WEBVTT METADATA Video-Count: 1 Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=cmS63bdVavk NOTE MEETING SECTIONS: Part 1 (Video ID: cmS63bdVavk): - 00:00:39: Call to Order, Introductions, and Future Work Topics - 00:02:22: Recognition of Deer Lake Flyers 4H Club, Award Presentation - 00:05:49: Commissioners questions, Public praise for 4H Club - 00:06:54: Commissioner encourages youth to keep doing community work - 00:07:46: Teacher praises youth's effort, building the future - 00:08:19: Commissioner praises youth for their speech, picture time - 00:09:57: Veteran Service Office Update: Overview and Statistics - 00:15:59: New claim from Red Lake, Veteran Service Praise - 00:17:26: Historical Data and Mobile Claims Unit Effectiveness - 00:19:02: State Grants, Direct Support, Preventing Veteran Homelessness - 00:21:29: Darren D. VA access, Veteran Support, DWI Court - 00:23:58: Veterans Fair Development, Appreciation Hockey Game Update - 00:26:57: Biji Veterans Home Update: Staffing Shortages, Donations Needed - 00:28:52: Addressing Veterans Home Staffing Issues and Full Time Roles - 00:30:02: Mobile Unit Combinations, Transportation Issue Concerns - 00:32:54: 2027 Budget Discussion Tabled, Committee Volunteer Request - 00:34:21: Volunteer Discussion, Postponing Budget for Full Attendance - 00:35:38: Administrator's Update: Jail Project Progress Details - 00:39:09: Birchmont Beach Road Project Update, Archeological Permits - 00:40:59: Legislative Update, Bill Hearings, Lack of Budget Targets - 00:42:52: Lobbyist Discussion, Insurance Bill, Ways and Means - 00:44:21: Warrant Questions, County Development Fund Allocation - 00:47:19: Information Needed, Budget Committee Membership, Discussion Postponed Part: 1 1 00:00:39.520 --> 00:00:56.160 follow this board session of the county board to order with introduction of new employee. We missed the one after last. We got one at the last meeting. So, all right. 2 00:00:56.160 --> 00:01:20.000 Identify future work topics. have anything? >> Oh, Mr. Chair, I have a suggested topic uh regarding uh email communication we received from Administrator Barry regarding the United 3 00:01:20.000 --> 00:01:38.320 Ways uh pickle that they're in um regarding uh uh property tax bill. Um wondering if we could uh have a discussion on that. There seems to be some elements that might be worthy of uh 4 00:01:38.320 --> 00:01:55.479 uh some education for the know uh education for the public and and uh how to maybe avoid such things in the future. So um perhaps at our next meeting or two meetings from now 5 00:01:57.920 --> 00:02:22.080 have that. Okay, sounds good. Anything else? Okay, recognition of Deer Lake Flyers 4H Club leadership award. >> Good afternoon, Mr. Chair and commissioners. Uh pleased to be with you 6 00:02:22.080 --> 00:02:38.239 all this afternoon. Um, as you can see, I've got a few guests with me who will, uh, be willing to share about their experience. Uh, but just wanted to share a few remarks. Uh, mostly thanks and appreciation. Uh, Commissioner Sumner introduced this idea to the extension 7 00:02:38.239 --> 00:02:54.640 committee last fall and Sumner and Commissioner Winger both supported the nomination for the Deer Lake Flyers Club to receive this uh, Association of Minnesota Counties 4 leadership award. And so I thank you both for that uh and for all of you your continued support of 8 00:02:54.640 --> 00:03:09.440 extension and the Belrammy County 4 program. Um in the committee meetings that extension has throughout the year with our county residents uh we talk a lot about return on investment and and the youth um and what they're getting 9 00:03:09.440 --> 00:03:26.080 out of this program with just our one 4 educator here in the county. um and with them supported by uh many dedicated volunteers and of course uh providing these leadership opportunities for our youth. I think you all see the evidence of that and so this is just a wonderful 10 00:03:26.080 --> 00:03:51.280 example. Um and with that I'll turn it over to a few of our youth here who will be sharing a little bit about their experience. Hello everyone. My name is Britain and I'm here with my club member Otis and our club leaders Shelley and Shelby. I'm 11 00:03:51.280 --> 00:04:06.319 so honored to be here representing the Deer Lake Flyers 4H club from Belrammy County. Today we want to share the purpose behind our holiday turkey donation project and the impact that it has made on families in our community. 12 00:04:06.319 --> 00:04:22.479 Thanks so much for having us today. Community service is an important part of 4 and our club. We used to do highway cleanup for highway cleanup, but then they recently changed the age requirements, so we were 13 00:04:22.479 --> 00:04:39.320 searching for a different service project. A family in our club recommended working with the food shelf. This is our third year donating turkeys and I really like how it makes me feel and like I am doing a good deed for the community. 14 00:04:41.120 --> 00:04:58.160 As a club, we purchased turkeys from our local grocery store and brought them to the food shelf. We worked together to raise money by applying for a grant through Thrivant and selling Bongard cheese. The food shelf has been really appreciative to our turkey donations, 15 00:04:58.160 --> 00:05:14.880 especially because we're the only group that has donated them over the holiday season. Uh we have learned that we have learned that visits to the food shelf have increased over 18%. Over the last 3 years, we have been able to donate over 100 turkeys and we really love seeing 16 00:05:14.880 --> 00:05:33.039 how grateful they are when we bring them and their faces really light up. This project is the first service for many of our club members and they have been able to see the different perspectives and how some people rely on these services. The 4H stand for head, 17 00:05:33.039 --> 00:05:49.520 heart, hands and health. We are able to use our h heart and hands to to care for our community. Thank you county commissioners for this amazing award. Thank you for supporting 4 youth across Minnesota. 18 00:05:49.520 --> 00:06:05.280 Thank you. Well done, >> commissioners. Any question for our youth before they wrap up today? >> Any questions? >> Really uh really great to see, you know, building our future. It's like the 4 at 19 00:06:05.280 --> 00:06:20.720 the fair, everything else. It's not just an event, it's a you know, investment in our future. >> Thank you for bringing them and and for doing all this. >> Thank you. I also wanted to just recognize Cassie 20 00:06:20.720 --> 00:06:37.440 Gerling uh one of our regional 4H youth development staff uh who I believe joined the some of the club representatives as well. Thank you very much for uh assisting today as our local 4 educator Ashley Roar was feeling under the weather not 21 00:06:37.440 --> 00:06:54.479 able to join us. Um I'll see a couple of you next week for extension committee again. So, always more news to talk about, but that's all I have for you this afternoon, unless there's any other questions for me. >> Um, >> thank you all. I don't >> think I have any more. >> I don't have any questions, but maybe a 22 00:06:54.479 --> 00:07:12.080 comment, but I just want to encourage uh, you know, the youth to continue, you know, doing what you're doing. you know, the community recognizes and appreciates what what you uh are doing, you know, and maybe, you know, 23 00:07:12.080 --> 00:07:29.680 take this, you know, opportunity to look for, you know, other ways, you know, to continue to give back to the community. You know, I'm proud of the work that you guys are doing, you know, and it it's inspirational, you know, seeing such young folks, you 24 00:07:29.680 --> 00:07:46.240 know, being compassionate, you know, for our neighbors, you know, and considerate that goes a long ways, you know, in today's society, you know, and I'm proud of you. So, keep up the good work. 25 00:07:46.240 --> 00:08:02.160 >> Yeah. I just want to say congratulations. Definitely proud of your efforts. uh as a teacher, it warms my heart to see you guys uh out in the community and doing public service and and to be recognized for your efforts is uh uh truly amazing. So, um not a lot of 26 00:08:02.160 --> 00:08:19.360 students around the state uh get this type of recognition. So, um you should feel proud of your efforts and uh look forward to uh to your future endeavors as well. Keep up the good work. >> Yeah. Well, Commissioner Sumner and I 27 00:08:19.360 --> 00:08:33.760 did get to come down and see the presentation and that was really, really cool. It was great to be there. Um, I got to commend you guys on getting up and talking and and the speech that was given down there. Um, it's outstanding. I don't think I could have done it at 28 00:08:33.760 --> 00:08:54.720 your age. So, you guys are doing great stuff. Keep it up. >> Speaking in front of public now. >> Yep. Should we do a picture? Probably should do the picture. >> Yeah, let's do a picture. We got time 29 00:08:54.720 --> 00:09:57.680 >> if you guys are okay with that. >> It's a large group. All right. >> Yeah. Are you ready? All right. Thank you. Thank you. 30 00:09:57.680 --> 00:10:33.279 >> Thank you. >> All right. Veteran Service Office update >> for an update. >> Welcome back. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. I hope. All right. All right. Good afternoon, 31 00:10:33.279 --> 00:10:48.480 gentlemen. Um, Jane Gustoson, County Veteran Services. It's been a quite a while since I've been in here. Uh, last October was the last update. So, few things have changed since then. We'll just cover some office highlights, our state grants, some of the direct support 32 00:10:48.480 --> 00:11:06.480 that we're doing, uh some updates and events that we have planned, the mobile claims unit, and a veterans home update as well. So, currently off of the 2025 GDX that we follow uh for our veteran population uh posted by the Minnesota Department of 33 00:11:06.480 --> 00:11:23.360 Veteran Affairs, we have 2,650 veterans currently within Belrammy County. uh our current office activity on average we're doing 42 appointments per day with an additional 53 walk-ins that come in that are unscheduled. So we're a very active 34 00:11:23.360 --> 00:11:39.440 office and uh that's been consistent so far since uh the beginning of the year. Um our claim trends, the type of things that we're seeing on a on a daily basis is an increase to new veterans coming to the office and new disease states and new new type of disabilities that are 35 00:11:39.440 --> 00:11:55.440 coming in that veterans are experiencing. And then we're also doing a lot with secondary claims. So this would be a a disease state or a cancer and specific treatments and the type of medications. And then we're looking at how that's affecting other parts or causing maybe other disabilities uh for 36 00:11:55.440 --> 00:12:11.600 the veteran. Uh we've had a growth in our uh dependency indemnity compensation or basically our survivors benefits and death benefits. And in 2026, just since January, we've already lost 16 veterans. A lot of this is due to our aging 37 00:12:11.600 --> 00:12:27.519 population of our veteran community as well. U our largest population is also our Vietnam era veterans and unfortunately they're getting average age between 70 and 80 years old and a lot of disease states that are unfortunately taking our veterans. So we 38 00:12:27.519 --> 00:12:44.240 have seen a big loss this year. So that has expanded our our survivors benefit claims and working with the spouses and families to make sure that if they're entitled to benefits that we're there to help them and guide them through that process and get them the benefits they they've earned. Um we have done a lot 39 00:12:44.240 --> 00:13:00.800 with the expanded claim development and research. So in the past, you know, the research part of it, you had to go on Google. And this is the veteran doing this in a lot of cases. And as our veteran population is starting to, you know, age and maybe not be as savvy with the computer or have access to computers 40 00:13:00.800 --> 00:13:16.160 in general, we find ourselves doing a lot more research and and to help them with their claim development part of it. Uh geographic locations, uh disease states, how medications interact with each other and how they affect the body. Um, and we're doing a lot more research 41 00:13:16.160 --> 00:13:32.720 in that area. So, that expands our our claim development and time that we're working with veterans. Uh, the ongoing review of VA decisions and accuracy, I'll speak to that in just a moment as we get into the VA performance for 26. As you can see, 1.5 million claims have already passed through the VA just this 42 00:13:32.720 --> 00:13:50.000 year nationally. That's that's a lot of claims funneling right through one place through the VA. Uh with that, the VA just released a report this week of their processing times have have decreased quite a bit significantly. In fact, a lot of that has been very good 43 00:13:50.000 --> 00:14:05.519 because they get the claim decisions back, but with our claim review and decision for accuracy, that's where we're seeing that there are problems that they can address the claim quickly, but on the back side, they're missing some of the effective dates and some of the awards that veterans are entitled to are incorrect. So we have to go back 44 00:14:05.519 --> 00:14:21.760 through and double check all the claim decisions uh in fine detail to make sure they evaluate it correctly. The other part of it that is is the big piece that we see as a hangup for our veterans benefits is the third party affiliates that the VA uses to do the examination 45 00:14:21.760 --> 00:14:37.440 for the claim. often they're cancelling it because they just don't have the ability to get them in or they're doing a kind of a I don't want to speak to every one of them because some of them are very well done, but there are quite a few that are are inadequate. So, they don't address the the major issues that 46 00:14:37.440 --> 00:14:53.279 the claim went in for and we will go on on the end of that and we'll request a new examination for the veteran which then extends that whole process out for them. And but it's it's the right thing to do. If we know right there in front of us that we see that the exam lasted 5 47 00:14:53.279 --> 00:15:11.040 minutes for a cancer, you know, diagnosis and they're not even touching it, we're going to make sure that they get an adequate exam for that. So far, our local impact for the claims that we have already done that we've received the um dollar amounts back for our veterans and our surviving spouses, 48 00:15:11.040 --> 00:15:28.079 I have reported 49,000. We just received some back yesterday. So, we're upwards of $430,000 right now. Um, and those dollars go straight to the veteran or straight to the spouse as I've reported in the past. It doesn't come to Belrammy County. It goes straight to them and then those dollars are then used in the 49 00:15:28.079 --> 00:15:44.399 community or or wherever they may be. >> Is that is that just so far this year? >> That's just this year. >> Yes. >> Yeah. And last year our our number at the end of the cycle was 1.6 million that went to our veteran community here. 50 00:15:44.399 --> 00:15:59.759 And those are all new claims. That's all things that we've done in the office in new back pays, retroactive payments for the claims that we had started and completed. So that's not the total amount. You know, we'll be looking at 40 million plus for the overall um what the veterans received just in Belrammy 51 00:15:59.759 --> 00:16:16.959 County alone. >> Mr. Chair, >> um want to mention that, you know, one of the new claims, you know, could possibly be coming from Red Lake. I believe there was a veteran that uh came and visited Shane while he uh was up 52 00:16:16.959 --> 00:16:34.240 there visiting with the the mobile unit. Correct. >> Yes. >> And there was a veteran that hasn't, you know, utilized his his VA benefits or tried to access his VA benefits for a number of years. And um and once this person, you know, 53 00:16:34.240 --> 00:16:51.360 once this veteran, you know, found out and heard that Shane was up there, he came up there and, you know, paid a paid a visit to Shane. So, you know, there there are people out there that, you know, might not come to the office, but, you know, having this mobile unit really 54 00:16:51.360 --> 00:17:08.240 gave, you know, give or giving our veterans an opportunity to to meet them where they're at, right? you know and and you know so that's that's an example of of you know the work that you know Shane you know is doing in in the office and just want to mention that you know 55 00:17:08.240 --> 00:17:26.160 because I Shane's you know a humble person and he wouldn't you know talk about you know that type of thing but I just want to recognize you and your offers for the work that you're doing. >> Appreciate it. Thank you. as we look at the historic historical 56 00:17:26.160 --> 00:17:41.520 data for the office there isn't a lot that is even available for um prior to my entry there things were done mostly on a on a ledger a book and I just don't have access to any of that past data uh this is a very basic this is just basically office visits that we have for 57 00:17:41.520 --> 00:17:58.559 uh since 2022 when we started collecting the information just so we can see a sideby-side comparison we have some ups and downs through through the years with claims um but it's been relatively consistent where in 2025 we added in the mobile claims unit. That 96 that is how many 58 00:17:58.559 --> 00:18:14.559 people actually came through the claims unit that we spoke to. It's quite significant. And this is through our county fairs and all the other events that we've uh been a part of. And already this just this year we've met with 456 people in the unit which is quite considerable. Now, not all of 59 00:18:14.559 --> 00:18:31.120 those are claims, but that's people having that initial discussion on how the claim process works or getting them located with their service officer in their county as well. >> The on that previous slide, what's the WISP? What's that? >> Um, the WI are that's our walk-ins. So, 60 00:18:31.120 --> 00:18:46.960 those are the number we always have more walk-ins in a year than we do the actual scheduled visits. So, the walk-ins are always there, but everybody gets that moment. So when they come in and meet with us, we'll get them scheduled for an appointment or sometimes it's just basic questions and we'll we'll answer the question right on the spot and then you 61 00:18:46.960 --> 00:19:02.320 know sometimes they don't need to come back or it's more in-depth and it turns into a major claim development as well. The SSAP is our state grants. I'll get into that. I have a slide on the next one on that as well. >> Yep. Um so with our with our grant 62 00:19:02.320 --> 00:19:18.720 process and our direct support that we have to the veterans, we have our stakeholder assistance program that's through the state. We use our local DAV chapter, VFW, MACV, and um I wrote that incorrectly up there, but Vincent St. Paul Churches United. So, so far this year, we haven't done any of the optical 63 00:19:18.720 --> 00:19:34.160 dental grants. That's kind of an eb and flow with people needing the dental care, and it's the lower income veterans that need this type of service. Uh that will usually pick up toward the fall because we kind of have this annual piece coming in. They can only do it once a year. So, we'll see them pick up toward the end of the year. Um veterans 64 00:19:34.160 --> 00:19:50.880 relief grants already this year. I've put together multiple of those and we've received 20,000 from the state uh that goes directly to the veteran or actually their lender depending on how it is. The majority of what we've done this year is is to help prevent veterans homelessness and those dollars went to you know pay 65 00:19:50.880 --> 00:20:07.919 back some overdue payments to the for the home and quite significant and able to keep the veteran in their home and eliminate that debt so they can move forward and and not have that hanging over their shoulders. uh DAV. Right now we're just over $2,000 in direct support and that's for paying and filling for 66 00:20:07.919 --> 00:20:24.799 propane or putting some food in a refrigerator. Multiple calls over there and they've been very supportive of to help us out with that. And the BFW this year, we we've talked with them. They provided some dollars as well as MACD and and the Churches United. uh that $9,888 67 00:20:24.799 --> 00:20:41.600 that is going to our veterans homelessness to try to keep them into a home or an apartment and also to pay back um some significant debt that was barring a veteran from getting placement into a home um as a high-risisk tenant. But having a debt would have really 68 00:20:41.600 --> 00:20:56.640 delayed that process for for that individual much longer. So we helped eliminate that. So now all it is is a transition into housing and hopefully that is going to take place very soon. So our current amount so far with direct support is a little over $32,000 which 69 00:20:56.640 --> 00:21:12.720 will consistently increase over the year. Uh the little image I didn't really put the best image but we we also know that our our veterans homelessness is is a reality and also it's veterans in transition. So they may be removed from their home for one reason or 70 00:21:12.720 --> 00:21:29.200 another and they have to leave with with nothing. So we created some backpacks based on our conversation with veterans over the last five years on items that would help them. We have shampoo, soap, things like that, blanket, towels, just so in transition they have a way to actually care for themselves. And the 71 00:21:29.200 --> 00:21:49.600 BFW ladies auxiliary also provided some items for that as well. So we can at least get them situated that way with some basic healthc care items. So what we're doing now um currently working with Darren D. He's my case aid and he does not have VA access. So he is 72 00:21:49.600 --> 00:22:05.440 going to operate under my credentiing and he just went through the JPA joint powers agreement with VA. So he can access and get his PIV card which we do actually have the PIV card now in our hands but when he came back on Friday the PIV card it didn't work. It's very 73 00:22:05.440 --> 00:22:21.360 common. We all have that same same issue. So, it's going to be looking at getting him a laptop so then when he tests the card in Fargo where he goes and gets his his PIV updated again, he can test it and hopefully when we get back, it works in our remote area as 74 00:22:21.360 --> 00:22:37.679 well. So, he's done a lot of work with that. And what that will do, it'll enhance our ability. So, when we leave the office on Fridays to go do our mobile outreach and get the claim unit out, he can still do some basic claim work and see the individuals uh file in the VA system. so he can actually have 75 00:22:37.679 --> 00:22:53.039 some more robust conversation and and help that veteran um right there on the spot as well. Um our NWO mobile claims, I have another slide on that. I will talk to that, but we've activated our Friday schedule again. Um so we're back in full swing with that. Luke is going to be attending the Veterans Day on the 76 00:22:53.039 --> 00:23:08.400 Hill April 23rd. I'm not able to attend. Luke's going to go down. So he'll be a part of that piece. And then I'm also now part of the DWI court. So, I'm meeting with veterans when they're in the court system for the DDWI program to actually turn services toward them and 77 00:23:08.400 --> 00:23:25.679 that that's been a it's been good so far. So, you know, as veterans are involved with that, I'll be there as well to help them find the resources they need. Um, we're working with the sheriff's office right now. Uh, last week we had a meeting with the hostage negotiation team to educate them on what 78 00:23:25.679 --> 00:23:41.600 the veteran service office provides. A lot of the staff that were part of that team had no idea that the service officer can do what we do. So, that's just going to help them enhance their ability to do their job. And we have some scenario training that's going to take place next month and we'll be there 79 00:23:41.600 --> 00:23:58.480 to participate with that and um help them when they're working with a veteran in crisis. And that's something that's never been done here before. Uh we're already scheduled for the Fourth of July parade, the county fair. We're already logged, you know, have that all squared away. So, we'll be getting that underway here in August. Um, we're looking at a 80 00:23:58.480 --> 00:24:15.440 veterans fair development for 2027, getting veterans in the community, and maybe that's working with Amy to maybe put our efforts together and just make one big event if that's something that's going to be um looked at in the future is is very successful, which her event was very successful in Kellier. So, we 81 00:24:15.440 --> 00:24:30.640 might be working on that with her to see if we can do something together. And then our veterans appreciation hockey game, we're already working on that. We'll have more in uh probably June July time frame for how we'll handle that this year as well. It looks like it's going to turn to an annual event. It was 82 00:24:30.640 --> 00:24:47.840 a it was a good event this year past year. So for our mobile unit, we began in May of 2025. We completed 30 events and that's where we met with the 960 individuals during that time frame. Since January, we actually have five events now. Um and we met with probably 83 00:24:47.840 --> 00:25:04.080 right around 465 uh people already. Yeah, because we're back in our schedule. Um, lot of strong engagement from the community. I I met with a veteran in Keller last Friday who said he didn't think this was a good idea period because we have folks that just don't really know what the 84 00:25:04.080 --> 00:25:21.679 program is. When he realized what we do and how we do it in that in that claim in that mobile unit, he said it changed my whole mind. He said, "Veterans are able to come here right here in Kier in a parking lot. You have a squared away spot that's just for them." And he said, "I I back this 100%." So, some of the 85 00:25:21.679 --> 00:25:37.440 folks that haven't seen it yet, who may be, you know, wondering what it's all about, stop in and see us. We'll show you around. Uh, the operations, we're back on Friday. The winter was extremely difficult from the end of December moving into March with the extreme cold. 86 00:25:37.440 --> 00:25:52.159 So, we really pulled back all our efforts. We had a lot of trouble with the generator getting out on site. There's a lot of snow. And not to mention, it seemed like every Friday we were scheduled to go, it was 30 below. So for safety reasons, we didn't want the community to come out to the location and not to mention put staff in 87 00:25:52.159 --> 00:26:08.320 that element and possibly, you know, banging up the unit or breaking something. We just slowed our roll and we we just stopped going out uh during those cold months or cold months or cold Fridays. Um I had mentioned before the the interest from the northwest counties that wanted to do the same type of 88 00:26:08.320 --> 00:26:24.480 mobile claims unit that we have. Uh a lot of discussion among those Northwest groups and they just said, you know, send us a grant, which I did. But they've all come back and said we just can't make this work. It's a large, you know, effort to do it. It takes a lot of office and staff time to do it. So maybe 89 00:26:24.480 --> 00:26:40.480 you'll see a change in the future with those uh smaller counties maybe adopting something maybe a little bit smaller for them, but right now they don't know how they can even execute it. So we will be the only one in the state of Minnesota for the time being. Uh our next steps with this, we're doing our final equipment purchases, routine 90 00:26:40.480 --> 00:26:57.600 maintenance, and then we're getting ready to close that grant out too as far as our purchasing part of that. So, we'll be happy to get rid of that grant as well. It's been very, very good for us, but at the same time, that whole process is is very daunting. So, we're ready to move through that grant as well. Uh, Biji Veterans Home, I was just 91 00:26:57.600 --> 00:27:14.880 out there today and a couple weeks ago. So, 41 residents, they brought their newest resident in today and so they're at 41 for capacity at that level. Um, and they're hoping to have their 50 veterans by the end of June. Uh currently 125 staff employees. Uh 92 00:27:14.880 --> 00:27:31.120 that has increased since my last report in October. Um the Itasa household is of course closed. They had some water damage toward uh the fall and the winter months. So before they can even open it up, they have to repair the floors and also get more staff in place. As part of 93 00:27:31.120 --> 00:27:48.320 the uh designated contributions committee, I'm on that committee with the veterans home. So I see how the dollars directly go to the veterans that are living there. Uh, one of the big pieces they've been working on even since October was the the theater room seating to have veterans a lot more comfortable. Otherwise, they're sitting in seats like we have here. And those 94 00:27:48.320 --> 00:28:03.120 folks need to be a little bit more comfortable um to enjoy those things. So, that's on order and that will be in place hopefully very soon as well. And we're currently exploring the outdoor pavilion so veterans can get out of the direct sunlight and get out of the wind and have a place outside to actually 95 00:28:03.120 --> 00:28:19.039 visit with their family and sit there and enjoy the outdoors. Like today is a beautiful day. Um, so that's going to be a long process working with the state on that. They have a lot of rules and restrictions. So it's going to be a long process for that, but I know over time we'll get there. 96 00:28:19.039 --> 00:28:36.320 >> So also with that, more donations are also needed. I mean, that's our cap right now that we're where we're at. So more donations are always needed from the community to put toward the veterans home as well. Uh, the biggest one there, everybody wants to look for that one thing that's causing the issue for 97 00:28:36.320 --> 00:28:52.559 veterans not getting there. It's not a single person. It's not a single event. It's just staff. Staff is the big holdup. So, there isn't a big enemy to point your finger at. It's it's strictly staff. We need more RNs specifically. And anybody looking for work, that is definitely a wonderful place to to start 98 00:28:52.559 --> 00:29:08.320 your career or maybe continue your career in in uh the medical field. >> Mr. chair. >> Um I did see Shane that they are advertising two part-time nursing positions right now. 99 00:29:08.320 --> 00:29:23.520 >> Okay. >> Um and I've talked about this before, but I wonder if they might have better luck. Instead of advertising for two part-times, they advertise for one full-time because with full-time comes benefits comes more pay. You know, 100 00:29:23.520 --> 00:29:38.880 people >> people need more money and benefits, not less. So, >> I I agree 100% and I >> I don't want the flag pole. >> Yeah. Well, I I this was a discussion that was had, you know, they they have their guidelines that are set by the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs. 101 00:29:38.880 --> 00:29:53.520 And unfortunately, if that's what they're offering that currently is it's not the staff there that's making that decision. That's a state level decision. And if they could have all the full-time people that they could put on staff, I'm sure they would. Um, but I fortunately those are the positions that are offered 102 00:29:53.520 --> 00:30:10.480 at this time. Any questions? I have one. Um, you know, you talked about all these other places that would love to have the mobile unit up in this area and aren't able to make it happen. Is there any way 103 00:30:10.480 --> 00:30:30.000 they can combine with you somehow to use that in with some funds coming your way? >> And I would probably be open to that working with them. Um, we did a collaborative over in Krookton and uh, CVSO invited us up there to present it 104 00:30:30.000 --> 00:30:44.720 so that they could get that out in their community and so we did that and we actually were able to do a soft handoff of a veteran that was from Belrammy County that was attending the the meeting that had never worked with a veteran service office before. So we did that. So we're always having veterans 105 00:30:44.720 --> 00:31:01.039 that are crossing county lines. um if they had that ability to or wanted to set us up for maybe an event, that'd be something that we could talk about. Um maybe executing as long we're not pulling too much away from the office, but just to release it and let them have it. No way. I I I just wouldn't feel 106 00:31:01.039 --> 00:31:16.799 comfortable doing that. >> Well, no. No, I would. But but to support them and where where some of those offices are right now is is they're starting to join multicounties, CVSOs taking over, you know, multiple counties because we have veteran service officers that are are are retiring from 107 00:31:16.799 --> 00:31:33.440 different jobs and uh instead of bringing in a new CVSO, some of the smaller counties are just combining their effort and they're hiring an ACBSO and then covering that additional county. So we're seeing that more in the Northwest. I was thinking something on the lines too of like Grand Rapids, you know, 108 00:31:33.440 --> 00:31:48.720 they've got their bus to do transport of of uh clients to hospitals and things like that. So, you know, might be a nice joint effort and something like that also. It just, you know, >> it would be food for thought anyway. 109 00:31:48.720 --> 00:32:05.200 >> Yes, sir. And transports are are a major issue right now. Um we didn't um hit the mark for the $7 million that the state uh that the feds put out for transportation for rural transports. We're over capacity. I I talked with 110 00:32:05.200 --> 00:32:21.919 Kevin at GIS and and it's it's based on seven residents per square mile and we're at 15.1. So we're not eligible for that grant. So we looked into that as well. And so transportation is going to be an ongoing problem for our veterans. >> Is the reservation uh eligible for that? 111 00:32:21.919 --> 00:32:39.360 Well, that the reservation was included in those numbers when we did those numbers. >> But are they able to apply for that? Do you know >> that? I don't know if it's it's a standalone or if it's going to be just strictly by county >> because they they should be able to meet that threshold. Uh, you know, they 112 00:32:39.360 --> 00:32:54.399 should look into applying for that if they can. Yeah. >> And I can get some more information as well for you. Okay. >> Any other questions? All right. Great work. >> Thank you, gentlemen. Yeah. Thank you. 113 00:32:54.399 --> 00:33:18.000 >> Appreciate it. See you in a little bit. >> All right. Um the 2027 budget discussion, I would uh like to since John's not here and it is a budget thing, I'd like to table that. If uh there's no objections, 114 00:33:18.000 --> 00:33:47.200 like to go to the next meeting if that's okay. So, we're all here for that one. >> That's fine with you. Okay. >> I guess before I'm going to be acting from the next meeting. >> So, it have to be two meetings 115 00:33:47.200 --> 00:34:05.279 from now. I guess kind of curious. >> What kind of discussion were you planning to have in regards to the budget? Were you were you looking for somebody to to sit on the committee? >> Yes, >> I'll volunteer. >> That's part of it. >> I'll volunteer. 116 00:34:05.279 --> 00:34:21.919 >> Commissioner Summoner's turn. So, >> yeah, you can continue to to talk about it at the next meeting. Um, but I'll I'll put it out there that I'll volunteer for this. you want demon like we did a couple years ago, you and I on 117 00:34:21.919 --> 00:34:39.440 the budget committee. >> I can't speak for anybody else that might have an entrance. >> Well, Craig, you're up for election this year, so we're following tradition. Uh I think it is my turn, so I was going to also volunteer as tribute. 118 00:34:52.800 --> 00:35:07.760 Yeah, if the if the board would like it, it sort of makes sense to have the whole conversation with the entire board if that if that makes sense. I mean, you're free to do you have a quorum, so you're free to have the conversation. But, >> um, I know that you all have been kind to one another and trying to on these 119 00:35:07.760 --> 00:35:24.000 bigger issues have everyone present to be part of that. If that's what you'd like, then I'll just postpone this for a month and we'll we'll have it come back in a month if if that's what you'd like. As long as everyone promises to be here in that next >> As long as it's not I mean, there's nothing that I see that's timesensitive. 120 00:35:24.000 --> 00:35:38.880 So, as long as there's nothing that has to be done, >> no. Then I think we should just do it that way. >> Okay. >> Okay. Perfect. Excellent. >> All right. Very good. Administrator's update. 121 00:35:38.880 --> 00:35:54.560 >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, since we have a lot of time now that we've cleared the agenda, uh, with the last one, I'll just talk real slow. Um, no, I have just a couple of brief updates for you. And um I'll just start with the jail project 122 00:35:54.560 --> 00:36:11.200 since that's always kind of front and center. We've got things going on at the jail all the time. Um we have still a lot of work occurring at the jail. This is the new jail, of course. Uh the Masons have been hard at work for a long time. Um continuing to lay block uh right now. They're doing block laying at 123 00:36:11.200 --> 00:36:27.119 the guard posts in area A. Uh the walls in the booking area and also the walls in the offices and in the program areas as well. Uh the electrical uh folks have been pulling wires into security electronics area and staying up with the masons for wall boxes. So, you know, 124 00:36:27.119 --> 00:36:43.920 they're kind of coordinating this all as they go. Uh the mechanical plumbed in the kitchen and welded the ducks in the kitchen for the exhaust hoods. Um there was some concrete topping that was done uh on the highdensity storage area uh the guard post in area C and then three 125 00:36:43.920 --> 00:36:59.440 door stoops outside the north side of the building area as well. and the iron workers were back uh on site again uh and they're getting close to finishing uh their work in the area. Uh fire protection piping is continuing uh to be 126 00:36:59.440 --> 00:37:14.880 installed throughout the building and that'll continue for some time as well. Uh and then uh we've had some inspections as well that you should be aware of that uh uh seem to go pretty well. We had Justin Roberts who's our DOC inspector who's also been on the project with us from really the very 127 00:37:14.880 --> 00:37:31.599 beginning uh during the design process. He was on site for progress inspection and a coordination uh meeting with Brian Kirby, the state building inspector. Uh so um all of that went pretty well. We're we're pretty pleased with how things are pro progressing there. Uh if 128 00:37:31.599 --> 00:37:46.960 you were to go into the admin area of the jail, you'd see offices uh drywalls up and offices getting painted. Uh which is pretty incredible to think about, you know, where we were just a few months ago. So that's pretty interesting. Uh the steel framers are also framing in 129 00:37:46.960 --> 00:38:04.000 the hard lid ceilings and installing the security mesh um and sheetrock and ceiling uh in the ceilings and over some of the cat rocks have also been uh inspected as well. So manpower continues around that 80 80 person mark. It's kind of been between 80 to 95 folks, but uh 130 00:38:04.000 --> 00:38:21.040 this last week or two has been around 80. Uh but yeah, again, all things continue to be going pretty well at the at the new facility. Uh as it as it relates to the existing facility, we are still very early in the design process. Uh we've talked about a few more 131 00:38:21.040 --> 00:38:37.359 concepts and more like situationally like where this new Sallyport would go and how we're going to handle drainage from the existing um judicial center, what the parking configuration is going to look at, what our setbacks are, those sorts of things. So we really don't have 132 00:38:37.359 --> 00:38:53.359 anything to share with the board really at this point in time. And my hope is that by the time we get you the next formal update on the jail project, we'll also be able to incorporate some of those um maybe further along concepts um teeing off, you know, from the major 133 00:38:53.359 --> 00:39:09.280 concept the board has already approved and we're hoping that that'll happen probably the May 20 the second meeting in May uh to be able to provide you a fuller update on that. >> Um just want to update you also on the Birchmont Beach Road project. As you know, we've for a few years now been 134 00:39:09.280 --> 00:39:24.880 trying to put in a new um roadway section there or actually resurface and re improve the road and put a trail in on the north end of the lake. And we've been coordinating with um Northern Township on that project and have been 135 00:39:24.880 --> 00:39:41.200 struggling for many many months, probably the greater part of eight or nine months, trying to get archaeological permits out of the state uh in order to do uh some of the cultural assessment work that needs to happen in the corridor. And unfortunately, um, I think I mentioned 136 00:39:41.200 --> 00:39:56.800 to you in the last update, things got, um, delayed to the point where we we felt like we needed to get involved and sort of help the township along. So, I wrote a letter to the state um, assistant commissioner asking for assistance. Uh, we were able with Representative Bidal's help uh, to pull 137 00:39:56.800 --> 00:40:11.440 a meeting together in fairly quick order, which we had this morning. uh several of the engineers were on, myself um and the commissioner, deputy commissioner uh were also on as well. We had a really good conversation and um uh 138 00:40:11.440 --> 00:40:26.800 the state uh leadership has recognized the challenge that we're in and some of the concerns that we've brought up and is committed to helping us through the project. So, we did get our license finally. Uh that was uh part of the work we were trying over this last week to get. So, we do have the archeological 139 00:40:26.800 --> 00:40:42.079 license now to kind of continue the work forward, but we want to make sure that we don't suffer any further delays because we really can't afford any additional delays at this point in time. So, um so that's what we're working on now is to create a sort of managing the expectations going forth on okay, what 140 00:40:42.079 --> 00:40:59.280 needs to happen in the process, how much time should that take, uh what the requirements should be, what's the scope of the work, those sorts of things. So, I think we've got things, you know, back on track. I just want to keep them that way. So, we'll be sort of more closely monitoring that as we go. Um, and then 141 00:40:59.280 --> 00:41:15.599 just a quick legislative update. Um, you know, things are kind of I don't want to say wrapping up because there's still a lot of work to do, but uh we did pass the third deadline which was on Friday, April 17th. Uh, so the last week ramped up and finishing uh a number of hearings 142 00:41:15.599 --> 00:41:30.720 on a variety of different bills that were were out with fiscal notes. Um and committees were uh essentially presenting and marking up their finance omnibus bills. Uh although this year's more challenging um and committees have 143 00:41:30.720 --> 00:41:48.160 not received budget targets. Um so I think what's going to happen is that it's going to be pretty difficult for a lot of organizations including ours to to sort of know what's going to happen because it looks like essentially most of the bills are being laid over. And so at the very end of the session, it'll be 144 00:41:48.160 --> 00:42:04.880 one of those things where leadership's going to be making the decisions uh as to what to include in the omnibus bill and what not to. Uh so, you know, we just don't know really where things are at the moment and we kind of won't until near the end of the session. Um, so, uh, 145 00:42:04.880 --> 00:42:20.480 we did over the last several weeks have several hearings that staff and myself, uh, participated in and each of those bills that we provided testimony on did get laid over, which, you know, on one hand is good because they didn't die. On the other hand, it's not great because 146 00:42:20.480 --> 00:42:36.400 they didn't get supported either. So, that's what I'm referring to when I say we're just going to have to see what happens kind of in the end of the session as to what gets included and and what doesn't. So, um, stay tuned for that. We don't have any hearings that we're aware of uh scheduled here over the next week or so. So, it's going to 147 00:42:36.400 --> 00:42:52.400 be a little bit quieter than it has been. But, um that's all I have for you on the legislative front and uh for the administrator's update, but I'll stand for any questions you might have. >> Mr. Chair, Administrator Barry. Um, I think it might be worth talking to our 148 00:42:52.400 --> 00:43:08.880 lobbyist about uh reaching out to the the two co-chairs of the way the House Ways and Means Committee uh and see if uh either one of them are open to um adding uh well so the the uh omnibus 149 00:43:08.880 --> 00:43:25.119 commerce bill should be coming up um to Ways and Means and that's that's the committee that has the uh insurance bill uh that that we've been working on. Um, and if it doesn't get included in the 150 00:43:25.119 --> 00:43:39.440 commerce omnivous bill, perhaps um, one of those members, but you'd want to talk to the chairs first, would be interested in offering an amendment essentially taking a, uh, that bill and 151 00:43:39.440 --> 00:43:56.400 adding it to the omnibus commerce bill and doing that in committee so that it's so that it gets in there before it gets to the House floor. So, um I would strongly suggest that you reach out to the lobbyist and and uh see if that's a 152 00:43:56.400 --> 00:44:21.520 possibility to work that angle. >> Sure. Thank you, Commissioner G. >> Uh Mr. chair. So, I had a question about the warrants and maybe one of my colleagues or administrator Barry can remind me and about what the amount of 153 00:44:21.520 --> 00:44:37.520 the county development fund was this year to allocate. I I didn't sign the the warrants or the bills today because I seen there was an allocation for 15,000 to the Belrammy County Egg 154 00:44:37.520 --> 00:44:55.040 um from the development fund and I don't recall if that was the amount that was um approved at at the board meeting because I know we all had different >> we had 15,000 for the whole deal. >> So could have been that. So, that's what 155 00:44:55.040 --> 00:45:12.240 I was wondering about about the bills. >> Yes. Um, Commissioner Sumar, I do have that information, but it's in my drawer upstairs, so I can maybe when we break, I can get it for you at the break and let you know for sure. Um, I just don't 156 00:45:12.240 --> 00:45:28.960 have it electronic. >> But, I mean, if if it's 15,000 and the bills here and that's not >> It wasn't a development fund, I don't think. >> Yeah. >> It couldn't have been a development fund money. It had been for something else. I know it was 15,000 for the egg sheet. 157 00:45:28.960 --> 00:45:44.880 Was it specific? >> Yeah. >> So I think Commissioner Thner you may be referring to last year if I'm remembering right. You may be referring to what we paid for last year's development fund allocation. So 158 00:45:44.880 --> 00:46:01.599 >> I mean I don't know 15,000. I mean it they usually request their money pretty early, right? Well, u sorry commissioners there again without verifying I believe what's happened is that that bill got processed for the 159 00:46:01.599 --> 00:46:16.480 annual report that was submitted for 2025 and so that would be the 2025 allocation and so they have not received yet their 2026 allocation and I believe that their the 2026 total allocation was somewhere around $16,000. So, you're 160 00:46:16.480 --> 00:46:32.400 correct to be concerned that if that warrant was for this year's allocation, then it it would be in it would not be cor it would not be right. >> But I believe that warrant payment is for the 2025 >> allocation. 161 00:46:32.400 --> 00:46:48.480 >> Well, it depends like >> and and the on the warrant list here it says development 2026. >> Well, that may be how it was. That that would be very confusing. That might be cuz it's pay 2026, but it's >> Well, I just want to make the board aware that I'm not uh comfortable 162 00:46:48.480 --> 00:47:04.079 uh signing off on the warrants uh without the accurate information. So, until then, I will not sign these. But once we do get that information, I will gladly uh put my signature on there. >> Yeah. >> But as as of right now, uh with with 163 00:47:04.079 --> 00:47:19.839 three members of the of the board signing off, it it's already passed, but >> Sure. Yeah, >> but I'd like to get you that information though, Commissioner Sum. >> Yeah, >> good pitch. Do you know? >> Yeah, I noticed that, but I mean, >> yeah, >> we'll have it looks like we might have just a few minutes, I'm thinking, 164 00:47:19.839 --> 00:47:38.000 between the break and that'll give me enough time to run upstairs and grab the file and I could I could tell you immediately. >> Okay, >> you bet. Okay, any other questions >> for the u for the regular session then? So we will be 165 00:47:38.000 --> 00:48:06.319 pulling the number item number nine will be postponing that till May >> if that's the date >> correct. Yep. That'd be correct. >> Yep. >> Well, Mr. Chair, I wonder if we could 166 00:48:06.319 --> 00:48:21.680 still uh decide on the membership of the committee today, but save the discussion for the principles and priorities, the draft, the text, the 10 items that we really need to take a look at. >> I think we should have everybody 167 00:48:21.680 --> 00:48:38.240 everybody here. >> Well, I mean, life comes up and sometimes people miss and life happens. Um, but >> you postponed, Mr. summer to to this game and then knowing that he wasn't 168 00:48:38.240 --> 00:48:55.200 going to be here and then he's not going to be here again. So, I think it's just fair for us to have everybody here. >> We should also establish committee members as soon as possible though too. I would like to be but I mean there is 169 00:48:55.200 --> 00:49:14.960 strong opinions from colleagues. I I would offer a step aside as well. But it had been a number either way uh when we decide tonight the 170 00:49:14.960 --> 00:49:32.040 next meeting went up last year. That's fine as well. I mean I don't want to hold up the process because you know we're going to be in May and halfway through it here. We don't meeting as committee members until July. 171 00:49:32.240 --> 00:49:51.920 >> Well, June. >> We don't ask commissioners meeting until July. >> Two of the commissioners for the budget committee. Yes. uh typically the budget process itself with the staff will start usually around May and then it's not till late July or 172 00:49:51.920 --> 00:50:08.720 August that we have the budget committee come together because the staff need to develop the budget and then it needs to go through the administrator's process to get refined and then eventually the next step is to go to the budget committee committee. So we don't typically assemble the budget committee until late July or or August usually. 173 00:50:08.720 --> 00:50:24.000 Yep. >> Plenty in. >> Yeah. I think what would be more important if I may is is the budget principles and priorities for the staff portion. So >> yeah, and I think May May would still work for that because we typically have 174 00:50:24.000 --> 00:50:47.040 the kickoff in mid to late May or early June. So we can we can accommodate that. No problem. >> Are you fine with that, Mr. Chair? Do you want to kick both of them to the next meeting or two meetings from now or are you are you uh willing to cut it in 175 00:50:47.040 --> 00:51:03.599 half and do the budget committee tonight and the rest of it two meetings from now? >> Well, I guess I'd rather have John here for it when it's budget stuff just because I mean if we know we're going to be here. >> Okay. >> I would rather do it that way. But 176 00:51:03.599 --> 00:51:18.880 that's why I brought it up in the first place, just because budget things, we should all have a say. >> Yeah. No, I I I agree uh definitely with the principles and priorities discussion that Commissioner Carlson should be here for that. >> I don't think it's going to change much 177 00:51:18.880 --> 00:51:37.680 on who's going to be on the on the committee. Anyway, I know I don't want to be on there. >> Well, and I know Commissioner Carlson didn't speak up at the last meeting to be on it, so Yeah, John and I did it last year, so I think I think we're good. 178 00:51:37.680 --> 00:52:02.800 >> But uh any anything that anybody's follow I think we're good. All right. Need a motion to adjourn. Good. And we're done.