and thank you everybody for coming today. [music] >> [music] >> Good afternoon everyone and welcome to the administration operations. s and budget committee of Thursday, August 13, 2026. I'll start the meeting with our item one, which is minutes from the previous meeting of July 28th, 20 26. Do I have a motion? >> Move approval. >> It's been moved and second. Any corrections or changes? All those in favor signify by I. >> I. >> Those opposed? >> Uh motion have it. Um, we're going to move to the open uh appointments, but I'm going to wait till the crowd clears here for the This is for the 2026 Watershed Board applicants. Appointments for 9M Creek WHED. There are three applicants for this uh board. We do all three have had a recording. So, as soon as um as soon as this quiets down out here, we will ask for the staff to play those. We'll give it a couple minutes. board of managers. >> Can you wait to play these? Can you wait to play? We're still waiting for the crowd to clear and people are coming back in. She's >> so much. Okay, I think we can play the recordings. Thank you. >> considering me to fill the atlarge position on the Nail Creek Board of Managers. I have lived in the district since 2004 and I immensely enjoy the diversity of habitats within walking distance of our house near Marsh Lake in Bloomington. In light of my professional career, I feel that I would be a good fit for the board. I believe that stewarding the district's resources leads to a better community by preserving habitat, which in turn provides recreational and educational opportunities for residents and visitors. Before retiring, I spent nearly 34 years as a professional engineer working in various roles focused on water resources management. My experience ranges from sizing hydraulic bridge openings and storm sewer systems to managing large pond restoration projects. For the last 13 years of my career, I worked in Bloomington Engineering Department's water resources group where I gained a firsthand insight into the functions of the 9mm Creek wershed district. As you may know, Nimmile Creek flows through Bloomington before it discharges to the Minnesota River and roughly 60% of Bloomington's area drains to the creek. This gave me many opportunities to work collaboratively with the district on improvement projects, public outreach, development reviews, and construction site inspections. I feel that both the city and the watershed district have done a good job of protecting the creek so that I can be a resource for future generations. It will be up to the board of managers to find creative ways to counter the effects of climate change, foster responsible growth, and continue to be fiscally responsible. I believe that my skills as an administrator and a technical professional will uh assist in this effort. I thank you for your time. Hi, my name is Steve Johan leaving my three minute message about my application. ation for the board of the 9M Creek wershed district. Um, I am interested in being a board member because I care a lot about the environment. I just finished up a launch to legumes grant through the state of Minnesota this summer. I'm generally interested in the natural world. I'm also a member of the Minnesota Micological Society. Um, so I've been brushing up on identifying mushrooms and different kinds of fungus that grow around here. I am really interested interested in mentoring and outreach. I'm a founding member of Access Hopkins, which is a group of citizens who lobbies the city for better bike infrastructure and active transportation options. Um earlier this year, I created a survey I was hoping to post in some businesses in the spring and things got away from me and I wasn't able to, but uh the city used my ideas to put out their own survey. So that was really great. I was involved in getting the mountain bike trail built at Lone Lake Park in Minnetonka. I went to a lot of city meetings about that. I am a coach for the Hopkins High School mountain bike team. I am a snowboard instructor for Blizzard Ski and Snowboard School. Um, a while back when I was going to college at Normandale, I was tutoring in math, physics, and chemistry. So, I do have a background in math and science. A very analytical mind looking forward to learning more about issues in the watershed. I'm an avid reader. not afraid to pick up a book to dig a little deeper on topics or, you know, read articles or watch YouTube videos or whatever I need to do. So, I pay my bills. I'm an accountant. I'm really good with Excel. I love charts and graphs and just generally organizing data into visual form. I really like coming up with creative solutions to problems. I think we've already um come up with a few things talking with Gail down at the watershed. So, I'm just really looking forward to continuing to work with her and the rest of the folks down there. The things I'm most excited about are learning for myself and public outreach. Um, thank you so much for your time. >> Greetings, Henipin County Board of Commissioners. My name is Chrisanne Lauria and I am here to express my interest in serving a second term as a board member for the 9mm Creek Watershed District. During my three years on the board, I have been committed to environmental stewardship and the management and protection of our water, our vital water resources. I have also focused on fostering collaboration between the city of Bloomington, where I reside, and the watershed district. Together, we can promote sustainable practices and initiatives that enhance a community's water resources and conservation efforts. I have a background in natural resources and experience in ecological management, native plant restoration, and volunteer coordination. I've demonstrated my dedication to both environmental stewardship and community engagement. My goal has always been to apply sound scientific principles to ensure the sustainability of our water resources while also safeguarding public health and welfare. I believe my experience and dedication align well with the watershed district's ongoing goals and I am eager to further apply my skills to manage preserve and enhance our watersheds water bodies and our natural resources. Thank you for for your consideration >> and that concludes our interviews for today. Um, a motion to progress to the next board meeting is in order. >> So, move. >> Second. >> Uh, all those in favor signify by I. I. >> I. Motion carries. Um, we have a couple of new business, two routine items, but they're very different, so I'm going to read them separately. The first one is item 3A's amendment to an agreement with the Native American Community Development Institute, NACDI, to provide community engagement and the creation of a community garden. Commissioner Connley [laughter] >> with a not to exceed of $12,300 for a no new total of 156,530. Do I have a motion? >> I will move that second. >> Um, does anyone want any further comments? Oh, >> you just want to make a comment? >> Go ahead. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm just going to sing the praises right quick of uh NACti and the work they're doing in the community uh in and around Little Earth uh in the south side of Minneapolis around food access, fresh food access um and preservation of um food resources. So they're just an amazing organization and this work has been going on for quite some time and it's very very popular. Um, and I uh am not biased at all, but the best butternut butternut squash that you have ever had in your life, you will have tasted through Nacti in Little Earth. Thank you. >> Great seeds. Yeah. All those in favor signify by I. I. >> I. Motion carries. Item 3B is to authorize acceptance of additional funding from the CDC for childhood lead poisoning prevention extending the term to 929277 increasing the receivable by $58,253 for a new total to receive amount of $1.8 million. I'll move this >> second. >> And I just want to say that um this has always been near and dear to my heart, all the lead removal and everything. I just wish we could speed it up and do it faster. Um, but this is the dollars that we have and we're grateful for the CDC to do this. Any other comments, colleagues? All those in favor signify by I. I. >> I. Motion carries. We have several items of um of uh items for discussion and action. Um, number 3C is to set Basset Creek Wershed Management Commission 2027 max levy at 2,862,900 for projects to improve water quality. May I have a motion? >> Move approval. >> Second. >> It's been seconded. Uh, Mr. Rogan. [clears throat] >> Madam Chair, Christopher Gensel is here to speak to this item and to 3C through 3F. So all >> welcome commissioners. The resolution before you request authoriz >> You're not on. Your mic's not on. I don't Can you There it is. >> Thank you. >> I'll start again. Madam Chair, commissioners, the resolution before you request authorization to set the Bass Creek Wershed Management Commission's 2027 maximum levy at 2,862,900. Basset Creek is located in the central portion of the county and includes all our parts of the cities of Crystal, Golden Valley, Medicine Lake, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, New Hope, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, and St. Louis Park. The requested special levy will fund five projects benefiting the water quality in Basset Creek, Plymouth Creek, and in downstream water resources, including the Mississippi River. There will be additional opportunities for discussion at the of the levy at the county budget and truth and taxation hearings later this year. And the special levy is placed only on properties within the Bass Creek wershed. At this time, I'm happy to answer any questions you may have. We also have Laura Jester, the administrator for the wershed that's also available to ask answer any specific questions as well. >> Wonderful. Any questions? Please, Commissioner. I >> don't have any questions. I just want to express gratitude uh to Laura and the team and to the entire commission for those watching at home. Uh the watersheds have uh a a kind of independent and interconnected process that we the county board get to approve. Uh what is being referenced here are five very vetted projects that have engaged in a multi-year review. Um and I just want to commend the Basset Creek WHED Commission for uh getting quite the spread. There's Golden Valley, Minneapolis, Theo Worth, Crystal. Um I know it's been a a big lift to get to to this level and I really appreciate the due diligence and um and and eager to support this. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other comments or questions? All those in favor signify by I. >> I. >> I. Motion carries. The next one is to approve a minor plan amendment to the Elm Creek WHED Management Plan. set Elm Creek WHED Management Commission 2027 max levy at um $520,150 for projects to improve the water quality. I'll move this. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Seconded, please. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. And I have a very similar introduction for this one, too. I'll try to be fast. The resolution before you requests approval of a minor plan amendment from Elm Creek Wershed Management Commission's wershed management plan and authorization of their 2027 max levy at 100 or excuse me 520,150. Elm Creek wershed is located in the northern portion of the county and includes parts of the cities of of Champlain, Corkran, Dayton, Maple Grove, Madina, Plymouth, and Rogers. The plan amendment adds one project to the wershed commission's capital improvement plan and county staff are recommending approval of this amendment. The requested special levy will fund three water quality projects in the cities of Champlain and Maple Grove. Uh, similar to the Basset introduction I provided, each of these will come up again at the truth and taxation hearings later this year. And any projects on the special levy are within the Elm Creek wershed. At this time, happy to answer any more questions, >> questions, colleagues, comments. All those in favor signify by I. >> I. Motion carries. The next one is to approve a minor plan amendment to the Shingle Creek WHED management plan. set Shingle Creek Watershed Management Commission 2027 max levy at $159,75 for projects to improve water quality. I'll move it. >> I'll second, >> please. >> The resolution before you request approval of a minor plan amendment to the Shingle Creek Wershed Management Commission's wershed management plan and authorization of the 2027 max levy at $159,75. The Shingle Creek wershed is located within the central part of the county and includes portions of the cities of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Crystal, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, New Hope, OIO, Plymouth, and Robbinsdale. Requested special levy will fund one water quality project in the city of Maple Grove. This project is proposed to be added to the wershed commission's capital improvement plan as part of a plan amendment and county staff are recommending approval of the amendment. There will be additional opportunities for discussion of this levy at the county budget and truth and taxation hearings later this year and the special levy is placed only on properties within the Shingle Creek wershed. I'm happy to take any questions. >> Questions colleagues? Seeing none, all in favor signify by I. >> I. Motion carries. And >> the next one is 3F to approve a minor plan amendment to the West Mississippi Watershed Management Plan. set West Mississippi Watershed Management Commission 2027 max levy at $16,50 for projects to improve the water quality. Do I have a motion? >> Second. Been moved and seconded, please. >> Resolution before you request approval of a minor amendment to the West Mississippi Watershed Management Commission's wershed management plan and authorization to set the 2027 max levy at $106,50. West Mississippi wershed is located in the northeastern part of the county and includes portions of the cities of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Champlain, Maple Grove, and OIO. The requested special levy will fund one water quality project in the city of Maple Grove. And this project is proposed to be added to the wershed commission's capital improvement plan as part of a plan amendment. And county staff are recommending approval of this amendment. There will be additional opportunities for discussion of the levy at the county budget truth and taxation hearings later this year. and the special levy is proposed only for properties within the West Mississippi wershed. At this time, I'm happy to answer any questions, >> questions, colleagues, comments. All those in favor signify by I. I >> I. Motion carries. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Appreciate the synopsis. Um item 3G is our last item on our agenda is to direct county administration to explore cost sharing, shared service or joint delivery models with state and local government entities and to develop a report that details plans, processes and recommendations for the county board on opportunities to achieve tangible cost savings, improve service delivery, or enhance operational efficiency through formal partnerships. Um I'll move this Sounds like I got it. >> Yeah, >> Mr. Rogan. >> Uh, Madame Chair, uh, as you just mentioned, this resolution directs county administration to, uh, formally explore cost sharing and shared service models. The background highlights that the county, like many local jurisdictions, is facing uh, budget challenges uh, here and into the foreseeable future. This is due to a variety of factors, and we know that the needs of our residents are not going away. At a time like this, it's essential that we explore service models that can generate cost savings uh for residents and improve services. We've heard that message from each of you over the past several months. Um and as you all know, we have a strong history of such collaborations in Henipin County with cities and counties. For example, our medical examiner's office, the Henipin County 911 system, county assessing services. There's many uh more examples. And we really want to build on that history. This bar puts in place a process for a strategic analysis of possible future collaborations. Through the bar, we will uh do three different things. One, we're really going to create an inventory of existing partnerships and uh look around Minnesota and the country uh to review and learn from other jurisdictions about such collaborations. Uh second, we're going to identify new possible partnerships that could happen in the short term and in the long term. As you all know, some of these uh collaborations take uh many many years uh to go uh to to get to fruition. And we really want to create a process for how uh these possible part partnerships can be explored. And then third, we're going to provide the board with a report on this work uh that will include an analysis of potential future collaborations by the end of the first quarter of 2027. And with that, Madam Chair, I'm happy to answer any questions. >> Commissioner Fernando. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh so I just want to thank administration for putting the memo together that informed this and this board action. Um colleagues, we have been talking budget all year with a lot of the sentiment that is contained in this board action and we were getting uh to a point with with budget briefings and board briefings where uh it seemed very prudent to have some version of method and that is what uh county admin kind of offered in that memo that we received and in this accompanying um bar. So, uh, want to first express gratitude. This this is, as we saw in public comment today, a very, uh, unprecedented, unusual, um, a really frightful time for a lot of our residents. And, uh, so to have in the whereas clauses kind of codified. Uh, we hear from residents, I'm nervous that my story isn't being told, that my experience is um, being erased. And so in the whereas clauses, uh really uh I I I think it's very positive that we say we had a big um levy last year and that's informing this that property taxes cannot bear all of this shift and to to really uh be educational with the warehouse clauses as well as placing us into this moment where there is um acute need and acute concern. Um under the resolving clauses, this is methodical. This is looking at at various factors. Um uh just wanted to offer my uh positive feedback. You know, I think I think you're right on we are building upon a long history of um Henipin partnering with other counties with the state and with municipalities. Uh what that past history I don't think was all at once. So that's where for the public, for other municipalities, we might not be able to phase everything in at the same time the way that it could have been in a different time period. And so I so I think colleagues, this really adds kind of um structure to that. I think that's very positive. Uh residents have asked, well, how did the library part work? Like when it when it folded into one system, how did the medical examiner have that multi-county? So I don't think that needs to be in the report. Um but that that there is a curiosity from residents. I think the language you're using is cost sharing. You know uh residents have to pay property taxes to many governments and so how are we reducing that overall burden um for residents wanting to know how we did it well in the past? I think those are probably good stories to tell. I don't think it needs to be in the report but I wanted to express that. Um two more things for me. one uh noticed that uh the city of Minneapolis was in the paper talking about consolidating um departments. That's our class one city. That is a huge huge lift. I know we've been saying and I've been saying from this day is that interest. But I just want to you know uh manage some expectations. There there is no folding in that is easy or straightforward in the year 2026 especially not with a class one city. So, I know there's been a lot in the paper um that is not a flipping of the light switch. And so, I wanted to um address that. And kind of with that, I wanted to share that I happen to have two revi um a same position and a revised position since we've all been talking about this. Um I've long said that we should fold in health departments with the city. Uh I'm particularly interested in housing inspection uh and that and 311 and and that data being more streamlined. it shouldn't be so hard for us to get a sense of data from our municipalities. Uh second, um that's a refined position. I guess I do have a revision. I had at one point said that I think we should fold in crime labs. I personally think that's a state function. Um I don't see how counties can take on everything. Uh I know we have county colleagues across the state who have expressed desiring shifting social services to the state. Um I colleagues just in transparency have a different position. I believe that Henipin County should do social services, but perhaps there are some functions that route to the state that should be considered. Um, I know none of this is for tomorrow. Uh, but just for transparency, I wanted to offer my gratitude for the board action and to update my colleagues on my current thinking. Thank you, Madam Chair. >> Thank you, Commissioner Green. >> Um, thank you, Madam Chair. I also just wanted to voice appreciation for this bar. I think as you reflected, it's something that we've all been interested in and you named some great examples in our history. And I was struck as you said that that it reminded me of what I've learned about the history of county government being sort of this gradual regional consolidation of things that we're doing on a regional basis. So, it just makes perfect sense and this really does feel like the time for it. And there are a couple things that have come up in the last number of years. Um, the assessor's office is one thing that I know has been u sort of an on ongoing dialogue and there's been maybe not a wholesale change but a a shift and that's just one example and one example of one way to do it. There are lots of different ways to do it but I'm really interested in this work and and we know that other jurisdictions are as well. So, thank you >> commissioner Lendy. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh, echo all the comments. Um I I do think the crime lab is something to look at because I do think a partnership can be a state partnership as well that it it can be you know not just city and county it can be the three of us. I do think there's opportunity for Minneapolis, Henipin County and BCA to put something together um as things change. Um so I think there are is interest at the cities. I remember last year we were taking some heat from some cities on tax uh property assessments and this year suddenly everybody finds that to be a really good idea as they're trying to balance their budgets. So um and so and I think that's great because that's what it's about. I mean uh there's services that no one checks the license plate to see who's delivering it. I have yet to ever single person ever tell me that they're mad because 911 person arrived really fast and prompt and it didn't have their city's name on the fire department. Um, I do think there's things that we would take a look at if we can do and I'll say one that I think I think we need to look at transit. I don't think our partner is interested in delivering transit to all of our uh residents. Um, I never thought that as mayor of Brooklyn Park that we were being served well by transit agency and uh so I think there are lots of opportunities to take a look at things and I know that it takes years for some of this stuff to happen but if you don't start it'll never happen. And I think now is the time is right because everybody's starting to look at their property tax impacts and this is actually a very healthy time to look at that. Um my city of Brooklyn center Brooklyn Park combined SWAT teams. Um we have opportunities I think for specialized units. I know that the fire chiefs and the sheriff's department are going to have conversation about uh arson investigations because historically the county actually did it all and then it over time it kind of morphed out and now I think they're that fact of how do you find people who want to do that work when you only need them once a year. Um, so that I think that regional approach makes sense at so many levels and I I take to heart I think it was a former commissioner department of revenue who had the op-ed in the Star Tribune talking about it's time for cities, counties and state to look at how do we do things better together than separately and I I think there's lots of opportunities [snorts] and I just want to you know cheer this on because there's some stuff that we will start a conversation that won't happen until maybe we're all gone uh from on the board, but it had to start somewhere. Um, I do think 911 dispatch is another area ripe. Um, the last thing I'll just say is I think one of the areas where the county has an advantage is when we take on a large software contract or a large contract that when we do that, even if the partnership is just everyone uses a common system rather than each purchasing their own license, I think that's an opportunity to help drive savings and then provide for that data sharing that we all um kind of want to see when we're talking about certain aspects. So, um, yeah, thank you. Thank you, Commissioner Anderson. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Yeah. Um, you know, definitely expressing appreciation for this and looking for all ways that we can uh be more efficient and deliver services to our residents in a in a better way. Um I think you know it was brought up kind of some of the historical contexts of uh systems that have started either at a county level and then gotten broken down into cities now looking at bringing them back. Uh I think there is also a tendency of you know transit's a great example of where um if it's not being delivered well uh cities end up trying to take it on on their own um and then doing things in a way that is limited and only uh with the the resources that they have. And so I I want to make sure that as we're going through this that we're also looking at how we make sure that we're delivering or that the service is being delivered well whether it is by us or a regional entity or the state or whatever it might be that um that we are looking at the entirety of what we uh and our residents expect from a service. Um, completely agree like the assessing service is a great example of making sure that we're doing the work, we're doing it well, consistently, there's metrics that we're following, we can turn back to it. Um, like rah rah, let's keep doing that. Um, and I think, uh, there's so much, you know, transit's one thing where different communities have very, very different feelings about it. Um, and I have different feelings than some other people in my own community. So, like I um find what we can do. Let's make sure that we're doing it well. Um, and that we are able to um continue putting residents at the forefront of how we're delivering these services because that's what all of this is about is making sure that our residents are being served. So, thank you. >> Thank you. I think that's a really good point. My point here was very similar. Quality, cost effective. >> How do we do that? We've been talking for a while about the regionality of things and I think Commissioner Fernando brings it up at all of our budget meetings. So, thank you. It's always top of mind. Um, and there's a long list from my colleagues already, so I'm not going to add to that, but this is lots of work. You have lots to do in a short period of time, and I'm looking forward to seeing if we're going to make any headway on any of these. So, thank you very much. Appreciate it. Any final comments? All those in favor signify by I. >> I. >> Motion carries and that concludes our agenda. Thank you. [snorts] Good afternoon. I'll call to order the health committee on this Thursday, August 13th, 2026. The first item of business for us today is to approve the minutes from our meeting that was held July 28th. Is there a motion to approve the minutes? So moved. >> Second. >> Minutes have been moved and seconded. Any corrections or comments on the minutes? Seeing and hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. Any opposed? The minutes have passed. We have one item of new business. This is an an addendum. Item 2A is an amendment to an agreement with Wakeley Consulting Group LLC, which is a subsidiary of Health Management Associates, Inc. for actuarial and consulting services to Henipin Health. The dates on this are September 1st of 2026 through August 31st of 2029, increasing the NTE by just under $2.3 million. I'll move that if there's a second. >> Second. >> It's been moved and seconded. ACA Holly. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, are you looking for additional background on this item? All right, Max Billings is here. He is the CFO of Henipin Health and he's here to provide additional information and to answer any questions. Thank you. >> Welcome. >> Thank you, uh, chair and thank you, commissioners. I'm Max Billing, CFO at Henipin Health. Uh, this board action request is for Henipin Health's actuarial and consulting services, uh, for September 2026 through August 2029. uh Wakeley they provide services that include professional and actuarial support uh preparation of the annual actuarial opinion. Uh they provide rate negotiation support with Minnesota Department of Human Services and as well as uh encounter data creation reconciliation and submission. uh additional detail on uh the services that they provide. It's included in the bar uh requesting in increase of the NTE for you know just under the 2.3 million. It's a three-year agreement and as Henipin Health is a self-supporting enterprise fund. It does not use property tax dollars. Uh thank you chair and commissioners. >> Thank you. Any questions? All right. Seeing and hearing none. All those in favor please signify by saying I. I opposed. That item passes. That brings us to the end of our agenda and I will declare it's adjourned. Good afternoon. I will call to order our human services committee on this Thursday, August 13th. I am your vice chair, Commissioner Connley. Commissioner Edson could not join us today. The first item of business on our agenda is to approve the minutes from the meeting held July 28th. Is there a motion to approve? >> So moved. Second. >> Moved and seconded. Any comments or corrections? Seeing and hearing none. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. Any opposed? The minutes have passed. We have two routine items on our agenda today. Item 2 A is the human services and public health resolution which includes contracts and amendments to contracts with providers. This is report 2610. Is there a motion to approve? So move. >> Second. It's >> been moved and seconded. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. Any opposed? >> That item passes. Item 2B. This is an agreement, a joint powers agreement with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs for mutual cooperation and to accept funding for services for veterans experiencing homelessness. This is July 1st through uh July 1st, 2026 through June 30th of 27. We're receiving 110 $110,234 continuing one grant-f funded FTE. I'll move that if there's a second. >> Second. >> Great. Does anyone want uh Yes, Commissioner Anderson? >> Yeah, I would I like I would love an opportunity to hear about the the great work we're doing for veterans. >> Let's hear about it. ACA Huitt. >> Uh thank you. Uh Vice Chair Connley, Commissioner Anderson, Neil Doyle, Director of Veteran Services. I'm sure we'll be delighted to share that. >> Welcome, Mr. Doyle. >> Commissioner, thank you for having me here today. Uh, the very heart of this board action request aims to continue valued services to some of our most vulnerable veteran populations. As you are aware, Henipin County effectively ended veteran homelessness in 2024. Although this was a major achievement, this area remains a high priority as veterans continue to experience homelessness. As of Monday, 69 veterans uh still uh uh suffer from uh acute periods of homelessness in Henipin County, which is 69 too many. Uh this work is equally challenging as it is rewarding. Uh often the outcomes are life-changing when we do secure them. Uh the intention of this is to increase income uh for veterans to the point where homelessness is is not uh reoccurring um so we can uh negate crisises before they even occur. Thank you for your continued support of veterans experiencing homelessness. And with that, I'm happy to address any questions, comments, or concerns you may have regarding this important work. >> Very important work. Thank you so much. Questions or comments? Commissioner Gotel? I just want to say because I live in Richfield and you you house your office out of there. I hear constantly when I go to town halls and stuff from our veterans who saying how much they appreciate having that satellite service there. Um it's easier for them to access. There's free parking and they really rely on a lot of folks from Bloomington too. So, and they just say how busy you are but how helpful you are. So, I only hear wonderful great things. Thank you for your service and thank you for your diligence with our veterans. Thank you, Madam Chair. >> Thank you, Commissioner Anderson. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Yeah, echoing the the thanks on the work that you're doing, the relationships that you're maintaining to allow us to continue doing this this work uh on behalf of our veterans. Um, you know, I know that this isn't something that any of us do alone. And so, uh, the fact that we're able to continue this work and continue drawing in dollars so that we can have the staff to do the work, um, is essential to our success in maintaining that status of, uh, keeping veterans housed and moving them, uh, into permanent stable housing. Uh, so, thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioner. >> Thank you. Other questions or comments? All right. All right. I'll just say uh I'll also appreciate the work that you do. Uh it's incredible. We're continuing uh at the functional zero mark even with the 69. That's 69 too many. Um but I know that with the continuing of the FTE that we have here and the continuing um of the funding that we have that we'll make a dent in that and we will just continue to do the good work we do around veterans homelessness. Thank you so much. >> Thank you, Commissioner. As a benchmark, about 9 years ago, we were sitting at 89 veterans at this time. uh experiencing homelessness. So, we are moving the needle. >> Significant progress. Thank you. >> All right. Uh seeing and hearing no other comments, all those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. Any opposed? That item passes. That concludes our agenda. I will declare us ajourned. Good afternoon and welcome to resident service committee of Thursday, August 13th. I'm Debbie Gotelale chairing today. Um item one on the agenda is the minutes from the pre previous meeting of May 12th, 2026. May I have a motion? So moved. >> Second. >> Any corrections, changes? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by I. >> I. Motion carries. We have a couple of items for new business. The first one is 2A authorizing pilot project for registering title to abstract portions of part Torrance residential property. May I have a motion? >> Um Mr. Rogan. >> U Madam Chair, thank you. Uh there are about 9,800 tax parcels in Henipin County that are consist of both abstract and registered Torrance property and this pilot project is uh targeted to see if we can reduce that number and the examiner of tit titles Allison Schubing is here to provide background on this item. >> Welcome Schumer. >> Madam Chair and commissioners, uh my name is Alison Schubing. I'm the Hen County Examiner of Titles. Um and the examiner of titles is the department responsible for the registration of land in Henipin County and for bringing land from the abstract system into the torin system. Um there are two methods for registering land. Uh one is a court proceeding known as an initial registration. Um and then there's also an administrative process available um for registering property without title defects and this is known as the certificate of possessory title or CPT process. and the county board authorized this process uh for registration of title uh by resolution in 1990. Um so we've had it going for quite a while. So I'm here today to request authorization for this 2026 pilot to register the abstract portions of part Torrance residential parcels via the CPT process with waved fees uh in order to prevent title problems um to reduce county recorder staff time and to reduce resident burdens to registering the abstract portion of their property. There's a need for this pilot because our dual system can create confusion and added cost to residents. Um, as [snorts] you know, Minnesota records land in two systems. The abstract system with a county recorder and the torrent system with the register of titles with the assistance of the examiner of titles. When a parcel includes both land types, a resident must file in both offices. So, this doubles fees and it also um doubles staff workload. and failing to record in both office failing to record in both offices creates title issues. Uh as Mr. Rogan mentioned, there's about 9,800 parcels that fall under this dual enrolled uh land type right now that include both abstract and torren parcels. The torren system provides benefits because a torren certificate of title provides conclusive ownership. It streamlines future title exams and indexing. It links more readily to GIS and tax records. It protects land owners against adverse possession uh losses from fraud or errors that's guaranteed by the state and it eliminates the need to maintain an abstract of title or file affidavit of nonidentity. So for this pilot project um the examiner of titles will assist seven owner occupied homeowners uh one per commissioner district uh in voluntarily registering the abstract portion of their dual enrolled parcels via the administrative CPT process. will prioritize eligible parcels by the lowest estimated market value in each district, all below the 2025 county median uh for single family homes. We'll remove the barrier by waving the $273 in county title examination and recording fees that typically deter residents from pursuing a CPT. And owners who utilize this process also otherwise face document drafting, legal fees, uh outside abstracting costs that they will not need to incur by participation in this project. Uh for some context, by statute, uh Torrenland and Henipin County cannot be returned to the abstract system. So this makes the one-time registration a durable fix um for these properties. This pilot also aligns with the county's disparity reduction values by targeting the connectivity and housing domains as lowerv value homeowners often face the steepest procedural and fee barriers. Um this pilot reduces costs it simplifies filing prevents title problems and extends torren protections providing a clear certificate of title for the resident's entire property. If successful, we'll evaluate how the model can be expanded to reach more homeowners across the county and reduce the number of these dual- enrolled properties in Henipin County. Uh clear, better titles, lower resident costs, more efficient recording, uh and a tested path to scale for homeowners most affected by barriers to registration. So, the examiner of titles and the register of titles respectfully ask that the board authorize our pilot project uh for the voluntary CPT registration of the seven properties, one from each commissioner district and approved the fee few waiverss totaling $273 per pilot parcel uh for county title examination and recording fees. Thank you very much. Any questions? >> This this is really exciting. This is so great. You we would have never thought of something like this. This is so great. Very innovative. And I'm excited because one of the things we do hear about in other parts of the country is where people put their name on somebody else's title and theft, you know, and so this is good to hear that the torrent system is so much more secure and everything. Uh, Commissioner Fernando, I think you wanted to comment. >> Thank you. Um, this is seems very brilliant, honestly. Brilliant and kind of boring, which is seems to be a a proper intersection for >> saving money and and streamlining services. uh values align specific problem precise pilot. Um on the very um end it uh mentioned that should this be successful it might be helpful for legal aid and others. Um is that meant to express that there you know usually maybe just like administrative um consequences but can there be pretty serious consequences to um you know not completing this in the way that you're proposing in the pilot? >> Uh I think we want to explore how it goes. um by using our office and then um we want to get as many properties dual enrolled as we can. So if that requires help from outside agencies uh if it's something that just our department, we're very small department uh can't do on our own. Um just exploring partnerships with legal aid or the bar uh to to see if we can get some help in getting the more properties registered. >> Understood. Madam Chair, I was wondering if like for some reason somebody would be evicted or something if they did it incorrectly. Um is that is that okay? That's not what we're talking about. No, that's >> this is assisting with the implementation of the pilot. Just wanted to double check. This is very smart. Thank you for um bringing it forward. I look forward to seeing the results. Thanks, Chair. >> Commissioner Green. >> Um thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you. I'm also excited about this and had a question about how you were thinking about um disparity reduction and then you answered it. So, thank you very much for that. Um, I did want to ask how uh the bar mentions that there and I think you said 9,800 parcels that consist of both. How many parcels are there in Henipin County? Just to sort of get a flavor. >> Total parcels uh >> and and a and a scale is good. Like I don't need the exact number. >> 445,000 tax parcels. Thank you. I've got David Gates, deputy examiner [clears throat] here with me as well. and um would there be and I wanted to ask is the is the pilot um walking these seven properties and their property owners through the process is are we trying something new or is it just to really study the process and see how we might simplify it or um streamline it? >> Yeah, thank you Commissioner Green. It is trying something new. it would be um actually walking them through their process. Um these are proceedings that are generally done by an attorney uh and their client. So we will be um drafting the documents for them. It involves an application, some affidavit, um it's administrative process. So, we'll have the examiners in our office uh helping to prepare those documents, meeting with the residents, um giving them a view of their current, you know, certificate of title that they have for part of the property, um an aerial photo, confirming that all the information is correct. We'll have a notary on site in the county recorder's office to get any documents notorized um and set up those meetings and actually walk them through the process. So, it is trying something new. uh we're uh encouraged and and hopefully we will have people who want to participate in the process and then see where we can go from there. >> Thank you. And does would a property owner know that they are in both? >> Likely not. Um usually they don't know that they have um dual enrolled property. >> And um my last question, thank you. Is is there anything that might be learned in this process that could be applied to the effort to res re remove um racist language from title? >> Um well, we certainly always take a look at every certificate of title that we review and if there is anything on there, we will um issue what's called an examiner's directive at that time to remove that. um if we find that in our title examination for the abstract portion, we can certainly work with the owner to get the affidavit um filed to remove those as well. But that's something that we look at um with every examination that we do. >> Nice. Nice. So there's a pairing. Wonderful. Thank you so much. >> Any other questions? Colleagues, comment, please go ahead, Commissioner Anderson. >> Thank you. Uh very very interested to to learn more about this, you know, the things we learn on this diet. Amazing. Um, I'm curious, is there anything like you listed out wonderfully all the reasons that people should change and and simplify. Is there any reason that somebody a person would want to stay in a dual enrolled? like I don't I'm trying to figure out why like other than the the fee structure and not wanting to go through the process that could be laborious but um is there any benefit to a property owner for this? >> Uh thank you Commissioner Anderson. Um I don't see um any benefit that would remain from remaining dual enrolled and like I said owners don't generally know that they are. Um it it increases the fees. They have to pay double and it really leads to um you know a lot of national uh companies don't know that we have two systems and things only get filed in one office and it creates title problems and we've even seen that in preparing for this pilot project um that some of the properties that we're looking at aren't eligible because they have title defects and we can only use this process um for properties that don't have title defects, the administrative process. Um, so I really think there's only benefits to to getting that whole parcel registered and having a certificate of title for your whole parcel um, rather than it remaining dual enrolled. And it often happens um, by redevelopment. So that's how they end up becoming uh, part abstract and part torren is that you know a large tract of land is registered and then it gets redeveloped and they plat the lots and now you've got a line running down the middle um, of your house where it's part abstract, part torren. >> Got it. I really appreciate that. Thank you. Um the Yeah, I think you answered it that like how does this happen and you kind of Thank you. >> Yeah. >> So, how does somebody know if they have a title defect? >> Uh usually their title company and it generally happens when you're selling uh buying or selling. So, um the title company will do an examination and that's when they'll discover that there's some kind of a defect. Um and that really usually needs to be fixed by a court action. Um, so this would be saving, you know, these properties don't have title defects, but it could create a title defect if things don't get filed in both offices. So, it could prevent a future need to do a quiet title action to to clean up a title defect and save a bunch of legal costs. Um, but it's generally done as part of the uh buying and selling process when you discover a defect or or, you know, argument with your neighbor if something goes wrong. >> Any other questions? All those in favor signify by I. >> I. >> Motion carries. Thank you, M. >> Thank you so much. >> And our last item is item 2B. Um probably not as crazy but really and and innovative but really fun. Um negotiate an agreement with Tech Logic Corporation design and construction of installation of automated materials handling system at the South Library. um starting August 18th, 2026 through August 18th of 2028 with a not to exceed of 320 uh,112. I'll move this >> second. Moved and seconded, Mr. Rogan. >> Madam Chair, this is certainly not brilliant and boring because AMH's are >> not boring. [laughter] Um, Madam Chair, this is uh to uh purchase uh an AMH, an automated uh materials handling uh machine for the Southdale Library. It would be our eighth um ultra sort um which are the larger ones. Um we bought one in 2022 for Southdale and have moved it subsequently to uh Brooklyn Park. This would be to set us up uh for the new Southdale library when it comes online next year. Uh Southdale in 2024 was the uh fifth highest in circulation. And just to give some context to that, they uh process uh 650,000 uh items uh every year. And that's about 53,000 a month. And this automated um uh machines. Uh we have 18 other ones that are that are in the smaller libraries, but they're the blue bins that you see in the library that that go around that make make it so that we uh can process those materials. We um have about 15 million uh materials that are checked out uh every year from the Henipin County Library System and the AMH uh across the system really make sure that u we're able to process those and and move books around the system uh efficiently and effectively. And so this is uh just to purchase the one for as madam chair as you said for uh $320,000. >> This is exciting. I don't know if anybody's seen one of these in action. Central Libraries is really cool. It's very easy to visualize. So, if you haven't, go see it. And and Lindy, you got one in your own neighborhood now. So, you can go look at yours there. Um, all those in favor signify by I. >> I. >> I. Motion carries. Um, and that concludes our agenda. I'd like to move this. I will call to order today's meeting of the public works committee. Our first item on the agenda is to approve the meeting minutes from our July 28th meeting. May I have a motion? >> So moved. >> And a second. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Any additions or corrections to the minutes? Hearing none. All those in favor say I. I. >> I. Any opposed? The minutes are approved. We have several routine items. Um, the first three are uh all very very similar and I'll read them into the record. Um, if I could get a motion for >> I'll move 2 A through 2C. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second for 2A and 2C. 2A is an amendment to work order contract with Kimley Horn and Associates, Inc. for preliminary and final design engineering professional services for the intersection improvements on CASA 19 increasing the not to exceed to a to new total of $531,63816. Uh item 2B is an agreement with Kimley Horn and Associates for preliminary design engineering professional services for the constru reconstruction of CASA 10 uh with uh a not to exceed of $1.5 million in state aid. Item 2 C is an agreement with CBS squared, Inc. for preliminary and final design engineering professional services for a rehabilitation project on Cas 60 Baker Road uh with a not to exceed of $664,000 in transportation advancement account in the preservation account. Um do my colleagues want any information? Um, I would only request a followup from staff on the uh item 2B when we get closer to the the final design, what that looks like. I would love to know what uh what's being planned out there. Um, seeing and hearing nothing else, all those in favor of those three items say I. >> Any opposed? Uh, those items are approved. Item 2D is an agreement with Mandot. What's that? >> R1. >> Oh, with an R1. Um, for the reconstruction of I494 from West Bush Lake Road to 24th Avenue with an estimated county cost of $860,000 in state aid. Would my colleague like to move this? >> I'll move this. >> I'll move it. >> And a second. Um, the R1. Yes. Thank you. >> Yes. Um, and would you like uh additional information on this or >> No, I just want to because it was my district. >> Completely understandable. Uh, any questions on the R1 um for this project? Hearing and seeing none, all those in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? The item is approved. Item 2E is to negotiate an agreement with the city of Minneapolis for maintenance and operations on county roadways located in Minneapolis extending the end date to 123127 with no change to the estimated annual cost of approximately or $1.6 million a year from our operating budget. We have a motion and a second on this item. >> Approval. Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Um, do my colleagues, this is something that we kind of regularly approve, but any questions? Yes, Commissioner Green. And >> um, thank you. I had a just a quick question, which is I realize this is a recurring >> Thank you. I realize this is a recurring thing and I wondered if this is going to be impacted by the revised um, cost sharing agreement that's sort of in development. >> Thank you, >> Chair Anderson. Commissioner Green, no. This is not taking into consideration any modifications. If and when there are modifications to the cost participation and maintenance policy, we'll have to come and um make amendments or work through an amendment for that. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioner Connley. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, my question, I have two. One is just about the background. How long have we had the this agreement with the city of Minneapolis? Chair Anderson, Commissioner Connley, I'm going to ask Steve Mosing if he could come forward and answer that question. >> Uh, good afternoon. Uh, Commissioner, uh, Commissioner is Steve Mosing, uh, traffic division operations manager for public works. Um, I've been I was worked with the city for a number of years, about 29 years. Have been here for about a year and a half, and it's always been in place. So over 30 years for sure. >> Thank you. And so Mr. Chair, the reason I ask is it it sounds like we've just had this in place for a very long time. Times are changing. And that kind of leads me to my next question. In looking at the background, um there's a sentence that stood out and it just says that this additional time will also support discussions on potential future modifications to anticipate and address service levels and align with emerging initiatives. That kind of tells me that there could be maybe changes to an older policy like this because 1.6 million is a lot of money, right? And so, um, would it save money for us to do this a little bit differently and how we do maintenance? Um, I'm looking at both of you, but uh, just if there's ways that we can start looking at possibly saving money in this area. Uh, I know it probably has not always been at the 1.6 6 million over the last 30 years. But um as both the city of Minneapolis and the county are looking at ways to save money, uh I wondered if that last part of the of the background here is maybe a a hint at re-examining this in the future. >> Chair Anderson, Commissioner Connley, maybe I will start and um Steve can add add to that. So this um this maintenance pol policy is really about doing typical pavement maintenance, snow and ice control, street sweeping, all of those things that really have the efficiency of the workforce that is right there. Most of our operations are outside of the city of Minneapolis and so there we are seeing some efficiencies just by having this agreement. That said, we do regularly just review what is included, what is not, which agency is best positioned to do, which type of operation maintenance activity. And so that's kind of all included in and part of this con the considerations that are being that are made each and every day. >> All right. Any further questions or comments? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? That item is approved. Thank you. Um our final item uh for discussion and action is item 2F to negotiate various agreements for green partners environmental education programs for the periods between 9126 and 83127 and 9126 and 83128 with a total not to exceed of $173,000. I'll move this. >> I'll second it on the cernney. >> Chair Anderson. Angie Timmons is with us today to provide a [cough and clears throat] brief update on this work. >> Thank you so much. >> Uh good afternoon, chair, commissioners. I am Angie Timmons from the environment and energy department. Uh the green partners program supports organizations to implement projects that engage and empower residents to take action to improve the environment. Um and they also are projects that engage youth in environmental education and leadership opportunities. Thus item request uh approval for five uh green partner grants uh to Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches, Lao Assistance Center of Minnesota, North Side Resident Redevelopment Council, University of Minnesota, and Minneapolis uh public schools. Uh these projects total uh $173,000. Um, these agreements do require board approval because the organizations have existing contracts with the county. Um, there are an additional 22 projects being awarded through administrative processes. Um, all those details are in the background materials and I encourage you to look at some of those projects. They're really phenomenal this year. Um, but the program does support the county's goals of um, uh, environmental stewardship, engaging community, enhancing quality of life, and protecting the environment for current and future generations. And these, uh, grants really advance the county's commitment to zero waste, climate action, and eliminating disparities. Um, and we have an amazing legacy of supporting community-led uh, waste prevention, recycling, clean water, and natural resources projects. Um, since the program has been established in 2012, the county has awarded 311 grants totaling uh nearly $5 million for community-led work. Um, the funding for this program does come from the solid waste enterprise fund. Uh, thank you for your consideration and I'm happy to answer any questions. >> Thank you so much. Any Yes, Commissioner Gley. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'm just going to celebrate a little bit and scream maybe. I don't know. >> [laughter] >> Um, but this is fantastic. This really is. Um, we talk a lot about how accelerating zero waste involves behavior change and who better to lead that than our youth. So, I'm really excited to see uh the public schools, all of this is is youth environmental education and that's important because our youth are really really engaged around zero waste. They just want to know how to do it and how to tell their friends that they can do it, right? Excellent. >> Um, and so this is this is just incredible. I like the dollar amounts I'm seeing. I like how long we've had we've done this project. I like the projects that I'm seeing. Keep it up. Keep up the incredible work. This is how we move the needle. So, thank you. >> Thank you for the support. >> Thank you. Any other questions or comments? Um, I just, you know, yes, this is great. I love to see all of the the different projects. Um, and the focus on youth and the learning I think is is fantastic. Um, I would love to see some engagement um more in the outside of Minneapolis. Uh, there's a lot of youth in kind of across the county to uh to engage with and I see um a lot of great programming in in Minneapolis. Uh, but would love to see expansion across the entire uh county. Thank you. So, with that uh all those in favor say I. I. >> Any opposed? That item is approved. Thank you. And we're journed for this part of it. Good afternoon. I will call to order the Henipin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority meeting on this Thursday, August 13th. The first item of a of business today is to approve the agenda. Is there a motion to approve? >> Second. >> It's been moved and seconded. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. >> Any opposed? The agenda is set. Item 2 A is to approve the minutes from our previous meeting which was held on July 28th. Is there a motion to >> It's been moved and second. Any corrections or comments on the minutes? Seeing and hearing none. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. Any [clears throat] opposed? The minutes have passed. Items three, item 3A is our claims register for the period ending July 31st, 2026. Is there a motion to approve? >> Approval. Second. >> It's been moved and seconded. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. Any opposed? Our claims register is passed. We have three items of new business before us. I'll take a motion to bring 4A before us. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Been moved and seconded. Item 4A. This is an amendment to an agreement um with 2116 Nicollet LLP for the 2116 Nicollet project. Uh we're extending the term to December 31st of 2083. There is no change to the NTE. It's been moved in segment and Abby Lucen will present on this one. Welcome. >> Good afternoon, Madame Chair and commissioners. This item exactly is exactly as described. Um, due to other fun requirements, the 2116 Nicollet project requires an even longer loan and affordability term than the 50 years the project originally committed to. We tend to wholeheartedly support longer affordability periods and this project is no exception. Staff recommend approval of this action which will gain three additional years of affordability that includes 43 deeply affordable units 11 of which are reserved for people exiting homelessness. I am available should you have any questions on this one. Thank you. >> We love to see it. Questions or comments from my colleagues? All right. Hearing and seeing none. All those in favor please signify by saying I. I. Any opposed? That item passes. I'll take a motion to bring 4B before us. >> It's been moved and seconded. 4B is to terminate and forgive AHIF agreements. Uh there's two agreements here with Alliance Housing for the Scattered Site 8 portfolio in Minneapolis. It's been moved and seconded and Abby Lucen will be back to present on this one. >> Good afternoon, Madam Chair and commissioners. I'm Abby Lucen with Housing and Economic Development. This requested action will allow restructuring of two existing AHIFF grants honored scattered site portfolio owned by uh Alliance Housing and will allow for an affordable to home ownership affordable rental to affordable home ownership conversion. The properties covered by the H's two AHIF grants include seven duplex units and one large home wherein each bedroom is separately rented. All properties have need for capital investment. Restructuring will allow conversion to home ownership of most of the duplex properties in the portfolio. Within each property, one unit will be will have a home ownership restriction limiting buyers to 80% of AMI and the other unit will be unrestricted for the homeowner to rent out. Alliance has developed this proposal in partnership with the City of Lakes Community Land Trust. CLT will renovate the properties before sale, ensuring buyers will be purchasing quality homes. CLCT will have their typical long-term relationship with the homeowners of these properties, ensuring ongoing affordability. There are three properties not included in this restructure in CLC CLT's assessment. These properties are not suitable for inclusion in this in their land trust model. We along with Alliance Housing and the other project funders including City of Minneapolis and Minnesota Housing have been working on this restructuring proposal for about a year. Um, Minneapolis staff and Minnesota housing staff are recommending debt restructuring concurrently with this one. This action, if approved, would serve multiple goals. Stabilize Alliance Housing overall portfolio, create affordable home ownership opportunities, and support neighborhoods by finding sustainable and effective home ownership models for duplex properties. I welcome your questions. Thank you. >> That is incredible. Thank you. Questions, Commissioner Fernando. Thank you, Madam Chair. This is a new there we've added. Okay, so I just want to make sure I'm reading this correctly. Uh the forgiving portion we have done and that makes a lot of sense. So it is so Alliance's portfolio is decreasing and then City of Lakes is and that that's the conversion to home ownership just to make sure I'm like yes that is correct. >> Wow. Um yes. So Madam Chair, I this this is in addition to um this is I'm just commend your creativity. I guess that's all I'll say. I commend your creativity. This is uh really smart governance while achieving our outcomes and being realistic about people's situation, you know. And so um the way in which this organization has approached housing cost burden on the individual level it is clear that we are also doing so for our um housing providers and to do that with alliance makes a lot of sense. the partnership with uh with the land trust and then for home ownership um in this portion of the county, this portion of the city is really really commendable. And if there are any ways that we can inspire other jurisdictions to uh see what might be within their creativity and authority to advance outcomes in a way that you know honors the original intent of um our policies and the conditions that our residents and and providers, right? These are work forces who have dedicated their lives to this and um yeah I just want to express gratitude for the amount of creativity that I'm reading in this uh sheet. Thank you madam chair. >> You no it's fascinating. Other comments or questions for my colleagues. Um I'll share in that. Thanks. This is this is innovative and um you know the more that we're able to close the the home ownership gap in this county the better. And um I'm really interested in like these rental to home ownership conversions because we're talking about duplexes here and so there's opportunity for you know the purchase of a duplex and maybe you have a large family and then everybody just has a place to live. Like this is this is really really great and um really um ties into what just what we're doing around home home ownership opportunities that are affordable um for folks who who need that. Um, in addition to like I always talk about the spectrum of housing and at the very end is the ability to purchase your first home. Um, and that is uh that's where we all aspire to get to and where um, you know, some folks have a harder time than others. So items like this really really help move that needle. So glad to see it. Thank you. All right. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. Any opposed? That item passes. The final item on our agenda today is item 4 C. I'll take a motion to bring that before us. It's been moved and seconded. Item 4 C is to negotiate amendments to agreements with Next Stage, negotiate agreements to provide small business recovery funding. That's been moved and seconded. And Patricia Fitzgerald present on this. Welcome. >> Good afternoon, Mr. Fitzgerald. Housing and economic development. Uh the action before you expands the uses of funds established to advance the ongoing recovery and continued success of small businesses in the aftermath of federal immigration enforcement actions. Specifically, the item makes up to a million dollars 1 million available in the form of low barrier financing that can be used for a variety of small business needs. The action also allocates approximately $500,000 for financial, legal, and marketing assistance for small businesses. If approved, these agreements will provide much neededed capacity for financial and legal consulting to meet critical small business needs, including some assistance for businesses dealing with the tales of federal co era funds. [snorts] The resources for marketing will also help boost revenue and strengthen businesses by driving customer traffic to local business districts. I'd also like to note that the specific action to increase funding for small business loans will also be subject to a concurrent companion action to be considered by the county board in the coming weeks. And I'm happy to address any questions you may have. >> Thank you. Questions? Commissioner Green? >> Um, thank you. Not a question, but rather a statement. I was out there in the wild and ran into somebody at an event um who pulled me aside and I had no idea that they were connected to this work at all. and I know what they do professionally. And they pulled me aside and they were just like, "You've got to tell those Elevate Henipin people that they are superstars and they're doing great work." And I just sat there and said, "Yes, yes, yes." So, thank you. >> I love it when I hear that. Other questions or comments? Um, I just wanted to add, listen, our small businesses in Henipin County are the drivers of the largest county in the state. So, by default, they're the economic drivers of the state. And so the way in which we approach small business recovery, small business support is absolutely critical. I'm so thankful that we do this. Um I'm so thankful that we can keep our our small businesses growing. Um keep money in communities, keep money circulating throughout our neighborhoods through our small businesses. And um and from what I'm just reading in the background, this is uh this is this is incredible. and it's a great way um to kind of shift and and keep this recovery work going. So, thank you for bringing this before us. With that, we'll proceed to the vote. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. Any opposed? That item passes. That's the final item of business for us today. I'll declare a journ.