I have a motion motion for both? And I'll read them into the record. So moved. Thank you, Commissioners Gutell and Eden. 2D is an agreement with Mandot to accept LBRP local bridge replacement program grant funds for PRA bridge number 4510 replacement along Vernon Avenue over Canadian Pacific Railroad in Adina. adjust revenues and the county receivable is a little over 1.1 million to ease an agreement with INDOT to accept LBRP grant funds for bridge number 90475 replacement along France Avenue over 9M Creek in Bloomington adjust revenue and the county receivable is um just about $358,000 just under that. Uh with a motion and a second before us, I think a little bit of overview for these two items would be great. Miss Ernie. Chair Fernando, I would ask John Ekla to provide some brief background on both of these topics. Thank you. Welcome, Madam Chair, commissioners. Thank you. John Ekla, county bridge engineer with transportation project delivery. This request is to execute an agreement with Mandot for to receive $1.1 million and $350,000 for bridge bonds for the associated bridge projects. The funding is available through the state's local bridge replacement bridge the local bridge replacement program. Um, thank you. I'd be happy to answer any questions. I'm I know that there's a lot of bridge interests on this board. So, I want to see if my colleagues have any comments or questions. No. Okay. All All in favor of um 2 E and 2F. Oh, excuse me. 2D and 2 E. Uh please say I. I opposed. Motion carries. 2F is to negotiate agreement with Plymouth and Three Rivers Park District for CASA 73. Total county cost is 1.0. 06 million with uh various um uh project accounts and increasing the budget by $25,000. Um 2G, sorry, I meant to I'm going to read these both and then want a motion for both. These are both capital pro uh capital projects. 2G is various agreements for CASA 82 Mil Street. Um again, various uh accounts that are written here. May I have a motion for 2F and 2G? So moved. Second. Thank you, Commissioners Connley and um Gautel. These do come before us at various times. Uh but I want to pause to see if there's anything notable from Miss Cerny or if there's any Q&A from colleagues hearing. And seeing none, 2F and 2G are before us. All those in favor, please say I. I. Opposed. Motion carries. And I will declare the committee of the public works uh adjourned. Good afternoon everyone. I'll call to order this meeting of the Henipin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority for Tuesday, June 24th, 2025. Our first item of business today is to approve the agenda. Is there a motion to approve? So moved. The agenda has been moved. Is there a second? Second. Agenda has been moved and seconded. Any corrections to the agenda? Seeing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. Any opposed? The agenda is set. Item 2A is our minutes from the meeting held May 13th, 2025. I'll take a motion to approve those minutes. So move. Minutes have been moved and seconded. Thank you. Any corrections or comments on the minutes? Seeing and hearing none. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. I. Um the minutes have passed. Item 3A is our claims register for the period ending May 31st of 2025. I'll move it. Item has been moved and seconded. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. I. Any opposed. Uh that item passes. There are about six items of new business before us today. Colleagues, item 4 A is to negotiate a supportive housing strategy award modification. The dates on this are May 7th of 2024 through December 31st of 2083. There is no change to the NTE. Is there a motion to bring that before us? So moved. Second. Item has been moved and seconded and Julia Wellie Ays is here to present on this item. Welcome, Chair Conley. Commissioners, thank you. Julia Welli from Housing and Economic Development. One of our earliest supportive housing strategy capital awards went to AON to redevelop the former Exodus space at the St. Olaf Church. As imagined, under the supportive housing strategy, the project team needed ample time to get through hurdles, finalize their funding um and secure all their u necessary requirements. But the project is now preparing for a closing this fall uh with occupancy to begin in late 2026. This action here would extend the project's affordability period to 55 years uh to align with other funders requirements. Please let me know if you have any questions. We love to see that affordability period extended. Colleagues, questions or comments? Seeing and hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. Any opposed? That item passes. Item 4B is amending an agreement with West Henipin Affordable Housing Land Trust. We're revising the income limit for home ownership. Is there a motion to bring that before us? So moved. Item second. Has been moved and seconded. And I think I'm bringing Julia Wellie back for this one. Thank you, Chair Conley, commissioners. Uh when the affordable housing incentive fund was first established, we it required all housing to be affordable to households below 50% of the area median income, including housing for homeowners. Soon after, we increased that maximum income to 80% of the area median income, but still prioritizing households below 60% of the area median income to reflect the changing uh housing market. Uh this action today would increase the allowable income for just one of the four households under this 2007 agreement uh from 50% to 80% AMI. This reflects the structure of our current agreements that we're executing under the home ownership assistance fund. Thank you. Thank you. questions or comments? I have just one um and it was um more so just about the change from 20 from 2007 to 2025 and how we've kind of changed according to that. Do you um think that we'll have to look at each individual property and see like that stark 50% versus our more average 80% how we're keeping things affordable um for people who are selling versus people who are buying. Thank you, Chair Colleen. That's a great question. Uh, this is the first of this kind of request we've seen from our older um batch of agreements. Um, if we see more requests coming through, we might do a similar arrangement. Um, we would want to still have the mix of units within an agreement still have some units 60% AMI, some at 80% AMI, which is how we're currently writing agreements for going forward. Got it. Thank you for that. Other questions or comments? Seeing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying I. I I any opposed? That item passes. Item 4 C is preliminary approval to issue one or more tax exempt multifamily housing revenue bonds for an affordable housing preservation project at 3,400 Parklon Avenue and 5010 Summit Avenue in Edina. Authorization to apply for allocation of issuance authority and to establish a public hearing. May I have a motion, please? Second. item has been moved and seconded and I will ask Abby Lucen to present on this one. Welcome. Good afternoon, Chair Conley and commissioners. I'm Abby Lucen with Housing and Economic Development. Today's request is related to the proposed issuance of up to 22 million in housing revenue bonds to support the preservation of South Haven and Summit Point to existing affordable housing properties in Edina. Common Bond is the owner and developer of this project. Uh South Haven and Summit Point will continue to provide 129 units of affordable housing, all of which are onebedrooms uh reserved for seniors and people with disabilities. This is deeply affordable housing with all units reserved for residents with very low incomes and 26 units further restricted to households with extremely low incomes, the 30% of AMI bracket. Also through this renovation and preservation project, Common Bond has newly committed 13 units to serve people exiting homelessness. Referrals from Henipin County's coordinated entry team will begin as those designated units turn over so no existing residents are displaced. Staff recommend preliminary approval for this conduit financing which will enable the project to seek an allocation of volume cap bonding authority from the state management um office of management and budget or MMB. I'm available should you have any questions about this project or today's request. Thank you. Thank you. Colleagues, questions or comments? Seeing and hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. Any opposed? That item passes. Item 4 D. This is to negotiate a business district initiative agreement with the city of Hopkins. The dates on this are June 25th of 2025 through 12 uh 31 2026. This is an NTE of about of $40,000. We're negotiating five consultant agreements for uh Henipin Planning Grant assistants June 25th of 2025 through April 1st of 2026. That one has an NTE of $160,000. I'll move that if there's a second. Item has been moved and seconded and I'll ask Ryan Kelly. Welcome. Thank you. Good afternoon, Chair Conley and commissioners. The item before you would approve agreements for business district initiative and Henipin planning grant projects in partnership with four Henipin County municipalities. The business district initiative and Henipin planning grant programs are part of Henipin County's economic development strategy. These competitive programs provide resources to cities that are actively investing in the success and growth of their local business community and business districts and to cities that are advancing land use and redevelopment plans that implement community visions and help achieve county goals through a more efficient use of land and sustainable growth. addressing climate resiliency, health disparities, and economic resiliency. This action includes direct grant agreements with cities for business district projects and agreements with consultants competitively selected to complete planning projects. The recommended projects include a business district marketing effort and pedestrian improvements around downtown Hopkins, an update to the station area plan for the future Blue Line extension, Brooklyn Boulevard station in Brooklyn Park, including market and development feasibility analysis, land use review, and bike pedestrian infrastructure planning in that station area and along Brooklyn Boulevard to the Village Creek area. a small area plan for the Mississippi Crop Cross crossings south area in Champlain that will help attract mixeduse redevelopment, improve connectivity for bicyclists and pedestrians, and attract new businesses. And a Main Street of Rogers plan creating an actionable coordinated vision that will foster redevelopment, create a safer environment for pedestrians, improve public spaces, and support expanded housing options. Combined, these awards will leverage matching investments, guide future route development to more efficiently use land, better support biking and walking, and impact over 90 businesses. I'm happy to take any questions. Thank you. That is um music to our ears. Commissioner Fernando. Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes, very exciting action. Um I'm excited to vote for it. I wanted to make a comment around it would be helpful for us to understand over time what cities are how cities are bolstering right we are helping cities to complete a vision or advance a certain vision in their area and just uh what is that mutuality or kind of cost it's not cost participation but how are they also bolstering those efforts the reason I'm asking is because um that's just a lot of feedback that we get during construction season and ETA around um what are cities and counties doing to ensure that its business community is thriving and getting a sense across the cities about how they're partnering or how how we're partnering together towards that outcome um would be really beneficial and you know for example I've asked that question of city of Minneapolis so if there's a business district you know what do are those parcels getting additional support like what does that designation um kind of get for those uh business owners and and so as this uh as we continue to partner with our cities towards those outcomes that additional detail um I think will be beneficial so we can get a sense of outcomes but obviously we are all talking about budgets and really wanting to make sure that we're kind of eyes wide open and mutual about it right that our that it isn't just um just the city or just the county that we really are kind of together towards uh towards those ends. So, uh, information related to that would be beneficial as time goes on, and I'm excited to vote for this action. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you. Other questions or comments? I'll I'll just add that, um, uh, improvements like these are so important not only to to business districts, but it's just the livelihood of the neighborhoods in and of itself. And understanding that sort of agreement, uh, because when we hear from constituents, they don't know what who maintains the sidewalk versus whose road it is. So that would certainly be helpful in the in the long term. So thank you. Don't go too far because I think you've got the next two items. Uh colleagues, this is um item 4 D. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. Any opposed? Item 4E is to negotiate four agreements to provide commercial real estate ownership technical assistance to eligible local small businesses from June 25th of 2025 to June 30th of 2026 with an NTE of $100,000. Is there a motion to get that one before? Move approval. Second item has been moved and seconded, Mr. Kelly. Thank you again, uh, Chair Conley and commissioners. This item before you would authorize agreements with four consultants to provide technical assistance to local small business owners seeking to acquire commercial real estate for their own use. Funding for these agreements and this model of technical assistance is included in the H's approved budget for 2025. Building on the model of providing technical assistance to emerging developers via our transit oriented communities pre-development assistance, these agreements would provide a similar type of consulting expertise to small business owners seeking to own commercial real estate for their own use and occupancy. We know that ownership of commercial property can lead to greater certainty and viability for Henipin County small businesses, even in areas where market values may be increasing. Commercial property ownership can also be a strategy for building generational wealth, contributing to Henipin County disparity reduction efforts. We also know that the process of buying and renovating a commercial property is extremely challenging and that our communities of color face systemic barriers and inequities in financing commercial property acquisition. These agreements will provide consulting expertise to help address some of the challenges and barriers small business owners, including disadvantaged business owners, face in buying commercial property. More specifically, these competitively selected consultants, will provide expertise in assessing the fit and financial viability of a specific property acquisition. If these agreements are approved, our team will begin to promote the availability of this technical assistance broadly, working closely with city partners, foundations, and community organizations, and conduct an open application process to identify eligible local business owners that are seeking to acquire their first building for their own business occupancy within Henipin County. Eligible applicants will then be matched with qualified consultants to provide unique scopes of work tailored to the needs of each business owner and up to a maximum amount based on several factors including financial hardship and availability of matching funds. Authoriz authorization of this request will provide technical assistance to approximately 10 small business owners in their pursuit of commercial property ownership for their business operations. I'm happy to take questions. Thank you. Questions or comments? Um, you know, I was thinking about this one for a while and I really appreciate that we're doing this. In fact, the way that we the ways that which um the ways in which we support our small businesses is just outstanding. I um am a big fan. Shout it from the rooftops. And you know, I've been thinking about some of the conversations bubbling out of the city of Minneapolis with vacant storefronts and how the council is thinking about fees for that. And a lot of what we're hearing from young entrepreneurs who want to open their own businesses is not only do they need the expertise um that you're speaking of um and I might ask you to like talk a little bit about how a business owner might get connected to this work but um is that the rent is too high or like it's unaffordable to get a brick and mortar. So, um I'm wondering if you can kind of weave in I'm assuming that some of the technical assistance provided helps navigate some of that. Um this space might be too expensive. Where else could we look or do we start online and then can you speak to that a little bit? For sure. Thank you, chair. Uh commissioners. So the intention of setup is one uh on your outreach question uh working and I should say that the um idea of this program came from our conversations and work particularly with Lake Street Alliance, Neighborhood Development Corporation, other community organizations like that and working with businesses uh in those areas and particularly after the civil unrest. Um so that's informed some of that program design and the business ownership model um assistance is intended to support people with uh financial consultants that will walk through here are the steps that it takes to acquire real estate looking at appraisal of that property um developing sort of a proforma but also again if it's not clear they're business owners and not real estate owners and there's a distinction there that we see business owners not always understanding and taking on that sort of maintenance uh preparing for asset management. There's types of specific aspects or things that through this program and our consultants we hope to educate them in and run some of that early uh feasibility analysis so they can make hopefully a wise decision for their business uh if if they should acquire or continue to lease. So how can our small businesses find out more about this? Yeah. Well, uh, Commissioner, uh, and chair, uh, it's, um, a communication strategy is being developed. I would say certainly as you're talking to people, which you might be doing, uh, send them our way. I mean, happy to ask questions. Uh, happy to to follow up with you all, but in our communication strategy, we work again with some of these community organizations and city partners to roll this out. Mentioned that the assistance is is uh coming um, and how that program would work. Ultimately, an application will be on uh our program page for for business owners to access. Wonderful. We'll we'll share everywhere. Um thank you for that. Seeing no other comments, all those in favor of item 4E, please signify by saying I. I. Any opposed? That item passes. Um item 4F looks to be negotiating six agreements for TOC pre-development assistance to eligible local emerging developers. This again is June 25th of 2025 through June 30th of 2026 for an NTE of $200,000. Is there a motion to bring that before approval? Item has been moved and seconded. Mr. Kelly, welcome back. Thank you uh Chair Connley and commissioners. This item would approve agreements with six consultants to provide pre-development services to emerging developers advancing development projects in areas with highfrequency transit service. Funding for these agreements and pre-development assistance is included in the H's approved budget for 2025 as part of the transit oriented communities program. Consultants were selected via competitive request for proposals and are skilled in real estate development finance and project design advancing transit oriented communities principles. Emerging developers will be selected via an open application process and must be locally based pursuing one of their first development projects and seeking support for pre-development activities not yet completed or funded by other sources. Eligible developers are matched with qualified consultants to provide unique scopes of service tailored to the needs of each developer in their project and are eligible for a total value of up to 40 $40,000 in assistance based on feasibility of the project and a required commitment of matching funds. Since transit oriented communities predevelopment assistance was first offered in 2022, we have supported 15 emerging developers. Of those supported, 93% identify as black, indigenous, Asian, Latino, or multi-racial, and 80% of the projects are located in focus communities, areas where residents face the greatest disparities and stresses to health and well-being. Approval of this action will result in support for five to eight emerging developers, and advance community supported redevelopment projects in transit oriented communities. I'm happy to take any questions. another body of work that I'm very very proud of and I know you all are too. Any questions or comments? Commissioner Fernando? Yes. Just wanted to amplify the excitement um since that's that's yeah it's already been a few years for the pre-development portion. That's incredible. Uh just want to highlight for those watching at home that just how much this um action kind of reflects a lot of the feedback that we've we have received from residents partners and from our municipalities. uh this is about assisting with the vision that residents already have particularly the local community you know this is in alignment with how those cities have determined their land use how um how they are discussing density and multimodal and so I th this in particular transit oriented communities which we have several programs that pre-development is an investment in that local areas's wishes for themselves and I can't quite emphasize enough um how important that is because we also saw u many years ago the barriers to entering and that and and so this specific intervention at a couple hundred,000 is is then also responsive to those who are trying to um to the budding entrepreneurs and the individuals who are meeting um needs. So we don't often have an item that is so reflective of residents, developers, providers and city needs and this one really is it and wanted to highlight that. Madam Chair, thank you. Thank you. Um, other questions or comments? I'll just say, yeah, these last three items have been um, just groundbreaking and I just I feel like it was just yesterday that we started the TOC free development assistance, but it really speaks to this historical way in which the big developers got the big contracts and we really want to um, uplift those uh, those folks just getting into it who are local and from the stats that you gave, we're doing just that. So, thank you for that. Um, with that, all those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. Any opposed? That item passes. What appears to be the final item of business on our agenda is 4G, and this is to authorize a supplemental appropriation to amend the 2024 and nipen county housing and redevelopment authority budget. We're authorizing an interfund cash transfers to support 2024 expenses. I'll move that if there's a second. Second. Item has been moved and seconded. Mr. Dockery. Uh, thank you, Madam Chair. Commissioners, this is an administrative reconciliation, I think. Is Joe, you want to We'll have Joe Matthews, our CFO, just give a quick uh background on it. Thank you, Mr. Matthews. Thank you, Madam Chair. Joe Matthews, chief financial officer for Henipin County. This is very similar to the action that we took earlier for the county budget. This is the HA budget. It's the reconciliation, as Mr. Dockery said. And so, we're just closing the books on 2024. And in this case, um, there was some activity that they actually moved more quickly with than we anticipated. And so we need to recognize that in our 2024 financials. Sounds about right. Thank you. Questions, colleagues? Seeing and hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. Any opposed? That item passes. That is the end of our agenda. I will declare us adjourned. Thank you.