Hennepin County approves $4.1M street safety project
The Hennepin County Board unanimously approved a $4.1 million contract on April 29 to improve safety on Mill Street across three communities, while also recognizing several awareness months and appointing new members to advisory boards.
The board awarded the contract to SM Henges and Sons for multimodal safety improvements on Mill Street in Shorewood, Excelsior, and Chanhassen. The project includes a $675,000 budget increase to install a new water main. According to Public Works presenter Jess Treboyevich, the improvements support the county's Toward Zero Death Action Plan, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities, as well as the county's ADA Transition Plan and Climate Action Plan.
In other business, the board unanimously approved several proclamations recognizing May observances: Foster Care Month, American Indian Month, and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Commissioners highlighted the need for diverse foster homes that reflect children's identities, acknowledged the historical contributions of Anishinaabe and Dakota peoples, and celebrated the cultural diversity of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the county. The board also proclaimed April 30 as Therapy Animal Day, recognizing the work of therapy animals and their handlers in hospitals, schools, and county facilities.
The board approved multiple appointments to Community Advisory Boards, including four applicants to the Birth Justice CAB, Catherine Bowie and Erica Ryan to the Race Equity Advisory Council, and three members to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Board. All votes were unanimous.
Two additional items passed unanimously: a lease renewal for St. David's Nicolette Center to support a $35 million renovation expanding early childhood services, and an amendment to the lease agreement with the Native American Community Development Institute for the Four Sisters Urban Farm on the Midtown Corridor. The farm amendment extends the lease for five years while reducing the leased area to accommodate construction of the new 18th Avenue South Bridge.
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Votes (9)
Proclamation of April 30th, 2026, as Therapy Animal Day in Hennepin County
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Green [00:00:00] · Seconded by Commissioner Connelly [00:00:00]
Commissioners Green and Connelly introduced the proclamation, highlighting the valuable work of therapy animals and their handlers in various community settings like hospitals, schools, and even the County Attorney's Office and Medical Examiner's facility. A representative from Pet Partners spoke about their volunteer work. The positive impact of these animals on meeting atmosphere was also noted.
Appointments to Community Advisory Boards (CABs)
Dissent: None
Moved by Madam Chair [00:00:00] (for multiple items) · Seconded by Commissioner Gotel [00:00:00], Commissioner Edelson [00:00:00], Commissioner Green [00:00:00], Commissioner Landy [00:00:00] (for various items)
The Board considered several appointments to various CABs. For the Birth Justice CAB, four applicants were appointed to eight at-large spots. Kimberly Wilburn was appointed to the CAPHC board, and Janet Frisch to the Human Resources Board. The Race Equity Advisory Council (REAC) required a roll-call vote due to more applicants than spots, resulting in Catherine Bowie and Erica Ryan's appointments. For the WIOA Board, Mary Niedermeyer was appointed for a community-based organization role, and Andrea Erickson and Melissa Wingey for private sector business roles.
Proclamation of May as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Edelson [00:00:00] · Seconded by Madam Chair [00:00:00]
Commissioner Edelson presented the commendation, motivated by a constituent's personal story. The discussion emphasized the devastating impact of ALS, its progressive nature, the lack of a cure, and the higher risk for military veterans. The role of organizations like the ALS Association in research and support was highlighted, and the lighting of bridges in red was announced.
Proclamation of May as Foster Care Month in Hennepin County
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Conley [00:00:00] · Seconded by Implied by Madam Chair [00:00:00]
Commissioner Conley presented the resolution, noting over 1,000 children in foster care in Hennepin County and the crucial need for affirming foster homes that reflect children's diverse identities. The discussion underscored the goal of family reunification and the collective effort required from foster parents, staff, and community partners to support children's well-being.
Proclamation of May as American Indian Month in Hennepin County
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Cates [00:00:00] · Seconded by Madam Chair [00:00:00]
Commissioner Cates presented the proclamation, highlighting Minnesota's 50-year history of recognizing May as American Indian Month. The discussion acknowledged the historical and cultural contributions of Anishinaabe and Dakota peoples, the painful history of interactions with European settlers, and the county's commitment to tribal sovereignty and reducing racial disparities. Upcoming events like the MMIR Honoring Our Relatives Healing Circles and the Sacred Waters campaign were mentioned.
Proclamation of May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Dissent: None
Moved by Madam Chair [00:00:00] · Seconded by Commissioner Landy [00:00:00]
Madam Chair (Commissioner Fernando) introduced the proclamation, recognizing May as a time to celebrate AA and HPI history, culture, and address ongoing challenges. The discussion highlighted the historical reasons for May's designation (Japanese immigration, Chinese laborers), the diversity within the AA and HPI community in Hennepin County, and the county's stance against hate and commitment to equity.
Renewal of Lease and Use Agreement for St. David's Nicolette Center
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Lundy [00:00:00] · Seconded by Commissioner Edelson [00:00:00]
Mr. Rogan and Sarah Brown presented the item, explaining that St. David's Nicolette Center is undergoing a $35 million renovation to expand early childhood services. The amendment and assignment of the lease agreement are necessary to facilitate New Market Tax Credit financing, which provides below-market rate loans for projects in distressed communities, supporting the renovation's second phase.
Authorization to amend budget and award contract to SM Henges and Sons for CSA 82 capital project
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Anderson [00:00:00] · Seconded by Commissioner Edelson [00:00:00]
Jess Treboyevich from Public Works presented the request for a contract award to SM Henges and Sons, the lowest bidder, for multimodal safety improvements on Mill Street (CSA 82) in Shorewood, Excelsior, and Chanhassen. A budget increase of $675,000 was requested to include new water main installation, with the total project cost exceeding $4.1 million. The improvements support the county's Toward Zero Death Action Plan, ADA Transition Plan, and Climate Action Plan.
Negotiate an amendment to the lease agreement with the Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI)
Dissent: None
Moved by Chair Green [00:00:00] · Seconded by Commissioner Anderson [00:00:00]
Jessica Galats presented the item to extend NACDI's lease for the Four Sisters Urban Farm, which transforms vacant lots on the Hennepin County Midtown Corridor into an urban farm and community gathering place. The amendment extends the lease for a second five-year term and reduces the lease area temporarily and permanently to accommodate the new 18th Avenue South Bridge construction. Commissioner Conley expressed strong support for the farm's work.
Notable Quotes (16)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Whereas military veterans are at a higher risk of developing ALS and dying from the disease than those who have not served.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ordinances & Resolutions (11)
Proclaiming April 30th, 2026, as Therapy Animal Day in Hennepin County.
Declaring May 2026 as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month in Hennepin County.
Declaring May 2026 as National Foster Care Month in Hennepin County.
Declaring May 2026 as American Indian Month in Hennepin County.
Declaring May 2026 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Hennepin County.
Agreement being amended and assigned to facilitate renovation funding.
Awarded for multimodal safety improvements on CSA 82 (Mill Street).
Amendment for rental of Rail Authority property for the Four Sisters Urban Farm.
County plan supported by Mill Street safety improvements.
County plan supported by Mill Street safety improvements.
County plan supported by Mill Street safety improvements.
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Other Topics from This Document
Community Advisory Board Appointments
Proclamation of ALS Awareness Month
Proclamation of Foster Care Month
Proclamation of American Indian Month
Proclamation of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
St. David's Nicolette Center Lease Renewal
Mill Street Multimodal Safety Improvements Contract
NACDI Lease Amendment for Four Sisters Urban Farm
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