Washington County — Transcript
Monday, August 17, 2026
Public Comment on Surveillance Cameras
Axon Justice Premier Presentation
Anti-Racism Workgroup 20th Anniversary Proclamation
Law Enforcement Center Improvement Project
CSAH 14 at High Point Drive Intersection Improvement Project
Library and Law Library 2027 Budget Workshop
Votes (8)
Adopting a proclamation recognizing the 20th anniversary of the Anti-Racism Workgroup with the ERG
Moved by Commissioner Miron [00:44:48] · Seconded by Commissioner Karwoski [00:44:56]
Commissioners and staff acknowledged the 20 years of dedication by the Anti-Racism Workgroup in fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace. The discussion emphasized the group's role in attracting talented individuals to the county and the ongoing need for progress in addressing racism within systems and processes. Former employee Robert Crawford shared historical context and appreciation for continued support.
Approval of contract number 18397 with Parcos Construction Company for carpentry, LEC Remodel Phase Two, Bid Pack Four
Moved by Commissioner Bigham [01:01:46] · Seconded by Commissioner Miron [01:01:49]
This contract is part of the larger LEC Remodel Phase Two project to update the Law Enforcement Center, originally built in 1993. The project aims to improve staff areas, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and life safety systems. Commissioners praised the competitiveness of the bids and the critical nature of the upgrades for continuous, efficient county operations.
Approval of contract number 18401 with Pinnacle Wall Systems Incorporated for drywall, LEC Remodel Phase Two, Bid Pack Four
Moved by Commissioner Miron [01:02:40] · Seconded by Commissioner Karwoski [01:02:47]
Part of the ongoing LEC renovation, this contract focuses on drywall installation to modernize the Patrol and Emergency Services divisions. The board acknowledged the overall positive bidding process, with many competitive bids received for various work scopes, ensuring good value for the project.
Approval of contract number 18402 with Viking Automatic Sprinkler Company for fire suppression, LEC Remodel Phase Two, Bid Pack Four
Moved by Commissioner Cox [01:03:52] · Seconded by Commissioner Karwoski [01:04:02]
This contract addresses critical fire suppression upgrades within the LEC. The project's necessity for life safety and creating an improved working environment for county staff was emphasized by commissioners, who appreciated the comprehensive nature of the updates.
Approval of contract number 18403 with Minnesota Sheet Metal for combined mechanical, LEC Remodel Phase Two, Bid Pack Four
Moved by Commissioner Bigham [01:04:54] · Seconded by Commissioner Karwoski [01:05:00]
This contract covers the mechanical systems for the LEC remodel, identified as a major upgrade needed for the aging building. The board acknowledged the significant effort involved in managing such complex projects and the importance of these improvements for the building's longevity and functionality.
Approval of contract number 18404 with B&B Electric LLC for electrical, LEC Remodel Phase Two, Bid Pack Four
Moved by Commissioner Cox [01:06:17] · Seconded by Commissioner Miron [01:06:21]
The final contract approved for this phase of the LEC remodel focuses on electrical system upgrades, another critical component of modernizing the facility. Commissioners commended the detailed planning and execution required for a project of this scale, emphasizing its contribution to the county's infrastructure investment.
Approval of contract number 18508 with Sun Ram Contracting Incorporated for construction of CSAH 14 at High Point Drive Intersection Improvement Project
Moved by Commissioner Karwoski [01:12:00] · Seconded by Commissioner Bigham [01:12:05]
This contract is for construction work at the CSAH 14 and High Point Drive intersection. The project is crucial due to significant development and changing traffic patterns in Oakdale and Lake Elmo, necessitating multimodal improvements for safety and efficiency. The low bid was accepted, supported by a $200,000 contribution from the City of Oakdale.
Approval of cooperative agreement number 18554 between the City of Oakdale and Washington County for the CSAH 14 at High Point Drive Intersection Improvement Project
Moved by Commissioner Karwoski [01:16:16] · Seconded by Commissioner Bigham [01:16:19]
This agreement formalizes the partnership and cost-sharing arrangements with the City of Oakdale for the intersection improvements. The agreement ensures coordinated effort and financial responsibility in line with the county's cost participation policy, reinforcing inter-jurisdictional collaboration for regional infrastructure projects.
Notable Quotes (8)
One of the first things that happened to me when I came to Washington County was I saw a sign in the lobby... and it was a Anti-Racism Working Group sign, and it really stuck with me that in the lobby of Washington County Community Services was this resource for the employees here, and I thought, 'This is the place I want to work.'
The words that stick out to me are, 'The Washington County Board of Commissioners reaffirms its commitment to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and supportive workplace,' because there is still work to be done in our systems and in our processes.
LEC was built in 1993 and expanded again in 2009... The study determined the need for major mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and life safety upgrades, as well as updating staff areas to be more ergonomic and flexible.
This is a very critical, important project to allow for continued efficiency in operations as the county grows, and as we see a building that was built quite some time ago. Those upgrades are certainly necessary and appreciate all the analysis that went into the needs here, and the building review to get to this point.
We received an average of nearly six bids per work scope. Only one work scope... received a single bid due to the limited number of contractors qualified to work on the existing mechanical system controls.
As you can see, overall, it's really outdated and worn-out office equipment, and I think we've really been Working with the sheriff's department, not only to recruit deputies, but there's a lot of people that work behind the scenes in addition to the deputies. So the office staff deserves to have a good environment to work in.
This project work is consistent with the Washington County Strategic Plan, specifically the goal to enhance and maintain investments in the built and natural environment to encourage growth, accessibility, and resilient communities, including the objective to maintain, develop, and expand multimodal transportation options to improve ease of travel across the county.
The community around there has changed a lot, and it's worth re-noting. There's residential, a large apartment to the south. There's the, we like to call it, the 3M development, about 225 acres of single and multi-family homes, not too far to the immediate north, with all the new retail. And then also, you could probably, I think it's fair to include Lake Elmo.
Ordinances & Resolutions (17)
Presentation on the Axon Justice software suite by the County Attorney's Office.
Cloud-based evidentiary system used by the County Attorney's Office.
Forensically sound software tool for analyzing video evidence.
Recognizing the 20th anniversary of the Anti-Racism Workgroup Employee Resource Group.
Capital Improvement Project number for the LEC Remodel Phase Two, Bid Pack Four.
Carpentry contract for the LEC Remodel Phase Two with Parcos Construction Company.
Drywall contract for the LEC Remodel Phase Two with Pinnacle Wall Systems Incorporated.
Fire suppression contract for the LEC Remodel Phase Two with Viking Automatic Sprinkler Company.
Combined mechanical contract for the LEC Remodel Phase Two with Minnesota Sheet Metal.
Electrical contract for the LEC Remodel Phase Two with B&B Electric LLC.
Capital improvement plan program for annual intersection control upgrades.
Construction contract for CSAH 14 at High Point Drive Intersection Improvement Project with Sun Ram Contracting Incorporated.
Agreement between Washington County and the City of Oakdale for the CSAH 14 at High Point Drive project.
Letter from the Department of Natural Resources proposing a property exchange.
Budgets for the Washington County Library and Law Library.
Four-priority plan guiding library operations and service delivery.
Comprehensive software suite forming the backbone of library services, targeted for upgrade.