WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=pwP72CNDjNU

Part: 1

1
00:00:01.040 --> 00:00:17.520
Hey guys, ready? >> Ready? >> No. Let's go. >> We'll call to order the Ben County Board of Commissioner special meeting. Please join us for the Pledge of Allegiance.

2
00:00:17.520 --> 00:00:50.640
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you for that information.

3
00:00:50.640 --> 00:01:35.680
>> Uh roll call note that Commissioner Commissioner Bernard will be a little bit late. Open forum. Thank you. >> Good to go. Mr. Dea. >> Uh, good morning you all. Um, >> I have a uh it's not even a question.

4
00:01:35.680 --> 00:01:53.119
It's a It's a followup on uh I don't know if you're having ditch authority meetings today or not. >> Okay. So, I haven't gotten back to since uh May. I think that's uh inappropriate from Adam who's in charge of the situation. I talked to Mr. Pop

5
00:01:53.119 --> 00:02:08.879
yesterday. I don't think I should have to file appeal to be exempt from the ditch authority. Um he was met with a county attorney and they came up with a percentage. So, he should present that percentage to the board and we should

6
00:02:08.879 --> 00:02:24.879
have a meeting without me having to apply and spend any more money towards the county. Thank you. Do you have any questions? I'd be able to answer them for you. >> Mr. Chair Mike, just one quick question. Are you okay if we give Adam your cell phone number? >> Sure. >> Okay. I just wanted to make sure.

7
00:02:24.879 --> 00:02:42.319
>> Yeah. And and I talked to Mr. Pop yesterday. Adam has not been in contact with me. My home phone number is 320-387-2780. He can leave a message there as long as um as well as contact me by my cell

8
00:02:42.319 --> 00:02:58.560
phone. I feel like I've been put out um and I find it inappropriate and I would like my commissioners to uh resolve the problem. >> Thank you kindly. >> Thank you for bringing that up. >> Yep. Yep. We'll we'll address that with Adam.

9
00:02:58.560 --> 00:03:18.467
We met in we met in early uh May. >> Um >> um so the commissioners can talk about it or do whatever they feel is fit. Thanks for your time. >> Thank you. >> Have a great day. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Moving forward agenda

10
00:03:18.467 --> 00:03:39.120
[clears throat] items 1 through eight. What would we like to do with that? Got a motion and a second. Any further discussion on those? If not, I'll call the question. All in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Opposed. Motion carries. Monty MI

11
00:03:39.120 --> 00:04:00.000
legislator update. [clears throat] >> Uh, thank you, commissioners. Uh, my name is Nathan Jessen, the executive director at the Minnesota Inner County Association. I think um we're just going to run through the slides here, so you can just go to the next one. uh you all are uh familiar with us, but basically this is just kind of a little

12
00:04:00.000 --> 00:04:16.560
bit of a recap of some of the personnel we have at the cap. We'll have I'll start us off. We'll have our team kind of walk through the different issues that uh we're anticipating coming up during the next legislative session. Um they'll start in January, but we really are the group that tries to solve these statewide issues that are affecting

13
00:04:16.560 --> 00:04:34.320
counties broadly. Um and uh we also make sure to bring staff together from different counties so that that you know Benton County can talk to Sherburn and can talk to Scott to see what issues are cropping up and are there uh approaches other counties have used to try to help one another out. So we can go to the

14
00:04:34.320 --> 00:04:49.520
next slide. Um and then of course we're at the capital uh during the session and uh during intram there's lots of task forces and that we're we're at and also bringing staff together. Um you can go to the next slide. I did want to talk just a little bit

15
00:04:49.520 --> 00:05:05.600
about um show some Benton specific uh tax data just so you kind of get an idea of uh what you're taxing when you you're putting your levy together. I know that process is already underway but um Benton County if you look at it if we're just looking at net tax capacity which

16
00:05:05.600 --> 00:05:23.520
is basically your taxable value of land uh not just estimated market value but taxable value and factoring in the tax rate. So commercial of course tax higher than residential and things like that. Benton County for your overall tax mix as you can see here looks actually a lot like the state as a whole. Um you know

17
00:05:23.520 --> 00:05:39.520
some of the uh collar counties near you are obviously more residential heavy but the residential uh agricultural breakdown is really similar to the state as a whole. So you can go to the next slide. Oh and if you have questions just stop me at any point.

18
00:05:39.520 --> 00:05:55.440
>> Um >> great thank you. Um this is the 2026 just estimated market value change. This uh kind of broken down by uh property type here um comparing Benton to the state um and other counties as well. Uh

19
00:05:55.440 --> 00:06:11.199
this is just a one-year snapshot, but as you can see, apartment values have been kind of increasing more steadily across the state up until the last couple of years, and that's really slowed down as you can see for both the the value in uh Benton and the state as a whole. Um but

20
00:06:11.199 --> 00:06:27.680
uh industrial values uh in Benton u even more so than the state that's where we've seen kind of some of the most growth over the last years uh remain fairly strong. Commercial Benton actually doing a lot better than uh the state as a whole as you can see um over

21
00:06:27.680 --> 00:06:44.400
the last five years in general uh commercial values have uh been struggling to keep up. You can go to the next slide. And because that last slide was just a one-year snapshot, I mean, values go up and down a lot. I thought it might be helpful just to kind of look at, okay,

22
00:06:44.400 --> 00:07:00.639
over the last five years on average, what have these value changes looked like? Now, these numbers are all much higher as you can see. Part of that is because it captures the 20 the 2023 year and 2023. Uh some of you probably recall values

23
00:07:00.639 --> 00:07:16.319
went up 17% statewide, especially with residential homestead. Um and just residential value overall. There was a really big spike which caused a number of issues. But this kind of just shows you that uh Benton County's uh market

24
00:07:16.319 --> 00:07:31.680
value has been fairly strong. Whether you're comparing yourself to your neighbors or the state as a whole as the last five years, that's not going to solve all your uh tax issues, but it is uh uh helpful. you'd for sure rather be on that side of the ledger than than the

25
00:07:31.680 --> 00:07:48.000
opposite. You can go to the next slide. I did want to talk a little bit about a few um the the legislature wrapped and made but a few uh issues that um I'm working on uh in different task forces and work groups this interim. The first

26
00:07:48.000 --> 00:08:03.520
one is the human services systems modernization advisory group. This was a group that was uh created in law this past May when we passed uh $90 million um in IT modernization funds from the state. Um and the idea is that this is a

27
00:08:03.520 --> 00:08:18.560
group where we're going to have county representation and state representation to oversee the use of those funds. So the the whole idea is that it's not like okay we put $90 million and it's kind of hard to track where is it going, what's happening with it. Um so the idea is

28
00:08:18.560 --> 00:08:34.640
here that this group will oversee um the use of those funds and get regular updates and inform on how those funds should be used. So we've got a few human services administrators um and a county commissioner on that group. Um, and

29
00:08:34.640 --> 00:08:50.080
we're also working with the other county associations on what's called, I think, our modernization steering committee where counties that aren't represented amongst those four can participate and say and get updates on, okay, what's going on with this group? Uh, and also

30
00:08:50.080 --> 00:09:06.640
provide feedback on where we think the priorities should be. Uh, the duty disability work group. This is another uh work group that was created in law this past May. This is also referred to sometimes as the PTSD issue. Um we're we have an appointee on this group working

31
00:09:06.640 --> 00:09:21.680
with public employers, public employees and state agency officials to try to figure out um the it's largely a health insurance issue but also pension issue around um making sure that these folks uh the claim of duty disability um right

32
00:09:21.680 --> 00:09:38.480
now they are only able to have uh I I guess I should say there there was a 2025 law change that uh capped their health insurance at uh 60 months. that was in response to the pension, the police and fire pension fund being really uh it's one of the pension funds

33
00:09:38.480 --> 00:09:55.600
that's in the worst shape. Um and that's really uh made it difficult to make cost of living adjustments for those uh folks receiving those pensions. So this group is the idea is that we're going to come to some type of resolution to make recommendations to the legislature so that this doesn't shift into an unfunded

34
00:09:55.600 --> 00:10:12.720
mandate because right now the state's picking up the tab. uh they put in $ 105 million in 2023 that'll be run out by 2028. So trying to make identify a solution to prevent an unfunded mandate from coming into law. This group has been meeting weekly um since uh the end

35
00:10:12.720 --> 00:10:29.839
of June. And then um there's a property tax task force which is going to start meeting uh I believe it's at the end of next week. This is a bill that was also heard but didn't actually become law but the department of revenue decided hey I we think we have the capacity to do this

36
00:10:29.839 --> 00:10:48.320
work even if we uh aren't taxed by the legislature with it. Um the first meeting is on August 13th. Um and really trying to look at this from the taxpayers perspective has been uh in my conversations with the commissioner what he said. Um and it is very open-ended.

37
00:10:48.320 --> 00:11:05.040
The idea is that this group will meet from August to October and then issue recommendations sometime in late November or early December. Uh, past groups like this have really been focused on the administrative side and

38
00:11:05.040 --> 00:11:19.839
kind of rate consolidation like what would it look like if we got down to four rates rather than the 55 plus that we have right now in law. Um whereas I think the focus is like okay let's look at how much property taxes are rising

39
00:11:19.839 --> 00:11:36.480
and for who and what's driving the causes of those property tax increases and what tools does the state have that can be realistically used to try to address some of those increases. Now it's I'll talk a little bit more about the budget uh that the state's facing

40
00:11:36.480 --> 00:11:53.480
later but that's kind of the challenge that we're facing right now with that property tax task force. We'll learn more next week. Um, I'm going to turn it over to Amber to cover transportation, but always happy to answer any questions.

41
00:11:58.480 --> 00:12:12.639
>> Good morning. It's great to see everybody. Amber back. Um, so wanted to share a couple things. one in terms of something that happened last session that does provide a funding opportunity for you and that was the state did pass a bonding bill much bigger than we

42
00:12:12.639 --> 00:12:28.880
anticipated of $1.2 2 billion. And if you haven't heard already, there was money in that for the local road improvement program. Um $50 million, three million of which is designated for townships. Um but the applications for that are going to be open on September

43
00:12:28.880 --> 00:12:44.480
1st. So, if you have any projects um including the um local share of something related to a trunk highway project, a road of regional significance, or a road that meets some rural safety highway improvements, you are eligible to apply. Um I'm not sure

44
00:12:44.480 --> 00:12:59.760
if you applied for anything last year and didn't get it, but if you did, there's an easier process where you the board will just have to sign off and say they want to submit this application again for the 2026 consideration. Um the one outstanding item we don't know yet which will be decided at an LRIP

45
00:12:59.760 --> 00:13:15.040
advisory committee later this month is um the targets for how much will go to counties, how much will go to MSA cities, how much will go to non MSA cities and townships as well as their designated split between greater Minnesota and the sevenount metro area. So we're waiting on that, but that is a

46
00:13:15.040 --> 00:13:30.800
great opportunity if you are in need of that for any um significant county road projects. Next slide, please. And then I just wanted to touch on some things that we are expecting to see in next session. Of course we still have a lot of time between now and then and elections. So

47
00:13:30.800 --> 00:13:46.560
this could all change but um at least what I'm predicting right now um is with this state's budget situation which isn't great in the coming bianium. Um there is going to be pressure to find revenues to shore up the budget. Um we are a bit worried that there will be a

48
00:13:46.560 --> 00:14:02.959
tax on transportation dollars part particularly those general fund dollars that are currently statutoily dedicated to transportation purposes such as the uh sales tax on motor vehicle repairs and parts um that could be grabbed to deal with the budget. We saw that happen

49
00:14:02.959 --> 00:14:20.000
in um 2025 where um a portion of that money wasn't taken away altogether but the dedication of those revenues to transportation was slowed down so it stays in the general fund. Um so that could be an issue. Um there's also been a lot of discussion about how high uh

50
00:14:20.000 --> 00:14:35.760
license tab fees have gotten in Minnesota. If you recall this past session there was a deal to give a one-year uh break on those tab fee increases for 2027. Unfortunately, there was money to backfill that hole. Um, but going forward, if they try to again

51
00:14:35.760 --> 00:14:52.079
reduce tab fees on a more permanent basis, I'm not sure where those revenues would come from to make up that offset. Um, so we will be carefully watching that. And again, there's a lot of concern because tab fees are are um constitutionally dedicated to transportation. Um, you know, what source would you come up with that's

52
00:14:52.079 --> 00:15:07.199
also constitutionally dedicated, which would leave gas tax potentially, but you know, we're just watching that to see what happens. Um, And then if there is a Democrat trifecta again um like we saw in 2023 2024

53
00:15:07.199 --> 00:15:24.399
um we are expecting that there could be um new bills out there some of which we saw last year um but maybe even revised and strengthened to make it harder to do highway expansion projects in the state of Minnesota or to divert more of the transportation road and bridge money to

54
00:15:24.399 --> 00:15:40.399
transit. Um there were some bills that were doing that. Um, and so we're going to keep our eye on those. Um, one of them would have required if you were going to build a new highway project, you had to have a maintenance plan for the next 60 years, which is almost

55
00:15:40.399 --> 00:15:55.839
impossible. Well, not only the maintenance plan, but you know, where the revenue was going to come from, and you know, that's not how highway projects are planned. Bridges, you might look out 60 years, but not for your typical road project. So that would make it very difficult um to make any necessary um improvements um in terms of

56
00:15:55.839 --> 00:16:13.759
added lane miles or new interchanges. Um and then there were also um some bills that would um require you to look at alternatives and more transit um before you could build a highway expansion and that would apply statewide not just in the seven county metro. So, we'll be keeping tabs on those. And I think the

57
00:16:13.759 --> 00:16:30.079
genesis for all of these um was the success in 23 24 that some of the environmental and transit advocates had in terms of requiring there to be new greenhouse gas offsets and mitigation for road construction projects. Um and that while that has been um enacted into

58
00:16:30.079 --> 00:16:46.320
law like Mindot is still implementing that and there are a lot of unknown questions um and we have a lot of concerns as counties about how that is going to work in terms of paying for the cost of that mitigation. Mitigot is estimating increased costs for highway expansion projects could be anywhere

59
00:16:46.320 --> 00:17:02.959
from 30 to 50% higher while trying to meet this mitigation. and with limited highway dollars already. You know, that's going to make fewer projects be eligible to be done. Um on top of that, there's still a lot of outstanding questions about the definitions of this program. And then um who has control of

60
00:17:02.959 --> 00:17:19.199
overseeing it? Many of the mitigations that are proposed um to offset the increase in greenhouse gases don't fall under the control of the Department of Transportation. Um and actually the most impactful are zoning changes. And I don't know how Mindot or county, if you're leading a a trunk highway

61
00:17:19.199 --> 00:17:35.840
expansion project, is going to compel another city or another county to change the zoning to help mitigate the offsets in transportation. Um, so these are all things that we're watching very closely. We will be engaging in and especially trying to find a way to make the greenhouse gas transportation law work

62
00:17:35.840 --> 00:17:50.640
because it's not in its current format. So I will stop there and be happy to take any questions. >> Mr. Chair, Amber, um, are they going to do what they did before, which too confusing [clears throat] to me. They're going to push the greenhouse gas thing. They want less vehicle miles traveled and yet they're going to fund quarter of

63
00:17:50.640 --> 00:18:07.440
economy. So, we go round and round on this. Do you see that happening again? I mean, when you when you say statewide local projects, I mean, we're part of the Highway 23 coalition >> and so that would put a big damper on any potential >> expansion there, but that quarters of commerce may get funded,

64
00:18:07.440 --> 00:18:23.360
>> right? Right. >> So, we're going to be going around in circles here again. >> Yeah. No, there's a complete disconnect there for sure. And um you know there's also concerns because highway 23 a lot of that is to help with safety improvements as well and that should take priority over greenhouse gas in the line mind l mind l mind l mind l mind l mind l mind l mind l mind l mind l minds of lots of people and we haven't even

65
00:18:23.360 --> 00:18:38.720
been successful in getting a carve out for you know safety projects that are necessary >> and the less vehicle miles traveled I mean it's still the same distance from Foley to Roso so I don't know >> how we're going to reduce >> yeah well unfortunately you know the drivers of this are based in Minneapolis and St.

66
00:18:38.720 --> 00:18:54.640
and you know they just don't I think appreciate how the rest of the state works which is a challenge but we are actually hoping [clears throat] to have them on some tours over the fall here to bring them out so they can see the challenges the county has and all the needs you have in terms of serving agricultural committees and township

67
00:18:54.640 --> 00:19:10.720
roads and dealing with you know more regional centers versus um rural areas and hopefully they'll appreciate some of the pressures and that they're not all the options >> and if we can put a plug in maybe take them on a tour from Foley to I35. Yeah, sure. We'll follow up with you.

68
00:19:10.720 --> 00:19:35.360
Definitely. >> Mr. Chair, [clears throat] um I know when we were out in DC last funding, where did that money? >> Yes. And I apologize, I can't remember the balance in that account, but there

69
00:19:35.360 --> 00:19:52.400
still is a significant amount. um there. Um the challenge is that this past session when the state was addressing the um HCMC issue and some of the um pressures on rural hospitals um they said that any money unexpended from the

70
00:19:52.400 --> 00:20:08.880
NLX account um when that runs out. I think it's 2030. I'll have to check that and I can follow up as well. Um that any balance then would go to help with HCMC and rural hospitals. So, um, that would, you know, I'm guessing there will be money left on the bottom line, but then

71
00:20:08.880 --> 00:20:24.720
you'd be fighting against the the hospitals on that to try to recoup some of that. But I guess if you were able to get some money right now carved out of that before that >> money expires, you might have a possibility there. So, >> any other questions? >> Thank you.

72
00:20:24.720 --> 00:20:45.039
>> All right. Thanks. Appreciate it. >> Good morning, Mr. Chair. >> Good morning, >> commissioners. I'm Nancy Celeleski, sorry, and I do both public health and human services for Micah. And it's a pleasure to be here this morning. Um, we did make pretty uh significant progress last year in the health and human

73
00:20:45.039 --> 00:21:00.799
services um area. You heard from Nathan about the technology modernization that they did fund. In addition to that issue, there were two other priority issues that we made some progress on. And however, it was onetime funding. So, we need to go back to the legislature to

74
00:21:00.799 --> 00:21:18.640
to try and get ongoing funding for both of them. The first relates to SNAP. Um, this is something that again is a federal program. However, uh, due to some changes in the federal government, the shift to counties is anticipated to be in the proximity of 35 million to 170

75
00:21:18.640 --> 00:21:34.159
million annually. This relates to both administrative costs and actually a share of the benefit as well. Starting on October 1st of 2026, the county share related to admin increases from 50 to 75% and that is the $35

76
00:21:34.159 --> 00:21:50.320
million annually. Uh in terms of I want to just mention the legislative did again appropriate onetime funding of $10.7 million. Um but again we need ongoing funding here. In terms of that 10.7 though, uh, each

77
00:21:50.320 --> 00:22:07.360
county will receive, um, a minimum of $100,000 and it's based on their proportional share of SNAP admin costs. And then I did mention this benefit share that goes into effect in July of 2027. And that will require counties to pick up a percentage of the benefit

78
00:22:07.360 --> 00:22:24.159
that's determined by the most recent payment error rate. And that we're estimating, you know, could be from zero to $138 million depending on that that error rate. And in terms of errors, I just want to mention this can be related to it as simple as a typo or a client

79
00:22:24.159 --> 00:22:39.840
not returning paperwork. So um we're working hard on this uh for for um ongoing funding and I think we'll we'll see what happens with the election in terms of going forward here. The other act is or the other issue is map CWDA

80
00:22:39.840 --> 00:22:55.600
again the legisl did appropriate onetime money of $15 million. You know what? I just said the wrong thing. That $100,000 was that I mentioned the minimum of is related to to the to this issue. I'm sorry. I mentioned I I screwed that one

81
00:22:55.600 --> 00:23:12.400
up. Yeah, sorry about that. Um so each each county will receive a minimum of $100,000 again for this the act, not the SNAP SNAP that I just mentioned. and that's based on um an existing statutory formula must be used to address staffing

82
00:23:12.400 --> 00:23:28.400
and services need for child protection. There's a prohibition on supplanting a existing funds and this is separate I want to mention there's another statute that counties receive a minimum of $75,000 per county in that other statute

83
00:23:28.400 --> 00:23:43.520
they did not provide any funding for the agency DCF. So that case review process that we're very much hoping it's going to go to the state. We're working on that hard, that decision was delayed until July 1st of 2027. And then the working group does expire

84
00:23:43.520 --> 00:24:02.640
in December of 2026. The other issue and sorry LTS. >> Yeah, next it's there. Um long-term uh services and supports thing. This came from the 2025 legislature where they established an advisory task force to

85
00:24:02.640 --> 00:24:19.440
identify areas in which to reduce cost growth. Um it's a huge group that was put together. Um there were six county members, two from Micah, two from the MC, and two from Maxawa. And the and the group is charged with finding $178 million in savings. They started their

86
00:24:19.440 --> 00:24:35.279
work on September 25 and came up with a list of of ideas for the legislature. And although the 2026 legislature book some of the savings in the area. Counties did not get credit for that um toward the $178 million. The task force

87
00:24:35.279 --> 00:24:50.880
is continuing. Go ahead, >> Nancy. Commissioner, you got a question. Chief >> Okay. Yeah, correct. >> Okay, >> that'd be fine. Thank you. Sorry. >> Sure. No, no problem. Um the task force is continuing to meet and they've come

88
00:24:50.880 --> 00:25:06.880
up with a list of additional cost savings measures. some related to nursing homes, some uh related to waivered services, and they will be voting on that overall list very soon. Um if the legislature does not take action on these recommendations, we're looking at another cost shift um in July

89
00:25:06.880 --> 00:25:28.880
of 2027. >> That is what I have in terms of um you want to go back to to the act. >> Yes, thank you. Uh on the act, what are you seeing around the state for people adding Um we have had just within Micah we did

90
00:25:28.880 --> 00:25:43.520
just an informal survey with the human services directors and then while they're indicating that they are starting to staff up some they can't it really cannot contri or attributed to just the act. So still still I think it just depends on each county you know

91
00:25:43.520 --> 00:26:01.760
where they are but again um a lot of counties are saying that we're going to need additional staff but you just can't attribute to to the one thing >> Mr. Mr. Chair, and have they said, did you mention in the survey, are they able to even fill a position? >> That's a a good question. Uh, each each

92
00:26:01.760 --> 00:26:17.360
county again is is struggling with this decision. We do need to have long-term long-term funding from the legislature. We told I think, you know, we told them what what we thought was going to be required and there just wasn't enough enough money at this point. So, it's going to be a challenge, but we're going

93
00:26:17.360 --> 00:26:46.480
to going to go for funding for both that and uh SNAP in the next session. What is what is the state's plan? >> I Mr. Chair and Commissioner, I mean, there's been discussion about that. Um, but I don't think anything is is clear.

94
00:26:46.480 --> 00:27:02.000
I think what they've said so far is we'll work with counties to get them in compliance is what they're saying. We're talking about staffing issues. It's clearly a challenge for for you. >> I know when we were at the capital, we addressed this issue with legislators and we blame told them you better have

95
00:27:02.000 --> 00:27:15.120
our back. We can't keep mandating paying for this. Taxpayers can't keep doing this. >> Well, of course MRC is getting a little excited, too. Some of these northern counties especially.

96
00:27:15.120 --> 00:27:33.919
>> And have they defined what the um They're still working. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. There's still an advisory out there that's still working and um will until the end of the year, but again um originally this was to go into effect on

97
00:27:33.919 --> 00:27:52.880
January 2027. It got bumped out to July 2027 just to be able to you accommodate both the task force and again we need to have the state take over those those reviews. With that, I just also want to mention your staff. I work closely with both Sandy Shoberg and and Jaclyn Lipton and

98
00:27:52.880 --> 00:28:15.679
Lipton, and I um want to just tell you that you're well represented, but you they're also a great asset to Micah and the county situ or the county county statewide. So, thank you. >> Thank you for sharing that. >> Thank you. >> Good morning, commissioners. I'm John Paul Yates. I help cover environment

99
00:28:15.679 --> 00:28:31.919
issues for Micah along with my co-orker Rachel says no chick and she is out on maternity leave for the next few months so I'm filling in for her. Um I'm just going to cover three issues um to be respectful of time. The first is around waste to energy. So in the spring the um

100
00:28:31.919 --> 00:28:47.919
public utilities commission had issued a ruling that allowed um life cycle analysis to be used to include the burning of solid waste under the state's carbon-f free standard. Um following that, some environmental groups had um made a motion for the commission to

101
00:28:47.919 --> 00:29:04.080
reconsider that ruling. They took that up at their July meeting last month and there was um brief discussion but the commission rejected that motion. Um so that will stand. Um additionally with waste to energy um this will be an issue

102
00:29:04.080 --> 00:29:21.360
um very much dependent on outcome of the election. So last session there was a bill that would have put increased regulation on the H County um environmental recovery center, the herk um and I think it's very likely we'll see a return uh of that bill and it's uh chances of

103
00:29:21.360 --> 00:29:36.799
success I think largely will depend on the outcome of the election. Um the second issue I wanted to mention is around um pushing for increased score grant funding. This has been a priority for Micah. Um these programs help fund

104
00:29:36.799 --> 00:29:52.880
um recycling, waste reduction, household hazardous waste management programs for counties. Um the bill um that Mike would likely reintroduce dedicates a portion of the state solid waste tax collections that go to the general fund um to fund

105
00:29:52.880 --> 00:30:08.080
score grants. Um this is an initiative that has broad bipartisan support. Um but as some of my colleagues have also mentioned is very much dependent on the state's budget outlook. Um and there's also I Nathan will talk about this or did talk about this be huge changes um

106
00:30:08.080 --> 00:30:22.480
especially in the Senate tax committee. So it changes just the dynamics around this issue. And then lastly, I just wanted to mention um extended producer responsibility bill. So there's been a bill related to uh electronic waste as

107
00:30:22.480 --> 00:30:40.000
well as um battery waste and um or battery products. Sorry. And these programs broadly try to shift the management and financial um costs around recycling these products from taxpayers to the producers of these programs. Um the battery bill last session had a lot

108
00:30:40.000 --> 00:30:55.200
of negotiation done and is in a pretty good place with stakeholders. So there's chance that that could pass next session. Um there will be a separate electronic waste bill and that has been a little more controversial. I think there's more stakeholder work that will need to be done there. Um but another

109
00:30:55.200 --> 00:31:13.600
issue likely be talked about next session. I'll leave it at those three. >> So on the score grant, are they going after a small portion of the funds? Again, you know, in in the past, they kind of asked for more than what they're going to get. Um you know, I mean, it's

110
00:31:13.600 --> 00:31:29.600
county money. It comes off your solid wage fees. And my book, it should all go back to the county, but we know that's never going to happen because it's a big take out of the general fun. So we you know I think we're what 27% now. >> Yeah. And I think I I think I assume

111
00:31:29.600 --> 00:31:44.480
that could >> scalable. I mean so I think generally the strategy is hey we're going to come in we're going to ask for the whole thing. The legislature understands okay we can't afford the whole thing. We'll give you

112
00:31:44.480 --> 00:32:03.360
20% of the whole thing. we get that ongoing rather than just one year. >> I think it's been 27%. >> Mr. Chair, back to your comment about PUC and this and the recom motion they received from environmental group.

113
00:32:03.360 --> 00:32:22.080
What's the environmental group stand on why they want the burner shut down? >> Because [laughter] I mean it's a big deal for waste energy, right? and and MPCA doesn't have any grand plans that I'm aware of. And so the state continues to bond burners and

114
00:32:22.080 --> 00:32:37.519
dump money into it. I mean, take Pope Douglas for example. They're 30 million in debt. >> Yeah, I'll turn it over to Nate in a second. I think it it goes back to generally I think it's just general opposition to waste to energy. Uh because there have been a lot of ju just positions when the herk wasn't working.

115
00:32:37.519 --> 00:32:53.279
I think we were trucking solid waste to Pope Douglas, >> right? But then what did they offer something instead of that though? >> No. >> Okay. Not not in the hearing. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, I think JP covered that well. Um,

116
00:32:53.279 --> 00:33:09.120
you know, I think the PCA would say it's like, you know, uh, waste energy is above landfilling, right? And a lot of the times that's the choice that we're, you know, making. Um, and that sometimes, >> uh, people that push for one thing aren't always thinking about like what

117
00:33:09.120 --> 00:33:26.159
the outcome is if they they get it is what I would say. Um you can go to the next slide. Um I did want to talk just broadly a little bit about the current state budget picture. So this is uh data from end of session that was published by MMB Minnesota management and budget

118
00:33:26.159 --> 00:33:43.600
in July. So that just kind of shows you this is um the current revenue versus spending picture, right? And these dollars are in millions. So basically, okay, so general fund revenue for 2627 is 67 billion, spending 71 billion. Now,

119
00:33:43.600 --> 00:33:59.679
okay, well, that's our current bienium, but what the state's been doing for basically the last three plus years now is we had a really big surplus in 2023, and we've been rolling over some a lot of that got spent. Of course, a good chunk of it got saved and we've been

120
00:33:59.679 --> 00:34:16.960
rolling over that temporary surplus to cover all these budget gaps essentially, right? Since that point, you can look and you can see, okay, 2829 and in the 2025 and 2026 legislative sessions, the legislature shrunk this gap between

121
00:34:16.960 --> 00:34:32.079
general fund revenue and general fund spending, but it is still significant. That's over a two billion dollar difference, which is not a small one. And I should also say that these numbers don't factor in inflation. In 2023, the legislature added inflation to all these forecasts, but practically speaking,

122
00:34:32.079 --> 00:34:48.399
that's just a line on a spreadsheet. It doesn't end up impacting the budgeting process that much at the end of the day. Um, and I did want to kind of just call this budget picture to your attention because I mean we've talked about some of the issues we've been facing whether uh we're dealing with, you know, trying

123
00:34:48.399 --> 00:35:04.320
to dedicate money from the solid waste management tax, trying to prevent a looming cost shift on long-term services and supports. It's uh there's not going to be I I mean there's going to be a new economic forecast that comes out the first week of December, but there's uh

124
00:35:04.320 --> 00:35:19.760
there's not going to be general fund revenue that's just available to solve these issues, right? I mean, we have an ongoing um separate uh budget issue with spending being higher than revenue. Um again, the states faced bigger deficits.

125
00:35:19.760 --> 00:35:37.040
I mean, in 2011, there was a $6 billion deficit when the budget was about half this size, but it is um just what we're going to be facing at the legislature regardless in 2027. Now, I've got up there, we've got a strong budget reserve, 3.4 billion. I would anticipate that would grow a small bit um in this

126
00:35:37.040 --> 00:35:55.440
next uh economic forecast. Um you know, some people look at the oh what does the latest revenue report say? and we are above revenue, but if you read um by 248 million, but if you read kind of the the background on that, that's largely a timing issue um with uh payments related

127
00:35:55.440 --> 00:36:10.240
to the state's pass through entity tax and credit. Um and the kind of overall picture uh is that uh the near-term uh US economic outlook is looking weaker than it was at the last budget forecast.

128
00:36:10.240 --> 00:36:27.440
But in 2025, the last budget session, we were facing cost shifts. We were facing aid reductions. You know, the Senate had fewer cost shifts. The House had fewer aid reductions. Um that it's going to be an issue that we're we're dealing with in 2027 while we're also simultaneously trying to get money to prevent some of

129
00:36:27.440 --> 00:36:44.640
these uh cost shifts from the federal and state government, right? Um and Nancy talked about some of those. Um you can go to the next slide. So, this is just kind of wrap up. um talking about what's next. You know, special sessions being discussed right now. I would say that virtually every summer special

130
00:36:44.640 --> 00:36:59.440
session is always being discussed. Uh certainly as long as I've been around the capital, um uh I do not think it's especially likely given that, you know, we are uh in an election season and that there's not agreement between the two

131
00:36:59.440 --> 00:37:15.920
parties on uh what the agenda would be and how narrow or big it should be. So, while that is still kind of out there in the ether, I don't see it as especially likely. You know, JP mentioned the Senate Tax Committee is going to look vastly different next year. There's going to be a new uh Senate Tax Chair.

132
00:37:15.920 --> 00:37:31.599
Um, and there's going to be all new representation on the GOP side of that committee because none of those uh four senators are running for reelection. Um, and there's going to be a new Senate bonding chair, a new Senate HHS chair. Those folks aren't running. You know, Paul Torkelson isn't running for

133
00:37:31.599 --> 00:37:47.760
re-election. He's been a statewide leader and a friend to counties for a long time at the at the capital. If we're talking about modernization, he really was a point person on that. So, it is going to be a very different look at the capital next year. Um, and we're just going to continue. We are going to

134
00:37:47.760 --> 00:38:04.640
try to address some of these unfunded mandates um and get this ongoing revenue for them. we were able to get some one-time revenue this past session, but we are also going to have to do deal with potentially new ones if we're talking about uh it's really difficult to predict what the legislature is going

135
00:38:04.640 --> 00:38:21.760
to look like or what's going to come down the pike, but um I mean I wouldn't have predicted going to 2025 the level of cost shifts that would have been discussed in that budget session. So um it's something we're going to continue to having to play defense and offense here. So I think that's it unless there

136
00:38:21.760 --> 00:38:36.800
are any questions. got contact information up there. It's ever helpful to you. Don't hesitate to reach out to me directly um if you have questions, comments, or concerns. Oh, I should mention we are in the midst of our priority setting for uh 2027. I'm going

137
00:38:36.800 --> 00:38:52.320
to send out a survey to our board members later today um to try to make sure that the the start of that is informed by okay, well, what does our board think? You know, and this is just a first step. It's, you know, this will be something we discuss over the next

138
00:38:52.320 --> 00:39:09.280
few months, but because we are we're going to try to cover everything, right? But at the end of the day, we're we're always um there there going to be some issues that rise rise to the top. So, we're we're just trying to make sure we talk to our counties and figure out what those should be. So,

139
00:39:09.280 --> 00:39:23.359
>> thank you very much, board members questions. >> Great for the updates. >> Thank you. Next, Christine Shering, consider the

140
00:39:23.359 --> 00:39:43.760
resolution to DMV. >> Morning. >> Good morning. >> Morning. >> Uh so before you we have a resolution from the Minnesota Deputy Registar Association. Um they're seeking support from the counties and cities as they approach the

141
00:39:43.760 --> 00:40:03.839
next legislative session. Uh requesting that the share revenue with the deputy registar offices. So just looking for your support on that. >> Thank you. >> I'll second it. >> Okay, we got a motion a second. Any

142
00:40:03.839 --> 00:40:20.720
further discussion on this? >> If not, I'll call a question. All in favor say I. >> I. Opposed. Motion carries. Thank you. >> All right. The next one is a uh tax forfeite. property that was forfeited on August

143
00:40:20.720 --> 00:40:38.119
1st. Um it was recorded yesterday. We I met with the um police chief of Sak Rapids yesterday at the property and we secured the home. Um I will give you pictures

144
00:40:39.599 --> 00:41:03.920
of it. So, we went in and relocked the home um with Central Locksmith, posted a 28 day notice for any personal items to be removed. Um at this time, there is a

145
00:41:03.920 --> 00:41:20.640
popup camper that is in the property setup. It's a probably 1960s camper. very um not a a bit of an eyes sore for the neighborhood. Um at this time, we're planning on

146
00:41:20.640 --> 00:41:35.119
allowing the camper to remain with the property and then after the 28 days um it will still stay with the property and be sold with it and whoever purchases it can

147
00:41:35.119 --> 00:41:53.119
um decide what they want to do with it. The current value of the property is 4,000. Uh home is valued at 85, land at 27,000. Current taxes owed the delinquent taxes

148
00:41:53.119 --> 00:42:10.160
are about 6,700 and the current taxes around 2,300. So about $9,000 due. Um Brian Fulen, the assessor, is going to inspect the property this week and he will

149
00:42:10.160 --> 00:42:25.920
reassess it to maybe lower the value so that it can go out on auction and get rid of it. The property owner passed away. The reason this kind of came up this way was

150
00:42:25.920 --> 00:42:43.920
the property owner passed away and um unauthorized individuals occupied the property and the city was having problems with them. So they had a court order obtained um to shorten the

151
00:42:43.920 --> 00:43:05.440
redemption period to forfeit it sooner. So that's kind of where we sit at today. Commission is there any loans on this or >> no >> there there's siblings to the deceased

152
00:43:05.440 --> 00:43:23.200
but they have no interest they relinquished all interest >> so after it's sold at public auction then they have another claim they rel >> I believe that's

153
00:43:29.599 --> 00:43:47.000
So, the city is just looking to move this as quickly as possible to probably tear down. It's not in any condition to be rehabilitated. I don't believe

154
00:43:55.520 --> 00:44:10.560
Approval. Thank you. >> I'll second. >> Thank you. >> We got a We got a motion in a second. Any further discussion on this item? I'll call the question. All in favor say I. >> I oppos. Motion carries. Thank you.

155
00:44:10.560 --> 00:44:25.920
I just wanted to thank you too for moving the meeting to here today as we navigate our first early voting and to just let you know that in the first seven days of early voting, it has cost the county about $4,000 in temporary

156
00:44:25.920 --> 00:44:43.599
staff and we've had 81 voters. So, just to have that on the record. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Divide that out. Divide that out. >> Jacqueline Community Health administrator opioids. >> Yes. Good morning everyone.

157
00:44:43.599 --> 00:44:59.280
>> Good morning. >> Morning. >> So before you today in your packet is a copy of a proposed resolution and a letter that will go out to all of our local governmental units in our county in followup to our recent committee of the whole discussion around how we want to commit our opioid dollars that we have existing currently in our special

158
00:44:59.280 --> 00:45:14.480
revenue fund. Our balance in July was around 938,000 in that fund. Um in the proposed budget that was provided by human services, um the first commitment would be looking to recommit funds um an updated amount for the existing

159
00:45:14.480 --> 00:45:30.240
co-responder position. Um in your packet there's the proposed budget for 2026 of around 81,000 um 595 um added adding in considerations for additional mileage costs if they are incurred. um looking for 2027 that

160
00:45:30.240 --> 00:45:48.640
budget amount is proposed at 144,920 and then in those um subsequent years looking for an annual estimation thereafter up to 150,000 per year. Um so in the packet is a resolution that would commit an updated amount 600,000 for the

161
00:45:48.640 --> 00:46:04.960
Benton County Human Services co-responder. And then additionally today um our ask from action for the board is to commit an additional $150,000 of our opioid settlement funding to the community RFPs that will go out. So, we'll be looking for requests for proposals from communities

162
00:46:04.960 --> 00:46:21.839
members and organizations, entities looking to um abate opioids um use and and misuse and mitigate um the opioids um through our settlement funding. Um so, those are the two requests today. There's a copy of the proposed letter that will go out to our cities, townships, and clerks um in followup um

163
00:46:21.839 --> 00:46:37.839
if the board chooses to um support this resolution today. >> Jacqueline, have you received any RFPs yet? No, that will open um later this summer. Yeah. Our goal is early fall. Yeah. >> Yep. >> Yes. So, today would be just committing

164
00:46:37.839 --> 00:46:53.440
the dollar amount that we can put out for request for proposals up to the maximum amount for the first round. >> Yeah. Commissioner Johnson and Jacqueline. Um just trying to remember our discussion at the cow. We I know we approved through 2030, but obviously have the option to look at it before that.

165
00:46:53.440 --> 00:47:16.040
>> Yes, certainly. Yeah, we could certainly look at it again and propose a new resolution and then look to Michelle, make sure that I'm accurate. Okay. >> Okay. Thank you. Any other questions? Entertain a motion, please. >> I'll move to

166
00:47:18.319 --> 00:47:35.440
>> I'll second that. So, you got a motion, a second. Everybody understands the motion. Any further questions? >> Mr. Mr. Chair, maybe just for clarification, I think should that also include the 600 grand between >> 26 and 30. >> So motion maker, you'll uh you'll

167
00:47:35.440 --> 00:47:52.000
include everything under action item >> and I will agree to that too. Thank you for that >> clarification, Commissioner Johnson. >> Okay, any other questions, concerns? If not, I'll call the question. All in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Opposed. Motion carries. Thank you.

168
00:47:52.000 --> 00:48:07.760
Stay up there, Josh. >> Sounds good. [laughter] Okay, now we're re rec we'll reconvene the uh board and get into the community health board. Roll call. Everyone's here. Consent

169
00:48:07.760 --> 00:48:26.640
agenda items one through four. What would you like to do with that board? >> Move for approval, Mr. Chair. >> Second. Thank you. We got a motion and a second. consent to agenda items one through four. Any further discussion,

170
00:48:26.640 --> 00:48:52.000
questions? I have not. So, just a little clarification on the white, are we mandated by the state of Minnesota to

171
00:48:52.000 --> 00:49:07.040
to do this. >> So to do the the white box marketing agreement, no. To do a community health improvement plan and assessment, yes. Um so the the goal of the white box um marketing agreement is for building infrastructure around our community

172
00:49:07.040 --> 00:49:22.720
health assessment and improvement plan process. Um, our central Minnesota Alliance received the state innovations funding, Benton as the grantee recipient to increase our capacities and our ability to do our Central Minnesota Alliance work. And so in that budget was

173
00:49:22.720 --> 00:49:39.520
included um different subcontracts for us to be able to do that work and offset our staff time. Um so essentially what that white box marketing agreement is doing is taking off the plates of our community health specialists and our regional group um in updating all of our um documents, our templates, our

174
00:49:39.520 --> 00:49:55.520
powerpoints um assuring that they'll meet ADA compliance laws that are coming through the pipelines. The date was just extended um for the larger counties. It was this year um April um but it was just pushed back one year for counties to come into compliance. So redoing all of those things and then creating new

175
00:49:55.520 --> 00:50:09.920
templates for our community health improvement document for the future years as well. >> Yeah, >> Commissioner Pop. >> So, this is not just a rebranding, >> not just a logo. No, >> I think >> that was kind of I think what the hangup

176
00:50:09.920 --> 00:50:28.319
was. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Not just rebranding. It's it's but it's a package that before they update all of the templates and powerpoints and documents, they're going to refresh and update the files that we have for logos. So that's where they have um updated the

177
00:50:28.319 --> 00:50:45.440
agreement to do four different phases um versus before, you know, we had it lumped into one. Um so I brought it back to the central Minnesota Alliance group. We looked at it. We we kind of looked at how could we break this down into different phases. But some of that pre-work has to happen first before we can go on to update all of the templated

178
00:50:45.440 --> 00:51:02.000
documents. Um so that would be the first phase of the project. Um but then sub, you know, subsequently it would go on to updating all of the different documents, templates or publications or which will be used in all of future years um based off what we have today. So, and then as far as student usage,

179
00:51:02.000 --> 00:51:18.480
Whitebox Marketing did agree that if we identified a student, they would be willing to take that student and work with that student throughout the course of the project, which would be great. Um and Mariah is actually reaching out to some of the schools through the core team that you guys have been communicating with to see if there's any students there that would be of interest. So, we identify someone,

180
00:51:18.480 --> 00:51:36.119
they're happy to take that person on, too. Um, and then this item would be funded by our state innovations grant. That's the $400,000 per year was included in the budget. Um, and was previously approved by the Minnesota Department of Health as well for this work.

181
00:51:45.040 --> 00:52:00.800
>> We have not. Um, I believe Serburn County did in the past um on data work, but this is a new agreement. our county public health department. Um this goes align with the state innovations grant as well. So same budget, the same grant contract agreement um that we received

182
00:52:00.800 --> 00:52:16.079
and the purpose of that grant was to increase again the communications infrastructure, the data and just the ability for us to regionally do our work for a community health assessment improvement plan. So what they will be doing for the United Way agreement, I know we talked a little bit at the cow about it. Um but it's creating that

183
00:52:16.079 --> 00:52:40.079
dashboard that goes down to zip code level. Um this dashboard will be utilized by alliance group going forward and then potential regional data model. >> Any other questions, concerns? Okay, there's been a motion and a second. Any further discussion on this?

184
00:52:40.079 --> 00:52:56.319
If not, we call the question. All in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Motion carries. Thank you. Okay, Jacqueline. [clears throat] Collabor collaboration agreement. Yeah. So, um this one we also discussed at our recent committee of the whole in July. Um this is the agreement that was in the

185
00:52:56.319 --> 00:53:11.680
packet for the cow that is formalizing the central Minnesota alliance um partnership. In previous years, we've always worked um basically off of a handshake and agreeing that the three counties would work together, but this document formalizes that relationship, especially with the with Benton being

186
00:53:11.680 --> 00:53:28.319
the grantee recipient for those state innovation funds. It outlines the roles and responsibilities and liabilities and data sharing um among the tri county group. Um so this agreement before you today um we would be looking for approval of the collaboration agreement between met and sherburn and counties

187
00:53:28.319 --> 00:53:47.160
public health department >> questions. So this is not a >> this is a joint collaboration agreement. I'll let Michelle take the question specifically if I don't explain it.

188
00:54:04.960 --> 00:54:24.400
In that agreement somewhere that all of the participants have to one thing for anybody >> at any any point in time. >> Thank you, Mr. >> Yeah. And in the clause, so it says in

189
00:54:24.400 --> 00:54:40.400
here, um, the parties may each terminate this agreement without cause with at least 21 calendar days written notice by mail, email, or both to the other parties. Um, we also have a clause in there, too, about insufficient funding. Um, because right now this collaboration agreement is based off the state innovations funing. Um, or the continued

190
00:54:40.400 --> 00:54:56.400
regional data model funding that we we're applying for that we talked about at the cow. So, um this is all um tied to that funding as well or additional funding to sustain it. >> Commissioner Johnson, >> Michelle, would it be safe to say that your preference would be the collaboration

191
00:54:56.400 --> 00:55:26.160
model? >> Yeah. And I'm sure the entity would allow a clause for us to bail. Okay. >> Yep. Thank you. >> Yeah. So, in summary, Benton County would have the ability to withdraw um

192
00:55:26.160 --> 00:55:43.040
terminate at our own will in writing. Um, in addition to due to insufficient funding, if we decided that we can no longer support that work um because we no longer have the grant funds um or or a sustaining grant funding source, then we would be able to withdraw efficient funding would just

193
00:55:43.040 --> 00:55:58.160
automatically make it go away. >> Yes, we could. Yes, it say we lost the grant. Yes. >> Keep looking to Michelle's side. [laughter] >> Yes, it's in Yes, in the agreement. Um yeah, it's on page um five of the

194
00:55:58.160 --> 00:56:15.200
agreement in the determination section. >> Any other questions for Jacqueline? >> And I will say um both Sherburn and Sterns boards have already approved this agreement. Um we waited until we had the July committee of the whole and so now we're bringing it here today.

195
00:56:15.200 --> 00:56:32.319
>> I'll make this collaboration. >> Second. >> We get a motion and a second. Any other discussion on this item? If not, call a question. All in favor say I. >> I. Opposed. Motion carries. Anything else, Jacqueline?

196
00:56:32.319 --> 00:56:49.200
>> Um, no. No other um agenda items today. I will just make a note that we have a our family resource center provider survey going out to the community providers. So, if you know anyone that would be interested in completing a survey around what our community is looking for as far as needs, um, please reach out to me or I can send you the

197
00:56:49.200 --> 00:57:04.319
survey link. And then we also have a community survey that's We'll also have some staff at the Benton County Fair. Um, a thank you Troy Sheriff Peek is no longer here, but a thank you to Troy and his department for allowing our public health staff to team up with them at the fair um to offer some of the surveys as

198
00:57:04.319 --> 00:57:20.160
well. So, it >> great. Thank you. [clears throat] >> With that, we'll adjourn the community health board at 9:57 and we'll reconvene our regular board meeting, commissioner meeting updates. >> I can start if you'd like, Mr. Chair.

199
00:57:20.160 --> 00:57:34.960
Sure. I've got a little bit of a list here, but I'll go through them really quickly. Uh, back on July 7th, Commissioner Pop and I had a ditch subcommittee meeting. Um, July 9th, planning commission meeting. 13th, uh, Commissioner Benoy and myself and Monty

200
00:57:34.960 --> 00:57:50.799
were up in Pine County with a joint meeting with, I believe, Sisteria counties regards to jails. Um 15th building committee meeting, 16th uh redevelopment committee meeting, myself, uh Commissioner Benoy, Monty, Amanda,

201
00:57:50.799 --> 00:58:08.160
and members of the nonprofit that were uh dealing with in regards to the old government center. Of course, we had our cow on the 20th for human services quarterly meeting. Uh next day, we had a core meeting. Uh 22nd, I was able to attend. I know Commissioner Pop,

202
00:58:08.160 --> 00:58:25.760
Commissioner Heinen were there. I think Commissioner notification that week that the Benton Economic Partnership Pace the Benton County. I thought it was a great event. Great turnout. They did a really nice job there. Um filled in for Commissioner Heinen on the 23rd for the CASA 29 extension meeting update.

203
00:58:25.760 --> 00:58:41.920
Another planning commission meeting that evening uh 29th uh building committee meeting and then yesterday Commissioner Pop and I uh attended a ditch subcommittee meeting. Um, also last evening we did have our first discussion technically I guess with the Foley

204
00:58:41.920 --> 00:58:57.599
school board. Commissioner Benite was there, Monty in regards to potentially working with the school district on a multiple different options of buying, leasing, using, paving the old existing high school parking lot area, the ALC building. So those discussions have

205
00:58:57.599 --> 00:59:13.280
started and so the door wasn't closed by any means. They were more than willing to take a look. keep you informed as that progresses. That's it. Thank you. [clears throat]

206
00:59:13.280 --> 00:59:34.559
>> A lot of the ones that I was at the jail meeting for the government. He brought that up to a career solutions meeting and I did on the 16th. Um I the central Minnesota Emergency Service

207
00:59:34.559 --> 00:59:52.000
covered that for Jared. And one thing that I do want to say about that that I'm grateful for, granted it may not seem like a lot, but for next year's budget, they reduced their costs. So, if

208
00:59:52.000 --> 01:00:07.920
each entity does this for the counties, that's a plus. Um, granted it was, don't quote me, that $400 and some odd dollars at Benton County is going down per year, but $400 is $400. I don't care. It's

209
01:00:07.920 --> 01:00:38.640
better than it going up $400. Um, and then I did a central Minnesota Council on Aging Zoom meeting and an RSVP meeting. I had Mississippi trying to get off the ground. And I think, you know, then we got

210
01:00:38.640 --> 01:01:13.040
couple of people that are on the board. You know, there's a timeline for money. on the 21st meeting. We didn't have we had a library. They approved the budget for this year.

211
01:01:13.040 --> 01:01:37.480
Then we had agreement employees there left some comp. and agrame [clears throat] wasn't long enough to

212
01:01:38.880 --> 01:02:31.680
She was looking at 2.5% reduction and ours. Mr. Chair, Commissioner Pop, was there any discussion what the plan going forward is if the Benton County Board does not approve an increase? >> No, they didn't get to that part. >> Thank you. Because I was just going to

213
01:02:31.680 --> 01:02:48.839
bring that up. >> Again, logically, if they're going to handle it the same way they did before, they'll continue to cut hours of pulling, >> correct? which would eventually lead to a closure. I mean if that pattern >> continu

214
01:03:12.000 --> 01:03:26.400
They keep saying that Ben County has three libraries in general, but we only have one. >> And ultimately, the ultimate thing there is that if if Scott's right in his

215
01:03:26.400 --> 01:03:44.799
prediction and we don't approve this for the library, they're going to continue to cut hours eventually closing the Foley library and then we're paying for a library that doesn't even exist. and we're paying more double story

216
01:03:44.799 --> 01:04:08.839
because maybe we can get >> but but if that came down to a member vote the commissioners would lose >> the unelected officials >> unelected officials. >> Yeah, it's a great joint powers agreement. >> You know the joint powers maybe start

217
01:04:08.960 --> 01:04:31.200
I Well, what they should really reverse is the 9 to6 situation. >> Yeah. >> Because you all the counties could get up and beat their chest and holler and not get anything done. >> Exactly.

218
01:04:31.200 --> 01:05:04.559
And then what I think we need to look at another Americ what would be the great river or the library system about 500? >> I think

219
01:05:04.559 --> 01:05:27.720
>> look at that deficit they're going to have. >> Yeah. >> They're not thinking 540,000. >> No, they wouldn't. >> No, >> they couldn't because the only staff that they would eliminate would be here. >> That's right.

220
01:05:31.839 --> 01:05:52.280
>> There's nothing they can eliminate because this is very >> That's right. So, so call one person call two people >> on that same library and the mayor went on

221
01:05:57.920 --> 01:06:29.200
>> how that go >> how' that go >> on the percentage of citizens library. We don't want our library now. >> I I I think our library is great. Don't

222
01:06:29.200 --> 01:06:45.359
get me wrong. I I think I think we need a library. what cost, >> you know, I mean, I I personally think you could own our own library for that amount. >> Wouldn't take long at a $500,000 investment every year. >> Exactly. That's that's what I'm saying.

223
01:06:45.359 --> 01:07:10.079
If you had the $500,000 investment every year, you know, >> Well, that's what we're paying. >> So, I think we got to look at other options and maybe Well, and didn't uh why am I forgetting

224
01:07:10.079 --> 01:07:30.000
her name? Executive director Brandy. >> Yeah. >> Um didn't she mentioned in her presentation that the JPA can be reviewed with a motion from the board. >> Yeah. Well, again, if every county wanted it, it get could get overruled,

225
01:07:30.000 --> 01:07:56.200
right? Yeah. There's something drastically wrong with that. >> That's what I mean. some other stuff. Thank you for covering my uh we did have our

226
01:08:01.839 --> 01:08:18.880
>> So then all the other committees except for uh two meetings and two shaft needs otherwise it was in historical society. >> Okay. Commissioner concerns. Um, I do have something that I want to

227
01:08:18.880 --> 01:08:34.880
bring up and um, maybe we can address, but I got an email and a couple of calls that that most of you will know, maybe not at, but most of you will know where this intersection here

228
01:08:34.880 --> 01:08:51.120
is on 35th Avenue in Wakata, the crossroads there. >> Uh, very dangerous intersection. I mean, I drive that every day and people I did get an email from a constituent that is very concerned

229
01:08:51.120 --> 01:09:07.199
saw almost three collision accidents. The biggest issue there that I observe is and I drove over there just [clears throat] to make sure I was right, but they are both um solar flashing stop signs there. The biggest

230
01:09:07.199 --> 01:09:21.679
issue is I don't know how you get people to physically stop because they come to a rolling stop and they keep going or they wait until it they don't realize it's only a two-way stop and it's not a

231
01:09:21.679 --> 01:09:38.799
four-way stop and so they um they a car could be almost you could be almost up to that intersection. They'll pull right out in front of you >> and I don't know if it's because they think that that person stop to um a

232
01:09:38.799 --> 01:09:56.080
couple of in that email it stated in and I'm not sure so our engineer or highway department is going to have to do some checking on this but they indicated that by state statute or stop signs are not placed in the right spot.

233
01:09:56.080 --> 01:10:11.120
Um, I think by the state statute that was sent to me, I was reading it as um election signs and where they could be placed and those kinds of things. So, I think they may have been looking at the

234
01:10:11.120 --> 01:10:28.960
wrong um state statue uh because those stop signs have been there for years. the the I mean I don't know how expensive it is or if it's even possible to put rumble

235
01:10:28.960 --> 01:10:46.480
strips in there, you know, before you get to those stop signs. And then of course you're going to have people who live there complaining because they're listening to rumble strips all the time. But I will say for many years that has been a really bad intersection. I'm not going to disagree with this constituent

236
01:10:46.480 --> 01:11:02.080
whatsoever. I I've had people pull out right in front of me. So, I mean, I drive slow and cautious at that intersection all the time because I expect somebody to pull out on me. But if people are not paying attention to

237
01:11:02.080 --> 01:11:18.239
the stop sign, there's nothing this board or our county highway department or our county engineer can do to stop that. You know, short of putting an officer to sit there, you know. I mean, I I don't know how to

238
01:11:18.239 --> 01:11:36.080
fix not paying attention to stuff, but I want to bring it to your attention so you can check the signs, see, you know, on the signs if if they're accurate. So, at least when I go back to the constituent, I can say, "Oh, that our signs are placed in the right place and

239
01:11:36.080 --> 01:11:53.520
and whatnot." And maybe find out what it would cost, maybe put bumble strips or something there that because I believe the sign says stop, not four ways or maybe make it a four-way stop. >> I mean, you're concerned the same that

240
01:11:53.520 --> 01:12:10.080
happens on 78. I know there stop signs and these people still run the stop sign, >> right? That's right. >> And I think that one does have rumble strips, I believe. >> It does, just not all the way across. So, everyone avoids. So, even the rumble strips don't help. >> Well, no, because most people will avoid

241
01:12:10.080 --> 01:12:26.000
the rumble strip and pull over. Maybe you should know >> and then because of the ADT on 78 and two, we got to address a potential roundabout, >> right? >> And it's a wide open intersection and I drive that four times a week. >> Yeah. >> And it's like people just don't want to stop. They're just not stopping. Okay.

242
01:12:26.000 --> 01:13:30.000
So, how are we going to >> How many people do get killed? >> That's not up to us, you know, but yet I'm sorry. Go ahead. Oh yeah, I was just gonna say Good. It's a good start. >> Would have the right. >> Yeah, you I'm sorry. I I still disagree.

243
01:13:30.000 --> 01:13:49.719
putting a roundabout there on too. It's wide open. Wide open. Why wide? Okay. I'm sorry. >> Anything else? >> No, but that was a concern that I had a constituent that I >> got

244
01:13:53.440 --> 01:14:18.520
to explain a little bit to the public >> maybe after the debriefing. wait after the reason I think >> one other comment Mr. Just a reminder, farm family recognition tomorrow night is there approximately 6:45 >> which means 6:30 or 7:15 but

245
01:14:18.800 --> 01:14:36.480
>> usually it's not before. >> Right. >> Right. >> So where the auctions held you been there before but just a reminder. >> And do we do we know >> we do. Okay. Anything else

246
01:14:36.480 --> 01:14:53.199
committee of the holes? None. Thank you. >> Bunches. >> You mentioned the raised debrief. Uh if you wish to, you can join us in the extension conference room. It is via Zoom. Uh we do need though one board member on site. That is the that is the

247
01:14:53.199 --> 01:15:10.000
rule when you have a remote meeting is we need at least one board member on site in the extension conference room. So if you could decide amongst yourselves who that one will be easiest for me then I was going to do it at home but I can come in. I'm closest. >> Of course you're you're all welcome to join us in extension conference room.

248
01:15:10.000 --> 01:15:30.360
Otherwise >> some of you are there for something else. I can come in. I'm five minutes out. >> All right. Here we go. Uh we're adding to the committee. >> So who's going? Whoever committ

249
01:15:31.760 --> 01:15:46.400
I'll plan on going to the extension office then so we have somebody >> okay >> all right okay we've added to the committee holding the upcoming AMC fall policy conference in the miji September 16th 17th and 18th

250
01:15:46.400 --> 01:16:06.400
has you all registered in booked into a location update for you the meeting for August August 19th on data centers will be at the clearing in sock rabbits. That's al that's called the Riverside Terrace. The park is called the clearing again the Riverside Terrace Sock

251
01:16:06.400 --> 01:16:26.880
Rabbits. August 19th from 10 to noon. You're invited by RSVP um to their annual uh volunteer recognition dinner. Uh, it is August 20th.

252
01:16:26.880 --> 01:16:46.640
Let's see here. Excuse me. Um, you get two choices. Looks like August 13th or August 20th. August 13th or August 20th. Um, the August 13th date is 11:30. The August

253
01:16:46.640 --> 01:17:04.800
20th date is at 4 at Whitney Senior Center. It's the um RSVP volunteer recognition event. >> Both of them are at Whitney. >> Excuse me. >> I should have read this more carefully. >> They made this they made this really

254
01:17:04.800 --> 01:17:21.199
simple for us. Right. The the August 13th at Sock Rapids Government Center. The August 20th is at Whitney Senior Center. >> We'll put all this information into the committee, the whole listing. Um, if you're interested in attending any either of those events, please let Beth

255
01:17:21.199 --> 01:17:37.760
know. Please let Beth know. Okay. Um, we have an event also on the calendar, but we need to we need to designate a board member to be a guest speaker. This is the child care appreciation event

256
01:17:37.760 --> 01:17:53.280
September 12th. That's a Saturday, 8:30 at Big Lake High School. The folks from public health would like you all to designate a guest speaker for the event. Again, that's the September 12th childare appreciation event at Big Lake

257
01:17:53.280 --> 01:18:10.400
High School. Do we have a volunteer to be a guest speaker for this event? >> It's a Saturday, >> August 12, excuse me, September 12th. >> I'm thinking that leans pretty heavily towards the chair.

258
01:18:10.400 --> 01:18:31.280
I guess I'll be in town September 12th. >> I've got a lot of family issues. I have no idea. >> 8:30 a.m. Big Lake High School. So, Commissioner has volunteered to be the guest today appreciation. >> Thank you, board.

259
01:18:31.280 --> 01:19:02.679
>> So, um Jacqueline, can you collaborate with Commission on what's expected of him? So you can help arrange that. Thank you. >> How long would you expect that to last? If you want to say it's 8:30 to what?

260
01:19:07.920 --> 01:20:04.239
>> I mean like it's not an all day thing. >> Okay. providers. He's under the He said he's a lot of comments about he also said that now with a new

261
01:20:04.239 --> 01:20:40.520
transition over he would like to be invited if he is I know Amanda VP is in charge I believe of this event. She's inviting a very broad spectrum of folks right now legislators. I don't know that

262
01:20:41.440 --> 01:20:57.600
>> representative Schultz I I'll let her know. Yeah. >> So Mr. Chair uh okay I know calendars get very busy in August September. We really need to get on your calendar a budget cow. You may, you know, every year we have that one big budget cow where you all make some decisions on

263
01:20:57.600 --> 01:21:14.719
what that levy is going to look like. So, we really should get a date or two on the calendar. Um, so, uh, the best I can offer you, of course, you've agreed to adopt the proposed budget levy on September 21st. So sometime between the conclusion of

264
01:21:14.719 --> 01:21:30.560
budget presentations and the 21st is when we need this committee the whole hopefully about a week no less than a week before the 21st. So um that's kind of like the time frame sometime between August 11th and I would

265
01:21:30.560 --> 01:21:56.960
say August excuse me September 14th. That's kind of your window between August 11th and September 14th. September 1st after I have a tenative conflict that day but I can't commit to being

266
01:21:56.960 --> 01:22:17.000
the first and it's I just don't know it's tenative 31st or you love me for this or the second or the fourth and I know fourth for Friday but second. >> Well, I have

267
01:22:22.560 --> 01:22:42.400
>> What about 31st? >> 31st. >> Monday the 31st of August. Okay. >> Late the 7th. >> Monday, August 31st. time

268
01:22:42.400 --> 01:23:02.560
>> as possible. >> Yeah. Find my name. >> 8:30. >> I just want to note, Mr. Chair, is you have budget presentations scheduled for August 10th and 11th. We had a little extra time at the end of that morning that wasn't called by anyone, and I'd

269
01:23:02.560 --> 01:23:18.560
like to use that actually to start talking about the proposed budget levy. some sense of, you know, where you want this to land. Do you want us to start exploring some options? Susan's going to be there to talk about the class comp maintenance year three results. So,

270
01:23:18.560 --> 01:23:34.800
that's going to be the tail end of that morning to talk about those. And and uh you're going to get your budget books here this morning, but I just want to let you know is we I want to plan to talk a little bit about, you know, where you want this budget to be on the the 11 that morning. >> Monty, what's the last scheduled

271
01:23:34.800 --> 01:23:52.719
presentation that day? Is it go 10:30. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Would you expect us to be done by noon or what? >> Noon. Yeah. We'll get you out there by noon. >> Okay. >> Monday's all day. Monday's all day. 8 to 4. >> 4:30ish. And then

272
01:23:52.719 --> 01:24:08.960
>> Tuesday is 8 to noon. Tuesday is 8. >> All right. I've got one last thing. Beth says it's time to schedule your years of service recognition. Um they suggest again these are typically

273
01:24:08.960 --> 01:24:26.120
after I'm sorry these are on board meeting dates so September 1st or September 15th >> whatever >> you have a preference >> commissioner pop you say you're gone the first >> are you be at the board at the trail after that

274
01:24:31.840 --> 01:24:47.440
>> so like an 8:30 on the first is that what we're thinking We usually start >> 7. That's right. >> 7:30 7 >> 7 a.m. at the sheriff's office and then we go to highway and then we come back to >> bowling. >> Yep.

275
01:24:47.440 --> 01:25:02.080
>> So 7 a.m. on September 1st. >> Years of service recognition. One last thing. M chair I want to mention. Your next coffee with commissioners is at your next board meeting August 18th at 8. August 18th at

276
01:25:02.080 --> 01:25:21.920
8. your next copy with commissioners August 18th. And that is all we have. >> Um what is the is the 15th an option for the recognition? I know that's >> it is. Yes. >> That day leaving for Biji potentially,

277
01:25:21.920 --> 01:25:38.080
but >> no. >> 16th. True. >> Yeah. Oh, it's the 16th or the 18th, not the 15th, the 17th. Glad you said that. >> Policy 16. Yeah. Wednesday, Thursday.

278
01:25:38.080 --> 01:25:57.360
When does it start? >> Wednesday morning. >> Okay. You travel up there in the morning of the 16th. I I guess because I've got a potential conflict on the first, I could potentially miss both. So, I'm just

279
01:25:57.360 --> 01:26:15.440
throwing that out there. It works for everybody else on the first. Great. Otherwise, we can move it to the 15th >> for recognition. >> Let's do that. We'll have play recognition event on the 15th again. >> You're gone. >> I'm probably gone, but I won't know

280
01:26:15.440 --> 01:26:33.600
until next week. >> Sure. >> Is that okay with everybody to move it to the 15th? Okay. >> That's all we have, Mr. Chair. I'll second. >> Thank you.

281
01:26:33.600 --> 01:27:06.480
>> Okay, go ahead. Which event are you talking about, Commissioner? >> Annual meeting December. >> Oh, December. Yeah, that's a long way. Sure. Yeah, we'll definitely invite >> Yeah, >> it's always It always has been open from >> We'll certainly as we get as we get uh

282
01:27:06.480 --> 01:27:21.760
information from AMC like registration, we'll make sure all of our departments are aware of it and certainly welcome to Y. >> Okay. Anything else? Got a motion on a second. Set the committee to the whole. All in favor say >> I.

283
01:27:21.760 --> 01:27:27.080
>> Motion carries. We are journed at 10:27.