30-2026 as therapy animal day in Hennepin County offered by Commissioners Green and Connelly. So, before I hand it over to the uh to them and to the presenters, I'll say this is quite an energetic um meeting because we have animals with us. And so, for those following at home, uh please know that we will soon receive presentation um and have wonderful therapy animals and their caregivers with us. And so, now we welcome them. Come on up. However, let's clap. Are we doing that of this? I'm sorry. Hi. Thank you guys. We >> I I I apologize. I I meant to hand it off to these two and then they're going to hand it off to you. But I wanted you to I wanted the animals together with their wonderful caretakers. And I think there's some bunnies and rabbits that are still making their way up to somewhere. Yes. Thank you. >> we can address Exactly. We want to make sure to So, I will I will hand it over to uh Commissioners Green and Connelly who offered this. Thank you. >> Um thank you. Why don't I move the item? I'll second. Awesome. Um so, um National Therapy Animal Day is April 30th, um which is a day to recognize the valuable work done by these wonderful animals as well as their wonderful handlers who volunteer their time to help others. I'm I'm really happy to be bringing this forward again this year um with my colleague Commissioner Connelly. Uh I'm going to maybe have the clerk uh read the commendation and then we'll both share and maybe all share um additional remarks afterwards. Thank you. Whereas National Therapy Animal Day is an annual event observed on April 30th that recognizes the thousands of therapy animal teams serving in communities across the United States. And whereas therapy animals in Hennepin County play an essential role in improving human health and well-being through the human-animal bond. And whereas therapy animal teams make millions of visits per year in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and hospices and interact with a variety of people in our community including veterans, seniors, patients, and students facing literally literacy challenges. As well as those approaching the end of their lives. And whereas exceptional therapy animals partner with their human companions to bring comfort and healing to those in need. And whereas Hennepin County libraries regularly host therapy animals to support children during reading education events. And whereas the Hennepin County Attorney's Office employs their own emotional support dog who provides comfort to victims, witnesses, and employees. And whereas Animal Therapy Day in Hennepin County encourages Hennepin County residents to celebrate our therapy animals and their human handlers. Be it resolved that the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners proclaims Thursday, April 30th, 2026 as Therapy Animal Day in Hennepin County. Um thank you so much, Ms. Rose. Um as we heard in the proclamation, there are a number of areas of the county that benefit from the work of therapy animals including our libraries, County Attorney's Office, and health care clinics. I'm really grateful for the work of these animals and their handlers. And I want to acknowledge um my anecdotal evidence, which is I think that this is our third year of doing this, and it's remarkable how the tenor of this whole room changes um in the presence of these animals and their handlers. So, thank you. Um Commissioner Connelly. Uh absolutely. I am just really glad, just over the moon, um that we have programs in place that allow our residents and staff to benefit from the positive effects of therapy animals. Um they're just good for our health, our overall well-being. These animals and their handlers are providing truly irreplaceable support to our communities every single day. And we do have some really wonderful people here today from Pet Partners, a leading national therapy animal program, who will share a few words with us. Hi. Thank you guys for having us. Um we're really grateful to receive the proclamation. Um I can speak for myself and probably Kayla that we're both very new to having therapy dogs and um volunteering with the community, and it's been so much fun. Uh we've gotten to go some really great places and meet a lot of really nice people. And it's been so fun to meet all of you today. Um and have everybody get to say hi to the pups and the bunnies and the little kitty. Um but I just want to thank you guys for having us and thank you so much for the proclamation. Um well, thank Thank so much for being here. I think we're going to take a photo and maybe have a little time to to visit. Fantastic. Yes, so with that any further discussion before we vote on the proclamation. Thank you both for being >> I wanted to say one last thing if you don't mind Madam Chair and I'm surprised Commissioner Colney didn't bring this up because we have some insider scoop. Do you remember what we learned? At the medical examiner's. >> Oh, yes. >> Go ahead, Chair. So. So. [laughter] Thank you, Commissioner Gotel, because we just came back from visiting and touring the new medical examiner's facility out in Minnetonka and they get therapy animals regularly because the work they do definitely requires um the benefits and and well-being and fun and peace that therapy animals bring. So, I was really really happy to hear that they get those those great visits out there. That's fantastic. >> getting a their first time one to live in house. Right. And it's they say it's a secret, it's not. Everybody knows. Cuz they went out and put pulled together the money themselves as a people and put out the the RFP for them and got foundation dollars. So, kudos to those medical examiner folks and the staff out there for thinking about themselves and doing something so positive. I understand the benefits. >> Absolutely. And as mentioned, we just want to thank you so much for the work that you do for our communities. And energetically, this board meeting is all it's like a meeting before spring break or something because there's animals and we've gotten like cards in the past with like the past uh uh the past service animals. So, it really is just such a a delight to get to have you here and we will proceed to vote on the proclamation. All those in favor, please say I. I. Opposed? Motion carries and April 30th is officially Therapy Animal Day in Hennepin County. >> [applause] >> Thank you, Sprout and Fred. Those are the dogs joining us. Yes. Tiger and Lilac. And Duke. [clears throat] And Duke. >> [laughter] >> Thank you. So, for those following at home, we just recognized Therapy Animal Day in Hennepin County and we're joined by therapy animals and their caretakers and caregivers. And so, we are appreciative and we will move on to four on the agenda, which is the minutes from the previous meeting, specifically 4A from the April 7th, 2026 meeting. May have a motion, please? >> So moved. >> Second. Thank you, Commissioners Gotel and Green. Any notes or corrections? Hearing and seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. I. Opposed? Motion carries. Five is referral of correspondence and department communications. 5A through C are correspondence and 5D to 5E are department communications. May have a motion to accept and refer as recommended. So moved. Second. Thank you, Commissioners Landy and Edelson. All those in favor, please say I. Opposed? Motion carries. Six are commendations for which we have none. Seven is Commissioner communications and updates and we have one verbal one from Commissioner Anderson. Thank you, Madam Chair. I just wanted to take a a quick moment and acknowledge Work Zone Awareness Week that happened last week. Um and just say thank you to all of our uh men and women who are out working in on our roads uh and remind everybody that they are our neighbors, they are family members. Uh and everybody across Hennepin County, our crews are out there improving our roads uh often times right alongside traffic. So, uh raise awareness, uh slow down, make sure that we are providing a safe environment for everybody who is out there doing that work on our behalf. So, uh just want to recognize that everybody um everybody who is doing that work uh and that last week was Work Zone Awareness Week. So, thank you. Thank you. I believe we are able to move on to eight of the agenda, which are claims register. 8A is for the period ending April 10th, 2026. 8B for the period ending April 17th and 8C, the claims register for April 24th, 2026. May have a motion for all three. >> Move to approve. Move to approve. >> [clears throat] >> Thank you, Commissioners Green and Anderson. All those in favor, please say I. I. Opposed? Motion carries. Nine are consent items, which would have passed unanimously out of committee. Uh may have a motion for 9A to 9U, please. So moved. Second. Thank you, Commissioners Green and Edelson. Colleagues, any items that that people would like to highlight prior to voting? Hearing and seeing none, all those in favor of the consent block, please say I. I. Opposed? Motion carries. 10 are non-consent items, for which we have none, but these would have passed out of committee, but not unanimously. 11 are progress items. These are items that progress from committee to board without a vote and we have several because we listened to two CAB applications uh at our previous committee meeting. >> [snorts] >> So, we'll just go one at a time. 11A is the 2026 Community Advisory Board applicants and appointments. Uh Birth Justice Community Advisory Board. We had four applicants for eight at-large spots. Uh so, colleagues, I would entertain a motion to appoint Cal Mee Dennis, Dr. Ardy Prasad, Keisha Shank, and Karina Smith. Uh great. Um so I've moved that and second with uh Commissioner Gotel. Uh we'll proceed to vote. All those in favor, please say I. I. Opposed? Motion carries and congratulations to Cal Murray, Ardyce Keisha, and Trina for being appointed. I should have uh said from the top of apologies for those following at home. We have community advisory boards and we had a wonderful set of applicants. And so if there are fewer applicants than there are available spots, we will vote by uh voice. And if there um are applicants that exceed the number of available spots, we have a very particular way that we vote um on this body for which we will uh receive support from the clerk. So that will apply to 11B to 11E. So apologies for not saying that at the top. 11B is the 2026 community advisory board applicants and appointments for the Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County CAPHC board. We had one applicant for two at-large spots, so I will move uh to appoint Kimberly Wilburn. May I have a second? Thank you, Commissioner Edelson. All those in favor, please say I. I. Opposed? Motion carries and congratulations and thank you to Kimberly. 11C are 2026 community advisory board applications and appointments for the Human Resources Board. We had one applicant for one at-large spot. Um I will move to appoint Janet Frisch. I'll second. Thank you, Commissioner Green. All those in favor of the motion, please say I. I. Opposed? Motion carries. Um I'll say for uh so 11D is a 2020s Oh, excuse me. Congratulations and thank you to Janet for being appointed. Uh 11D is a 2026 community advisory board applicants and appointments for the Race Equity Advisory Council, which we call REAC. We had four applications for two at-large spots. And so uh this is where we will um request assistance from the clerk to uh take a verbal roll of the commissioners in order to proceed with voting. Commissioner Landy? Catherine Bowie. Commissioner Green? Catherine Bowie. Commissioner Conley? Catherine Bowie. Commissioner Gotel? Catherine Bowie. Commissioner Edelson? Catherine Bowie. Commissioner Anderson? Catherine Bowie. Commissioner Fernando? Catherine Bowie. And we congratulate and thank Catherine Bowie for her service and reappointment as well as for serving as chair of the REAC. We have one available spot still and so we'll receive your support. Thank you. Commissioner Green? Um I would like to pass and hear if um some unanimity emerges amongst my colleagues. Commissioner Conley? Erica Ryan. Commissioner Gotel? Erica Ryan. Commissioner Edelson? Erica Ryan. Commissioner Anderson? Erica Ryan. Commissioner Landy? Erica Ryan. Commissioner Green? Erica Erica Ryan. Commissioner Fernando? Erica Ryan. And congratulations and thank you to Erica for their service and reappointment. Colleagues, we'll move to 11E, which is a 2026 community advisory board applicants and appointments for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Board, WIOA. There are two subsections to this. Um so uh first we'll take up the community base organization appointment where we have one vacancy and one applicant. Therefore, I'll move to appoint Mary Niedermeyer. May I have a second, please? Second. Thank you, Commissioner Landy. All those in favor, please say I. I. Opposed? Uh motion carries and congratulations and thanks to Mary. Uh next and last for this section, we will take up the private sector business appointment for which we have two vacancies and two applicants. Um I'll uh move to appoint Andrea Erickson and Melissa Wingey. May I have a second? Second. Thank you, Commissioner Edelson. Uh all those in favor, please say I. I. Opposed? Motion carries and congratulations to Andrea and Melissa. And I'll just ex- uh close off this kind of section with gratitude, of course, to the committee work um and to all of the applicants and staff who [clears throat] support these important bodies. >> [sighs] >> Next on the agenda is old business. These are items that would have been seen by this board previously and laid over to today, for which we have none. Um and the last section is immediate approvals. And uh we have several uh several items that we will be considering. 13A is declaring uh May as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ALS Awareness Month, offered by Commissioner Edelson. Would you like to move it? Yes, I'd like to move it. I'll second it and go ahead, Commissioner. Thank you. Um before us is a commendation declaring May as ALS Awareness Month. A constituent reached out and I want to thank them for sharing their personal story as well as the importance of [clears throat] of recognizing this national um day. Our national month, excuse me, of May. ALS is a devastating disease that impacts not only diagnosed, but also their families, caregivers, and communities. Known as Lou Gehrig's disease, ALS causes the loss of muscle control while leaving a person's mind and awareness often fully intact. Each year, thousands of Americans are diagnosed facing this disease. Part and in a moves far too quickly and without a a cure. I would like to ask um Maria to read uh this into the record. Whereas Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease in which the brain loses its ability to control muscle movement, gradually impacting a person's ability to walk, talk, eat, and breathe. And whereas thousands of new ALS cases are diagnosed each year. And on average, every 90 minutes someone is not diagnosed with ALS. And another person loses their life to the disease. And whereas individuals diagnosed with ALS typically face a life expectancy of only two to five years from diagnosis. And whereas the causes of ALS remain largely unknown and there is currently no cure. And whereas military veterans are at a higher risk of developing ALS and dying from the disease than those who have not served. And whereas access to new therapies, durable medical equipment, and communication technologies is critical to improving quality of life for people living with ALS. And whereas clinical trials are essential to advancing treatment options, enhancing care, and supporting innovation in assistive technologies. And whereas organizations such as the ALS Association play a vital role in funding research, supporting individuals and families, and working toward a future without ALS. And whereas ALS Awareness Month provides an opportunity to increase public understanding, support those affected, and advance efforts to find a cure. Be it resolved that the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners hereby proclaims the month of May 2026 as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month in Hennepin County. And encourages all residents to raise awareness, support research, and stand in solidarity solidarity with individuals and families impacted by ALS. And and with that um Madam Chair, I just want to again thank my constituents. And I also know I want to acknowledge my staff member Reina um has a family member that was impacted by ALS. Um and I think there's a lot of people that are residents in Hennepin County. So I just it's it's hopefully we can maybe even consider I don't know how we light up the bridge, but if that's a poss- I think red is ALS. It is. On April 30th, it'll be lit red in honor of ALS Awareness Month. Good stuff. So that was a nice handoff. Thank you. Good. So uh any further comments before we proceed to vote on this? All those in favor, please say I. I. Opposed? Motion carries and um we have officially uh proclaimed May as ALS Awareness Month and it will be lit red on April 30th in honor of this. And I we also appreciate uh your resident for bringing this forward. Next is 13B, which is declaring May as Foster Care Month in Hennepin County, offered by Commissioner Conley. Would you like to move it? I will move it, Madam Chair. >> Go ahead. Thank you. So yes, in May, Hennepin County will join in observance of National Foster Care Month. In addition to the thanks extended by the department to our foster care providers and staff, I offer this resolution for awareness and gratitude on behalf of the board. I'll ask the clerk to read the proclamation. Whereas more than 1,000 children and young people are currently in foster care in Hennepin County, demonstrating the need in our community for foster homes that affirm and reflect each unique child, including racial, cultural, and LGBTQ+ identities. And whereas foster care is temporary and our goal is to safely reunify families whenever possible. Both relative and non-relative foster parents support Hennepin County's mission to promote the safety, stability, healthy development, and well-being of our youngest residents. And whereas Hennepin County children, parents, and foster providers benefit from supportive relationships and collaborative parenting in the child welfare system. And whereas National Foster Care Month is an initiative of the Children's Bureau each May. And whereas it may it takes many people to surround kids with love and stability during childhood. And foster providers, youth organizations, professionals, volunteers, and partners are instrumental in supporting children's well-being. Therefore, be it resolved that the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners hereby proclaims May 2026 as National Foster Care Month with special gratitude to the relative and non-relative foster providers who give so much to care for children and families in our community. Thank you so much. It absolutely takes a village. In a few weeks, our Children and Family Services staff will also be hosting an appreciation event for foster families including a picnic and resource fair. As it was stated in the resolution, it takes many people working together to provide these children, our foster children, with love, support, care, stability, all the things they need to thrive. I want to once again extend our sincerest thank you to our staff, volunteers, and community partners, and especially to our foster care providers. Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner. Any other comments on also extend our gratitude, of course. Um all those in favor of 13B, please say I. I. Opposed. Motion carries and May is also declared as Foster Care Month in Hennepin County. 13C is declaring May as American Indian Month in Hennepin County offered by Commissioner Cates. Would you like to move it? >> Yes, I'll move it. >> I'll second it. >> Go ahead, Commissioner. Thank you. Another May date. This is lovely. Um while November is usually recognized as Native American Heritage Month, indigenous communities in Minnesota have also celebrated and recognized May as American Indian Month for now more than 50 years. Um I will have the clerk read the proclamation and I'll have some additional comments afterwards. Please, Ms. Rose. Whereas American Indian Month was first recognized in Minnesota in 1969 as a way to highlight the contributions of indigenous peoples and to strengthen relationships between nations and government institutions. And whereas the land known at today as the state of Minnesota is home to American Indian people since time immemorial. And that Anishinaabe and Dakota who resided on this land prior to the arrival of European settlers played an important role in shaping the state's history and culture and continue to be a vital part of the community. And whereas the county recognizes the painful history American Indians experienced during starting with their earliest interactions with Europeans and European American settlers that were met with broken promises, violence, and deprivation. And whereas we must reconcile this history while striving to establish and maintain strong relationships with tribal nations through their tribal governments and recognize and honor tribal sovereignty. And whereas Minnesota includes a vibrant and diverse American Indian community comprised of 11 tribal nations and members of many other tribal nations from across the United States. In Hennepin County, there is a resilient and robust urban American Indian community. And whereas Hennepin County recognizes American Indians have made it essential contributions to the history, culture, and economy of the county and beyond and is committed to reducing racial disparities in the American Indian community. We seek to promote practices and policies that honors the state's indigenous roots, history, contributions, and sovereignty. Be it resolved that the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners hereby proclaims May as American Indian Month honoring and acknowledging the vital role American Indians have made in shaping the state and the countless contributions to our communities. Mitakuye Oyasin. Thank you. Um celebrating American Indian Month in Hennepin County is so important. We have a unique and strong connection to our American Indian communities in Hennepin and there are many ways to celebrate and I want to thank the the board and the staff for nurturing that relationship with much needed and we need to keep moving further on that. Our indigenous ERG will be participating in the American Indian Month Parade kickoff. That's May 1st from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Um National Awareness Day of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives is also May 5th. This month, Hennepin County's outreach and community supports is hosting two MMIR Honoring Our Relatives Healing Circles on May 21st and May 22nd. Couldn't be more grateful for that. Hennepin County partners are also supporting the Sacred Waters, the Shared Future campaign supporting the Mississippi River. This is going to be the year of the river from Three Rivers Park District. Um everyone is welcome to join the planting of seeds Protecting Our Water event on June 3rd at the Four Sisters Farmers Market. So, I'm sure there's going to be a great turnout. Thank you. Thank you. Any discussion on this item before we vote? Okay, let's proceed to vote for 13C. All those in favor, please say I. I. Opposed. Motion carries and May is also American Indian Month in Hennepin County. Uh well, it is going to be May, so I'm glad that we're going to have this uh fourth one. 13D is also declaring May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Hennepin County offered by myself. I'll move it. May I have a second? Sorry. Thank you, Commissioner Lindy. May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander or AA and HPI Heritage Month. This is a time to celebrate the history and culture of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities and to recognize and draw attention to the challenges they still face. I'll ask the clerk to read the proclamation and have some comments after. Whereas May has been nationally recognized as Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month since 1992. And the month of May was chosen to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants and mark the anniversary of the transcontinental railroad where a majority of workers were Chinese laborers. And whereas Hennepin County is proud to celebrate the cultural traditions and languages among the vibrant more than 40 ethnic groups in our community from Asia, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands. And whereas according to the state, there are more than 320,000 Asian Pacific Minnesotans and the US Census Bureau reports more than 7.5% are Hennepin County residents. And whereas the AA and HPI community has contributed to not only Hennepin County, but to our state and country enriching our our culture and society. And whereas acts of hate and violence persist against AA and HPI residents, Hennepin County will continue to stand with our AA and HPI community condemning and denouncing all forms of hate. And whereas inequities faced today by these communities stem from our nation's history of exclusion, discrimination, racism, and xenophobia against Asian Americans. And whereas Hennepin County commits to creating an equitable community for AA and HPI residents and recognizes that challenges persist as it relates to economic and health inequities and personal safety. Be it resolved that the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners hereby proclaims May 2026 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month in honor and celebrate the rich experience shared by Asian American Pacific Islanders in the Hennepin County organization and in the community. Thank you. Um I am very excited to bring this in as the first and only um commissioner who is a part of this community and very excited to because I know with my full heart that I will certainly not be the last. Um want to express gratitude to uh this community and all immigrants who helped to ensure that our systems function particularly in health care and a lot of caregiving roles. Our community truly, truly is integrated with the AA and HPI communities and um Hennepin is much stronger uh thanks to the the very broad uh diversity and love from um all of our immigrant neighbors. On May 5th, the Lowry Avenue and I-35W bridges will be illuminated in red, gold, green, and blue as a visible tribute to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month. And I want to thank and acknowledge the Hennepin County Asian Connections Employee Resource Group members and leadership who are here today. We would love to take a picture with you if you like uh at after we vote on it. The Asian Connections ERG aims to promote diversity, embrace all Asian heritage, and connect the county with the diverse Asian community. Let's take a picture if you like. Uh any comments prior to voting on the proclamation, colleagues? >> [snorts] >> Hearing and seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. I. Opposed. Motion carries and May is also AA and HPI Month Heritage Month. Would you want to come up? >> We are now to the last couple items on our published agenda. 13E is the renewal of lease and use agreement for St. David's Nicolette Center. May I have a motion, please? >> So moved. Second. Thank you, Commissioners Lundy and Edelson. Uh, we for sure want background on this one cuz it's an immediate approval. So, Mr. Rogan, please. Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh, Commissioners, uh, the county administrator sent up a memo yesterday about this, and Sarah Brown is here from the office of, uh, budget and finance to provide, uh, a brief introduction to this item. Thank you. Welcome. Uh, thank you. Madam Chair, County Commissioners, the board action request before you requests your approval to negotiate and finalize documents necessary to amend and assign the current lease use agreement for St. David's Nicolette Center. They do have two centers, so this is the downtown one. St. David Center is in the middle of a $35 million renovation of the building they purchased in July 2024 from the YWCA to expand early childhood services available for children struggling with trauma or behavioral and developmental issues. Phase one of the renovation was completed in December 2025, and in order to, uh, fund phase two of the renovation, St. David's has commenced a fundraising campaign and is also eligible for a federal program called new market tax credits. The new market tax credit program is a federal initiative that essentially allows lenders to make below market rate loans to projects in distressed communities. The program is designed to spur economic growth, job creation, and community development in areas that traditionally lack access to capital. Thus, in order for St. David's to complete this new market tax credit finance transaction with its lenders, um, specifically Old National, um, and Harris, >> [snorts] >> St. David's needs to amend, renew, and assign its lease use agreement. So, fairly straightforward. Thank you. Colleagues, any questions or comments? I appreciate the background. This was, of course, big, uh, community news when YW had made its, uh, announcement a few years ago, and so this is seems like a very missional, uh, conclusion to to that effort. So, thank you. All those in favor, uh, please say I. I. >> I. Opposed? Uh, motion carries. Last item on our agenda is 13F, which is the authorization to amend budget and award contract to SM Henges and Sons for, uh, capital project, um, on CSA 82. This is about 600 This is $675,000 received from Shorewood with a overall county cost of, uh, just over 4.1 million. Uh, may I have a motion, please? So moved. Second. Thank you, Commissioners Anderson and Edelson. Mr. Rogan. Um, Madam [clears throat] Chair, Jess Treboyevich from Public Works is here to present this item. Welcome. Thank you, Madam Chair and Commissioners. I'm Jess Treboyevich with Transportation Project Delivery. Today, I'm requesting contract award and budget adjustments for multimodal safety improvements on Mill Street in the cities of Shorewood, Excelsior, and Chanhassen. Staff is recommending a contract award to SM Henges and Sons, who was the lowest bidder. A budget increase of $675,000 is needed to include the installation of new water main with the project. These improvements will support the county's Toward Zero Death Action Plan, Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan, Climate Action Plan, and the disparity elimination efforts by improving accessibility, mobility, and safety for all people using the corridor. Thank you. I'm happy to answer any questions you have. Thank you. Discussion on this item. Very straightforward. Thank you so much. Hearing is deemed none, all those in favor of 13F, please say I. I. >> I. Opposed? Motion carries. Uh, that concludes our agenda, so I will take a motion to adjourn. So moved. Second. Thank you, Commissioners Anderson and Conley. All those in favor, please say I. I. Opposed? Uh, we are adjourned, but don't go too far away. We have a brief meeting of the Rail Authority. Good afternoon, everybody. I'm going to call to order this meeting of the Hennepin County Regional Rail Authority. Today is Tuesday, April 28th, 2026. Uh, the first item on our agenda is to approve the agenda. Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Second. A motion from Commissioner Lundy and a second from Commissioner Fernando. All those in favor, say I. I. I. All those opposed, the agenda is approved. The next item on our agenda, item 2A, is the minutes from the April 7th, 2026 meeting. I will move approval. Is there a second? Second. A second from Commissioner Gatell. Any notes or edits? Hearing none, all those in favor, say I. I. I. All those opposed, our minutes from our previous meeting are approved. Item three on our agenda is item 3A, the claims register for the period ending March 31st, 2026. Um, is there a motion to approve? So moved. Move second. Anderson seconded by Commissioner Conley. All those in favor, say I. I. I. All those opposed, the claims register has been approved. And under new business, item 4A, is to negotiate an an amendment to the lease agreement with the Native American Community Development Institute, also known as NACDI, for rental of Rail Authority property in Minneapolis. The period is from May 1st, 2026 to April 30th, 2031 with a receivable of $1 per year. I will move approval. Is there a second? Second. A second from Commissioner Anderson. Um, Mr. Neff, uh, we could just hear, uh, the highlights. Chair Green, Jessica Galats is here to present the highlights today. Welcome, Ms. Galats. Thank you. Sorry. Um, in 2021, the Hennepin County Midtown Community Works Program partnered with the Native American Community Development Institute, NACDI, to transform three vacant lots on the Rail Authority's Midtown Corridor into an urban farm and community gathering place. NACDI has successfully operated the Four Sisters Urban Farm on these lots since then, providing access to healthy foods and serving as a learning environment for indigenous farming, medicine, and lifeways. The request before you today will extend the lease with NACDI for a second five-year term and reduce the lease area to accommodate the new 18th Avenue South Bridge over the Midtown Corridor. I may be available to answer questions you may have. Um, thank you, Ms. Galats. Any questions? Um, Commissioner Conley. Just one question, but mostly fan girling because I am such a fan of what Four Sisters Farm and NACDI are doing along this corridor. It is fantastic, and I love the way that Hennepin County has partnered with them to extend this slurp surplus land into actual, um, fresh food and spiritual, um, necessities for the indigenous indigenous community in the area. Um, and, uh, I've been out there. They're growing sage. I helped plant a tree. It's amazing. Um, so those are my, um, really excited comments about that. Just a question, though, about the work that's being done to the bridge. And so, um, it it sounds like the the lease area that NACDI has is going to shrink a little bit, and I wondered how long is it will they go back to their normal, you know, footprint after the bridge is complete? And then, um, while they're operating under reduced size, how does it impact the farm? Madam Chair, Commissioner Conley, thank you for that question. There will be two phases of impacts. There's a very small reduction needed for the permanent bridge easement. It's about 10 ft wide by 20 ft deep, um, and we're working with Four Sisters Farm and NACDI on these impacts. Um, and the temporary easement will have a slightly larger impact. Um, the construction project will relocate their water service temporarily. So, we've been in contact with NACDI, and they're aware of these temporary changes. Um, yes, please. Thank you. And do we, like, assist with the water, like, since they know it has to be like it'll impact that, do we kind of help assist how they can get water in the meantime? Uh Madam Chair, Commissioner, that'll be part of the project cost. So, the city will be leading the city of Minneapolis will be leading that as part of their project. Great. Thank you. Thank you. Any other questions? I'm hearing none. All those in favor say aye. Aye. All those opposed, that item is approved. And we have nothing to add to the agenda. We are adjourned. Thank you. >> [laughter]