WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 2
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=Nyx5oEYr3H0
Video-2: youtube.com/watch?v=LW9-rOFKkFc

Part: 1

1
00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:15.920
--------- Good morning everyone. It is 8:30 and I will go ahead and call today's meeting of the Klay County Board of Commissioners to order. Our first item on the agenda this morning is an approval of the agenda. >> Madam Chair, I'll make a motion to approve the agenda. >> We have a motion offered to approve the agenda. >> Second.

2
00:00:15.920 --> 00:00:35.079
>> And a second. Any further discussion? Any further discussion? Discussion. All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed. Same sign. carried. Our next item today is our employee recognitions.

3
00:00:41.680 --> 00:01:02.480
Okay. Our first individual that we're going to recognize this morning is Kent Severson. Kent, you want to come up here? And this certificate is given to you in grateful recognition of 25 years of service to Klay County and our residents. Thank you so much for all the

4
00:01:02.480 --> 00:01:22.240
work you've done during that time. >> And I know Jessica is not available this morning, but Steve has some comments. >> Thank you. Congratulations. Uh Jessica sends her wishes she could be here this morning, but did want to pass along uh this her her thoughts. Kent began his

5
00:01:22.240 --> 00:01:38.400
career with Klay County in 2001 in the planning and zoning department before transitioning to public health in 2004. He served for many years as a sanitarian working alongside Bruce Jaster and in 2019 stepped into the role of director of environmental health just before the

6
00:01:38.400 --> 00:01:54.960
COVID 19 pandemic. Throughout his career, Kent served Klay County in many ways. He holds credentials as a registered sanitarian, asbestous inspector, and septic system inspector. Environmental health covers a wide variety of responsibilities including licensing regulated

7
00:01:54.960 --> 00:02:10.720
establishments, responding to complaints and nuisances, supporting outbreaks, uh, investigations, sampling public water supplies, enforcing environmental regulations, and helping ensure safe food lodging pools, campgrounds, and mobile home parks. While much of his

8
00:02:10.720 --> 00:02:27.040
work happens behind the scenes, it plays a vital role in protecting the health and well-being of everyone who lives, works, and visits Klay County. Kent often Kent often says that no two days are the same in environmental health and just when you think his day is planned something comes up and pulls him in a different direction. His flexibility,

9
00:02:27.040 --> 00:02:42.400
knowledge, steady approach has been a tremendous asset to our department and to the community. Uh beyond his professional expertise, Kent's sense of humor and easygoing attitude have made him a valued colleague and someone who helps Klay County a great place to work. Kent, thank you for your 25 years of

10
00:02:42.400 --> 00:03:01.800
service, commitment, and leadership. And I was expecting that Jason was going to give you that big trophy, but I I guess that's for something else. >> Our next individual that we are going to recognize today is Tammy Gerky.

11
00:03:05.519 --> 00:03:23.840
>> This is pretty amazing. Tammy, we are recognizing you today in grateful recognition of 40 years of service to Klay County and our residents. Thank you so much for all that you've done during that time. >> All right. >> Okay. I got a lot to say, but I talk

12
00:03:23.840 --> 00:03:40.959
fast, so it's good. So, today we're celebrating a truly special milestone. Um Tammy's been here for 40 years. She didn't quit and come back like some other people I've had. >> She was 10. >> Yeah. And she stayed.

13
00:03:40.959 --> 00:03:58.159
Um, so she started in 1986 as a clerk typist in the child support unit. Uh, she was a newlywed at the time, so she's also celebrating a big anniversary. Yep. Um, didn't have any kids at that point. She's got two now and she's got two grandkids.

14
00:03:58.159 --> 00:04:14.879
>> Three. Oh, that's right. Oh, she just had another one. Um so she uh when she started here she was beginning a new chapter in her work life and her personal life and her career's become defined by her dedication, her

15
00:04:14.879 --> 00:04:31.199
expertise and her compassion. And the best part is that I've been by her side the entire time. Yeah. In 1992 she was promoted to a support enforcement aid in the child support unit. And then in 1996 she moved into her current role as a collections

16
00:04:31.199 --> 00:04:48.960
officer. Uh I would have to say you're probably one of the longest running collections officers in the state and um yeah people approach her for her expertise and her guidance from all over. It's it's awesome. Um for the past

17
00:04:48.960 --> 00:05:04.720
three decades she's been responsible for collecting debts that are owed to public assistance programs and to Klay County. Um, it might not be the most visible work that we do, but it's incredibly important and every dollar recovered helps to protect taxpayer resources and

18
00:05:04.720 --> 00:05:20.479
ensures that public funds are managed uh, responsibly. When we hear discussions about outdated technology and government, um, Tammy's work is a perfect example of that challenge because unlike most other programs, um, there is no statewide

19
00:05:20.479 --> 00:05:35.600
system for collections. So instead she works across multiple computer systems. They don't communicate with each other. So it's you have to enter everything twice. And then um constant cross-checking, manual entries and attention to detail

20
00:05:35.600 --> 00:05:52.240
is a big part of her job. Um despite those obstacles, she's the one people turn to for answers. She's an expert on the those complex rules and um you just can't learn it all overnight. And through it all, um,

21
00:05:52.240 --> 00:06:07.120
one of her most difficult parts of her job is a state recovery and she works with grieving families regarding medical assistance recovery. Um, it takes a lot of knowledge and professionalism, a lot of kindness and grace, and Tammy brings all of those

22
00:06:07.120 --> 00:06:23.520
qualities every day. On a personal note, Tammy and I essentially grew up together as county employees. We lived through the crazy 80s. Questionable clothing and hair choices. Um, orange offices, six complete office

23
00:06:23.520 --> 00:06:39.280
moves of the entire unit to different buildings or floors. Uh, paper fl files. So many staff changes we've kind of lost count. Talking about that before. Um, we've watched our department, our technology, our programs, and our community change

24
00:06:39.280 --> 00:06:54.800
over the years. And through all those changes, Tammy's remained a steady, knowledgeable, and dependable presence. I feel very fortunate that you're still part of our team and that you continue to do the amazing work that you do. So, thank you for 40 years.

25
00:06:54.800 --> 00:07:21.840
>> Thank you. >> Sorry, Ken. She gets a trophy. Thank you. Well, if anything speaks to the culture of uh working for Klay County, those uh stories are a testament. So, thank you both and thank you to the staff and

26
00:07:21.840 --> 00:07:39.039
other department colleagues at your work with uh for doing the great work. Citizens to be heard today, are there any citizens in the audience wishing to address the county board? Anyone wishing to address the county board?

27
00:07:39.039 --> 00:07:55.039
>> Steve, have you had any requests? >> Nothing, ma'am. Madam Chair, >> thank you. >> Next item today is the approval of the payment of bills and vouchers. >> Madam Chair, I move to approve the payment of bills and vouchers. >> We have a motion offered to pay the bills from Commissioner Ebinger, a

28
00:07:55.039 --> 00:08:09.440
second from Commissioner Kraban. Any further discussion? Discussion? Discussion. All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I >> I >> oppose same sign carried. The minutes

29
00:08:09.440 --> 00:08:26.319
from June 6th, 2026 and June 23rd, 2026 were uh published in the packet. >> Madam Chair, do you want those in separate motions or one motion will work? >> That's due separate, please. >> I'll make a motion to approve the minutes from June 16th, 2026. >> Okay, we have a motion offered from Commissioner Barry to approve the

30
00:08:26.319 --> 00:08:42.479
minutes from June 16th >> and a second from Commissioner Campbell. Any further discussion? Discussion. All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppose. Same sign. Carried. Next item would be the 23rd.

31
00:08:42.479 --> 00:08:57.680
>> Madam Chair, I'll make a motion to approve the minutes from June 23rd, 2026. >> Okay. We have a motion offered to approve the minutes from the 23rd as presented. >> Second >> and a second from Commissioner Campbell. Any further discussion? Discussion.

32
00:08:57.680 --> 00:09:22.480
All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppose. Same sign carried. Item two, the five-year community impact update. Jason, >> good morning. >> Morning, Madam Chair and commissioners.

33
00:09:22.480 --> 00:09:39.200
Um, I have a brief PowerPoint I'm going to share with you guys. Thank you, Sarah, for having this voted for me. So I'm ju June 30th, 2026 was the end of our positive community norms grant. Um five years ago, some of you will

34
00:09:39.200 --> 00:09:54.880
remember um we had this vision given to us um from Minnesota DHS that uh substances and substance abuse could be changed by focusing on the positive. And that was brand new to me, brand new to anyone

35
00:09:54.880 --> 00:10:11.360
here in the area at the time. Um, at that point in time, my career was show the scariness of vaping, show the scariness of nicotine use and um, and then hope that people will make change. And I was introduced to the science of

36
00:10:11.360 --> 00:10:27.279
the positive. Um, Jeff Lincolnbach is the head scientist behind that. Um, this concept of positive community norms. How do we actually change culture? How do we actually make lasting change? And um I'm going to start right away from the beginning with just showing the numbers.

37
00:10:27.279 --> 00:10:43.360
We did it. In 2019 at DGF schools, our vaping rates were 24%. We are now at 5%. Just to put that in perspective, we are in the top 10 schools of the state as far as uh vaping

38
00:10:43.360 --> 00:10:59.920
uh not being used. Uh we didn't really focus on alcohol or cannabis. And yet you can see that the science worked there too. Alcohol use rate, these are past 30-day numbers um dropped from 23% to 8%. Our cannabis use rate went from

39
00:10:59.920 --> 00:11:15.279
12% to 5% which is fascinating from a preventionist uh standpoint. Whenever I was asked to to study across other states and see what legalized marijuana would do, usually you see a a temporary jump in use rates and we actually

40
00:11:15.279 --> 00:11:30.560
continued going down in our use rates. Now beyond this um some of the the softer sciences that actually stepped in as well our bullying rates are down our mental health rates are up. So in short we've we've made DGF into something that

41
00:11:30.560 --> 00:11:45.760
has been um is being studied across the the nation. And I'll I'll show you a little bit more of that. As a county our tobacco use rates now are amongst the lowest in the state. Uh Klay County now has an overall vaping rate across

42
00:11:45.760 --> 00:12:02.240
all high schools of 9%. So we've done amazing work and a lot of that comes to you. So I will actually kill the suspense right away and I'll just let you know this this trophy we we bought for our kids out at DGF for our rice club. Uh you've met many of them

43
00:12:02.240 --> 00:12:16.959
when they've been here to speak about ordinance and stuff. It says, "We beat big tobacco." Because when I first uh came out there, uh those of you who knew uh principal Wayne Leard was the principal of the high school at the time, he asked me to end vaping for DGF.

44
00:12:16.959 --> 00:12:33.600
Now, did we end it? Not 100%. Have our kids absolutely won? Yes. We went from a a perspective of 24 to 25 kids per per grade that were regularly vaping down to less than five of them. So, that's an amazing thing to know. So

45
00:12:33.600 --> 00:12:48.000
that's that's what we bought them the trophy for. It'll be displayed in a a really nice case that we bought for them out there. We've uh created a community room that allows them to um talk about, you know, wins in speech or national honor society or different things like

46
00:12:48.000 --> 00:13:03.040
that. Um and just reward them for being just generally good citizens. Now, how do we do that? One of the biggest things I learned was that the solution was already there. Um, one of the big things we we oftentimes

47
00:13:03.040 --> 00:13:19.360
have to focus on the concern, right? 24% of kids vaping was a big concern and yet 76% weren't. That mean threequarters of our kids said no. And that's amazing when we consider that over a million dollars an

48
00:13:19.360 --> 00:13:36.079
hour gets spent by big tobacco every single hour to try to get our kids to use, right? So, the fact that we had such great kids to start with made this process uh very growable. This right here is our wise

49
00:13:36.079 --> 00:13:51.279
club. Um in high school, we went from 13 kids that wanted to talk about prevention work in their school to 43 kids regularly showing up. That's an eighth of our high school that is involved in this. Now, there's another 18 kids in our middle school and the

50
00:13:51.279 --> 00:14:08.880
group just keeps growing. So, it's just been an amazing uh experience for me to be able to be a part of. And really what we what we changed was instead of asking what was wrong with us, we started asking what was strong with us and

51
00:14:08.880 --> 00:14:24.800
growing that. Um, one of the cool things we got to do here in our last year of the grant, um, we brought in, uh, John Nolner. He runs a business called a piece of my mind which is p a ce because it sounds a little like little argumentative at

52
00:14:24.800 --> 00:14:40.320
first. Um and we asked the question of the kids and the staff and the community members. Um what um where do you see the positive show up in DGF? And this was one of the young uh ladies answered my community shows kindness through everyday respect and small thoughtful

53
00:14:40.320 --> 00:14:57.760
actions. And it just really goes to highlight the change in the in the community and things that we had. We had hoped that we would get maybe 50 people that to part participate and they over exceeded us again. 94 people showed up um for this project. Um we created that

54
00:14:57.760 --> 00:15:12.000
was the video that I was able to share with you guys. Hopefully we could share it out um with the community as well. It's been shared around DGF. Um there's so many powerful stories that just popped up um from his visit. The second I wanted to share with you when I said

55
00:15:12.000 --> 00:15:28.720
that DGF is is landing on a national uh storyboard. Um there's a journalist her name is Rochelle Sharp and she writes for the New York Times, Washington Post, places like that. Um and she had written a uh article on one of the frameworks we use called healthy outcomes from

56
00:15:28.720 --> 00:15:44.399
positive experiences. and through that she learned about the positive community norms that led her to us and she came here and did a story that's that's being in it's in the editing phase right now. It'll it'll be in the New York Times where they'll be talking about our kids

57
00:15:44.399 --> 00:15:59.120
um and all the work. And one of the cool things that she noticed and she started asking the kids is like you guys don't talk about not using substances anymore. What do you do? And the answer that came from one of our seniors was, you know,

58
00:15:59.120 --> 00:16:16.320
in the beginning we did, but what we realized is we don't need alcohol or any other substance to have fun. So we just invite people to come and hang out with us and see that we don't need substances to actually have a good time. And as they realize that that's true, more and

59
00:16:16.320 --> 00:16:31.759
more people just come to us. Now our kids at DGF are talked about in the other schools. Like they're asking me like I get calls, how do we duplicate this? What do we how do we make this work? Um, this here was Olivia. She was our student president. Uh, you may remember she was here whenever um we

60
00:16:31.759 --> 00:16:47.199
were working on the tobacco ordinance. And I love her her quote that I was inspired to lead after realizing that there was a problem and someone needed to speak up for change that somebody was me. That's the kind of culture that's changing out there. Uh, it's been a

61
00:16:47.199 --> 00:17:02.720
complete community effort. Uh, no part of this uh process has been only Jason McCoy. has always been um the students vote. We pilot test everything with staff, with community members, with students to make sure that all of the murals that are out there, all of the

62
00:17:02.720 --> 00:17:20.160
different um uh items that we've done, even this trophy, you know, had voting done on it to make sure that um everything was part of a process. And that message really took hold. So over five years, every year we did a different um a different survey to make

63
00:17:20.160 --> 00:17:36.640
sure that we could follow our data. And this this I just loved the numbers. You know, 5% of our kids not vaping or using cannabis. That's amazing. But this tells the real story, right? 83% of the kids say my family would disapprove. They

64
00:17:36.640 --> 00:17:52.240
understand that means their parents are talking to them. That means this communication has actually saturated. Threearters of them say, "My friends would disapprove of me vaping or drinking." And so they understand that threearters of them don't need it to

65
00:17:52.240 --> 00:18:08.799
have a good time. Right? That's cultural change. That's the kids really truly realizing that I don't need this. I can actually go out and accomplish my life without substances. These are community norms. So what lasts? As five years is

66
00:18:08.799 --> 00:18:25.679
wrapped up, um, we now have a a student body that leads. They they have found their voice. They want to keep moving forward. We have a culture that supports healthy choices and a community that's committed to helping these young people

67
00:18:25.679 --> 00:18:41.360
thrive. One of the coolest things I saw in our last Minnesota student survey data was we changed in year one. Only 37% of the kids thought their community cared about them. This last one, over 70% of them believe the community cares.

68
00:18:41.360 --> 00:18:58.640
So, we've changed that mindset and I look forward to seeing how it continues to grow. So, thank you for supporting us with your allowance. We were able to do this work. Um, we're looking forward to seeing what happens in the future from now on. Any

69
00:18:58.640 --> 00:19:11.360
questions you might have for me? >> Thank you, Mr. McCoy. Any questions for him on the presentation or the work? Commissioner Kavanagh. >> Yeah, just Jason to you and your team

70
00:19:11.360 --> 00:19:30.240
just an incredible thank you. Um um as a grandparent and and a parent of my kids in school. Um you know just to see where a school community works together I

71
00:19:30.240 --> 00:19:46.720
think is just um kind of overwhelms me actually. Um, good work. That's just why I'm saying that. >> Thank you. Additional comments or questions. >> Will you be giving the same presentation to the city councils and the school

72
00:19:46.720 --> 00:20:02.080
board? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yeah. I've already been to the school board and I'm I'm on the uh board or on the agenda for the city councils. >> Great. Yeah. I think this really speaks to the collaboration on how different entities can do the work and help

73
00:20:02.080 --> 00:20:18.880
realize some cost savings outside of all of the fantastic points that you brought up about uh healthy community norms and uh students um perspective on substances. So, thank you so much. >> Any questions? Yes, >> Madam Chair, again, Jason, just great

74
00:20:18.880 --> 00:20:33.840
work. appreciate the dedication and leadership not only in the region but uh sharing with the state on all the work that you do with this grant ending. Do you want to share a little bit about what your next steps are? >> Sure. Absolutely. Um so um first of all I was worried that I didn't have a job

75
00:20:33.840 --> 00:20:48.400
after the grant because that is the nature of grant work. Um but we do have uh within public health we have the foundational public health responsibilities um which will be paying for point eight of my time and then point two will be from the um cannabis and other substance use prevention

76
00:20:48.400 --> 00:21:04.880
grant. So um I am now in a really cool position where I get to share across Klay County and Becker County through through our community health board. Um so my my job will continue to cover any policy work you that you would like to uh see addressed. Um, I also get to work

77
00:21:04.880 --> 00:21:20.159
on making partnerships in our community. Um, and um, a lot of our social media, a lot of our mental health work. So, credible mind. I'll be back soon to present uh, that to you guys. So, you so you guys know this really cool resource that we have out there. Um, mostly is

78
00:21:20.159 --> 00:21:37.039
just helping with mental behavioral health um, issues across both counties. Um, one of the coolest things that I I'm doing right now, Commissioner Campbell, I remember one of the first times I reported on this, he was like, "What about Morehead? what are we going to do for Morehead? Um, we have a really awesome program that started at Morehead

79
00:21:37.039 --> 00:21:53.360
right now um around recovery and it came from I had a principal come to me in year three of this grant and say, "Okay, I believe you at that point 93% of our kids aren't." And that 7% that are using that's my entire day. What do we do for them? And so I've been working with

80
00:21:53.360 --> 00:22:08.320
Morehead to create this recovery program. How do we keep kids in the school and actually help them quit and give them that that power to be able to understand what cessation looks like so we can actually bring them over to join the rest who aren't using. So there's a

81
00:22:08.320 --> 00:22:24.320
lot of really awesome things going on. That's again that's a that's an original pilot that MDH is allowing us to do. So there's some awesome work right here in Klay County that's happening. >> Thank you for following up on that. Any other questions?

82
00:22:24.320 --> 00:22:41.600
Great work. >> Want to take a picture with a trophy before pardon? >> Do you guys want to take a picture with a trophy before I leave? >> Sure. >> Yeah, let's do it. >> You guys are part of this works. >> Yeah. All right. Bring her up. >> How are we doing this? All of us.

83
00:22:41.600 --> 00:23:28.960
>> All right. Our soccer team lost, but we won. >> Thank you. Okay. Next on our agenda today is the item three, the request approval of the state of Minnesota grant agreement. We have our county engineer with us this morning, Justin Sorum. Good morning.

84
00:23:28.960 --> 00:23:44.480
>> Good morning. So yes, the item that I have for approval today is the state of Minnesota grant contract agreement. So this contract is just for the art trail that runs from Uland to the north county line. So every year I come forward to the board with a resolution. That's the

85
00:23:44.480 --> 00:23:59.919
first part of this and then the actual agreement is the second part. What this does is it just allows us to get reimbursed for anything that we spend on the trail and then anything that the local mudslingers OV group also incurs.

86
00:23:59.919 --> 00:24:16.880
>> Okay. Thank you. This has been I believe a really positive agreement uh you know for for minimal cost really to maintain uh such a great trail system. Any questions from the board on the trail or the agreement?

87
00:24:16.880 --> 00:24:32.640
This this is budget neutral as well. So we don't the amount that we get each year covers our costs and covers the mudslingers costs as well. So >> great. >> Board wishes. >> Madam chair. >> Yes. Commissioner Ebinger.

88
00:24:32.640 --> 00:24:49.279
>> I move to approve the state of Minnesota grant contract agreement 292935. A >> second. >> A motion offered from Commissioner Ebinger to approve the agreement. A second from Commissioner Bayer. Additional questions? Any additional questions?

89
00:24:49.279 --> 00:25:04.960
All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppose. Same. Sign. Carried. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you also for uh utilizing social media to get messaging out there on the construction projects. That's been very helpful for folks.

90
00:25:04.960 --> 00:25:24.480
>> Definitely. Thank you. Item four today is the Klay County Board of Commissioners consideration of a potential modification of the University of Minnesota Extension contract. We have Cecilia with Good morning, Cecilia. >> Good morning.

91
00:25:24.480 --> 00:25:40.000
>> Testing. Good morning, >> Steve. >> Good morning, Madam Chair, commissioners. As you're certainly well aware, we contract with the University of Minnesota for our extension program services. Uh we currently have uh two

92
00:25:40.000 --> 00:25:56.720
full-time employees uh and a 1.8 or excuse me, a 08 FTE and also an administrative assistant uh who the extension university of Minnesota provides services for. Generally, we are we are in that in the contract with them

93
00:25:56.720 --> 00:26:12.080
over three years. We are in the third year of that contract and we currently have a have a opening in our youth development uh position and there's been some discussion over previous um uh previous board meetings where we've had some challenges or we know we have

94
00:26:12.080 --> 00:26:29.120
challenges with the upcoming budget uh and uh it was a good time to have a discussion of whether or not we would continue to maintain the same number of staff moving forward. Uh and so the the question before the board today would be is uh in looking at the contract, the

95
00:26:29.120 --> 00:26:45.679
contract is scheduled to end at at the end of this year. Uh she'll be coming forward later this fall with a new contract. Uh but having said that and have an opening now, we thought now would be a time to have that discussion. Uh so we weren't in a position where if the board were to make a decision to

96
00:26:45.679 --> 00:27:02.400
need to cut cut things next year uh for next year's budget that we would have a person advertise for that point. uh the position that that you approve of. So that I'd yield for any questions. >> Questions? Uh Commissioner Bear. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. How long has

97
00:27:02.400 --> 00:27:19.840
this position sat open? >> Um it's been open for about since May. >> Since May. >> And it's uh if I might, it's not um been open because it's not been advertised the way the university system is. I mean it's they uh hire during similar seasons

98
00:27:19.840 --> 00:27:36.559
or different timings and so it's not been advertised yet. Yeah. >> Yes. Commissioner Campbell, >> can you describe a little bit of what um a youth development director does? >> Um the educator position. >> Yeah. >> Um yeah. >> Yep. That individual is in charge of

99
00:27:36.559 --> 00:27:52.480
managing all the programming happening um in Klay County. uh managing the volunteer system is a great about 40% of their job is really recruiting, maintaining and sustaining volunteers to continue the program. Um they're also in charge of recruiting new uh families to

100
00:27:52.480 --> 00:28:10.159
join in for um in charge of just managing the educational piece that happens. Um we have ambassadors in the county that um requires a lot of just making sure that young people have the leadership skills that they need. Um they took trips um to DC. they they do a

101
00:28:10.159 --> 00:28:26.159
lot of service um oriented work in the community and that takes somebody dedicated to guide them in that way. Um so they spend a lot of time doing that and then obviously just daytoday engaging with um Klay County residents but also um volunteers and and young

102
00:28:26.159 --> 00:28:41.679
people that are in the program. >> Is it primarily um >> this is the for >> Yeah, this one is the 4 position and then we also have the A position. Um slide the point eight. >> I've always been a strong advocate for 4

103
00:28:41.679 --> 00:28:58.799
and and the educators in 4. At the same time, I've also um said that the numbers have to support it. >> And I so I'm I'm curious as to where where we're at with how how is how

104
00:28:58.799 --> 00:29:15.840
is 4 grown? Uh because there was a point when we had a half person actually we we had one full-time extension educator in Klay County and then we went to a half and then we went to full >> and so you know I I guess I' I'd like to

105
00:29:15.840 --> 00:29:31.760
just see where we're at in those numbers. >> Yeah. I don't have the specific numbers in front of me but what I can say is um we've had a period where the position was open. It's been open close open close. So we can't really um speak to

106
00:29:31.760 --> 00:29:47.440
the trajectory of where it's at right now because the program was just building when we hired Mon'nique um has been in her position a year and some change now and has made a really good um connection with the the Klay County Fair Boards um build relationship there that

107
00:29:47.440 --> 00:30:03.840
takes some time dedicated time to do that and so we spent majority of the time just really making sure that that relationship was strong because we understand that we can't we can't be good partners when we don't have strong relationship. So really managing that relationship and working with the

108
00:30:03.840 --> 00:30:19.840
families to bring them back up to speed of where things were before that position was then open. Um and now that she's up and running then now we have an opening. Um so yeah, it's just been kind of back and forth trying to get that position those two positions up and

109
00:30:19.840 --> 00:30:35.919
running. Uh, one example that I can speak of that I'm sure of that will um impact the program is a sci-fi grant is a relationship between NDSU and um, University of Minnesota Extension to really make sure that we're reaching out to our populations that typically don't

110
00:30:35.919 --> 00:30:53.200
participate in 4. Um, and so we have somebody in our regional office that Klay County is not paying for that position but supporting Klay County. Right now they have three clubs that meet and eventually the goal is that to make that program more sustainable and so um Klay County would absorb that um

111
00:30:53.200 --> 00:31:08.559
club and they will become more of a quote unquote traditional club um feel. Um and so Mindy Grant has been managing that program and working with um that group to really make sure that they can be embedded in the program and eventually that will be that will also

112
00:31:08.559 --> 00:31:25.039
show growth. Um when uh Amelia was here, she started a lot of afterschool programming in the not not uh Morehead but like the outskirts of um more smaller communities. And that was really um good um avenue there to engage in

113
00:31:25.039 --> 00:31:40.399
young people that typically don't have access, you know, after school program or before program option. So the program is growing. I just can't tell you exactly what the number is. >> Can I just have a follow? So um Sure. >> Yeah. So I' I'd be curious to know what

114
00:31:40.399 --> 00:31:57.600
what kind of enrollment we have now compared to in the past in terms of kids in for in the 4 program and then also uh it wasn't too many years ago where some of our school districts were forced into situations where they had to

115
00:31:57.600 --> 00:32:14.480
reduce and in some instances if I remember call recall correctly even eliminate after school programming and I know that that 4 and extension really stepped up in that regard. >> And is that still is that still going on? And what kind of numbers what kind

116
00:32:14.480 --> 00:32:30.320
of numbers are we seeing enrolling in after school programming through um extension? >> I I mean I I don't expect you to have those today, but I'd like to at least see those numbers moving forward because again, >> I I think we need to be able to show to the community

117
00:32:30.320 --> 00:32:47.039
>> that what we're investing in is is working. >> Yeah. And I think the group just shared an update. Um I think you were out that day when the group came um the educators came and shared the impact report. Those numbers were in there and we have that data that we can share. I can send it to

118
00:32:47.039 --> 00:33:02.559
Sarah. >> There are reports that we just had at our June extension committee meeting that we can uh get that really speak to all of the questions Commissioner Campbell had. And I, you know, I can defer to Commissioner Kavanagh here, but we we are really seeing enormous strides

119
00:33:02.559 --> 00:33:18.000
in the program and the afterchool program. I mean, is over 300 individuals uh all countywide that we're seeing participating in this. I I think the reason behind this discussion to the board is felt that one just similar that

120
00:33:18.000 --> 00:33:35.039
we do with other openings and staffing wanted to make sure there was a space for this board to approve moving forward in whatever advertisement it is. Understanding that budgets are challenging right now and that this board may want to make some sort of adjustment to see some sort of savings.

121
00:33:35.039 --> 00:33:50.159
I I can tell you it kills me to have this discussion the week of the Klay County Fair in a time when we finally got How many years did it take commissioner for us to get them to 2.0 I know in that office finally starting to

122
00:33:50.159 --> 00:34:08.639
see positive changes in not only numbers uh the ex static exhibits the animals at the fair are higher than they've ever been and we're hearing from the fair board that they are having the support from the extension office that really they were wanting for a long time. It's really a great partnership, but also

123
00:34:08.639 --> 00:34:24.240
understanding that budgets are challenging and we need to have the conversation if it makes sense now to move this opening to a point 8 to amend it. Uh, you know, my my worry would be is if we hired this at a full-time uh

124
00:34:24.240 --> 00:34:40.320
employee now that we get to a point in 6 months where we're talking about the uh master agreement, maybe there are costs that need to be adjusted there and then needing to shift that position down. That's really hard for people. I think we would lose a an employee going from

125
00:34:40.320 --> 00:34:56.399
1.0 to point8. U maybe it made sense to hire at 08 now. Um, but I will tell you a cut will come with substantial cuts to what we're seeing in the afterchool programming. That's those are your non-traditional 4 uh experienced kids.

126
00:34:56.399 --> 00:35:13.599
Those aren't the after or those aren't the community club 4 kids. Those are the afterchool programming kids. And if that's the direction that this board wants to go, uh certainly we can talk about that. But just wanted this board to have a discussion. Commissioner Bear, >> could you get by with a 0.5?

127
00:35:13.599 --> 00:35:30.560
Um it will be very hard um speaking to Commissioner Kumbbo's um point earlier on and Commissioner Mojo has just mentioned we are working on trying to make that um sci-fi non-traditional club group more embedded into our 4

128
00:35:30.560 --> 00:35:46.320
programming and at a point 8 we're going to see some significant impact to the program at five is going to be even more significant. So the growth is going to uh for lack of better word is going to stall the growth that you want to see uh

129
00:35:46.320 --> 00:36:04.000
for a county this size. >> When just a point of history, when did we go from one to one and a half to 1.8 to two? >> 2023 is um so we've kind of gone back and forth. 2023 it was a point 8 and

130
00:36:04.000 --> 00:36:19.760
then we moved that back up but we also took a shift in our other program that was also open the ANR position so we went we took a that one was a full-time position we took point A from there and added it to um so we didn't necessarily come back for it wasn't a financial

131
00:36:19.760 --> 00:36:35.839
impact it shift >> we just shifted uh we had seen growth in numbers in the 4 area that's why we went to the 2.0 know there and then the natural resources position to a point A which by the way she's doing phenomenal work uh in the community at a point 8 but you know th these shifts don't come

132
00:36:35.839 --> 00:36:52.560
without substantial um challenges but did you and I just want to just add to if that's okay um just looking at the staffing model too when we have um to your point a.5 that that person is working that two and a half days and when you have fair it's very challenging

133
00:36:52.560 --> 00:37:08.160
to have somebody at that level um it just impacts that showcase experience too. >> Mr. Kavanagh, do you want to share? >> Yeah, thank you. Uh, so uh I'll just begin with um

134
00:37:08.160 --> 00:37:25.839
the thought of bringing this point I I think was after uh Amelia had um uh vacated the position. Uh the fact that we had after school programs needing to get this position filled um just put

135
00:37:25.839 --> 00:37:42.800
some urgency to it. Uh I think asking for the numbers is good. I I think you showed that when we were here. We know that the after school programs are really growing. Uh we also know that we're making inroads in

136
00:37:42.800 --> 00:37:58.720
Morehead mainly uh to new communities to start community clubs. >> So I think the work is growing. Um I think um I I would not support five. This is a a big role to fill. We need

137
00:37:58.720 --> 00:38:15.520
the recruitment. We need the people to fill it in. Um I am in favor of the 0.8. I think for all the reasons Commissioner Mojo talked about um every every word of what she said is kind of what what I was going to say so I'm not going to repeat

138
00:38:15.520 --> 00:38:34.240
it uh but it's vital work 4 is impactful uh the work that you do through extension is impactful and it's to the whole community I mean municipalities into our schools and and into the rural

139
00:38:34.240 --> 00:38:49.920
areas is and then as well as the fair every part has been showing increases in big ways and uh so I um uh while I don't want to u I know we had this discussion

140
00:38:49.920 --> 00:39:05.839
at last meeting uh with Carrie Robo uh who was a is a regional program director right >> and uh and with her and we we discussed the challenges of even going to point eight but I still think that's the place

141
00:39:05.839 --> 00:39:22.720
I I would like to see us go and I would like to do that as soon as possible so we get this u uh this position filled. >> I think it's also important to note obviously with the opening since May there is a substantial savings that the

142
00:39:22.720 --> 00:39:38.400
county is seeing this year because of that. Correct. >> That's correct madam chair commissioners. The contract does read if the position is open that the county won't will not be build for the time that there's no one in that position. >> So if we move forward at a refilling it

143
00:39:38.400 --> 00:39:53.200
at a full time, we would still see a savings this calendar year similar to what it would be in a point for next year. Is that correct? >> Correct. Madam Chair, >> Commissioner Bear, >> could we get the the the numbers for the last 10 years on how this how the how

144
00:39:53.200 --> 00:40:11.040
it's grown when it was one full-time to a 08 to a one? >> I'd like to see the numbers before we make a decision. Could you have those numbers by next week and we can act on this next week? So, if I I might, there is some challenge um in terms I hear what you're

145
00:40:11.040 --> 00:40:26.560
saying and we can actually probably get that today because we have that information that was just provided, but um my concern is that if this is not approved now, we're already behind on the min on the ex's advertising process

146
00:40:26.560 --> 00:40:42.880
and so there's a chance that if this isn't approved today that they will not be able to hire for fall school programming. just the way their timeline is >> on the contract too like we'll have to amend the contract. >> Can you um

147
00:40:42.880 --> 00:41:01.280
I'm trying to figure out can you get the office to send we do have that data. >> Yeah. The 10-year period that commissioner is wanting >> is that that's dependent on how we amend

148
00:41:01.280 --> 00:41:17.359
the contract today. I I'd like to see the data before I make a decision on point 8 or >> additional comments from board members. >> Well, I'll see how this goes. In respect to what you want, uh I think we had this

149
00:41:17.359 --> 00:41:34.079
report. We saw the growth. We see the uh we're at these meetings seeing the growth of what's going on. And I I just want to make a motion and if it doesn't make it, that's it what it is. But I'd like to see that we move forward in uh

150
00:41:34.079 --> 00:41:50.240
um in moving forward having funding this uh position at a point uh 8. >> Second. >> Okay. We have an a motion from Commissioner Kavanagh to amend the contract to rehire at a point 8. Is that the correct wording? >> Yes.

151
00:41:50.240 --> 00:42:05.280
>> Okay. We have a second from Commissioner Ebinger. Additional discussion. I I would just like to see the last 10 years on how it's grown or how it's grown with a full-time employee to a point 8 to a half or just one employee. I'd like to see that data before I vote on this. So

152
00:42:05.280 --> 00:42:21.520
>> I hear that. We can get that information to you. >> Additional comments from the board. Commissioner Campbell, >> I I I agree with Commissioner Bear. I again I um I want to see if there's justification no matter what it is whether it's to keep it at two or

153
00:42:21.520 --> 00:42:36.960
whether it goes to 08 or whether it goes to 0.5. I think a lot of it has to be in the numbers and and I haven't seen the numbers and I don't I don't I don't like to vote on something when I don't have the numbers.

154
00:42:36.960 --> 00:42:53.520
So I believe I'll be voting no. Commissioner Kavanagh, would you like to maybe withdraw the motion to see if we can get additional information before the end of this board meeting? >> I can come back with you. Um, so curious. Okay. Commissioner

155
00:42:53.520 --> 00:43:08.960
>> Carbidov withdraws his motion. Commissioner Ebinger, >> I'm good with it. Just an indication. All of us have our portfolios. Okay. And I don't want this to reflect on either of you not providing us with good information coming from your the

156
00:43:08.960 --> 00:43:24.800
meetings that you're responsible to attend. But if we have other commissioners here that want more data and we can do it within the time frame that's going to meet our needs, I have no no objection to that. >> Okay. So, um fine with that. See if we can get the information. I will say that

157
00:43:24.800 --> 00:43:39.520
I believe staff is at the the fairgrounds today because entry day is Thursday. So there might be a chance they're not able to get that information. >> We have other ways to get it. >> Okay. So we um the enrolled data >> for the past 10 years.

158
00:43:39.520 --> 00:43:55.280
>> Correct. And this the the school participation because I know we've grown the uh school districts. >> And that last part I think was even you know you know where to go but I mean we were shown these numbers in your PowerPoint.

159
00:43:55.280 --> 00:44:10.640
>> This what was it last month or whatever. Yeah, >> that one has more of a a threeyear period, but >> yeah. Okay, >> obviously CO in there, too. So, we'll >> Right. I know that's challenging and I I think part of where the board is coming from and maybe particularly Commissioner

160
00:44:10.640 --> 00:44:25.839
Campbell, we talk frequently about the Brenda Schaefer, Kroom, Becky Harrington years. And in those years, how we saw the ambassador program exploding, participation exploding, and uh I think the data does show that since we've had

161
00:44:25.839 --> 00:44:42.560
the adjustment, the additional uh outreach that has been able to be utilized, but uh if you're able to get that, communicate with Steve if we can get it back on the I'm happy to offer a a break later. Okay,

162
00:44:42.560 --> 00:44:57.440
are we good? >> Thank you. Okay, we can move that as needed. Thank you, Cecilia. >> Thank you. >> Uh, but you do have the extension present budget. Should we weigh it? And how do you want to utilize? >> Um, Madam Chair, commissioners, I think that if she has the ability to get those

163
00:44:57.440 --> 00:45:11.440
numbers today, that would make more sense to have the budget discussion after. >> Okay. >> Thank you for your flexibility, Cecilia. Uh, we are ahead of schedule. Is Anna on the

164
00:45:11.440 --> 00:45:30.000
way? She's outside. There she is. Good morning, Anna. Thank you for being here a little early. We have your budget presentation for human resources. >> Good morning. >> Good morning. Being the first budget to present, do you want me to go line by

165
00:45:30.000 --> 00:45:44.640
line or do you have a preference in what this looks like? >> Is this your first bud budget presentation? >> Um, sorry. I did have my budget presentation last year, but I mean the first for all the departments. >> Oh, got it. Uh, well, I'm not seeing your budget yet, so

166
00:45:44.640 --> 00:46:00.720
there's an L. There we go. Let's uh It's not that long, so do you mind? >> Thank you. All right. The first seven lines of my budget are um kind of our fixed increases from year to year. That includes salary. Um the

167
00:46:00.720 --> 00:46:15.760
only thing that would be increasing with my department's salary next year would be step increases and the COLA. Um I do not budget anything for overtime for human resources in our health insurance. Um we do currently have a 15% cap

168
00:46:15.760 --> 00:46:31.280
scheduled for or a max of 15% cap for next year. So that's factored in for health insurance. Um PFML that premium um is also a fixed rate that will go up based off the salaries. Um and same with PAR, Social Security, and Medicare. So the first seven lines my budget are just

169
00:46:31.280 --> 00:46:49.119
all fixed based off of salaries. my department uh had cell phone. There's no increase to that. So that would be neutral for next year. I do not budget anything for printing and publishing. And my next item would be subs our annual subscriptions. I'm requesting to

170
00:46:49.119 --> 00:47:04.160
increase that by $150 just due to a slight increase in the DDA uh HR technical assistance program. My association and dues and memberships, there is no increase requested for that for next year.

171
00:47:04.160 --> 00:47:20.160
I am asking to remove a $500 item um for advertising. HR does not um publish or pay for any advertising for our jobs. That would be department specific um other professional service. So you'll see that I um am increasing this for

172
00:47:20.160 --> 00:47:35.920
next year or requesting to increase this um and that is due to the 10 unions um that have agreed to a market study. I do have a plug number in there for $30,000 for the market study. We I don't know if you would like to see that in HR's budget or come from a different area of

173
00:47:35.920 --> 00:47:51.440
the county budget, but it is a plug number in my budget right now. >> Can I ask a question maybe just directed at Steve? How have we budgeted that piece in prior years? >> Madam Chair, you've done it in two separate ways. You've uh done it where you've added in the HR budget, but

174
00:47:51.440 --> 00:48:08.400
you've also done done it where you acknowledge that there's going to be a study done and we just uh utilize fund balance, so it's not as part part of our levy. Uh curious what the board how the board would like to see that reflected going

175
00:48:08.400 --> 00:48:25.040
forward or if maybe that's a a personnel issues committee item. Commissioner Campbell, since you're on pick, what what >> Well, I um I guess I guess when we do

176
00:48:25.040 --> 00:48:40.400
a a wage study, it's something that has implications for more than one year. And I guess I would be I would be more inclined to want to remove that 30,000 from your budget

177
00:48:40.400 --> 00:48:58.079
>> and um basically use our reserves like we've done that in the past. I think that's that's where I would like to see us go with it and and if we willing to do that now as a board then it wouldn't have to go to pick I don't think. Well, and I to that I think it does probably make more

178
00:48:58.079 --> 00:49:14.720
sense just so it's not I mean it's not a continual hit in your area whenever it comes up. But >> I I agree with that. >> Okay. >> Well, and again I think it I think it goes to keeping our align item like this

179
00:49:14.720 --> 00:49:30.400
consistent on on an annual basis because you don't do these wade studies every year, right? >> You know, it's similar to what again what Lori does in elections, you know. she keeps it kind of consistent year to year even though there's some years where there's no elections and it helps

180
00:49:30.400 --> 00:49:48.480
stabilize that levy and that's what I think this would help do. >> Okay, I'll work with Lori on removing that piece. >> You'd happily do that, wouldn't you? >> Yes. >> Um so the other port um portion of that other professional service um is UKG

181
00:49:48.480 --> 00:50:04.720
costs are just going up slightly for next year. Can you for the public explain UPG? >> Yes. So, UKG is our HR payroll system. Um I will have um currently in 2026 I have let's see here

182
00:50:04.720 --> 00:50:19.760
$8,250 budgeted. Um for 2027 I had $45,000 removing the $30,000 for a market study. So $15,000 um requested in total for UKG which is our HR apparel system. um that

183
00:50:19.760 --> 00:50:35.920
also does our recruiting and onboarding piece. So it has saved us from having to hire or ask for another hire agent. >> Right. It has saved substantially >> Yes. >> employee cost. >> Absolutely. Um no increase or change to my training budget um as well as my

184
00:50:35.920 --> 00:50:52.480
conference and workshop registration. No change there. Um dropping down to my travel and expenses. No changes for 2027 as well as my office supplies. office supplies includes our ID badges and like the lanyards and such we purchase for county employees. And that would be the

185
00:50:52.480 --> 00:51:08.240
total or that the um overall budget for me. I did work with Lori prior to today's presentation. Um you'll see that there's a 17.89% requested increase removing the market study not showing knowing how conversation would go today. Um it would

186
00:51:08.240 --> 00:51:29.920
be a 10.66. Um, and that is accounting for the increased UKG cost and then the fixed cost for my salaries and benefits. >> Thank you, Anna. Questions from the board? >> Any questions? I appreciate that you're continuing to

187
00:51:29.920 --> 00:51:46.800
keep in those professional development uh opportunities. you have uh newer staff and I think that the training dollars go very long ways in uh preparing your staff and department for the changes that we're seeing. So I appreciate that you've kept that in

188
00:51:46.800 --> 00:52:03.599
there. >> Questions from the board? >> Well, I'd say for the first department, you did a great job. >> Thank you. And if you have just one minute more minute, I'd like to give you an update on paid family medical leave claims. Um, as of July 1, we've had 46

189
00:52:03.599 --> 00:52:18.800
employee claims processed this year. Um, 15 of those have been for bonding, so related to child birth. Five or seven of those have been related to a serious medical condition for a family member. And 20, excuse me, 24 of those have been for a serious medical condition for the

190
00:52:18.800 --> 00:52:34.720
employee. Um, to date, or I shouldn't say to date, to as of July 1, United Healthcare has paid out $288,444 in claims to our staff. um and in premium thus far we've paid $1,089,000100

191
00:52:34.720 --> 00:52:51.760
excuse me $189,350. So they've paid out more than they've received from us. Um we have if you I don't necessarily want to call it a shortage at this point. Um but there's a difference of $99,000 in expenses paid versus premium collected.

192
00:52:51.760 --> 00:53:07.920
We do are we are fortunate that we have um a lock a rate locked in for 2027 um for 2028 will likely be in an RFP um position for future years. And in collaboration with your state

193
00:53:07.920 --> 00:53:24.400
partners, uh, folks that have the the same title as you and other counties, >> is is there a pretty good network on conversation on how the roll out has been going, where the the pinch points have been, how we can >> streamline better? >> So, we talk what feels like weekly, at

194
00:53:24.400 --> 00:53:39.680
least monthly, with many counties. I'm in a pathways program, so all new HR directors in the state the first two years we collect we have monthly meetings. Um it's been the I think a lot of the pain points have been worked out at least from our end and in Klay County. Um it's there's a lot of

195
00:53:39.680 --> 00:53:56.480
communication pieces in the beginning. Really the delay is just on the paperwork from the employee um to UHC side of things. So I do feel like we're in a pretty good place right now with it. >> Okay. Commissioner Campbell >> and I thank you for updating us on that. And I guess um one of the one of the

196
00:53:56.480 --> 00:54:11.599
unknowns and one of the things I think all of us have been concerned with over time on this is um not ne I mean there obviously the indication that we're 90,000 short of what the premiums they're collecting are isn't a very good sign of what's to come.

197
00:54:11.599 --> 00:54:27.839
>> Correct. you know, uh, but in addition to that, um, are you hearing anything in terms of the number of staff, how long they have to be gone and what's that doing to um,

198
00:54:27.839 --> 00:54:44.720
the workforce that obviously when somebody leaves that work has is not getting done or it's shifted. >> Yeah. >> Right. So, what are you hearing there? >> So, I'll use myself for example. Um, I was out for 12 weeks on maternity leave

199
00:54:44.720 --> 00:55:00.480
and I was very fortunate that I was able to delegate those things to Darren and my staff. I know that they had to work tirelessly um throughout those 12 weeks to keep things going and afloat. Um, as for other departments, I know that there are employees that are working extra

200
00:55:00.480 --> 00:55:16.880
hours. They're flexing time um to get work done. So, I have not heard from a department head that they're in a position where they're needing to hire temporary or new staff to to fulfill those temporary vacancies or absences. Um, but I do know that other staff are putting in extra work and

201
00:55:16.880 --> 00:55:31.119
>> and I you know and again your the example that you used I think I think we've always uh handled that particular situation. I you know it's been something that we did before the paid family me for the reason you were gone. Yeah.

202
00:55:31.119 --> 00:55:49.520
>> Right. So, but now with that, there's an awful lot of new um reasons why people might take the leave that weren't there before. >> Yeah. So, I >> those are I think those are more of the concerns that that we might see out

203
00:55:49.520 --> 00:56:06.319
there in terms of demands on workload. >> Absolutely. So, um one thing to note, we do run FMLA concurrently when applicable. So, as long as the employees eligible for FMLA, um, we run that concurrently. And I can I didn't look at these numbers exactly, but I'm pretty

204
00:56:06.319 --> 00:56:23.440
confident to say that almost all of them have also been an FMLA qualifying event. So, it hasn't been one of those new reasons um, per se or not many new reasons. Um, so I think these would be things that people would have been out for regardless. >> Well, the FMLA pays the difference.

205
00:56:23.440 --> 00:56:38.160
>> No, so FMLA does not pay the difference. Um, FMLA would be job protection where PFML would be like partial wage replacement. And so, um, we when they when the event meets the criteria for both, we would run them concurrently.

206
00:56:38.160 --> 00:56:56.160
Um, under FMLA, they can use their sick and vacation to like top off um or there's maybe short-term disability, long-term disability, other things in place, but FMLA does not automatically pay them um or to make up the difference. So it's the it's the sick

207
00:56:56.160 --> 00:57:10.480
pay that we allow to top off. >> Correct. >> Yeah. And under ESST provisions, so there's all these inner workings with all these different laws. Um under ESST, they can use their sick vacation comp or flex to make them whole. So we can't

208
00:57:10.480 --> 00:57:30.319
just limit it to sick leave. Additional questions. This component is going to be very uh important for us to continue to track the data. We've had some conversation with state legislators on curiosity on how it's working, where are areas where

209
00:57:30.319 --> 00:57:46.160
we will see challenges. I know we've discussed and one I I do want to say um I'm really appreciative of the staff members that are are stepping up and putting on additional time and effort to get it done to make sure we're covered.

210
00:57:46.160 --> 00:58:01.680
Uh but we have had conversations about um you know these mandated staffing level pieces. If we get challen have challenges meeting those what does that mean particularly in the correctional facility just continue to give us that

211
00:58:01.680 --> 00:58:16.640
data and and we can uh communicate that to the state leaders. >> Absolutely. We get a report quarterly so I'm happy to provide. >> Okay. >> Good. >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you.

212
00:58:16.640 --> 00:58:31.280
Um, Matt, do you mind if we do your budget presentation? We might have to have a break later uh because of um some data that we're asking for from extension. Are you Is Erica coming or is it just you

213
00:58:31.280 --> 00:58:48.960
>> or did I jump over to you? I'm sorry, >> Mark. Is that okay? I Sorry. I didn't mean to leap frog you, but >> good answer. >> All right, so let's go ahead. Uh if you don't mind, I'm sorry for that. But

214
00:58:48.960 --> 00:59:04.400
let's do the GIS and communications uh budget. >> Good morning. >> Morning, Mark. >> Good morning, ma madam chair and commissioners. So GIS and communications, I'm well aware of the fact that we are probably the most discretionary

215
00:59:04.400 --> 00:59:21.680
department that there is um because there's nothing that we do is required by statute. We're there specifically to support the uh other departments, what they're doing and with the information and services. So, we try to make sure that we're doing it as effectively as we can and as efficiently as we can and

216
00:59:21.680 --> 00:59:35.680
trying to get the most bang out of our bucket. So, we're constantly doing that. Um, so I meet with my staff a few times a year. We talk about this stuff, uh, what we're doing, how we can do it better. Uh, so when it comes to budgeting, one of the things I do is I

217
00:59:35.680 --> 00:59:53.440
keep my own spreadsheet. This is my 2027 one of trying to keep track of exactly what do we need to spend money on and what what's the best use of those dollars that we're requesting from you. Um, one of the biggest challenges we have is guessing what we're going to be

218
00:59:53.440 --> 01:00:09.440
needing to spend money on, you know, up to 18 months from now. So because sometimes things change like a really good example in my 2027 budget that you're looking at today I've got money setting setting in there for chat GPT which is something a year ago we didn't even think about. So we're always trying

219
01:00:09.440 --> 01:00:26.799
to be ready to adapt and uh put those things to use. Um, one of the things that I'd like to mention is in 2025, at the beginning of that year, we changed the position of our GIS technician to a full-time slot. That has been uh very

220
01:00:26.799 --> 01:00:43.440
beneficial to the county. Um, it's allowed us to change how some workflows work and who does what tasks in the GIS division, which specifically has made it possible for us not to use contractors as much as we used to. uh we used to use a GIS contractors that do some work for

221
01:00:43.440 --> 01:00:58.799
us and we've been able to have our GIS coordinator do those things instead and the technician has taken over the day-to-day tasks of maintaining our parcel data and some of those things. So at the end of the day I think that makes a really good use of our resources and

222
01:00:58.799 --> 01:01:14.480
as because of that I'm able to reduce my request this year for other professional services because we don't have quite the demand that we used to. So we're actually seeing that change. The other thing I wanted to note on this budget is one thing you'll I don't know whether you'll notice it or not, but uh one of

223
01:01:14.480 --> 01:01:31.280
our positions, our GI our communications coordinator position, we're not requesting it to be filled for 2027. We're going to leave it vacant. Um that's saving us a 100 plus thousand dollars a year. Um so we're just going to leave it as is. So the question then is what aren't we doing? Because of

224
01:01:31.280 --> 01:01:46.720
that, uh the probably the single biggest things we're not doing is our direct department support that we were doing before, which has to do with uh graphics and brochures and um helping uh the departments with their specific uh communication needs. Right now, we've

225
01:01:46.720 --> 01:02:02.319
kind of pushed that back to the departments to do on their own. We still will support them as best we can with the resources we have, but um we aren't doing that as well as we're not doing quite as much social media posts or those kind of things. So, we've kind of cut back on that to try to be as

226
01:02:02.319 --> 01:02:19.280
effective as we can. However, my staff are still doing amazing things. I mean, they're doing u all the stuff that we've been requested to do. We are doing that well. Uh we're still doing graphic arts. We're still doing signage. We're doing ADA compliance is our biggest one for this year we've been working on. Another

227
01:02:19.280 --> 01:02:34.640
big one we've been doing is training uh training activities for our our staff specifically. We're rolling those kind of activities out. And for those of you that happen to be at the county fair this week, uh if you see a sign or poster there, chances are it came from our shop. We are producing a tremendous amount of product that's going out to

228
01:02:34.640 --> 01:02:52.079
the fairgrounds. So we're able to help extension and some other departments with that. So it's a really effective way of get using our tools that we have on hand. So to talk about the budget specifically, we have no new requests. Um we have um one reduction which is in

229
01:02:52.079 --> 01:03:07.200
other professional service. reduce that one by uh 20% or or what was it? Yeah. >> 10,000 >> $10,000 and then we're increasing software because of software has been costing us more and more and more. We

230
01:03:07.200 --> 01:03:23.520
just it the cost of that's been going up anywhere from 9 to 12% that we're getting increased. So we're basically just matching what the costs are expected to be for next year. With that I'll ask for any questions. One question, Madam Chair.

231
01:03:23.520 --> 01:03:38.160
>> Yes, Commissioner Bear. In >> the computer software, is that where you're putting chat GBT in there or >> Correct. >> Absolutely. And uh one of the thing I didn't mention, I probably should, was last year we had a couple line items I went over a little bit. Um mostly

232
01:03:38.160 --> 01:03:54.559
because one of the things we missed, you know, we we try to plan this stuff out, right? We try to think of things. One of the biggest things we missed was new buildings, right? We had these two new buildings came online at the end of 2024. The thing we missed was cameras.

233
01:03:54.559 --> 01:04:10.799
You know, we got c surveillance cameras everywhere. There's two in this room. Even if you're in a public space in a Klay County building, you're in there's a surveillance camera watching you. The c piece we missed was that each of these cameras have a license agreement that we pay for and I was in my budget at that time and it's $59 a year per camera.

234
01:04:10.799 --> 01:04:28.160
Well, we added now we have 416 cameras. We added 86 alone in the withdrawal management detox facility. When that bill came last September, we were like, "Oh, shucks. We missed that." So, if you remember, uh, Rory actually came to you last fall. We moved that to his budget and you changed his 2026

235
01:04:28.160 --> 01:04:43.920
budget to capture that extra cost. So, we've already addressed that, >> but it was it's just an example of we try our best to guess what we're going to need to spend money on, but sometimes things happen and we just miss things or, you know, that kind of stuff. So, we we

236
01:04:43.920 --> 01:04:59.440
try try to be good stewards of the of the taxpayer dollar >> and and to that, you know, the reasoning for adding the additional cameras, and we've talked about this is uh the the liability of not having that far exceeds what that payment. >> Oh, absolutely. They're well worth the

237
01:04:59.440 --> 01:05:17.119
money we spend on them when >> questions. I do want to highlight a a point that you talked about the amount of work that your department does to help additional uh county departments but also partners

238
01:05:17.119 --> 01:05:32.319
is huge and you know I've tal we've been at the SWCD when you have worked with them to provide maps and they've commented on that as well. you know, I really do appreciate that and and I think in many ways uh your department um

239
01:05:32.319 --> 01:05:48.880
gets um jobs get put on your department because it seems to make the most sense and how do we communicate and and tell the story to the residents about what services are available, when things would be closed, where you can go. So, I appreciate that flexibility and continuing to meet that need. Thank you.

240
01:05:48.880 --> 01:06:06.559
>> Questions? Questions? I >> uh Commissioner Camp I'm >> Mark I'm trying to um when I when I look at your uh salary line items from 2026 and which you're

241
01:06:06.559 --> 01:06:22.720
proposing in 2027 when when was it that we um no longer used had the one position was that >> it would in 2026 >> yeah it was yeah we actually at the end of last year we I came to you and we

242
01:06:22.720 --> 01:06:38.240
took it So they took it out of the budget this year. I'm not entirely sure the numbers work for what they took out this year. >> That's that's why that's why I'm asking the question >> my math actually >> because if we have if we have one less full-time person >> Uhhuh.

243
01:06:38.240 --> 01:06:55.839
>> than we did uh when we established a 2026 budget and you have you've had no other new hires or anything. Um, why are why are we that much more? >> I I I just think I my guess is is the

244
01:06:55.839 --> 01:07:12.240
number they took out of this year's was not exactly what it should have been. >> I I I with or without >> I think there's >> Yeah. >> issues here. >> Yeah. Just on that item. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I don't I don't know that answer for sure. >> Okay. Maybe we can just get clarification on it because because I

245
01:07:12.240 --> 01:07:29.039
would think that, >> you know, when we look at what Anna just did on Mhm. >> on her report and you look at the increase which included both steps and the cola, >> right? >> That was like 7.68% I think it was something like that. And

246
01:07:29.039 --> 01:07:45.680
and even just with steps and cola, you would think you'd be in that same percentage range. >> Yeah. >> And yet we're at >> 12 >> 12.59 plus we um no longer are funding one position. >> Right. Well, I I think on this um when

247
01:07:45.680 --> 01:08:01.920
on the 2026 budget under salaries, I think they've removed that one position salary >> or it's been taken out. >> It's been taken out, but I don't think that my guess is and I I didn't have access to that, but uh my guess is the number they took out is not the right number. It was either before or after COLA or

248
01:08:01.920 --> 01:08:18.680
>> Okay, >> my that's just my estimate on that. >> I believe in I believe last year in the 2026 budget, the cola was added after it was a line item. Um and so that none of the budgets last year included Nicola the 4%.

249
01:08:19.279 --> 01:08:39.040
>> Okay. Thank you. >> Additional questions. >> Commissioner Kavanagh. >> Your microphone. >> That being said, is it only in this number this year? >> It is. If you recall last year,

250
01:08:39.040 --> 01:08:55.440
commissioners, we were in the process of negotiating negotiating the union contract. And so we we had a we we knew a we had a number pegged in that or we didn't have a number pegged in there because we didn't know where the cola was going to land. And so essentially,

251
01:08:55.440 --> 01:09:11.520
you're seeing a a 4% and a 3% >> from from the 2025 number. So, is that going to be consistent then every um budget? >> Well, when we get now that we're back on track with our union contracts of going

252
01:09:11.520 --> 01:09:28.640
two years and three years, the goal is we're always going to know the next year's. >> Yeah. But I'm saying from last year to this year, we'll have to account for that cola not being in one year and and now will be. >> That's Yes, that's correct. >> So, in our minds, that's all I'm saying.

253
01:09:28.640 --> 01:09:46.400
>> Right. >> Part of the increase. >> Yeah. Yeah. Okay. >> Additional questions. Thank you, Mark. >> Matt, can we do yours as well? Uh, we're waiting on some communication from

254
01:09:46.400 --> 01:10:02.159
extension and then we will take a break after your budget presentation. The next item is a budget presentation for the planning and zoning department. Our planning and zoning director, Matt Jacobson. Good morning. >> Good morning, Madam Chair and commissioners. So, here today to present

255
01:10:02.159 --> 01:10:19.600
my proposed 2027 budget. I just want to make a note of one um change on here. If you look at the DNR shoreline um that $2,944 should be included in 2027. So, I will

256
01:10:19.600 --> 01:10:38.320
update that um just to make sure that that is included. Uh 2,944 >> revenue. >> Yep. It's under revenue. Yep. >> It's our uh >> shoreline >> shoreline from shoreline grant. Yep.

257
01:10:38.320 --> 01:10:56.800
>> All right. So, my budget is um looking like it's going to have a a 3% um increase, just over 3% increase this year. This is largely uh almost 100% driven by um personnel costs um staffing costs uh and everything else in my

258
01:10:56.800 --> 01:11:12.480
budget um just in terms of operating expenses I proposed to stay remain the same um from 2026. Uh I should say that um we're able to keep those costs um fairly flat um

259
01:11:12.480 --> 01:11:29.600
because we've been able to do a couple things. One is we've um been able to expand online permitting and payment capabilities. So, we're now taking every single application, whether it be for a building permit uh all the way up to a text amendment or a resoning petition, we can take online now. Uh we can review

260
01:11:29.600 --> 01:11:46.960
it online. Um and it just increases efficiencies in in that respect. And I want to thank Erica for that because she's largely been driving um that work and she's done a fantastic job um with getting us into the 21st century and and getting our our payments and everything

261
01:11:46.960 --> 01:12:02.800
online. >> Yes, Commissioner Bear. >> What percentage are we getting online now on >> permit? >> I would say it's over 50% at this point. So, we're trying to drive more people to if people ask for a a a permit application or something that we tend we

262
01:12:02.800 --> 01:12:18.400
want to >> Yeah. steer them towards online option. Um, of course we do have paper options as well, uh, for those who prefer that. Yep. >> Yep. >> So, um, we're also looking at just really laser focused on automating any

263
01:12:18.400 --> 01:12:36.560
repetitive tasks when necessary. Um, as I had mentioned, moving customers towards our online applications. One thing that's nice about the online applications is it really reduces um the amount of back and forth between our staff and applicants. Oftent times with

264
01:12:36.560 --> 01:12:51.840
the paper application we will get them and they will not be 100% complete. Um so there's a lot of back and forth ask trying to get additional information. with the online application, you're basically required to fill in everything. And so that has really uh

265
01:12:51.840 --> 01:13:07.280
upped the number of completed applications that that we've received. Um we're also looking at or we have started just updating our staff reports, standardizing those, modernizing those a bit more um just to make things more consistent and that also improves

266
01:13:07.280 --> 01:13:23.199
efficiencies as well. Um, and really we're looking at just anywhere where we can um, if there is a um, increased demand or increased something that's causing an increased workload, we're looking for technology solutions to to

267
01:13:23.199 --> 01:13:39.280
make that more efficient. Um, I will say too that a lot of our um, some of our permitting this these past couple years has been a lot more complex. Um, mainly because of flood plane. Uh we've been dealing with a lot more after the-act

268
01:13:39.280 --> 01:13:55.199
flood plane um violations um and just flood plane permitting in general. That takes more time. And um we've fortunately been able to leverage some technology to help make that expedit or

269
01:13:55.199 --> 01:14:11.840
expedite those processes a little bit more uh make them go be a little bit more efficient. Um and that's where I can thank uh other departments like Mark's department um for providing support uh to our department for that. >> Um and

270
01:14:11.840 --> 01:14:28.480
also just looking at how we um spend our grant money that we receive from the state in terms of our shoreland grants, our um in terms of we can use some of our shoreland grant funding for paying for noticing and things like that. if there's a hearing that has a a shoreland

271
01:14:28.480 --> 01:14:45.120
component to it, we can also kind of use that money for some flood plane stuff as well. And so looking at at being more um efficient with those dollars. Um, other than that, uh, I think just beyond the the staffing

272
01:14:45.120 --> 01:15:01.199
too, we also support our planning commission and board of adjustment. And so, um, making sure that, you know, uh, they're supported through their pdiums and their and their travel and mileage and then also providing training opportunities for them as well. There haven't been as many training

273
01:15:01.199 --> 01:15:16.000
opportunities this year. Um but in the past there have been a few um planning commissioners and board of adjustment members who've taken advantage of of the training opportunities that come up. So >> to that uh you know I I know in the past those training opportunities have been

274
01:15:16.000 --> 01:15:32.800
very valuable particularly when hot button issues come before the board to have that experience before we have those conversations. Obviously, we've talked about some some big uh potential land use issues that could be happening throughout Minnesota, particularly uh

275
01:15:32.800 --> 01:15:48.800
that would be helpful. AMC is doing those lunch and learns and sometimes I wonder if that would be a helpful uh just forwarding that availability opportunity to planning uh and um board of adjustment uh folks. I think that would be a helpful if there's something

276
01:15:48.800 --> 01:16:06.080
pertinent. Absolutely. >> Commissioner Campbell, >> Matt, do you um you got to I I look at your salary line item here and it doesn't you know when it when we think of all the things that you do um you

277
01:16:06.080 --> 01:16:20.960
know with the planning commissions and all those different meetings and I certainly think this is very reasonable. Uh, and I I do I do hope that uh with what we've done

278
01:16:20.960 --> 01:16:38.080
over the past few years and I think back when Commissioner Bear was on the planning commission before commissioner, I think, you know, we tried to look at ways to um really modify what what requires a permit and what doesn't

279
01:16:38.080 --> 01:16:56.640
>> because I think there was an awful lot of additional demands that were put on you for what were being routine accepted um permits anyway. So I so I you know and I think with your your guidance on that and suggestions about how we can um

280
01:16:56.640 --> 01:17:13.120
reduce those requirements where where we can has been a good thing and I you know I'm just glad that you've done a good job. That's what I can say. >> Thank you Commissioner Campbell. I would agree with with how we've um changed

281
01:17:13.120 --> 01:17:28.320
some of the uh the um permitting requirements and then also say like what might require a variance as well. >> Yes. >> Um that those changes have been >> I do think it's important though to mention that uh because we don't require someone to get a permit for a 10x10

282
01:17:28.320 --> 01:17:44.080
Menard's storage shed that we're not seeing decreases in planning and zoning permit revenue. Y >> and that was something that came up. We we wanted to make sure that uh if it made sense, we changed it, but uh you know, not to the detriment of what the

283
01:17:44.080 --> 01:18:01.120
revenue that you um you're anticipating. Uh it's nice to see growth there. >> Yep. And uh Madam Chair, just regarding uh revenues too, I think one thing that we might want to look at this year too with our fee schedule is maybe looking at some slight increases. Um not to to

284
01:18:01.120 --> 01:18:17.040
make a profit at all, just to cover the actual costs. um especially with say after the fact permits um and then also our permits that require public notices in the forms of publications in the newspaper and then u mailed notices as

285
01:18:17.040 --> 01:18:33.440
well. Uh right now we are not anywhere close to um breaking even on those unless we have a certain number of hearings in a night. Um, so it'd be good to look at that uh relative to the costs of printing and publishing, >> which I appreciate because we have had

286
01:18:33.440 --> 01:18:49.440
substantial conversation on that as well and understanding that the levy goes into um providing the services that um sometimes are required. But I do think it's important. There have been some fairly large applications that take a substantial amount of time and wanting

287
01:18:49.440 --> 01:19:06.560
to make sure that the fee structure reflects the additional workload that would go into that. Yep. questions. I I just want to clarify. So the uh let's see the salaries and predium line

288
01:19:06.560 --> 01:19:24.400
uh is what goes the payment to the planning commission >> correct >> members for the meetings. And this is an interesting trend because uh it seems like we've we always have a quorum but um it if you look at the actuals from the past two years we're we're trending

289
01:19:24.400 --> 01:19:41.840
downward in participation >> at those is that >> well Madam Chair I would say it's it's been fairly steady. Um one thing I will say though with this year is there we had a stretch where we did not have a board of adjustment meeting. >> Right. >> Um we we went about a three-month

290
01:19:41.840 --> 01:19:58.159
stretch. So >> there's not a lot a lot of members on that board either. >> Exactly. Yeah. It's a five member board. Yep. >> So I appreciate that. But I I do want to continue um just to reiterate to folks if they're willing to serve in that capacity that we really do appreciate their presence

291
01:19:58.159 --> 01:20:13.600
at that board. That's really important. >> Yep. Absolutely. >> Additional questions from the board. >> Just make a comment if if I was able to, Madam Chair. I think to to Matt's comments that he made earlier, his engagement as far as, you know, one of

292
01:20:13.600 --> 01:20:30.159
the challenges that we face with permits is we're many times our citizens are having to act on our time uh and going allowing it to do it after hours has made a difference. I think your investment in the position that Erica has also goes to the to the amount of followup that we're able to do now. And

293
01:20:30.159 --> 01:20:45.120
so I think that when you see that the revenues maybe didn't dip, I think it's really a combination of one uh the work that our our citizens may know that okay, well, I'm just going to go ahead and do this because I can't get to Matt's office to get this permit. Uh but now understanding that there's also

294
01:20:45.120 --> 01:21:00.480
maybe going to potentially that there is followup. Uh that they are there those two are connected. I feel like >> absolutely. >> Okay, additional questions. Uh same goes to you. Thank you for this thoughtful budget. But I know that um

295
01:21:00.480 --> 01:21:17.440
you know department heads have heard the concern from this board and what the outlook is and uh really want to as a member of the planning commission give huge applause to your entire uh staff. The preparation that goes into all of those meetings is topnotch and you're

296
01:21:17.440 --> 01:21:34.400
able to to really have so much of the work done. So when it does come to the planning uh commission it's it's really fairly seamless and and that doesn't happen without a lot of work. And so I want you to know that we appreciate that. >> Thank you. I appreciate that. >> Any other questions for Matt on the

297
01:21:34.400 --> 01:21:56.480
budget proposal? >> No. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> We will go ahead and take a a fivem minute break now. Come back at 9:56. All right. Thank you for that. We are back with our item 10 today which is a

298
01:21:56.480 --> 01:22:13.600
request that Klay County Board of Commissioners consider authorizing the West Central Regional Water District and AE2S staff to continue evaluating the potential addition of Wilin County to the West Central Regional Water District. Steve, >> thank you, Madam Chair. Commissioners, uh, as you are well aware, uh, as we've

299
01:22:13.600 --> 01:22:29.920
become part of, uh, this project with Norman and Pulk County, there's been a great deal of interest not only within our three count threeount area, but also some of our partners uh, partner counties uh, in uh, next to us. And so we did we've had several questions that

300
01:22:29.920 --> 01:22:46.000
have come to the West Central Regional uh, Water District Board. Uh and of of note on June 16th, Wilin County Board of Commissioners uh for formally submitted a request to the West Central Regional Water District uh expressing interest to

301
01:22:46.000 --> 01:23:03.760
join uh that district. Uh they also have identified having the different issues with their with their water sources and their wells uh and feel that it would be a good investment and infrastructure for their county also uh to look in what they were doing. And as part of their request, Wilin County also acknowledged

302
01:23:03.760 --> 01:23:19.520
that it would be that there's been a great deal of work that's gone on by Pul Pope Pulk Norman and Klay County and a lot of expense that's come with that. Uh and Wilin County has acknowledged that they would be responsible for all legal engineering, administrative, and other

303
01:23:19.520 --> 01:23:35.360
costs association with uh having them being included within the water district moving forward. Uh this this uh topic was uh was addressed with the water district board on June 29th. Uh and they uh uh then

304
01:23:35.360 --> 01:23:51.760
requested moving this forward for discussions from each of our counties. Uh again, this does not commit them commit them to allowing them to join. Uh what it does is it commits uh your willingness to have Wilin County uh potentially be considered and the work

305
01:23:51.760 --> 01:24:09.520
that would go into it both uh both internally from the water district staff or our our board uh also then to to uh the financing requirements that I would take with Wilin County. With that I'd yield for any questions. >> All right. Questions or comments from

306
01:24:09.520 --> 01:24:24.159
either of you that are on that board? Commissioner. >> Um thank you. As Steve mentioned, uh, Wilin has expressed interest in in this and, uh, Commissioner Bear and I had an opportunity to meet with a couple of the Wilin County Commissioners prior to

307
01:24:24.159 --> 01:24:43.040
their requested letter to the West Central Regional Water District. And what they're really looking for here is um some sort of a consent that you know um if they go

308
01:24:43.040 --> 01:24:59.199
through this process uh that they're there's a likelihood that they would be accepted in um as what as Steve mentioned you know we each of us three counties had a significant invest

309
01:24:59.199 --> 01:25:14.960
investment into both the legal and engineering moving this point forward. Wilin County is going to have to basically go through a lot of the same steps that that we did. Uh and I I believe the estimates that were given to them are up upwards of a quart million

310
01:25:14.960 --> 01:25:30.480
dollars that they're going to have to pay to do that. And so before they go through and spend that quarter million dollars, they they want to have some sort of an idea uh from each of ultimately for that for that district to change

311
01:25:30.480 --> 01:25:45.840
all boards have to approve of it individually, not just not just the West Central board itself. So, um, so they've been they were basically their request is, okay, if we go through this process,

312
01:25:45.840 --> 01:26:03.520
you as a Klay County board, would you be willing to accept them in? You know, I think that's really what the question is here. And and of course, I we encourage them. I think both Commissioner Bear and I encourage them to. Um, just on a side note, by having Wilin County come if

313
01:26:03.520 --> 01:26:20.320
they were to come in, it also expands our our lobbying efforts and our our representation on there. It brings in another uh another House Senate or Senator uh in Minnesota into our group

314
01:26:20.320 --> 01:26:37.280
that's could be beneficial in Senator Rasmmanson is pretty influential in in St. Paul. So, and he I believe he firmly is working with Wilin County to >> see their problem solved. So, that's kind of what what >> representative

315
01:26:37.280 --> 01:26:53.280
>> what we're asking for here is just a wink and a nod, I guess. >> Commissioner Abinger. >> Yes. I've had a couple of the Wil County Commissioners that I serve on the boards with. They're excited about this and the

316
01:26:53.280 --> 01:27:10.800
whole purpose of this thing is is to get rural water. and they have a need and they certainly meet the criteria of rural communities that have have this need. So I think it's a good opportunity for them and and very

317
01:27:10.800 --> 01:27:28.320
supportive of it. >> Commissioner Bear, >> the only comment I want to add from Commissioner Campbell is we I've been talking with them for the last about year. They came up to me and approached me and wondering if they could join or what the process is and we were waiting

318
01:27:28.320 --> 01:27:43.600
for them waiting for us to finally get certified in April which we did. So that's why this is coming to light now. >> Additional questions. Commissioner, >> not a not a not a question, but you know, once once this does happen, of

319
01:27:43.600 --> 01:27:59.120
course, the way the statute works is that we would have to um redo the makeup of the board. That that would be required by statute. So, we don't know if we would if a count if there's a

320
01:27:59.120 --> 01:28:15.840
certain county who would lose a member and it would go to Wilin or if we would increase by a member or or two members. So, that's that would that's yet to be determined, but I just think the board, you know, in full transparency needs to know that that would be something that

321
01:28:15.840 --> 01:28:30.800
would be required under statute down the road. We'd have to adjust that. And it's so we asked a question of um one of their Wilin County Commissioners who was at our West Central meeting and I believe it would be their intention to

322
01:28:30.800 --> 01:28:47.600
include their entire county including Breenidge in in their district. So that that's that really where they gain the population base. Uh that that of course that's beneficial to all of us and of course Breenidge could end up being a

323
01:28:47.600 --> 01:29:08.719
supplier. So anyway that's >> all right. Any additional comments or feedback? But uh there is a requested action before us. And madam chair, commissioners, if the board were to move on this, the the attorney for uh for the water district

324
01:29:08.719 --> 01:29:25.760
has requested that the motion be read as it as it's written. >> All right, Madam Chair, I'd like to make a motion. Commissioner Barry, >> like to make a motion to approve the authorization supporting the continued evaluation of a Wilin County's request to join the West Central Regional Water

325
01:29:25.760 --> 01:29:40.719
District, acknowledging that Wilin County has agreed to fund all legal, engineering, administrative, and other costs associated with its proposed inclusion inclusion such that no additional costs will be incurred by the existing member counties

326
01:29:40.719 --> 01:29:56.480
during the process. This support is contingent upon the identifying identification of acceptable funding, completion and approval of all necessary legal memorandums and asso associated associated agreements between Wilin

327
01:29:56.480 --> 01:30:13.040
County, the West Central Regional Water District and Pole Clay and Norman counties. Comp completion of any required engineering, fiscal and stationary evaluation and satisfaction satisfactory of all

328
01:30:13.040 --> 01:30:29.679
applicable requirements under Minnesota statutes chapter 116A. The county board reserves the final approval of Wilin County's occlusion into the West Central Regional Water District until all contingencies have been satisfied at which time the matter shall return to the county board of consideration and

329
01:30:29.679 --> 01:30:46.719
the final action of formal resolution. >> Second the motion. >> We have a motion offered from Commissioner Bear, a second from Commissioner Campbell. Would you like to read the second, Commissioner Campbell? >> You want to read it for the second? >> You want to read the whole thing for the second? Any additional comments?

330
01:30:46.719 --> 01:31:01.679
Comments? All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppose. Same. Sign. Carried. Thank you. I also agree. I think this benefits the region as a whole. It really bolsters our legislative advocacy adding

331
01:31:01.679 --> 01:31:17.199
additional representation into it as well. Item 11, the request approval of agreement with uh Winthrop and Weinstein to provide lobbyist legislative services on behalf of Klay County. Uh thank you, Madam Chair, commissioners. Uh again,

332
01:31:17.199 --> 01:31:33.120
you this board has taken an active role uh with legislative priorities for our county in addition to those of AMC. Uh this past year uh this board agreed uh to a contract with the Winthrop and

333
01:31:33.120 --> 01:31:50.080
Weinstein uh for lobbyist services uh that the cost per month was $4,000 per month over $48,000 on an annual basis. Uh we had a uh an update from from Haley and Tom on June 9th and also they were

334
01:31:50.080 --> 01:32:06.880
part of our work session uh to evaluate uh one that what was accomplished and also what potentially could be accomplished at the upcoming session. Uh and uh and so I'd ask them to bring forward a contract for this board to consider. Uh again, if you take a look

335
01:32:06.880 --> 01:32:21.840
from the contract, uh they they kept the amount the same, $4,000 per month or or $48,000 for uh for the next 2027 budget. Uh if you take a look at the the work that they've done alongside of all of

336
01:32:21.840 --> 01:32:38.239
you uh down in St. Paul, uh if we our two main priorities last year, uh flood mitigation and also the non-secured detention, uh we were able to secure 11.8 $8 million working together. Uh so if you if you figure that out, uh for

337
01:32:38.239 --> 01:32:54.400
every $1 that we invested in our lobbyist, we had a return of 248 or $24583. So with that, I'd yield for any additional questions. >> Thank you. I would I would also say that given the additional priorities that we

338
01:32:54.400 --> 01:33:10.320
had um as as secondary with the watershed the water district and the uh PURM component we did have conversations about that with them while we were there and so I would argue that we actually that that figurees doubled over $20

339
01:33:10.320 --> 01:33:27.600
million to Klay County and benefit really uh out of the legislative session. Questions from the board? Commissioner, >> I don't have I don't have a question, but I I guess as we as we um I I really um was impressed with I was somewhat

340
01:33:27.600 --> 01:33:45.760
skeptical going into it, but I I certainly impressed with the results and I it certainly as far as I'm concerned warrants us uh moving forward with them. Again, I I would like and I and again, it's been primarily on bonding issues

341
01:33:45.760 --> 01:33:59.920
um you know, like the flood mitigation and and the juvenile detention facility. But, um another area that I I think maybe they could be helpful on is the helping us with the message, even though

342
01:33:59.920 --> 01:34:17.520
AMC does it. Um, you know, when we start looking at these policies that are coming out there and when we're seeing these formula where where we're penalized for doing a good job, you know, in the areas of social services,

343
01:34:17.520 --> 01:34:32.560
maybe that's another area that they can lend us a hand in in trying to convince the legislature that, you know, don't penalize uh counties who, you know, have a 1.8% 8% error rate when the state has

344
01:34:32.560 --> 01:34:50.000
over a 10% error rate and it's costing Klay County in $1.5 million. Uh probably at a minimum. I think those are areas that I don't think we need to have them just work on infrastructure issues.

345
01:34:50.000 --> 01:35:07.120
I think they can help us on policy issues >> and I so hopefully that can be a message that this board gives to them moving forward into next year. I I think that that's probably a more costly thing down the road. >> Yeah. >> Than than some of our other requests are

346
01:35:07.120 --> 01:35:23.920
now that the flood mitigation is I mean we're probably still going to be doing some small asks there. But anyway, that's that's my >> my thoughts on that. Sure. >> I I do really appreciate that perspective and Commissioner the floor in a moment. I do want to say that we

347
01:35:23.920 --> 01:35:39.679
have had conversations about pivoting now that we're out of a bonding cycle year. We're into a policy piece highlighting those that are really going to be hitting the levy in a a challenging way if the legislature doesn't act on their mandates. So, I appreciate that and I certainly can give

348
01:35:39.679 --> 01:35:56.320
the direction to them if the board chooses. Commissioner Ebinger. >> Yeah. Just one one item, excuse me, one item that or aspect of this that I think the heaven lobby it when almost becomes vital. We're looking at the issues with

349
01:35:56.320 --> 01:36:12.400
the score fund that or with the score funding the >> Oh, that too. >> That too. >> Yeah, that too. But many of the funding elements we're dealing with right now, counties have different counties have different positions on it. And when we

350
01:36:12.400 --> 01:36:29.120
rely on AMC to to be our representative on this, they at times are going to have issues where there's conflict within the counties. And it's good to have a talented team with you when you're trying to go in and show that we we are meeting the

351
01:36:29.120 --> 01:36:47.360
qualifications that are desirable in dealing with with our funding that we get from the state and from the federal agencies. and that other counties that are not as successful aren't going to be inclined to join us in trying to lobby

352
01:36:47.360 --> 01:37:03.600
for what's the best interest of the Klay County residents. So, these folks have done a good job. I certainly think it's money well spent. And uh having said that, I might as well make the motion to approve the agreement with Winthre and

353
01:37:03.600 --> 01:37:20.000
Winream Weinstein PA to provide lobbyist legislative services on behalf of Klay County. >> Second. >> Okay, we have a motion offered from Commissioner Ebinger, a second from Commissioner Kavanagh. >> Just one comment. >> Commissioner Bear,

354
01:37:20.000 --> 01:37:36.880
>> this was budgeted for last year, right? This is not going to be an increase on our >> That's correct. Everybody knows. Yeah, >> correct. the uh and this contract goes through the end of this year as well. So we have had conversation with them on additional work. I think uh Commissioner >> Campbell had talked to them about uh

355
01:37:36.880 --> 01:37:53.679
coordinating the DNR has mitigation funding application components as well. >> My question uh has this been reviewed by the attorney's office? >> Yeah. >> Okay. All right. Additional questions from the board? I would note, Madam Chair, that that Commissioner Campbell's

356
01:37:53.679 --> 01:38:10.239
comments are very timely. I had a conversation with Quinn yesterday. He is going to be coming to board next week uh with some additional updates, but we did were notified that the state has air rate has gone up over 10% now, which will put us in the 15% category.

357
01:38:15.040 --> 01:38:34.239
All right. >> Questions? Uh, we have not voted yet. Correct. >> Any other comments? All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> I. >> Same sign. Carried. Thank you for prepping that.

358
01:38:34.239 --> 01:38:51.440
uh in looking back at the item uh five and uh four and five where Cecilia was before us earlier, we've left messages with Cecilia. I know they're scrambling to get the data uh that was requested. I did reach out to Carrie Robu who is the

359
01:38:51.440 --> 01:39:06.880
direct supervisor of the program and felt like it would be helpful for her to help get information. it. Um I would prefer that and they would as well that we table um since the budget component needs to happen after the item four that

360
01:39:06.880 --> 01:39:21.360
we table both items to next week so that we could have in-person presentation with um there is a a hiccup there but just given given what staff is under with the county fair this week feel that would be uh the most fair and so uh

361
01:39:21.360 --> 01:39:38.320
would take up um if the board wanted uh tableabling ing them one at a time to next Tuesday. >> You need a motion for that. >> Correct. >> Yeah. I'll make a motion for to let's see >> item four.

362
01:39:38.320 --> 01:39:55.199
>> Item Yeah. Okay. I have a motion to table the Clay County Board of Commissioners uh considering modification University of Minnesota contract on staffing level le levels. >> We have a motion offered to lay on the table. Item four from Commissioner Kabanov, a second from Commissioner

363
01:39:55.199 --> 01:40:12.560
Bear. That is a non-debatable motion. >> Well, Madam Chair, I think the motion needs to include table till when? >> I thought it wasn't included in what he said. >> I apologize. Uh tabled until >> next Tuesday. >> Next week being what's the date? 14.

364
01:40:12.560 --> 01:40:30.880
>> 14th. >> Uh July 14th. >> Okay. And that resembles your second as well. Thank you for catching that, Commissioner Campbell. >> All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. I >> oppose. Same sign carries. >> I'll also make a motion that the uh

365
01:40:30.880 --> 01:40:46.639
present uh the extension budget presentation for 2027 also be um tabled until next week's meeting on July 14th. >> Motion offered from Commissioner Kabanov, a second from Commissioner Bear

366
01:40:46.639 --> 01:41:03.119
to lay item five on the table until next Tuesday. Additional com or no. Uh all those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppose. Same sign. Carried. Thank you. Okay. Going back into item 12 would be

367
01:41:03.119 --> 01:41:32.320
our committee reports. Commissioner Ebinger. Uh two weeks of reports. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Let's see. On Tuesday the 23rd of June, I uh myself and Commissioner Campbell attended the trip authority board uh

368
01:41:32.320 --> 01:41:50.000
meeting at the dispatch center. Uh, I think probably the high point of it all was we did pass a uh a motion was sent up from the executive board uh for 2027 budget.

369
01:41:50.000 --> 01:42:06.400
Um the budget was an 8.28% 28% increase and it included um a uh technology specialist position which I mean is is fairly critical for for succession

370
01:42:06.400 --> 01:42:22.320
there. Um we have a wonderful talented uh individual in the position of technology supervisor. Uh but he is he's been there for 20 years and sooner or later he needs to retire. and we have a

371
01:42:22.320 --> 01:42:39.600
a competent uh younger employee who's moving into the position to learn learn what uh what he does. So uh we passed the motion to make to approve that budget and it will be coming up here during our budget discussions

372
01:42:39.600 --> 01:42:56.400
for review. Uh we also defined the uh public service T1 call taker job description which at this point we do not have. We've not taken a call taker dispatcher model on yet. But to have

373
01:42:56.400 --> 01:43:18.719
those positions and a pay structure on them uh is essential if they're going to transition at some point which I think they'll need to. So that was done. Um also recognized uh Commissioner Colek from

374
01:43:18.719 --> 01:43:33.679
um from Fargo, uh Commissioner or Mayor Mahoney from Fargo and uh Commissioner Olsen, all of whom have been on the board but who were moving

375
01:43:33.679 --> 01:43:53.840
out because of the elections. North Dakota. We'll have new people coming on board here shortly from those from the North Dakota partners. Um on the 24th, Wednesday, I attended the

376
01:43:53.840 --> 01:44:11.679
Partnership for Health entrance meeting with state auditors and staff from Becker County and uh Klay County discussing the upcoming audit. Since there's a transition from the four county model to a new twocount model,

377
01:44:11.679 --> 01:44:28.320
there's going to be a higher level of scrutiny paid attention to uh to us on this audit. But as it stands right now, everything looks good and uh they'll be moving in and starting the audit process. Um later that day I attended the

378
01:44:28.320 --> 01:44:46.880
Morehead or the the uh Metro Flood Diversion Authority Finance Committee meeting. Uh basically it was general business where we approved a couple of the financial reports

379
01:44:46.880 --> 01:45:15.679
to forward to the next day to the uh diversion authority board of authority. And on the 25th I attended that meeting. Uh we uh the uh executive director gave report there's an intention to get a new

380
01:45:15.679 --> 01:45:31.840
committee and board member orientation set up for new members that are coming in. As Commissioner Campbell pointed out, we're gonna have in the next year six new members on the board. >> We're gonna have eight new members. >> Eight new members. So, there's going to be a turnover and it I think it's

381
01:45:31.840 --> 01:45:49.719
critical that we have u some of the u new people brought on board and brought up speed with with what's a pretty complex board assignment. There's going to be a board retreat on September 15th. Um,

382
01:45:56.000 --> 01:46:12.239
I apologize. I did not review this prior to leaving the meeting here a week ago. Regular project updates and regular business. And again, there was recognition uh for Mayor Mahoney and

383
01:46:12.239 --> 01:46:35.119
other board members who were leaving uh because of term limit limits or retirement from their positions. On uh Friday the 26th, I attended a remote meeting of the

384
01:46:35.119 --> 01:46:51.520
Greater Fargo Mortad EDC board. Uh Charlie Johnson updated this on the convention center over in the decision to have a downtown location for it. Uh we also discussed

385
01:46:51.520 --> 01:47:09.040
um the executive director's uh performance review and reviewed some of the material that was provided to us earlier and u there was a plan to prevent return or to

386
01:47:09.040 --> 01:47:24.400
present return on investment and some of the other concerns that were brought up in that evaluation. Uh there were two nominations for new members of the executive board and that completed that meeting.

387
01:47:24.400 --> 01:47:40.400
And on the 1st of this month, I attended uh out of James Nelson Farm south of uh city Morehead, Amy Clolobisher had a press conference. The snap problems we were identifying

388
01:47:40.400 --> 01:47:57.440
earlier were discussed uh as part of that presentation. Uh she also presented uh some potential pro projects that she would propose if she were governor to address needs of rural Minnesota.

389
01:47:57.440 --> 01:48:14.760
Uh we did discuss the cost that we've got of snap air rates. U which now it looks like the state has gotten worse and we've continue and maintain an excellent position and yet we're going to be penalized even more now. So

390
01:48:14.800 --> 01:48:33.040
that completes my report. >> Thank you, Commissioner Ebinger. Thank you also for being present for that. I think that was an important dialogue. Commissioner Kavanagh, >> thank you, Madam Chair. Um have two meetings here. Uh going back to

391
01:48:33.040 --> 01:48:50.880
the um June 24th and June 25th, Commissioner Bear and I went to a two-day um um a a two-day government to government which is tribal state relations training

392
01:48:50.880 --> 01:49:06.480
and uh this was held in Granite Falls. Um the presentation was done um in line with a statute that was passed in 2021 under Governor Walls

393
01:49:06.480 --> 01:49:23.360
um and it's statute 1065. And what it uh the essence of the um uh of the of the statute is that the relationship between state government meaning their agencies

394
01:49:23.360 --> 01:49:38.159
mostly and and the uh legislators themselves. um understand uh and gain knowledge of past history. uh also current uh situations that are

395
01:49:38.159 --> 01:49:54.159
going uh within uh the 11 tribal uh uh tribes in the state of Minnesota and requires them to create education and conversation so that they understand

396
01:49:54.159 --> 01:50:10.560
each other uh to the highest ability that they can do. It also gives rules and regulations as to how to um go about uh respecting and honoring and working

397
01:50:10.560 --> 01:50:27.040
with each other's authorities and rights uh so that in order to uh work better in a relationship that honors each other and helps each other jointly. So that was the overall view of it. Uh it was

398
01:50:27.040 --> 01:50:43.520
um o overwhelming at point I I would say with information it was really I mean when they started at nine and they did go till five. I mean it was one thing after another was a few breaks. Uh a big

399
01:50:43.520 --> 01:51:00.960
part of the what they did was to give a historical background starting all the way back uh to Columbus uh to present day. Obviously um um you know the some of their story that they've presented is

400
01:51:00.960 --> 01:51:17.600
very tragic and yet at the uh the other end of it as we get more current day we see uh some of those areas that have created can create and still uh create challenges

401
01:51:17.600 --> 01:51:33.199
uh for the two entities. So you have your federal government, you have your state government, and you have your tribes. And how they all um share their identities, uh they use the word sovereignty. Um uh

402
01:51:33.199 --> 01:51:50.719
how how you mix and mingle all three and when one one's authority uh um overseas uh overlays the other one. Um maybe I'll uh that's a good overview of that on my

403
01:51:50.719 --> 01:52:08.000
part. Um Commissioner Bear may have more specific things to ch share. Um they've done this educator that was leading this has done 50 of these trainings over the years. Um it varies from year to year

404
01:52:08.000 --> 01:52:25.280
how often they have them. It's kind of up to the tribes. They've had as up to as many as 11 a year. And this year they may only have two or three, but I would suggest for the future I I found it very very um uh important information to

405
01:52:25.280 --> 01:52:41.360
know. Um I would suggest you know we uh participate best we can whenever it returns over to uh white earth. um just to help our relationships or grow our relationships I should say um you know

406
01:52:41.360 --> 01:52:59.040
with our uh the with the tribe closest to us. So um later on the um that was the 24th and 25th and then that evening the 25th I had my monthly meeting for CAP LP. Uh we had a full review um of

407
01:52:59.040 --> 01:53:16.639
our audit done by Bergen KDB. The audit audit report showed that CAP LP is in good standing and had no negative marks. That's the highest uh it can do. Um and then um so with that that

408
01:53:16.639 --> 01:53:31.840
that was approved by the board which then led into uh the financial statements uh that go along with um uh the report and our 109 and our 1090 form

409
01:53:31.840 --> 01:53:47.360
uh nine I'm sorry our 990 form uh to the IRS for the 25 uh 2025 um tax year and we did approvals of several grants as we do every month. Again, it's amazing all

410
01:53:47.360 --> 01:54:03.599
the grant opportunities people work at um over at that agency. And then uh they had a head start self assessment uh report as required by federal head start uh oversight. Uh they gave detail of

411
01:54:03.599 --> 01:54:21.280
that um and everything has turned out uh in the report to be fine. So, um, that's what I have to say about that. So, um, that completes my report. >> Thank you, Commissioner Kavanagh. Commissioner Campbell.

412
01:54:21.280 --> 01:54:35.760
>> Thank you. Um June 18th we had our um Grey Lake Solid Waste Budget Committee meeting which we were delegated to present the budget to the

413
01:54:35.760 --> 01:54:52.400
full board and the items of um of note on that were there was going there is a $220,000 projected increase due to labor and benefits. Uh there was an estimated increase of

414
01:54:52.400 --> 01:55:09.520
$55,000 in electrical costs, an increase in autotail management by 18,000. That's the first time they've increased that um in many many years. And then we had an increase of the

415
01:55:09.520 --> 01:55:25.960
internal service fund fund from 250,000 to 350,000. And I'll touch on that in a minute. and we had a reduction of $25,000 in the property insurance premium.

416
01:55:26.480 --> 01:55:41.840
And so the what it amounts to is there was an additional $355,000 in total cost in 2027. Uh which calculates out to a 4.6% increase as it relates to Klay County.

417
01:55:41.840 --> 01:55:58.480
That's an increase of $15,531 to the Klay County U solid waste budget for 2027. Uh if you want to look at it from a tipping fee standpoint, the tipping fee went from $160.31

418
01:55:58.480 --> 01:56:15.520
to $167.71. So that meeting was held and recommended for approval. Uh I back on the issue of the um 250,000 to 350 on the internal service fund

419
01:56:15.520 --> 01:56:33.760
over the next five years um the need uh in the internal service fund is $630,000. And so we're we're just even by increasing it by 100,000 we're still going to be short. Uh but the nice thing

420
01:56:33.760 --> 01:56:49.679
about that is in year five uh there is a million dollar project scheduled in year five um but by the time that rolls around one of the previous five-year capital improvement bonds that we had will be

421
01:56:49.679 --> 01:57:06.400
paid off and and so we we're hoping that we could then incorporate another a new capital improvement bond um that would would help cover that to offset the need for that internal service fund. Otherwise, we'd really have and again it's it's all to try to make these

422
01:57:06.400 --> 01:57:22.719
annual increases as level as possible and that's that's part of what what that helps to do. So then on uh the 20 I guess I have my a little bit backwards here. Oh yeah. Okay. On the 23rd, uh we did have the Red River Regional

423
01:57:22.719 --> 01:57:38.960
Dispatch Center board agenda and at that we we did uh review the um budget from the U recommended from the budget and finance committee and as

424
01:57:38.960 --> 01:57:56.239
Commissioner Eberger noted, we did approve that budget as a board and then in also in addition to that we did consider consider approval of the call taker position uh and we um did not move forward on

425
01:57:56.239 --> 01:58:13.199
that uh for 2027. And we also considered a pay structure for the call taker job position and we did approve that but with the idea in mind that it's not going to be

426
01:58:13.199 --> 01:58:29.119
implemented right now because of the other demands on the budget that we have to deal with. Um, other things of note, we there's 36 of the 38 full-time positions

427
01:58:29.119 --> 01:58:46.639
uh in place right now. Um, and there's two part-time. Commissioner Abinger mentioned about the succession plan for the technology specialist position. And I think that's that was a critical thing. I think everybody agreed with that, including

428
01:58:46.639 --> 01:59:03.840
the executive committee, which is all the sheriffs and police chiefs and fire department. They all agreed that that position is critical to have somebody get in there and to learn the work that Brian does because it's important work.

429
01:59:03.840 --> 01:59:22.080
Then on the 24th, I attended the MORED wellhead protection plan uh part two meeting on the 24th and um we just kind of went over uh some of the changes um one of the one

430
01:59:22.080 --> 01:59:37.040
of the things that I brought up that they are incorporating into the wlet protection plan now that wasn't didn't exist back 10 years ago when it has done was the fact that there is now a one watershed one plan deal through the

431
01:59:37.040 --> 01:59:52.480
wershed. So, so there's language in in this new weather protection plan that identifies that one wershed, one plan program that's there. Uh then also then

432
01:59:52.480 --> 02:00:09.520
on the 25th we had our Klay County solid waste advisory committee meeting. Um, we got some grant updates and reports from Ella. She did a fantastic job with her work in those grants.

433
02:00:09.520 --> 02:00:25.760
Corey gave a good report on the landfill activities and um he presented a recycling formula that I think is going to come before this full board here soon that kind of

434
02:00:25.760 --> 02:00:41.040
addresses how we're going to distribute that re those recycling dollars in rather than just kind of pick some numbers out of the thin air. we have a we have a formula estab established that's going to help be consistent.

435
02:00:41.040 --> 02:00:56.159
There was a little a few little um suggestions on it. Um but I think overall uh it was well received. Uh on the also on the 25th we had our more Clay County Joint Powers Authority

436
02:00:56.159 --> 02:01:15.119
meeting and with that we um we had our usual status reports. Um, we did we did our final appointment on the representatives of the Minnesota funding or or the that and then the

437
02:01:15.119 --> 02:01:32.159
um the funding requests moving forward, how that would how that would be prioritized. And then there was a some small contracting actions that we approved as well as a reimbursement request from

438
02:01:32.159 --> 02:01:51.599
family on their moving. And then the diversion authority board meeting was held that same day. Uh a lot of a lot of updates. Uh, one thing of note, um, under the finance

439
02:01:51.599 --> 02:02:08.639
committee, uh, Mayor Dardis, um, gave a report, the sales tax collections both from the Fargo sales tax and the Cass County sales tax has been somewhat stagnant or level. Uh, there's indications now in

440
02:02:08.639 --> 02:02:24.719
this last one that they've seen that there's they're starting to see that move in the positive direction again. So, that was good news. And of course it was um kind of a kind of kind of a day where we said

441
02:02:24.719 --> 02:02:42.800
goodbye to Chair Mahoney uh who meant a lot to me. I'd worked with him since day one on it. We were co-chairs of the on the original project. So it was kind of sad to have to say say goodbye and um but so it goes. and also uh Bernie

442
02:02:42.800 --> 02:03:00.560
Dardis uh who was you know it's it's nice when you uh have board members who might lead in committees that you have a lot of respect for and you know that what they're going to provide you is just good information and Birdie

443
02:03:00.560 --> 02:03:22.639
Dardis was just solid in that regard when it comes to the finance financing reports Um and then we did go into an executive session to discuss the um nest crop loss

444
02:03:22.639 --> 02:03:43.119
issue and we came back into um once we were done with that, we got some updated information. when we came back in and and the board took action to um get that contract or that um nest crop

445
02:03:43.119 --> 02:04:00.400
loss agreement agreed to and that was um supported by everybody. So, uh, and then I I I I should mention Denise Copek, too, was the other board member who, um, she'd been on there for

446
02:04:00.400 --> 02:04:16.719
four years and had done a a really good job, and she will be missed, too. And it's it's, uh, the the nice thing about that thing is we're getting to October is the date that uh, is supposed to be substantially complete. So the uh

447
02:04:16.719 --> 02:04:32.400
efforts on behalf of all those people for as many years as they worked on it, they're going to they're going to see the results of that. It's going to be historic when it's all said and done.

448
02:04:32.400 --> 02:04:50.639
Uh then um on the 29th, Commissioner Bear and I attended the West Central Regional Water meeting and we that one was held in Grand Forks. Uh items of note, we had some of the

449
02:04:50.639 --> 02:05:07.360
things that were in there. Of course, we had Wilin County was there. So we talked about that what we did today in terms of funding earmarks. um the 2024 earmark, we finally were approved for our first reimbursement of $327,000.

450
02:05:07.360 --> 02:05:28.639
We've been waiting that for quite some time. Um in terms of the 2026 earmark, we've we now have a case manager assigned. So that's probably also a good thing. Um and we, you know, our priorities were to

451
02:05:28.639 --> 02:05:46.960
really be talking about getting the water to Felton, Georgetown, Pearly, and Hendum. That's part of our key. That's to get this thing moving. And um I think that's all I have on that. That concludes my report. >> Thank you, Commissioner Campbell.

452
02:05:46.960 --> 02:06:03.199
Commissioner Bear. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I also was down at the government to government tribal state relations training down in Granite Falls with Commissioner Kavanagh where it was a very eyeopening two-day retreat. We

453
02:06:03.199 --> 02:06:21.040
learned about a lot about the federal Indian policy and uh just the treaty obligations that the federal government has gone in with the tribes across the nation and specifically in Minnesota. It was a great retreat and I would I would yeah

454
02:06:21.040 --> 02:06:38.159
like to advise you everybody on board if it does come around closer to White Earth I'd advise you to go to it that yeah it's very very eye opening very well worth the two days and then on June 29th I was also at the

455
02:06:38.159 --> 02:06:54.320
West Central Regional Water District Board meeting up in Grand Forks where Commissioner Campbell gave a very good update on that the one thing the one thing I'd uh add to that we're also our next step is to do outreach with Felton, Georgetown, Pearly,

456
02:06:54.320 --> 02:07:09.679
Hendram, and Hollstead on getting that getting contracts with them in the next couple months so we can move forward with pipeline. And after that meeting, we had a financial policy workshop up in Grand Forks, too, with the West Central Regional Water District where we were

457
02:07:09.679 --> 02:07:24.560
just setting more policies on the district. And that concludes my report. Madam Chair, >> thank you, Commissioner Bear. On the 23rd, I with all of you attended the employee appreciation picnic. Really

458
02:07:24.560 --> 02:07:42.079
great opportunity to uh celebrate the um amazing staff that we have at the county. Huge gratitude to the staff member and department heads that really helped shape uh what that was. to uh thanks to Troy and to Commissioner Bear

459
02:07:42.079 --> 02:08:00.000
for providing the pork. Um one of my favorite times of the year and I can't go without saying that Kurt Cannon's got some sweet moves on the grill. So there's that. That evening I attended the planning commission meeting. We did have a request from Ryan and Michael Hog

460
02:08:00.000 --> 02:08:15.920
uh from Hog Farms uh Kayo expansion of a feed lot um in Humbult Township. There were some concerns in regards to fencing, but uh that is those are conditions of the permit and the board did approve uh the request. June 24th, I

461
02:08:15.920 --> 02:08:33.199
had the opportunity uh was appointed to the Fargohead diversion authority debris removal and restoration uh committee. Really uh that is that is a promise that we saw through to the the folks that will be inundated with uh the project

462
02:08:33.199 --> 02:08:50.159
once it's in operation. And so it was our first meeting about uh coming up to speed, making sure that we had a process in place, uh articulated some of the language, dialed that in a little bit more. We will be having an additional meeting next month so that we do have a

463
02:08:50.159 --> 02:09:06.320
a better plan going forward and what the communication strategy is to land owners. Appreciate uh the MCCJPA for appointing me to that board. Uh so thank you. On the 25th, I attended the SWAT committee meeting with Commissioner

464
02:09:06.320 --> 02:09:21.440
Campbell. We did have great updates from Ella on the status of the composting grant. I've not heard uh we should hear very soon on that. Really hopeful that we hear soon. And then also the lumber reuse uh grant. That's a a great

465
02:09:21.440 --> 02:09:38.719
opportunity for folks to uh reuse some good lumber that comes into the resource recovery facility. staff is also in addition to what Commissioner Campbell updated on working on the new solid waste management plan that uh is due in 2027. That's a two

466
02:09:38.719 --> 02:09:55.920
10-year plan. So, appreciate staff's work for getting that going. And then uh two, making sure we're dialing into the recycling grants to our cities in the best way possible uh to reflect the effort that all of the smaller cities and uh Morehead too, but uh all of the

467
02:09:55.920 --> 02:10:12.000
cities are doing uh in collaboration with us. I also attended the MCC JAPA meeting with Commissioner Campbell general updates. We did have those resolutions and clarifications on the uh state funding requests. I attended the CAPLP board of directors meeting that

468
02:10:12.000 --> 02:10:30.320
Commissioner Krabanov highlighted on June 26th. I attended the AMC board of directors meeting in St. Paul. We had really good dialogue on on so many of the legislative issues uh that are coming out uh both state and federally and how we continue to uh have messaging

469
02:10:30.320 --> 02:10:46.320
with our state representatives and senators on on how these uh budget these uh mandates are hitting our budgets challenging in challenging ways. On the

470
02:10:46.320 --> 02:11:01.520
Tuesday, I attended that following Tuesday rather, I attended the Romy re-imagined uh reopening uh for a kid that grew up in the Morehead area. Uh really exciting to see that development, but more importantly, exciting to see it

471
02:11:01.520 --> 02:11:17.199
full of uh families and young people alike. Congratulations to Morehead. The amount of grants that they were able to federally secure on that were quite enormous. That afternoon, I attended the Niko public policy steering committee. As you recall, I'm uh been appointed to

472
02:11:17.199 --> 02:11:33.280
that uh with Commissioner McDonald from up in St. Louis County. Uh both he and I were added as co-author sponsors to the uh proposed legislative language for the in u anticipation of the annual

473
02:11:33.280 --> 02:11:49.840
conference next week. Uh that bill is to a proposed resolution to delist the greywolf from the endangered species list. That is something that uh in conversations with providers locally that or not providers uh producers

474
02:11:49.840 --> 02:12:06.480
locally that would be something that's would be really important for them. So felt that that was important to our residents to do that. So I've been added as a co-sponsor. did ask Steve to forward that language to all of you so you're aware of that. The next day I had

475
02:12:06.480 --> 02:12:23.599
an opportunity to uh attend a soil health uh day with members of SWCD, NRCS, USDA providers at the Dan Grassroo uh farm by ROG. Really great to see different

476
02:12:23.599 --> 02:12:39.840
alternative practices in regards to rotations and uh practices on their fields. uh in rotations with the the cattle grazing. Um you know, it's it's not something that fits for everyone, but it certainly is has worked for them and it's a challenge, but a great

477
02:12:39.840 --> 02:12:56.719
opportunity for folks to coordinate and communicate together about what the challenges and opportunities are there. Uh but more importantly to have so many staff members, particularly supervisors from this SWCD there, uh was helpful. Uh

478
02:12:56.719 --> 02:13:12.159
last week I also worked on a um article with Agger Repulse which is a national egg based uh reporting out of Washington DC uh on the SNAP reality that counties are facing locally. Quinn did a

479
02:13:12.159 --> 02:13:29.280
remarkable job communicating where we stand uh to see some huge increases with our minor error rate as we we talk about. So, I think the more we can continue to tell that story, it's helpful. It was in collaboration, not collaboration, but seem to go at the

480
02:13:29.280 --> 02:13:46.239
same time as Commissioner Ebinger's visit with the senator. But I really appreciate that. So, Steve, if you can send that out to staff, that would or not staff, the commission, that would be helpful. And I believe that concludes my report. I do have one final thing. I I I do

481
02:13:46.239 --> 02:14:02.320
think that uh one I'm really appreciative that we have so many departments that are willing to be out at the county day at the fair on Friday. Uh really excited about that. If you have the opportunity to head to Barnesville, it is a free gate, so uh great uh great fun there. But uh so many

482
02:14:02.320 --> 02:14:18.079
folks have put uh time and effort in there. And um there are some pretty amazing champions that will be getting some farm awards, particularly um uh the friend of the fair uh awards. I really uh they've been people that we've all worked with for a number of years. So,

483
02:14:18.079 --> 02:14:32.960
congratulations to them. Commissioner Campbell. >> Thank you, man. I I do have one additional thing here. Um we talked about the West Central Regional Water District. Um when we formed that, we had Commissioner Bar and I are on there and

484
02:14:32.960 --> 02:14:49.440
we have an atlarge member from Klay County and I neglected I neglected to uh be thinking about a predium for that individual. And so this entire time, Don Martyrdom has been going to all of these meetings.

485
02:14:49.440 --> 02:15:04.960
He attends every one with the exception if he's out out of state. And I I I would like to um have Mr. Larson put this on next week's agenda to incorporate a predium rate for Don. I don't

486
02:15:04.960 --> 02:15:20.079
>> I thought we did that. >> I don't think we have done that. >> I can I can look back into information if we haven't brought it forward. I'll bring it forward. If we do, I'll provide an update. >> Yeah, because I I don't I don't recall seeing where we >> I thought, and I could be wrong, but I

487
02:15:20.079 --> 02:15:34.560
thought we did have a dialogue to make sure because he's not been getting mileage either. >> No. So, anyway, I I just want to make sure. So, if it if if we have, then fine. But I don't know that there's even a form that he's filled out to

488
02:15:34.560 --> 02:15:50.639
>> Okay. And I would like to see that be retroactive to January of 2026 if if we have not done it. >> I just >> Yeah, that's I mean >> incredibly fair. >> He travels a long distance to get there

489
02:15:50.639 --> 02:16:06.239
and then some of our meetings last multiple hours there and he shouldn't be doing that for and I would like to see that at the same as what our planning commission is at. >> All right. Okay. Thank you.

490
02:16:06.239 --> 02:16:22.960
>> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, again, just want to thank everybody involved with the county appreciation picnic. Fortunate the weather held off and we had a a great day. Thank the commission for uh continuing to to serve uh on that day along with Darren and many of his

491
02:16:22.960 --> 02:16:40.160
staff that uh both behind the scenes and after. Uh it was again another great day. uh that afternoon he had the extension uh pre-budget discussion that we'll be hearing having on the agenda again next week. On the 25th participated in the MCCJPA

492
02:16:40.160 --> 02:16:56.240
um uh meeting which has been well covered on the 29th participated uh virtually with the water district uh board meeting also the financial workshop. On the 30th, uh had the technology service pre-budget discussion uh and also the highway budget which

493
02:16:56.240 --> 02:17:11.599
will be coming. Those two will be coming next week. On the 1st, met with Dana, Darren and Anna in regards to a step three union grievance. I had that meeting that grievance hearing the following day. Uh on the yesterday I had had a

494
02:17:11.599 --> 02:17:26.960
conversation with Quinn as I mentioned earlier. Uh again, I'm going to be inviting him back to the board uh next week to talk about uh some new information on the long-term service and supports. Uh this goes back to the 2025 legislature. If you remember, uh in

495
02:17:26.960 --> 02:17:44.080
January and through March this year, we were having some discussions on potential impacts. Uh if you recall there was a task force or committee that was established through legislation that was comprised of commissioners uh administrators and CM or human service

496
02:17:44.080 --> 02:18:01.599
staff directors uh that were to get uh get approval of of information to cut uh help cut uh the the re recommended DHS uh cuts that the state set and get those to CMS for approval. Unfortunately, they

497
02:18:01.599 --> 02:18:18.319
did not get that uh to them in time. Uh and so there's going to be impacts that are going to be to the 2027 budget starting in Jan July 1st. Uh but again, we'll have Quinn here to provide uh more detail, better detail probably than I just provided. Uh yesterday met with

498
02:18:18.319 --> 02:18:35.840
Commissioner Kanghov uh updated on several things that happened over the last week and a half. Uh and also then again met with Darren Troy uh and Anna yesterday on detox uh withdrawal management program. Um also just a notification we did re

499
02:18:35.840 --> 02:18:51.840
hear from Red River Communications yesterday. Uh as this board recalls you've been part of several grant applications providing letters of support. Uh and uh just to let you know that the the Reconnect grant that we received or that they received uh with

500
02:18:51.840 --> 02:19:07.040
your support uh a little over a year ago is starting uh to bring fiber optic uh broadband to to the saving and comtock area. And that concludes my report. >> Thank you, Steve Brian. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I I did just

501
02:19:07.040 --> 02:19:24.559
want to highlight one uh item. Uh really uh something that combined both uh Quinn uh Jagger's department with mine. It was very uh fitting uh that um Sandy was here with Tammy Gerky. It was a a medical assistance uh claim that was

502
02:19:24.559 --> 02:19:39.599
outstanding, pretty large scale and ultimately the property that was owned by this individual, specifically a house. we were able to do the uh real estate actions um pay the remainder of what was owed on the house and then sell

503
02:19:39.599 --> 02:19:56.479
that to a new seller. Um, and that was a new process that uh both um Crystal Wahlberg and then Katie Stock out of my office worked on and and so I know Quinn highlighted it to Steve and just a a short part of the email that uh Quinn uh

504
02:19:56.479 --> 02:20:13.760
had put out there uh just said uh Katie and Christa really did all the heavy lifting to make this happen. This was a process we hadn't navigated before and they put in a tremendous amount of work coordinating the estate, working through the legal and administrative requirements and seeing the sale through to closing. Katie even identified

505
02:20:13.760 --> 02:20:30.319
several opportunities to reduce closing costs, increasing the recovery even further. Given the budget pressures we're facing, this is a very nice recovery for the county, but it's also a great example of staff being willing to innovate and tackle something new to improve outcomes. And so I I just agree with all that and I thought it was a

506
02:20:30.319 --> 02:20:46.560
very good uh opportunity to get some money back uh you know taxpayer uh money for both the county and then the state. So just wanted to highlight that. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. I appreciate that Darren. >> Thank you Madam Chair. Um unfortunately

507
02:20:46.560 --> 02:21:02.720
I was not able to make the county picnic this year. I was sick that day and you definitely wouldn't want wanted me there. Um, so but I want to thank every all the EAC members and everybody that participated and they they really put a lot of work into that. Uh, on Wednesday,

508
02:21:02.720 --> 02:21:18.560
June 24th, had us a meeting with Quinn and Anna about the new law that's coming down on social workers. Um, in the future, to be able to be called an actual social worker, you have to be certified and licensed to use the social

509
02:21:18.560 --> 02:21:36.960
worker title. And so the the human resources uh departments throughout the county are trying to figure out what would if you're not licensed and a certified social worker, what would be what would be the title of you? So where there's some consistency throughout the state. So more to come on that. Um on

510
02:21:36.960 --> 02:21:53.840
the 25th, I attended the SWAC meeting as well. That's already been covered. And I had a meeting with uh Chief Deputy Martin on some personnel issues. I was out Friday as well. Um, Monday the 29th, uh, I had a

511
02:21:53.840 --> 02:22:10.720
demonstration of the Nemo Q appointment review. Um, it's what, uh, the DMV uses to schedule appointments. And so, we're looking at, uh, having that also for public health and social services. This is where uh, citizens can make

512
02:22:10.720 --> 02:22:27.920
appointments online and then it will send them text reminders. um very low cost for I think the benefit that we would get from that. Um it's about $5,000 for for two departments, the public health and social services for

513
02:22:27.920 --> 02:22:44.720
the year. So, uh that was good. And then uh on Monday also we had a EAC afteraction review of the picnic on the 30th. um sat in on some pre-budget meetings with uh tech services and highway

514
02:22:44.720 --> 02:23:00.880
on the first uh we had a meeting on the step one grievance that was put in from the detox and worked some on the data practices project on Thursday July 2nd uh we had a

515
02:23:00.880 --> 02:23:17.280
step three grievance that we had heard um that's ongoing right now. And then on the 6th, um had a meeting for the followup on the the Lauder Mill that uh we've been

516
02:23:17.280 --> 02:23:33.359
working on with a deto detox employee. That concludes my report. >> Thank you, Darren. Sarah, >> thank you. Excuse me. So, as I noted, uh, Friday will be Klay County government day at the Klay County Fair

517
02:23:33.359 --> 02:23:47.160
from noon to 4 by the open class, uh, building area. Uh, we have concluded all items on the agenda. Our next scheduled meeting will be Tuesday, July 14th at 8:30. We are adjourned.

Part: 2

1
00:41:36.888 --> 00:41:58.079
[laughter] Good morning everyone. It is 8:30 and I will go ahead and call today's meeting of the Klay County Board of Commissioners to order. Our first item on the agenda this morning is an approval of the agenda. >> Madam Chair, I'll make a motion to approve the agenda. >> We have a motion offered to approve the agenda.

2
00:41:58.079 --> 00:42:12.800
>> Second. >> And a second. Any further discussion? [clears throat] Any further discussion? Discussion. All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed. Same sign. Carried. Our next

3
00:42:12.800 --> 00:42:41.680
item today is our employee recognitions. Okay, our first individual that we're going to recognize this morning is Kent Severson. Kent, you want to come up here? [applause] Kent, this certificate is given to you in grateful recognition of 25 years of

4
00:42:41.680 --> 00:42:58.800
service to Klay County and our residents. Thank you so much for all the work you've done during that time. >> [applause] >> And I know Jessica is not available this morning, but Steve has some comments. >> Thank you. Congratulations. Uh Jessica

5
00:42:58.800 --> 00:43:14.079
sends her wishes she could be here this morning, but did want to pass along uh this her her thoughts. Kent began his career with Klay County in 2001 in the planning and zoning department before transitioning to public health in 2004. He served for many years as a sanitarian

6
00:43:14.079 --> 00:43:29.119
working alongside Bruce Jaster. and in 2019 stepped into the role of director of environmental health just before the COVID 19 pandemic. Throughout his career, Kent served Klay County in many ways. He holds credentials as a registered sanitarian,

7
00:43:29.119 --> 00:43:44.800
asbestous inspector, and septic system inspector. Environmental health covers a wide variety of responsibilities including licensing regulated establishments, responding to complaints and nuisances, supporting outbreaks, uh, investigations, sampling public water

8
00:43:44.800 --> 00:44:00.640
supplies, enforcing environmental regulations, and helping ensure safe food lodging pools, campgrounds, and mobile home parks. While much of his work happens behind the scenes, it plays a vital role in protecting the health and well-being of everyone who lives, works, and visits Klay County. Kent

9
00:44:00.640 --> 00:44:17.359
often Kent often says that no two days are the same in environmental health and just when you think his day is planned something comes up and pulls him in a different direction. His flexibility, knowledge, steady approach has been a tremendous asset to our department and to the community. Uh beyond his professional expertise, Kent's sense of

10
00:44:17.359 --> 00:44:32.319
humor and easygoing attitude have made him a valued colleague and someone who helps Klay County a great place to work. Kent, thank you for your 25 years of service, commitment, and leadership. And I was expecting that Jason was going to give you that big trophy, but I I

11
00:44:32.319 --> 00:44:53.200
guess that's for something else. [laughter] >> Our next individual that we are going to recognize today is Tammy Gerky. [applause] This is pretty amazing. Tammy, we are recognizing you today in grateful

12
00:44:53.200 --> 00:45:11.839
recognition of 40 years of service to Klay County and our residents. Thank you so much for all that you've done during that time. >> Okay, I got a lot to say, but I talk fast, so it's good. [laughter] So, today we're celebrating a truly

13
00:45:11.839 --> 00:45:28.960
special milestone. Um, Tammy's been here for 40 years. She didn't quit and come back like some other people I've had. >> She was 10. >> Yeah. And she stayed. [laughter] Um, so she started in 1986 as a clerk typist in the child support unit. Uh,

14
00:45:28.960 --> 00:45:45.200
she was a newlywed at the time, so she's also celebrating a big anniversary. Yep. Um, didn't have any kids at that point. She's got two now and she's got two grandkids. >> Three. Oh, that's right. Oh, she just had another one. [laughter]

15
00:45:45.200 --> 00:46:01.520
Um so she uh when she started here she was beginning a new chapter in her work life and her personal life and her career's become defined by her dedication, her expertise and her compassion. And the best part is that I've been by her side

16
00:46:01.520 --> 00:46:18.480
the entire time. Yeah. In 1992 she was promoted to a support enforcement aid in the child support unit. And then in 1996 she moved into her current role as a collections officer. Uh I would have to say you're probably one of the longest running

17
00:46:18.480 --> 00:46:35.359
collections officers in the state [laughter] and um yeah people approach her for her expertise and her guidance from all over. It's it's awesome. Um for the past three decades she's been responsible for collecting debts that are owed to public

18
00:46:35.359 --> 00:46:51.680
assistance programs and to Klay County. Um, it might not be the most visible work that we do, but it's incredibly important and every dollar recovered helps to protect taxpayer resources and ensures that public funds are managed uh, responsibly.

19
00:46:51.680 --> 00:47:08.560
When we hear discussions about outdated technology and government, [laughter] um, Tammy's work is a perfect example of that challenge because unlike most other programs, um, there is no statewide system for collections. So instead she works across multiple computer systems.

20
00:47:08.560 --> 00:47:25.520
They don't communicate with each other. So it's you have to enter everything twice. [laughter] And then um constant cross-checking, manual entries and attention to detail is a big part of her job. Um despite those obstacles, she's the one people turn to for answers. She's an expert on

21
00:47:25.520 --> 00:47:43.359
the those complex rules and um you just can't learn it all overnight. And through it all, um, one of her most difficult parts of her job is a state recovery and she works with grieving families regarding medical assistance recovery.

22
00:47:43.359 --> 00:48:00.000
Um, it takes a lot of knowledge and professionalism, a lot of kindness and grace and Tammy brings all of those qualities every day. On a personal note, Tammy and I essentially grew up together as county employees. We lived through the crazy 80s. Questionable clothing and

23
00:48:00.000 --> 00:48:15.680
hair choices. [laughter] Um, orange offices, six complete office moves of the entire unit to different buildings or floors. Uh, paper fl files. So many staff changes we've kind of lost count. [laughter]

24
00:48:15.680 --> 00:48:30.720
Talking about that before. Um, we've watched our department, our technology, our programs, and our community change over the years. And through all those changes, Tammy's remained a steady, knowledgeable, and dependable presence. I feel very fortunate that you're still

25
00:48:30.720 --> 00:48:49.248
part of our team and that you continue to do the amazing work that you do. So, thank you for 40 years. >> Thank you. [applause] >> Sorry, Ken. She gets a trophy. Thank you. [snorts]

26
00:48:54.960 --> 00:49:10.640
Well, if anything speaks to the culture of uh working for Klay County, those uh stories are a testament. So, thank you both and thank you to the staff and other department colleagues at your work with uh for doing the great work.

27
00:49:10.640 --> 00:49:26.480
Citizens to be heard today, are there any citizens in the audience wishing to address the county board? Anyone wishing to address the county board? >> Steve, have you had any requests? >> Nothing, ma'am. Madam Chair, >> you

28
00:49:26.480 --> 00:49:42.559
next item today is the approval of the payment of bills and vouchers. >> Madam Chair, I move to approve the payment of bills and vouchers. >> We have a motion offered to pay the bills from Commissioner Ebinger, a second from Commissioner Krabanoft. Any further discussion?

29
00:49:42.559 --> 00:49:59.680
Discussion? Discussion. All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I >> I >> oppose same sign carried. The minutes from June 6th, 2026 and June 23rd, 2026 were uh published in the packet.

30
00:49:59.680 --> 00:50:13.520
>> Madam Chair, do you want those in separate motions or one motion will work? >> That's due separate, please. >> I'll make a motion to approve the minutes from June 16th, 2026. >> Okay. We have a motion offered from Commissioner Bear to approve the minutes from June 16th >> and a second from Commissioner Campbell.

31
00:50:13.520 --> 00:50:30.079
Any further discussion? Discussion. All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppose. Same sign. Carried. The next item would be the 23rd. >> Madam Chair, I'll make a motion to approve the minutes from June 23rd, 2026. >> Okay. We have a motion offered to

32
00:50:30.079 --> 00:50:46.240
approve the minutes from the 23rd as presented. >> Second >> and a second from Commissioner Campbell. Any further discussion? Discussion. All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppose. Same sign

33
00:50:46.240 --> 00:51:10.240
carried. Item two, the five-year community impact update. Jason, >> good morning. >> Morning, Madam Chair and commissioners. Um, I have a brief PowerPoint I'm going to share with you guys.

34
00:51:10.240 --> 00:51:24.319
Thank you, Sarah, for having this loaded for me. So I'm ju June 30th, 2026 was the end of our positive community norms grant. Um five years ago, some of you will remember um we had this vision given to

35
00:51:24.319 --> 00:51:40.720
us um from Minnesota DHS that uh substances and substance abuse could be changed by focusing on the positive. And that was brand new to me, brand new to anyone here in the area at the time. Um, at

36
00:51:40.720 --> 00:51:56.160
that point in time, my career was show the scariness of vaping, show the scariness of nicotine use and um, and then hope that people will make change. And I was introduced to the science of the positive. Um, Jeff Lincolnbach is

37
00:51:56.160 --> 00:52:13.920
the head scientist behind that. Um, this concept of positive community norms. How do we actually change culture? How do we actually make lasting change? And um I'm going to start right away from the beginning with just showing the numbers. We did it. In 2019 at DGF schools, our

38
00:52:13.920 --> 00:52:31.359
vaping rates were 24%. We are now at 5%. Just to put that in perspective, we are in the top 10 schools of the state as far as uh vaping uh not being used. Uh we didn't really focus on alcohol or cannabis. And yet

39
00:52:31.359 --> 00:52:47.359
you can see that the science worked there too. Alcohol use rate, these are past 30-day numbers um dropped from 23% to 8%. Our cannabis use rate went from 12% to 5% which is fascinating from a preventionist uh standpoint. Whenever I

40
00:52:47.359 --> 00:53:03.040
was asked to to study across other states and see what legalized marijuana would do, usually you see a a temporary jump in use rates and we actually continued going down in our use rates. Now beyond this um some of the the

41
00:53:03.040 --> 00:53:17.920
softer sciences that actually stepped in as well our bullying rates are down our mental health rates are up. So in short we've we've made DGF into something that has been um is being studied across the the nation. And I'll I'll show you a

42
00:53:17.920 --> 00:53:34.000
little bit more of that. As a county our tobacco use rates now are amongst the lowest in the state. Uh Klay County now has an overall vaping rate across all high schools of 9%. So we've done amazing work and a lot of

43
00:53:34.000 --> 00:53:51.200
that comes to you. So I will actually kill the suspense right away and I'll just let you know this this trophy we we bought for our kids out at DGF for our rice club. Uh you've met many of them when they've been here to speak about ordinance and stuff. It says, "We beat big tobacco." Because when I first uh

44
00:53:51.200 --> 00:54:06.720
came out there, uh those of you who knew uh principal Wayne Leard was the principal of the high school at the time, he asked me to end vaping for DGF. Now, did we end it? Not 100%. Have our kids absolutely won? Yes. We

45
00:54:06.720 --> 00:54:22.880
went from a p a perspective of 24 to 25 kids per per grade that were regularly vaping down to less than five of them. So, that's an amazing thing to know. So that's that's what we bought them the trophy for. It'll be displayed in a a really nice case that we bought for them out there. We've uh created a community

46
00:54:22.880 --> 00:54:39.599
room that allows them to u talk about, you know, wins in speech or national honor society or different things like that. Um and just reward them for being just generally good citizens. Now, how do we do that?

47
00:54:39.599 --> 00:54:54.319
One of the biggest things I learned was that the solution was already there. Um, one of the big things we we oftenimes have to focus on the concern, right? 24% of kids vaping was a big concern and yet 76%

48
00:54:54.319 --> 00:55:09.680
weren't. That mean threequarters of our kids said no. And that's amazing when we consider that over a million dollars an hour gets spent by big tobacco every single hour to try to get our kids to use, right?

49
00:55:09.680 --> 00:55:26.319
So, the fact that we had such great kids to start with made this process uh very growable. This right here is our wise club. Um in high school, we went from 13 kids that wanted to talk about prevention work in their school to 43

50
00:55:26.319 --> 00:55:43.119
kids regularly showing up. That's an eighth of our high school that is involved in this. Now, there's another 18 kids in our middle school and the group just keeps growing. So, it's just been an amazing uh experience for me to be able to be a part of. And really what

51
00:55:43.119 --> 00:56:00.400
we what we changed was instead of asking what was wrong with us, we started asking what was strong with us and growing that. Um, one of the cool things we got to do here in our last year of the grant, um, we brought in, uh, John Nolner. He runs

52
00:56:00.400 --> 00:56:17.599
a business called a piece of my mind which is pac because it sounds a little like little argumentative at first. Um and we asked the question of the kids and the staff and the community members. Um what um where do you see the positive show up in DGF? And this was one of the

53
00:56:17.599 --> 00:56:33.680
young uh ladies answered my community shows kindness through everyday respect and small thoughtful actions. And it just really goes to highlight the change in the in the community and things that we had. We had hoped that we would get maybe 50 people that to part participate

54
00:56:33.680 --> 00:56:51.119
and they overexceeded us again. 94 people showed up um for this project. Um we created that was the video that I was able to share with you guys. Hopefully we could share it out um with the community as well. It's been shared around DGF. Um there's so many powerful stories that just popped up um from his

55
00:56:51.119 --> 00:57:05.839
visit. The second I wanted to share with you when I said that DGF is is landing on a national uh storyboard. Um there's a journalist her name is Rochelle Sharp and she writes for the New York Times, Washington Post, places like that. Um

56
00:57:05.839 --> 00:57:22.319
and she had written a uh article on one of the frameworks we use called healthy outcomes from positive experiences. And through that she learned about the positive community norms that led her to us and she came here and did a story that's that's being in it's in the

57
00:57:22.319 --> 00:57:36.799
editing phase right now. It'll it'll be in the New York Times where they'll be talking about our kids um and all the work. And one of the cool things that she noticed and she started asking the kids is like you guys don't talk about not using substances anymore.

58
00:57:36.799 --> 00:57:54.640
What do you do? And the answer that came from one of our seniors was, you know, in the beginning we did, but what we realized is we don't need alcohol or any other substance to have fun. So we just invite people to come and hang out with us and see that we don't need substances

59
00:57:54.640 --> 00:58:11.280
to actually have a good time. And as they realize that that's true, more and more people just come to us. Now our kids at DGF are talked about in the other schools. Like they're asking me like I get calls, how do we duplicate this? What do we how do we make this work? Um, this here was Olivia. She was

60
00:58:11.280 --> 00:58:27.920
our student president. Uh, you may remember she was here whenever um we were working on the tobacco ordinance. And I love her her quote that I was inspired to lead after realizing that there was a problem and someone needed to speak up for change that somebody was me. That's the kind of culture that's

61
00:58:27.920 --> 00:58:43.599
changing out there. Uh, it's been a complete community effort. Uh, no part of this uh process has been only Jason McCoy. has always been um the students vote. We pilot test everything with staff, with community members, with students to make sure that all of the

62
00:58:43.599 --> 00:58:59.839
murals that are out there, all of the different um uh items that we've done, even this trophy, you know, had voting done on it to make sure that um everything was part of a process. And that message really took hold. So over five years, every year we did a

63
00:58:59.839 --> 00:59:17.280
different um a different survey to make sure that we could follow our data. And this this I just loved the numbers. You know, 5% of our kids not vaping or using cannabis. That's amazing. But this tells the real story, right? 83% of the kids

64
00:59:17.280 --> 00:59:33.119
say my family would disapprove. They understand that means their parents are talking to them. That means this communication has actually saturated. Threearters of them say, "My friends would disapprove of me vaping or drinking." And so they understand that

65
00:59:33.119 --> 00:59:47.680
threearters of them don't need it to have a good time. Right? That's cultural change. That's the kids really truly realizing that I don't need this. I can actually go out and accomplish my life without substances. These are community

66
00:59:47.680 --> 01:00:05.599
norms. So what lasts? As five years is wrapped up, um, we now have a a student body that leads. They are they have found their voice. They want to keep moving forward. We have a culture that supports healthy choices and a community

67
01:00:05.599 --> 01:00:20.559
that's committed to helping these young people thrive. One of the coolest things I saw in our last Minnesota student survey data was we changed in year one. Only 37% of the kids thought their community cared about them. This last

68
01:00:20.559 --> 01:00:36.400
one, over 70% of them believe the community cares. So, we've changed that mindset and I look forward to seeing how it continues to grow. So, thank you for supporting us with your allowance. We were able to do this work.

69
01:00:36.400 --> 01:00:52.559
Um, we're looking forward to seeing what happens in the future from now on. Any questions you might have for me? >> Thank you, Mr. McCoy. Any questions for him on the presentation or the work? Commissioner Kavanagh. >> Yeah, just [clears throat] Jason to you

70
01:00:52.559 --> 01:01:10.079
and your team, just an incredible thank you. Um um as a grandparent and and a parent of my kids in school. Um you know, just to see

71
01:01:10.079 --> 01:01:25.760
where a school community works together, I think it's just um kind of overwhelms me actually. Um, good work. That's just why I'm saying that. >> Thank you. Additional comments or questions.

72
01:01:25.760 --> 01:01:41.760
>> Will you be giving the same presentation to the city councils and the school board? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yeah, I've already been to the school board and I'm I'm on the uh board or on the agenda for the city councils. >> Great. Yeah, I think this really speaks to the collaboration on how different

73
01:01:41.760 --> 01:01:58.480
entities can do the work and help realize some cost savings outside of all of the fantastic points that you brought up about uh healthy community norms and uh students um perspective on substances. So, thank you so much. Any

74
01:01:58.480 --> 01:02:15.119
questions? Yes, >> Madam Chair, again, Jason, just great work. appreciate the dedication and leadership not only in the region but uh sharing with the state on all the work that you do with this grant ending. Do you want to share a little bit about what your next steps are? >> Sure. Absolutely. Um so um first of all

75
01:02:15.119 --> 01:02:29.760
I was worried that I didn't have a job after the grant because that is the nature of grant work. Um but we do have uh within public health we have the foundational public health responsibilities um which will be paying for point eight of my time and then point 2 will be from the um cannabis and

76
01:02:29.760 --> 01:02:45.280
other substance use prevention grant. So um I am now in a really cool position where I get to share across Klay County and Becker County through through our community health board. Um so my my job will continue to cover any policy work you that you would like to uh see

77
01:02:45.280 --> 01:03:00.480
addressed. Um, I also get to work on making partnerships in our community. Um, and um, a lot of our social media, a lot of our mental health work. So, credible mind. I'll be back soon to present uh, that to you guys. So, you so you guys know this really cool resource

78
01:03:00.480 --> 01:03:15.760
that we have out there. Um, mostly is just helping with mental behavioral health um, issues across both counties. Um, one of the coolest things that I I'm doing right now, Commissioner Campbell, I remember one of the first times I reported on this, he was like, "What about Morehead? what are we going to do

79
01:03:15.760 --> 01:03:31.839
for Morehead? Um, we have a really awesome program that started at Morehead right now um around recovery and it came from I had a principal come to me in year three of this grant and say, "Okay, I believe you at that point 93% of our kids aren't and that 7% that are using

80
01:03:31.839 --> 01:03:48.079
that's my entire day. What do we do for them?" And so I've been working with Morehead to create this recovery program. How do we keep kids in the school and actually help them quit and give them that that power to be able to understand what cessation looks like so we can actually bring them over to join

81
01:03:48.079 --> 01:04:03.680
the rest who aren't using. So there's a lot of really awesome things going on. That's again that's a that's an original pilot that MDH is allowing us to do. So there's some awesome work right here in Klay County that's happening. >> Thank you for following up on that. Any

82
01:04:03.680 --> 01:04:20.669
other questions? Great work. Want >> to take a picture with a trophy before? Pardon? >> You guys want to take a picture with a trophy before I leave? >> Sure. >> Yeah, let's do it. >> You guys are part of this works. >> Yeah. All right. Bring her up. [cough and clears throat]

83
01:04:21.760 --> 01:05:05.680
>> How are we doing this all of us? >> All right. Our soccer team lost, but we won. [laughter] >> Thank you. >> [clears throat] >> Okay, next on our agenda today is the item three, the request approval of the

84
01:05:05.680 --> 01:05:22.240
state of Minnesota grant agreement. We have our county engineer with us this morning, Justin Sorum. Good morning. >> Good morning. So yes, the item that I have for approval today is the state of Minnesota grant contract agreement. So this contract is just for the art trail that runs from Uland to the north county

85
01:05:22.240 --> 01:05:36.799
line. So every year I come forward to the board with a resolution. That's the first part of this and then the actual agreement is the second part. What this does is it just allows us to get reimbursed for anything that we spend on the trail and then anything that the

86
01:05:36.799 --> 01:05:53.839
local mudslingers ov group also incurs. >> Okay. Thank you. This has been I believe a really positive agreement uh you know for for minimal cost really to maintain uh such a great trail system.

87
01:05:53.839 --> 01:06:11.079
Any questions from the board on the trail or the agreement? This this is budget neutral as well. So we don't the amount that we get each year covers our costs and covers the mudslingers costs as well. So okay

88
01:06:11.119 --> 01:06:27.280
>> board wishes. >> Madam chair. >> Yes. Commissioner Ebinger. >> I move to approve the state of Minnesota grant contract agreement 292935. A second. >> A motion offered from Commissioner Ebinger to approve the agreement. A second from Commissioner Bayer.

89
01:06:27.280 --> 01:06:43.760
Additional questions? Any additional questions? >> All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppose. Same sign. Carried. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you also for uh utilizing social media to get messaging

90
01:06:43.760 --> 01:07:00.400
out there on the construction projects. That's been very helpful for folks. >> Definitely. Thank you. Y >> item four today is the Klay County Board of Commissioners consideration of a potential modification of the University of Minnesota extension contract. We have

91
01:07:00.400 --> 01:07:15.440
Cecilia with Good morning, Cecilia. >> Good morning. >> Testing. Good morning, >> Steve. >> Good morning, Madam Chair, commissioners. As you're certainly well aware, we

92
01:07:15.440 --> 01:07:32.079
contract with the University of Minnesota for our extension program services. Uh we currently have uh two full-time employees uh and a 1.8 or excuse me, a 08 FTE and also an administrative assistant uh who the

93
01:07:32.079 --> 01:07:48.480
extension university of Minnesota provides services for. Generally, we are we are in that in the contract with them over three years. We are in the third year of that contract and we currently have a have a opening uh in our youth development uh position and there's been

94
01:07:48.480 --> 01:08:04.480
some discussion over previous um uh previous board meetings where we've had some challenges or we know we have challenges with the upcoming budget uh and it was a good time to have a discussion of whether or not we would continue to maintain the same number of

95
01:08:04.480 --> 01:08:20.480
staff moving forward. Uh and so the the question before the board today would be is uh in looking at the contract, the contract is scheduled to end at at the end of this year. Uh she'll be coming forward later this fall with a new contract. Uh but having said that and

96
01:08:20.480 --> 01:08:36.239
have an opening now, we thought now would be a time to have that discussion. Uh so we weren't in a position where if the board were to make a decision to need to cut cut things next year uh for next year's budget that we would have a person advertise for that point. uh the

97
01:08:36.239 --> 01:08:51.839
position that that you approve of. So that I'd yield for any questions. >> Questions? Uh Commissioner. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. How long has this position sat open? >> Um it's been open for about since May. >> Since May.

98
01:08:51.839 --> 01:09:08.159
>> And it's uh if I might, it's not um been open because it's not been advertised the way the university system is. I mean it's they uh hire during similar seasons or different timings and so it's not been advertised yet. Yeah. >> Yes. Commissioner Campbell,

99
01:09:08.159 --> 01:09:24.080
>> can you describe a little bit of what um a youth development director does? >> Um the educator position. >> Yeah. >> Um yeah. >> Yep. That individual is in charge of managing all the programming happening um in Klay County. uh managing the

100
01:09:24.080 --> 01:09:40.080
volunteer system is a great about 40% of their job is really recruiting, maintaining and sustaining volunteers to continue the program. Um they're also in charge of recruiting new uh families to join in for um they're in charge of just managing the educational piece that

101
01:09:40.080 --> 01:09:56.800
happens. Um we have ambassadors in the county that um requires a lot of just making sure that young people have the leadership skills that they need. Um they took trips um to DC. they they do a lot of service um oriented work in the community and that takes somebody

102
01:09:56.800 --> 01:10:12.400
dedicated to guide them in that way. Um so they spend a lot of time doing that and then obviously just dayto-day engaging with um Klay County residents but also um volunteers and and young people that are in the program. >> Is it primarily um

103
01:10:12.400 --> 01:10:27.679
>> this is the for >> Yeah, this one is the 4 position and then we also have the A position. um slide the point eight. >> I've always been a strong advocate for 4 and and the educators in 4. At the same

104
01:10:27.679 --> 01:10:45.360
time, I've also um said that the numbers have to support it. >> And I so I'm I'm curious as to where where we're at with how how is how is 4 grown? Uh because there was a point

105
01:10:45.360 --> 01:11:02.800
when we had a half person actually we we had one full-time extension educator in Klay County and then we went to a half and then we went to full >> and so you know I I guess I' I'd like to just see where we're at in those numbers. >> Yeah. I don't have the specific numbers

106
01:11:02.800 --> 01:11:20.080
in front of me but what I can say is um we've had a period where the position was open. It's been open close open close. So we can't really um speak to the trajectory of where it's at right now because the program was just building when we hired Mon'nique um has

107
01:11:20.080 --> 01:11:36.640
been in her position a year and some change now and has made a really good um connection with the the Klay County Fair Boards um build relationship there that takes some time dedicated time to do that and so we spent majority of the time just really making sure that that

108
01:11:36.640 --> 01:11:53.600
relationship was strong because we understand that we can't we can't be good partners when we don't have strong relationship. So really managing that relationship and working with the families to bring them back up to speed of where things were before that position was then open. Um and now that

109
01:11:53.600 --> 01:12:09.840
she's up and running then now we have an opening. Um so yeah, it's just been kind of back and forth trying to get that position those two positions up and running. Uh, one example that I can speak of that I'm sure of that will um impact the program is a sci-fi grant is

110
01:12:09.840 --> 01:12:26.880
a relationship between NDSU and um, University of Minnesota Extension to really make sure that we're reaching out to our populations that typically don't participate in 4. Um, and so we have somebody in our regional office that Klay County is not paying for that position but supporting Klay County.

111
01:12:26.880 --> 01:12:43.760
Right now they have three clubs that meet and eventually the goal is that to make that program more sustainable and so um Klay County would absorb that um club and they will become more of a quote unquote traditional club um feel. Um and so Mindy Grant has been managing

112
01:12:43.760 --> 01:12:59.520
that program and working with um that group to really make sure that they can be embedded in the program and eventually that will be that will also show growth. Um when uh Amelia was here, she started a lot of afterschool programming in the not not uh Morehead

113
01:12:59.520 --> 01:13:16.000
but like the outskirts of um more smaller communities. And that was really um good um avenue there to engage in young people that typically don't have access, you know, after school program or before program option. So the program is growing. I just can't tell you

114
01:13:16.000 --> 01:13:31.840
exactly what the number is. >> Can I just have a follow? So um Sure. >> Yeah. So I' I'd be curious to know what what kind of enrollment we have now compared to in the past in terms of kids in for in the 4 program and then also uh

115
01:13:31.840 --> 01:13:49.520
it wasn't too many years ago where some of our school districts were forced into situations where they had to reduce and in some instances if I remember call recall correctly even eliminate after school programming and I know that that 4 and extension

116
01:13:49.520 --> 01:14:06.480
really stepped up in that regard. >> And is that still is that still going on? And what kind of numbers what kind of numbers are we seeing enrolling in after school programming through um extension? >> I I mean I I don't expect you to have those today, but I'd like to at least

117
01:14:06.480 --> 01:14:23.280
see those numbers moving forward because again, >> I I think we need to be able to show to the community >> that what we're investing in is is working. >> Yeah. And I think the group just shared an update. Um I think you were out that day when the group came. Um the

118
01:14:23.280 --> 01:14:39.280
educators came and shared the impact report. Those numbers were in there and we have that data that we can share. I can send it to Sarah. >> There are reports that we just had at our June extension committee meeting that we can uh get that really speak to all of the questions Commissioner Campbell had. And I, you know, I can

119
01:14:39.280 --> 01:14:55.679
defer to Commissioner Kavanagh here, but we we are really seeing enormous strides in the program and the afterchool program. I mean, is over 300 individuals uh all countywide that we're seeing participating in this. I I think the

120
01:14:55.679 --> 01:15:12.719
reason behind this discussion to the board is felt that one just similar that we do with other openings and staffing wanted to make sure there was a space for this board to approve moving forward in whatever advertisement it is. Understanding that budgets are challenging right now and that this

121
01:15:12.719 --> 01:15:29.760
board may want to make some sort of adjustment to see some sort of savings. I I can tell you it kills me to have this discussion the week of the Klay County Fair in a time when we finally got how many years did it take commissioner for us to get them to 2.0 0

122
01:15:29.760 --> 01:15:46.640
in that office finally starting to see positive changes in [laughter] not only numbers uh the ex static exhibits the animals at the fair higher than they've ever been and we're hearing from the fair board that they are having the support from the extension office that

123
01:15:46.640 --> 01:16:02.880
really they were wanting for a long time. It's really a great partnership, but also understanding that budgets are challenging and we need to have the conversation if it makes sense now to [clears throat] move this opening to a point 8 to amend it. Uh, you know, my my

124
01:16:02.880 --> 01:16:19.760
worry would be is if we hired this at a full-time uh employee now that we get to a point in 6 months where we're talking about the uh master agreement, maybe there are costs that need to be adjusted there and then needing to shift that position down. That's really hard for

125
01:16:19.760 --> 01:16:34.000
people. I think we would lose a an employee going from 1.0 to point8. U maybe it made sense to hire at 08 now. Um, but I will tell you a cut will come with substantial cuts to what we're seeing in the afterchool programming.

126
01:16:34.000 --> 01:16:50.719
That's those are your non-traditional 4 uh experience kids. Those aren't the after or those aren't the community club 4 kids. Those are the afterchool programming kids. And if that's the direction that this board wants to go, uh certainly we can talk about that. But just wanted this board to have a

127
01:16:50.719 --> 01:17:06.640
discussion. Commissioner Bear, >> could you get by with a 0.5? Um it will be very hard um speaking to Commissioner Kumbbo's um point earlier on and Commissioner Mojo has just mentioned we are working on trying to

128
01:17:06.640 --> 01:17:22.000
make that um sci-fi non-traditional club group more embedded into our 4 programming and at point 8 we're going to see some significant impact to the program at five is going to be even more

129
01:17:22.000 --> 01:17:40.159
significant. So the growth is going to uh for lack of better word is going to stall the growth that you want to see uh for a county this size. >> When just a point of history, when did we go from one to one and a half to 1.8 to two?

130
01:17:40.159 --> 01:17:57.760
>> 2023 is um so we've kind of gone back and forth. 2023 it was a point 8 and then we moved that back up but we also took a shift in our other program that was also open the ANR position so we went we took a that one was a full-time position we took point A from there and

131
01:17:57.760 --> 01:18:14.560
added it to um so we didn't necessarily come back for it wasn't a financial impact it shift >> we just shifted uh we had seen growth in numbers in the 4 area that's why we went to the 2.0 know there and then the natural resources position to a point A which by the way she's doing phenomenal

132
01:18:14.560 --> 01:18:31.760
work uh in the community at a point 8 but you know th these shifts don't come without substantial um challenges but did you >> and I just want to just add to if that's okay um just looking at the staffing model too when we have um to your point a.5 that that person is working that two

133
01:18:31.760 --> 01:18:46.960
and a half days and when you have fair it's very challenging to have somebody at that level um it just impacts that showcase experience too. >> Mr. Kov, do you want to share? >> Yeah, [clears throat] thank you. Uh, so

134
01:18:46.960 --> 01:19:03.360
uh I'll just begin with um the thought of bringing this point I I think was after uh Amelia had um u vacated the position. Uh the fact that we had after school

135
01:19:03.360 --> 01:19:20.400
programs needing to get this position filled. Um just put some urgency to it. Uh I think asking for the numbers is good. I I think you showed that when we were here. We know that the after school

136
01:19:20.400 --> 01:19:38.239
programs are really growing. Uh we also know that we're making inroads in Morehead mainly uh to new communities to start community clubs. >> So I think the work is growing. Um I think um I I would not support five.

137
01:19:38.239 --> 01:19:54.239
This is a a big role to fill. We need the recruitment. We need the people to fill it in. Um I am in favor of the 0.8. I think for all the reasons Commissioner Mojo talked about um every every word of

138
01:19:54.239 --> 01:20:10.800
what she said is kind of what what I was going to say so I'm not going to repeat it uh but it's vital work 4 is impactful uh the work that you do through extension is impactful and it's to the

139
01:20:10.800 --> 01:20:28.719
whole community I mean municipalities into our schools and and into the rural areas is and then as well as the fair every part has been showing increases in big ways and uh so I um uh while I don't

140
01:20:28.719 --> 01:20:45.920
want to u I know we had this discussion at last meeting uh with Carrie Robo uh who was a is a regional program director right >> and uh and with her and we we discussed the challenges of even going to point

141
01:20:45.920 --> 01:21:01.120
eight but I still think that's the place I I would like to see us go and I would like to do that as soon as possible so we get this u uh this position filled. >> I think it's also important to note

142
01:21:01.120 --> 01:21:18.000
obviously with the opening since May there is a substantial savings that the county is seeing this year because of that. Correct. >> That's correct madam chair commissioners. The contract does read if the position is open that the county won't will not be built for the time that there's no one in that position.

143
01:21:18.000 --> 01:21:35.840
>> So if we move forward at a refilling it at a full time, we would still see a savings this calendar year similar to what it would be in a point for next year. Is that correct? >> Correct. Madam Chair, >> Commissioner Bear, >> could we get the the the numbers for the last 10 years on how this how the how

144
01:21:35.840 --> 01:21:51.920
it's grown when it was one full-time to a 0.8 to a one? >> I'd like to see the numbers before we make a decision. Could you have those numbers by next week and we can act on this next week? So if I I might there is some challenge

145
01:21:51.920 --> 01:22:06.639
um in terms I hear what you're saying and we can actually probably get that today because we have that information that was just provided but um my concern is that if this is not approved now we're already behind on the min on the

146
01:22:06.639 --> 01:22:22.960
ex's advertising process and so there's a chance that if this isn't approved today that they will not be able to hire for fall school programming. just the way their timeline is >> on the contract too like we'll have to amend the contract.

147
01:22:22.960 --> 01:22:39.880
>> Can you um I'm trying to figure out can you get the office to send we do have that data. >> Yeah. The 10-year period that commissioner wanted

148
01:22:41.199 --> 01:22:57.040
>> is that that's dependent on how we amend the contract today. I I'd like to see the data before I make a decision on point8 there. >> Additional comments from board members. >> Well, I'll see how this goes. In respect

149
01:22:57.040 --> 01:23:13.520
to what you want, uh I think we had this report. We saw the growth. We see the uh we're at these meetings seeing the growth of what's going on. And I I just want to make a motion. And if it doesn't make it, that's it what it is. But I'd

150
01:23:13.520 --> 01:23:31.440
like to see that we move forward and uh um in moving forward having funding this uh position at a point uh 8. >> Second. >> Okay. We have an a motion from Commissioner Kavanagh to amend the contract to rehire at a point 8. Is that

151
01:23:31.440 --> 01:23:47.920
the correct wording? >> Yes. >> Okay. We have a second from Commissioner Ebinger. Additional discussion. I I would just like to see the last 10 years on how it's grown or how it's grown with a full-time employee to a point 8 to a half or just one employee. I'd like to see that data before I vote on this. So

152
01:23:47.920 --> 01:24:04.239
>> I hear that. We can get that information to you. >> Additional comments from the board. Commissioner Campbell, >> I I I agree with Commissioner Bear. I again I um I want to see if there's justification no matter what it is whether it's to keep it at two or

153
01:24:04.239 --> 01:24:19.679
whether it goes to 08 or whether it goes to 0.5. I think a lot of it has to be in the numbers and and I haven't seen the numbers and I [clears throat] don't I don't I don't like to vote on something when I don't have the numbers.

154
01:24:19.679 --> 01:24:36.159
So I [clears throat] will I'll be voting no. Commissioner Kavanagh, would you like to maybe withdraw the motion to see if we can get additional information before the end of this board meeting? >> I can come back with you. Um, so curious. Okay. Commissioner

155
01:24:36.159 --> 01:24:51.600
>> Kabidov withdraws his motion. Commissioner Ebinger, >> I'm good with it. Just an indication. All of us have our portfolios. Okay. And I don't want this to reflect on either of you not providing us with good information coming from your the

156
01:24:51.600 --> 01:25:07.440
meetings that you're responsible to attend. But if we have other commissioners here that want more data and we can do it within the time frame that's going to meet our needs, I have no no objection to that. >> Okay. So, um fine with that. See if we can get the information. I will say that

157
01:25:07.440 --> 01:25:22.159
I believe staff is at the the fairgrounds today because entry day is Thursday. So there might be a chance they're not able to get that information. >> We have other ways to get it. >> Okay. So we um the enrolled data >> for the past 10 years.

158
01:25:22.159 --> 01:25:38.159
>> Correct. And the the the school participation because I know we've grown the uh school districts. >> And that last part I think was even you know you know where to go but I mean we were shown these numbers in your PowerPoint. >> Mhm.

159
01:25:38.159 --> 01:25:53.199
>> What was it last month or whatever? Yeah, that one has more of a a threeyear period, but >> yeah. Okay, >> obviously CO in there, too. So, we'll >> Right. I know that's challenging and I I think part of where the board is coming from and maybe particularly Commissioner

160
01:25:53.199 --> 01:26:08.480
Campbell, we talk frequently about the Brenda Schaefer, KR, Becky Harrington years. and in those years how we saw the ambassador program exploding participation exploding and uh I think the data does show that since we've had

161
01:26:08.480 --> 01:26:25.199
the adjustment the additional uh outreach that has been able to be utilized but uh if you're able to get that communicate with Steve if we can get it back on the I'm I'm happy to offer a a break later. Okay,

162
01:26:25.199 --> 01:26:40.080
are we good? >> Thank you. Okay, we can move that as needed. Thank you, Cecilia. >> Thank you. >> Uh, but you do have the extension present budget. Should we weigh it? And how do you want to utilize? >> Um, Madam Chair, commissioners, I think that if she has the ability to get those

163
01:26:40.080 --> 01:26:54.080
numbers today, that would make more sense to have the budget discussion after. >> Okay. >> Thank you for your flexibility, Cecilia. Uh, we are ahead of schedule. Is Anna on the

164
01:26:54.080 --> 01:27:12.639
way? She's outside. There she is. Good morning, Anna. Thank you for being here a little early. We have your budget presentation for human resources. >> Good morning. >> Good morning. Being the first budget to present, do you want me to go line by

165
01:27:12.639 --> 01:27:27.280
line or do you have a preference in what this looks like? >> Is this your first bud budget presentation? >> Um, sorry. I did have my budget presentation last year, but I mean the first for all the departments. >> Oh, got it. Uh, well, I'm not seeing your budget yet, so

166
01:27:27.280 --> 01:27:43.360
there's an L. There we go. Let's uh It's not that long, so do you mind? >> Thank you. All right. The first seven lines of my budget are um kind of our fixed increases from year to year. That includes salary. Um the

167
01:27:43.360 --> 01:27:58.400
only thing that would be increasing with my department's salary next year would be step increases and the COLA. Um I do not budget anything for overtime for human resources in our health insurance. Um we do currently have a 15% cap

168
01:27:58.400 --> 01:28:13.760
scheduled for or a max of 15% cap for next year. So that's factored in for health insurance. Um PFML that premium um is also a fixed rate that will go up based off the salaries. Um and same with PAR, Social Security, and Medicare. So the first seven lines of my budget are

169
01:28:13.760 --> 01:28:31.760
just all fixed based off of salaries. My department uh had cell phone. There's no increase to that. So that would be neutral for next year. I do not budget anything for printing and publishing. And my next item would be subs our annual subscriptions. I'm requesting to

170
01:28:31.760 --> 01:28:46.800
increase that by $150 just due to a slight increase in the DDA uh HR technical assistance program. My association and dues and memberships, there is no increase requested for that for next year.

171
01:28:46.800 --> 01:29:02.800
I am asking to remove a $500 item um for advertising. HR does not um publish or pay for any advertising for our jobs. That would be department specific. Um other professional service. So you'll see that I um am increasing this for

172
01:29:02.800 --> 01:29:18.560
next year or requesting to increase this um and that is due to the 10 unions um that have agreed to a market study. I do have a plug number in there for $30,000 for the market study. We I don't know if you would like to see that in HR's budget or come from a different area of

173
01:29:18.560 --> 01:29:34.080
the county budget, but it is a plug number in my budget right now. >> Can I ask a question maybe just directed at Steve? How have we budgeted that piece in prior years? >> Madam Chair, you've done it in two separate ways. You've uh done it where you've added in the HR budget, but

174
01:29:34.080 --> 01:29:51.040
you've also done done it where you acknowledge that there's going to be a study done and we just uh utilize fund balance, so it's not as part part of our levy. Uh curious what the board how the board would like to see that reflected going

175
01:29:51.040 --> 01:30:07.679
forward or if maybe that's a a personnel issues committee item. Commissioner Campbell, since you're on pick, what what >> Well, I um I guess I guess when we do

176
01:30:07.679 --> 01:30:23.040
a a wage study, it's something that has implications for more than one year. And I guess I would be I would be more inclined to want to remove that 30,000 from your budget

177
01:30:23.040 --> 01:30:39.440
>> and um basically use our reserves like we've done that in the past. I think that's that's where I would like to see us go with it and and if we willing to do that now as a board then it wouldn't have to go to pick I don't think. >> Right. Well, and I to that I think it

178
01:30:39.440 --> 01:30:57.360
does probably make more sense just so it's not I mean it's not a continual hit in your area whenever it comes up. But >> I I agree with that. >> Okay. >> Well, and again I think it I think it goes to keeping our align item like this

179
01:30:57.360 --> 01:31:12.639
consistent on on an annual basis because you don't do these wade studies every year. You know, it's similar to what again what Lori does in elections. You know, she keeps it kind of consistent year to year, even though there's some years where there's no elections, and it

180
01:31:12.639 --> 01:31:31.120
helps stabilize that levy, and that's what I think this would help do. >> Okay, I'll work with Lori on removing that piece. >> You'd happily do that, wouldn't you? >> Yes. Um so the other port um portion of that other professional service um is UKG

181
01:31:31.120 --> 01:31:47.360
costs are just going up slightly for next year. >> Can you for the public explain UPG? >> Yes. So UKG is our HR payroll system. Um I will have um currently in 2026 I have let's see here

182
01:31:47.360 --> 01:32:03.600
$8,250 budgeted um for 2027 I had $45,000 removing the $30,000 for our market study. So $15,000 um requested in total for UKG which is our HR peril system. Um that also does our recruiting and

183
01:32:03.600 --> 01:32:18.560
onboarding piece. So it has saved us from having to hire or ask for another hire in a >> right. It has saved substantially. >> Yes. >> Employee cost. >> Absolutely. Um no increase or change to my training budget. Um as well as my

184
01:32:18.560 --> 01:32:35.120
conference and workshop registration. No change there. Um dropping down to my travel and expenses. No changes for 2027 as well as my office supplies. Office supplies includes our ID badges and like the lanyards and such we purchase for county employees. And that would be the

185
01:32:35.120 --> 01:32:50.880
total or that the um overall budget for me. I did work with Lori prior to today's presentation. Um you'll see that there's a 17.89% requested increase. Removing the market study, not showing knowing how conversation would go today. Um it would

186
01:32:50.880 --> 01:33:12.560
be a 10.66. Um and that is accounting for the increased UKG cost and then the fixed cost for my salaries and benefits. >> Thank you, Anna. Questions from the board. Any questions? I appreciate that you're continuing to

187
01:33:12.560 --> 01:33:29.440
keep in those professional development uh opportunities. You have uh newer staff and I think that the training dollars go very long ways in uh preparing your staff and department for the changes that we're seeing. So, I appreciate that you've kept that in

188
01:33:29.440 --> 01:33:47.760
there. >> Questions from the board? Well, I'd say for the first department, you did a great job. >> Yeah. Thank you. And if you have just one minute more minute, I'd like to give you an update on paid family medical leave claims. Um, as of July 1, we've had 46 employee claims processed this

189
01:33:47.760 --> 01:34:03.760
year. Um, 15 of those have been for bonding, so related to child birth. five or seven of those have been related to a serious medical condition for a family member and 20 excuse me 24 of those have been for a serious medical condition for the employee. Um to date or I shouldn't

190
01:34:03.760 --> 01:34:20.880
say to date to as of July 1, United Healthcare has paid out 288,444 in claims to our staff. Um and in premium thus far we've paid $1,89,000 1,00 excuse me $189,350.

191
01:34:20.880 --> 01:34:37.040
So, they've paid out more than they've received from us. Um, we have, if you I don't necessarily want to call it a shortage at this point. Um, but there's a difference of $99,000 in expenses paid versus premium collected. >> We do are we are fortunate that we have

192
01:34:37.040 --> 01:34:54.080
um a lock a rate locked in for 2027 um for 2028. We'll likely be in an RFP um position for future years. And in collaboration with your state partners, uh, folks that have the the

193
01:34:54.080 --> 01:35:11.199
same title as you and other counties, >> is is there a pretty good network on conversation on how the roll out has been going, where the the pinch points have been, how we can >> streamline better? >> So, we talk what feels like weekly, at least monthly, with many counties. I'm in a pathways program, so all new HR

194
01:35:11.199 --> 01:35:26.560
directors in the state the first two years we collect we have monthly meetings. Um it's been the I think a lot of the pain points have been worked out at least from our end and in Klay County. Um it's there's a lot of communication pieces in the beginning. Really the delay is just on the

195
01:35:26.560 --> 01:35:42.960
paperwork from the employee um to UHC side of things. So I do feel like we're in a pretty good place right now with it. >> Okay. Commissioner Campbell >> and I thank you for updating us on that. And I guess um one of the one of the unknowns and one of the things I think all of us have been concerned with over

196
01:35:42.960 --> 01:35:59.520
time on this is um not ne I mean there obviously the indication that we're 90,000 short of what the premiums they're collecting are isn't a very good sign of what's to come. >> Correct. you know, uh, but in addition to that,

197
01:35:59.520 --> 01:36:17.360
um, are you hearing anything in terms of the number of staff, how long they have to be gone and what's that doing to um, the workforce that obviously when somebody leaves that work has is not getting done or it's shifted.

198
01:36:17.360 --> 01:36:33.600
>> Yeah. >> Right. So, what are you hearing there? >> So, I'll use myself for example. Um, I was out for 12 weeks on maternity leave and I was very fortunate that I was able to delegate those things to Darren and my staff. I know that they had to work

199
01:36:33.600 --> 01:36:49.119
tirelessly um throughout those 12 weeks to keep things going and afloat. Um, as for other departments, I know that there are employees that are working extra hours. They're flexing time um to get work done. So, I have not heard from a department head that they're in a

200
01:36:49.119 --> 01:37:05.840
position where they're needing to hire temporary or new staff to to fulfill those temporary vacancies or absences. Um, but I do know that other staff are putting in extra work. >> And I, you know, and again, your the example that you used, I think I think we've always uh handled that particular

201
01:37:05.840 --> 01:37:22.480
situation. I you know, it's been something that we did before the paid family me. Yeah. >> Right. >> So, but Now with that, there's an awful lot of new um

202
01:37:22.480 --> 01:37:38.800
reasons why people might take the leave that weren't there before. >> Yeah. So I >> those are I think those are more of the concerns that that we might see out there in terms of demands on workload. >> Absolutely. So um one thing to note, we

203
01:37:38.800 --> 01:37:55.040
do run FMLA concurrently when applicable. So, as long as the employees eligible for FMLA, um we run that concurrently and I can I didn't look at these numbers exactly, but I'm pretty confident to say that almost all of them have also been an FMLA qualifying event. So, it hasn't been one of those new

204
01:37:55.040 --> 01:38:10.639
reasons um per se or not many new reasons. Um so, I think these would be things that people would have been out for regardless. >> Oh, the FMLA pays the difference. >> No, so FMLA does not pay the difference. Um, FMLA would be job protection where

205
01:38:10.639 --> 01:38:26.639
PFML would be like partial wage replacement. And so, um, we when they when the event meets the criteria for both, we would run them concurrently. Um, under FMLA, they can use their sick and vacation to like top off um or

206
01:38:26.639 --> 01:38:42.159
there's maybe short-term disability, long-term disability, other things in place, but FMLA does not automatically pay them um or to make up the difference. So it's the it's the sick pay that we allow to top off. >> Correct.

207
01:38:42.159 --> 01:38:56.800
>> Yeah. And under ESST provisions, so there's all these inner workings with all these different laws. Um under ESST, they can use their sick vacation comp or flex to make them whole. So we can't just limit it to sick leave.

208
01:38:56.800 --> 01:39:15.440
>> Additional questions? This component is going to be very uh important for us to continue to track the data. We've had some conversation with state legislators on curiosity on how it's working, where are areas where we will see challenges. I know we've

209
01:39:15.440 --> 01:39:31.440
discussed and one I I do want to say um I'm really appreciative of the staff members that are are stepping up and putting on additional time and effort to get it done to make sure we're covered. Uh but we have had conversations about

210
01:39:31.440 --> 01:39:47.760
um you know these mandated staffing level pieces. If we get challen have challenges meeting those what does that mean particularly in the correctional facility just continue to give us that data and and we can uh communicate that to the state leaders.

211
01:39:47.760 --> 01:40:03.920
>> Absolutely. We get a report quarterly so I'm happy to provide. >> Okay. >> Good. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you. Um, Matt, do you mind if we do your budget presentation? We might have to

212
01:40:03.920 --> 01:40:20.159
have a break later uh because of um some data that we're asking for from extension. Are you Is Erica coming or is it just you >> or did I jump over to you? I'm sorry, Mark. Is that okay? I Sorry. I didn't

213
01:40:20.159 --> 01:40:37.199
mean to leap frog you, but [laughter] >> good answer. >> All right. So, let's go ahead. uh if you don't mind, I'm sorry for that. But let's do the GIS and communications uh budget. >> Good morning. >> Morning, Mark.

214
01:40:37.199 --> 01:40:53.520
>> Good morning, ma madam chair and commissioners. [clears throat and cough] So GIS and communications, I'm well aware of the fact that we are probably the most discretionary department that there is um because there's nothing that we do is required by statute. We're there specifically to

215
01:40:53.520 --> 01:41:08.320
support the uh other departments, what they're doing and with the information and services. So, we try to make sure that we're doing it as effectively as we can and as efficiently as we can and trying to get the most bang out of our bucket. So, we're constantly doing that.

216
01:41:08.320 --> 01:41:24.800
Um, so I meet with my staff a few times a year. We talk about this stuff, uh, what we're doing, how we can do it better. Uh, so when it comes to budgeting, one of the things I do is I keep my own spreadsheet. This is my 2027 one of trying to keep track of exactly

217
01:41:24.800 --> 01:41:41.119
what do we need to spend money on and what what's the best use of those dollars that we're requesting from you. Um, one of the biggest challenges we have is guessing what we're going to be needing to spend money on, you know, up to 18 months from now. So because sometimes things change like a really

218
01:41:41.119 --> 01:41:55.679
good example in my 2027 budget that you're looking at today I've got money setting setting in there for chat GPT which is something a year ago we didn't even think about. So we're always trying to be ready to adapt and uh put those

219
01:41:55.679 --> 01:42:11.520
things to use. Um one of the things that I'd like to mention is in 2025 at the beginning of that year we changed the position of our GIS technician to a full-time slot. that has been uh very beneficial to the county. Um it's

220
01:42:11.520 --> 01:42:28.639
allowed us to change how some workflows work and who does what tasks in the GIS division which specifically has made it possible for us not to use contractors as much as we used to. Uh we used to use GIS contractors that do some work for us and we've been able to have our GIS

221
01:42:28.639 --> 01:42:44.960
coordinator do those things instead and the technician has taken over the day-to-day tasks of maintaining our parcel data and some of those things. So at the end of the day, I think that makes a really good use of our resources and as because of that, I'm able to reduce my request this year for other

222
01:42:44.960 --> 01:42:59.920
professional services because we don't have quite the demand that we used to. So we're actually seeing that change. The other thing I wanted to note on this budget is one thing you'll I don't know whether you'll notice it or not, but uh one of our positions, our GI our communications coordinator position,

223
01:42:59.920 --> 01:43:15.840
we're not requesting it to be filled for 2027. We're going to leave it vacant. um that's saving us a 100 plus thousand dollars a year. Um so we're just going to leave it as is. So the question then is what aren't we doing because of that? Uh the probably the single biggest

224
01:43:15.840 --> 01:43:30.480
things we're not doing is our direct department support that we were doing before which had to do with uh graphics and brochures and um helping uh the departments with their specific uh communication needs. Right now we've kind of pushed that back to the

225
01:43:30.480 --> 01:43:47.760
departments to do on their own. we still will support them as best we can with the resources we have, but um we aren't doing that as well as we're not doing quite as much social media posts or those kind of things. So, we've kind of cut back on that to try to be as effective as we can. However, my staff

226
01:43:47.760 --> 01:44:03.840
are still doing amazing things. I mean, they're doing u all the stuff that we've been requested to do. We are doing that well. Uh we're still doing graphic arts. We're still doing signage. We're doing ADA compliance is our biggest one for this year. We've been working on another big one we've been doing is training uh

227
01:44:03.840 --> 01:44:18.800
training activities for our our staff specifically. We're rolling those kind of activities out. And for those of you that happen to be at the county fair this week, uh if you see a sign or poster there, chances are it came from our shop. We are producing a tremendous amount of product that's going out to the fairgrounds. So

228
01:44:18.800 --> 01:44:35.360
>> we're able to help extension and some other departments with that. So it's a really effective way of get using our tools that we have on hand. So to talk about the budget specifically, we have no new requests. Um we have um one reduction which is in other professional

229
01:44:35.360 --> 01:44:52.000
services. We reduce that one by uh 20% or or what was it? Yeah. >> 10,000 >> $10,000. And then we're increasing software because of software has been costing us more and more and more. We just it the cost of that's been going up

230
01:44:52.000 --> 01:45:08.320
anywhere from 9 to 12% that we're getting increased. So, we're basically just matching what the costs are expected to be for next year. That I'll ask for any questions. >> One question, Madam Chair. >> That's Commissioner Bear. >> In the computer software, is that where

231
01:45:08.320 --> 01:45:25.119
you're putting chat GBT in there or >> correct? >> Absolutely. And uh one of the thing I didn't mention, I probably should, was last year we had a couple line items I went over a little bit. Um, mostly because one of the things we missed, you know, we we try to plan this stuff out,

232
01:45:25.119 --> 01:45:40.000
right? We try to think of things. One of the biggest things we missed was new buildings, right? We had these two new buildings came online at the end of 2024. The thing we missed was cameras. You know, we got c surveillance cameras everywhere. There's two in this room.

233
01:45:40.000 --> 01:45:55.199
Even if you're in a public space in a Klay County building, you're in there's a surveillance camera watching you. The ca piece we missed was that each of these cameras have a license agreement that we pay for. And I it was in my budget at that time and it's $59 a year per camera. Well, we added now we have

234
01:45:55.199 --> 01:46:10.800
416 cameras. We added 86 alone in the withdrawal management detox facility. >> When that bill came last September, we were like, "Oh, shucks. We missed that." So, if you remember, uh Rory actually came to you last fall. We moved that to his budget and you changed his 2026

235
01:46:10.800 --> 01:46:26.880
budget to capture that extra cost. So, we've already addressed that, but it was it's just an example of we try our best to guess what we're going to need to spend money on, but sometimes things happen and we just miss things or or you know, that kind of stuff. So, we we try

236
01:46:26.880 --> 01:46:42.080
try to be good stewards of the of the taxpayer dollar. >> And and to that, you know, the reasoning for adding the additional cameras, and we've talked about this, is uh the the liability of not having that far exceeds what that payment. >> Oh, absolutely. They're well worth the

237
01:46:42.080 --> 01:46:59.760
money we spend on them. And >> questions. >> I do want to highlight a a point that you talked about the amount of work that your department does to help additional uh county departments but also partners

238
01:46:59.760 --> 01:47:14.960
is huge. And you know, I've tal we've been at the SWCD when you have worked with them to provide maps and they've commented on that as well. you know, I really do appreciate that and and I think in many ways uh your department um

239
01:47:14.960 --> 01:47:31.520
gets um jobs get put on your department because it seems to make the most sense and how do we communicate and and tell the story to the residents about what services are available, when things would be closed, where you can go. So, I appreciate that flexibility and continuing to meet that need. Thank you.

240
01:47:31.520 --> 01:47:49.199
>> Questions? Questions? I >> uh Commissioner Camp I'm >> Mark I'm trying to um when I when I look at your uh salary line items from 2026 and which you're

241
01:47:49.199 --> 01:48:05.679
proposing in 2027 when when was it that we um no longer used had the one position was that >> it would midway in 2026. Yeah, it was. Yeah, we actually at the end of last year, we I came to you and we took it

242
01:48:05.679 --> 01:48:20.880
out. So, they took it out of the budget this year. I'm not entirely sure the numbers work for what they took out this year. >> That's that's why that's why I'm asking the question. My math actually >> because [clears throat] if we have if we have one less full-time person >> Uhhuh.

243
01:48:20.880 --> 01:48:38.480
>> than we did uh when we established a 2026 budget and you have you've had no other new hires or anything. Um why are why are we that much more? >> I I I just think I my guess is is the

244
01:48:38.480 --> 01:48:54.880
number they took out of this year's was not exactly what it should have been. I I I with or without >> I think there's >> Yeah. >> issues here. >> Yeah. Just on that item. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I don't I don't know that answer for sure. >> Okay. Maybe we can just get clarification on it because because I

245
01:48:54.880 --> 01:49:11.520
would think that >> you know when we look at what Anna just did on >> on her report and you look at the increase which included both steps and the cola, >> right? >> That was like seven. 68% I think it was something like that.

246
01:49:11.520 --> 01:49:28.560
And and even just with steps and cola, you would think you'd be in that same percentage range. >> Yeah. >> And yet we're at >> 12 >> 12.59 plus we um no longer funding one position. >> Right. Why I think on this um when on

247
01:49:28.560 --> 01:49:44.560
the 2026 budget under salaries, I think they've removed that one position salary. >> It's been taken out. It's been taken out, but I don't think that my guess is and I I didn't have access to that, but uh my guess is the number they took out is not the right number. It was either before or after COLA or

248
01:49:44.560 --> 01:50:01.320
>> Okay, >> my that's just my estimate on that. I believe in I believe last year in the 2026 budget, the cola was added after it was a line item. Um and so that none of the budgets last year included the cola, the 4%.

249
01:50:01.920 --> 01:50:21.679
>> Okay. Thank you. >> Additional questions, >> Commissioner Kavanagh. >> Your microphone. >> That being said, is it only in this number this year? >> It is. If you recall last year,

250
01:50:21.679 --> 01:50:37.760
commissioners, we were in the process of negotiating negotiating the union contract. And so um we we had a we we knew a number we had a number pegged in that or we didn't have a number pegged in there because we didn't know where the cola was going to land. And so

251
01:50:37.760 --> 01:50:53.760
essentially you're seeing a a 4% and a 3% >> from from the 2025 number. >> So is that going to be consistent then every um budget? Well, when we get now that we're back on track with our union contracts

252
01:50:53.760 --> 01:51:08.880
of going two years and three years, the goal is we're always going to know the next years. >> Yeah. But I'm saying from last year to this year, we'll have to account for that cola not being in one year and and now will be. >> That's Yes, that's correct.

253
01:51:08.880 --> 01:51:27.280
>> So in our minds, that's all I'm saying, >> right? >> Part of the increase. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Additional questions. Thank you, Mark. Matt, can we do yours as well? Uh, we're

254
01:51:27.280 --> 01:51:42.320
waiting on some communication from extension and then we will take a break after your budget presentation. The next item is a budget presentation for the planning and zoning department. Our planning and zoning director, Matt Jacobson. Good morning. >> Good morning, Madam Chair and

255
01:51:42.320 --> 01:51:59.520
commissioners. So, here today to present my proposed 2027 budget. I just want to make a note of one um change on here. If you look at the DNR shoreline, um that $2,944

256
01:51:59.520 --> 01:52:17.440
should be included in 2027. So, I will update that um just to make sure that that is included. Uh $2,944 >> revenue. >> Yep. It's under revenue. Yep. [cough and laughter] It's our uh >> shoreline.

257
01:52:17.440 --> 01:52:35.199
>> Shoreline from shoreline to ground. Yep. >> All right. So, my budget is um looking like it's going to have a a 3% um increase just over 3% increase this year. This is largely uh almost 100% driven by um personnel costs, um

258
01:52:35.199 --> 01:52:50.560
staffing costs, uh and everything else in my budget. Um just in terms of operating expenses, I proposed to stay remain the same um from 2026. Uh I should say that um we're able to

259
01:52:50.560 --> 01:53:07.679
keep those costs um fairly flat um because we've been able to do a couple things. One is we've um been able to expand online permitting and payment capabilities. So, we're now taking every single application, whether it be for a building permit, uh, all the way up to a

260
01:53:07.679 --> 01:53:23.280
text amendment or a resoning petition, we can take online now. Uh, we can review it online. Um, and it just increases efficiencies in in that respect. And I want to thank Erica for that because she's largely been driving um that work and she's done a fantastic

261
01:53:23.280 --> 01:53:39.040
job um with getting us into the 21st century and and getting our our payments and everything online. Yes, Commissioner Bear. >> What percentage are we getting online now on >> permit? >> I would say it's over 50% at this point.

262
01:53:39.040 --> 01:53:54.159
So, we're trying to drive more people to if people ask for a a a permit application or something that we tend we want to >> steer them towards online option. Um, of course, we do have paper options as well uh for those who prefer that. Yep.

263
01:53:54.159 --> 01:54:12.239
>> Yep. So um we're also looking at just really laser focused on automating any repetitive tasks when necessary. Um as I had mentioned moving customers towards our online applications. One thing that's nice about the online applications is it really reduces um the

264
01:54:12.239 --> 01:54:28.560
amount of back and forth between our staff and applicants. Oftent times with the paper application we will get them and they will not be 100% complete. Um, so there's a lot of back and forth ask trying to get additional information.

265
01:54:28.560 --> 01:54:45.040
With the online application, you're basically required to fill in everything. And so that is really uh up the number of completed applications that that we've received. Um, we're also looking at or we have started just updating our staff reports, standardizing those, modernizing those a

266
01:54:45.040 --> 01:55:01.920
bit more um just to make things more consistent and that also improves efficiencies as well. Um, and really we're looking at just anywhere where we can um, if there is a um, increased demand or increased something that's

267
01:55:01.920 --> 01:55:17.760
causing an increased workload, we're looking for technology solutions to to make that more efficient. Um, I will say too that a lot of our um, some of our permitting this these past couple years has been a lot more complex. Um, mainly

268
01:55:17.760 --> 01:55:33.840
because of flood plane. Uh we've been dealing with a lot more after the-act flood plane um violations um and just flood plane permitting in general. That takes more time. And um we've fortunately been able to leverage some

269
01:55:33.840 --> 01:55:51.199
technology to help make that exped or expedite those processes a little bit more uh make them go be a little bit more efficient. Um and that's where I can thank uh other departments like Mark's department um for providing support uh to our department for that.

270
01:55:51.199 --> 01:56:07.360
>> Um and also just looking at how we um spend our grant money that we receive from the state in terms of our shoreland grants, our um in terms of we can use some of our shoreland grant funding for paying

271
01:56:07.360 --> 01:56:22.080
for noticing and things like that. if there's a hearing that has a a shoreland component to it, we can also kind of use that money for some flood plane stuff as well. And so looking at at being more um efficient with those dollars.

272
01:56:22.080 --> 01:56:37.760
Um, other than that, uh, I think just beyond the the staffing too, we also support our planning commission and board of adjustment. And so, um, making sure that, you know, uh, they're supported through their pdiums

273
01:56:37.760 --> 01:56:54.800
and their and their travel and mileage and then also providing training opportunities for them as well. There haven't been as many training opportunities this year. Um but in the past there have been a few um planning commissioners and board of adjustment members who've taken advantage of of the training opportunities that come up. So

274
01:56:54.800 --> 01:57:10.480
>> to that uh you know I I know in the past those training opportunities have been very valuable particularly when hot button issues come before the board to have that experience before we have those conversations. Obviously, we've talked about some some big uh potential

275
01:57:10.480 --> 01:57:27.440
land use issues that could be happening throughout Minnesota, particularly uh that would be helpful. AMC is doing those lunch and learns and sometimes I wonder if that would be a helpful uh just forwarding that availability opportunity to planning uh and um board

276
01:57:27.440 --> 01:57:45.040
of adjustment uh folks. I think that would be a helpful if there's something pertinent. Absolutely. >> Commissioner Campbell. >> Matt, do you um you got to I I look at your salary line item here and it doesn't you know when it when we think

277
01:57:45.040 --> 01:58:03.599
of all the things that you do um you know with the planning commissions and all those different meetings and I I certainly think this is very reasonable. Uh, and I I do I do hope that uh with what we've done

278
01:58:03.599 --> 01:58:20.719
over the past few years and I think back when Commissioner Bear was on the planning commission before commissioner, I think, you know, we tried to look at ways to um really modify what what requires a permit and what doesn't

279
01:58:20.719 --> 01:58:33.920
>> because I think there was an awful lot of additional demands that were put on you for what were being routine accepted um permits anyway. So I so I you know and I think with your your guidance on

280
01:58:33.920 --> 01:58:51.040
that and suggestions about how we can um reduce those requirements where where we can has been a good thing and I you know I'm just glad that you've done

281
01:58:51.040 --> 01:59:06.239
a good job. That's what I can say. >> Thank you Commissioner Campbell. I would agree with with how we've um changed some of the uh the um permitting requirements and then also say like what might require a variance as well. >> Yes. >> Um that those changes have been >> I do think it's important though to

282
01:59:06.239 --> 01:59:21.840
mention that uh because we don't require someone to get a permit for a 10x10 Menard's storage shed that we're not seeing decreases in planning and zoning permit revenue. Y >> and that was something that came up. We we wanted to make sure that uh if it

283
01:59:21.840 --> 01:59:38.480
made sense, we changed it, but uh you know, not to the detriment of what the revenue that you um you're anticipating. Uh it's nice to see growth there. >> Yep. And uh Madam Chair, just regarding uh revenues too, I think one thing that we might want to look at this year too

284
01:59:38.480 --> 01:59:55.199
with our fee schedule is maybe looking at some slight increases. Um not to to make a profit at all, just to cover the actual costs. um especially with say after the fact permits um and then also our permits that require public notices

285
01:59:55.199 --> 02:00:12.560
in the forms of publications in the newspaper and then u mailed notices as well. Uh right now we are not anywhere close to um breaking even on those unless we have a certain number of hearings in a night. Um, so it'd be good to look at that uh relative to the costs

286
02:00:12.560 --> 02:00:27.520
of printing and publishing, >> which I appreciate because we have had substantial conversation on that as well and understanding that the levy goes into um providing the services that um sometimes are required. But I do think it's important there have been some

287
02:00:27.520 --> 02:00:45.520
fairly large applications that take a substantial amount of time and wanting to make sure that the fee structure reflects the additional workload that would go into that. Y questions. I I just want to clarify. So the uh

288
02:00:45.520 --> 02:01:02.719
let's see the salaries and predium line uh is what goes the payment to the planning commission >> correct >> members for the meetings. And this is an interesting trend because uh it seems like we've we always have a quorum but

289
02:01:02.719 --> 02:01:18.960
um it if you look at the actuals from the past two years we're we're trending downward in participation >> at those is that >> well Madam Chair I would say it's it's been fairly steady. Um one thing I will say though with this year is there we

290
02:01:18.960 --> 02:01:34.159
had a stretch where we did not have a board of adjustment meeting. >> Right. >> Um we we went about a three-month stretch. So >> there's not a lot a lot of members on that board either. >> Exactly. Yeah. It's a five member board. Yep. >> So I appreciate that. But I I do want to continue

291
02:01:34.159 --> 02:01:49.840
um just to reiterate to folks if they're willing to serve in that capacity that we really do appreciate their presence at that board. That's really important. >> Yep. Absolutely. >> Additional questions from the board. >> Just make a comment if if I was able to,

292
02:01:49.840 --> 02:02:05.199
Madam Chair. I think to to Matt's comments that he made earlier, his engagement as far as, you know, one of the challenges that we face with permits is we're many times our citizens are having to act on our time uh and going allowing it to do it after hours has

293
02:02:05.199 --> 02:02:21.040
made a difference. I think your investment in the position that Erica has also goes to the to the amount of followup that we're able to do now. And so I think that when you see that the revenues maybe didn't dip, I think it's really a combination of one uh the work that our our citizens may know that

294
02:02:21.040 --> 02:02:35.520
okay, well, I'm just going to go ahead and do this because I can't get to Matt's office to get this permit. Uh but now understanding that there's also maybe going to potentially that there is followup. Uh that they are there those two are connected. I feel like >> absolutely.

295
02:02:35.520 --> 02:02:53.040
>> Okay, additional questions. Uh same goes to you. Thank you for this thoughtful budget. But I know that um you know department heads have heard the concern from this board and what the outlook is and uh really want to as a member of the planning commission give

296
02:02:53.040 --> 02:03:08.880
huge applause to your entire uh staff. The preparation that goes into all of those meetings is topnotch and you're able to to really have so much of the work done. So when it does come to the planning uh commission it's it's really fairly seamless and and that doesn't

297
02:03:08.880 --> 02:03:24.159
happen without a lot of work. And so I want you to know that we appreciate that. >> Thank you. I appreciate that. >> Any other questions for Matt on the budget proposal? >> No. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> We will go ahead and take a a fivem

298
02:03:24.159 --> 02:12:52.639
minute break now. Come back at 9:56. All right, thank you for that. We are back with our item 10 today, which is a request the Klay County Board of Commissioners consider authorizing the West Central Regional Water District and AE2S staff to continue evaluating the

299
02:12:52.639 --> 02:13:09.440
potential addition of Wilin County to the West Central Regional Water District. Steve, >> thank you, Madam Chair. Commissioners, uh, as you are well aware, uh, as we've become part of, uh, this project with Norman and Pulk County, there's been a great deal of interest not only within our three count threeounty area, but

300
02:13:09.440 --> 02:13:26.960
also some of our partners uh, partner counties uh, in uh, next to us. And so we did, we've had several questions that have come to the West Central Regional uh, Water District Board. Uh and of of note on June 16th, Wilin County Board of

301
02:13:26.960 --> 02:13:43.760
Commissioners uh for formally submitted a request to the West Central Regional Water District uh expressing interest to join uh that district. Uh they also have identified having the different issues with their with their water sources and their wells uh and feel that it would be

302
02:13:43.760 --> 02:13:59.280
a good investment and infrastructure for their county also uh to look in what they were doing. And as part of their request, Wilin County also acknowledged that it would be that there's been a great deal of work that's gone on by Pulk uh Pope Pulk Norman and Clay County

303
02:13:59.280 --> 02:14:14.079
and a lot of expense that's come with that. Uh and Wilin County has acknowledged that they would be responsible for all legal engineering administrative and other costs association with uh having them being included within the water district moving forward.

304
02:14:14.079 --> 02:14:30.159
Uh this this uh topic was uh was addressed with the water district board on June 29th. Uh and they uh uh then requested moving this forward for our discussions from each of our counties. Uh again, this does not commit them

305
02:14:30.159 --> 02:14:45.679
commit them to allowing them to join. What it does is it commits your willingness to have Wilin County uh potentially be considered and the work that would go into it both [clears throat] uh both internally from the water district staff or our our

306
02:14:45.679 --> 02:15:03.440
board uh also then to to uh the financing requirements that I would take with Wilin County. With that, I'd yield for any questions. >> All right. Questions or comments from either of you that are on that board? Commissioner. >> Um thank you. As Steve mentioned, uh,

307
02:15:03.440 --> 02:15:19.119
Wilin has expressed interest in in this and, uh, Commissioner Bear and I had an opportunity to meet with a couple of the Wilin County Commissioners prior to their requested letter to the West Central Regional Water District. And [clears throat] what they're really

308
02:15:19.119 --> 02:15:37.599
looking for here is um some sort of a [clears throat] consent that you know um if they go through this process uh that they're there's a likelihood that they

309
02:15:37.599 --> 02:15:54.480
would be accepted in um as what as Steve mentioned you know we each of us three counties had a significant invest investment into both the legal and engineering moving this point forward. Wilin County is going to have to

310
02:15:54.480 --> 02:16:11.040
basically go through a lot of the same steps that that we did. Uh and I I believe the estimates that were given to them are up upwards of a4 million dollars that they're going to have to pay to do that. And so before they go through and spend that quarter million dollars, they they want to have some

311
02:16:11.040 --> 02:16:26.639
sort of an idea uh from each of ultimately for that for that district to change all boards have to approve of it individually, not just not just the West Central board itself.

312
02:16:26.639 --> 02:16:43.280
So, um, so they've been they were basically their request is, okay, if we go through this process, you as a Klay County board, would you be willing to accept them in? You know, I think that's really what the question is here. And and of course, I we encourage

313
02:16:43.280 --> 02:16:58.240
them. I think both Commissioner Bear and I encourage them to. Um, just on a side note, by having Wilin County come, if they were to come in, it also expands our our lobbying efforts and our our

314
02:16:58.240 --> 02:17:15.040
representation on there. It brings in another uh another House Senate or Senator uh in Minnesota into our group that's could be beneficial in u Senator Rasmusson is pretty influential in in

315
02:17:15.040 --> 02:17:31.519
St. Paul. So, and he I believe he firmly is working with Wilin County to >> see their problem solved. So, that's kind of what what >> representative >> what we're asking for here is just a wink and a nod, I guess.

316
02:17:31.519 --> 02:17:48.080
>> Commissioner Abinger. >> Yes. I've had a couple of the Wil County Commissioners that I serve on other boards with. They're excited about this. And the whole purpose of this thing is is to get rural water and they have a need and they certainly

317
02:17:48.080 --> 02:18:05.840
meet the criteria of rural communities that have have this need. So I think it's a good opportunity for them and and very supportive of it. Commissioner Bear, >> the only com comment I want to add from

318
02:18:05.840 --> 02:18:20.559
Commissioner Campbell is we I've been talking with them for the last about year. They came up to me and approached me and wondering if they could join or what the process is and we were waiting for them waiting for us to finally get certified in April, which we did. So

319
02:18:20.559 --> 02:18:36.631
that's why this is coming to light now. >> Additional questions, Commissioner? Not a not a not a question, but you know, once once this does happen, of course, the way the statute works is that we would have to um

320
02:18:36.631 --> 02:18:51.359
[clears throat] redo the makeup of the board. That that would be required by statute. So, we don't know if we would if a count [clears throat] if there's a certain county who would lose a member and it would go to Wilin

321
02:18:51.359 --> 02:19:09.381
or if we would increase by a member or or two members. So, [clears throat] that's that would that's yet to be determined, but I just think the board, you know, in full transparency needs to know that that would be something that would be required under statute down the road. We'd have to adjust that. as so we

322
02:19:09.381 --> 02:19:25.519
[clears throat] asked a question of um one of their Wilin County commissioners who was at our west central meeting and I believe it would be their intention to include their entire county including Breen Ridge in in their district. So

323
02:19:25.519 --> 02:19:43.840
that that's that really where they gain the population base. Uh that that of course that's beneficial to all of us and of course Breenriidge could end up being a supplier. Anyway, that's >> all right. Any additional comments or

324
02:19:43.840 --> 02:20:02.160
feedback? But uh there is a requested action before us. And madam chair, commissioners, if the board were to move on this, the the attorney for uh for the water district has requested that the motion be read as it as it's written.

325
02:20:02.160 --> 02:20:17.840
>> All right, Madam Chair, I'd like to make a motion. Commissioner Bear, >> like to make a motion to approve the authorization supporting the continued evaluation of a Wilin County's request to join the West Central Regional Water District acknowledging that Wilin County has agreed to fund all legal,

326
02:20:17.840 --> 02:20:33.280
engineering, administrative, and other costs associated with its proposed inclusion inclusion such that no additional costs will be incurred by the existing member counties during the process. This support is contingent upon the

327
02:20:33.280 --> 02:20:49.280
identifying identification of acceptable funding, completion and approval of all necessary legal memorandums and assoc associated associated agreements between Wilin County, the West Central Regional Water District and Pole Clay and Norman

328
02:20:49.280 --> 02:21:05.760
counties. Comp completion of any required engineering, fiscal and stationary evaluation and satisfaction satisfying of all applicable requirements under Minnesota statutes chapter 116A. The county board

329
02:21:05.760 --> 02:21:21.040
reserves the final approval of Wilin County's occlusion into the West Central Regional Water District until all contingencies have been satisfied, at which time the matter shall return to the county board of consideration and the final action of formal resolution. >> Second the motion. We

330
02:21:21.040 --> 02:21:36.640
>> have a motion offered from Commissioner Bear, a second from Commissioner Campbell. Would you like to read the second, Commissioner Campbell? >> You want to read it for the second? >> You want to read the whole thing for the second? Any additional comments? Comments.

331
02:21:36.640 --> 02:21:53.280
All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> I. >> Oppos. Same. Sign. [clears throat] Carried. Thank you. I also agree. I think this benefits the region as a whole. It really bolsters our legislative advocacy adding additional representation into it as well.

332
02:21:53.280 --> 02:22:07.600
Item 11, the request approval of agreement with uh Winthrop and Weinstein to provide lobbyist legislative services on behalf of Klay County. Uh thank you, Madam Chair, commissioners. Uh again, you this board has taken an active role

333
02:22:07.600 --> 02:22:24.399
uh with legislative priorities for our county in addition to those of AMC. Uh this past year uh this board agreed uh to a contract with the Winthrop and Weinstein uh for lobbyist services uh

334
02:22:24.399 --> 02:22:40.880
that the cost per month was $4,000 per month over $48,000 on an annual basis. Uh we had a uh an update from from Haley and Tom on June 9th and also they were part of our work session uh to evaluate

335
02:22:40.880 --> 02:22:57.920
uh one that what was accomplished and also what potentially could be accomplished at the upcoming session. Uh and uh and so I'd ask them to bring forward a contract for this board to consider. Uh again, if you take a look from the contract, uh they they kept the

336
02:22:57.920 --> 02:23:14.160
amount the same, $4,000 per month or or $48,000 for uh for the next 2027 budget. Uh if you take a look at the the work that they've done alongside of all of you uh down in St. Paul, uh if we our

337
02:23:14.160 --> 02:23:32.160
two main priorities last year, uh flood mitigation and also the non-secured detention, uh we were able to secure 11.8 8 million working together. Uh so if you if you figure that out, uh for every $1 that we invested in our lobbyist, we had a return of 248 or two

338
02:23:32.160 --> 02:23:47.040
$24583. So with that, I'd yield for any additional questions. >> Thank you. I would I would also say that given the additional priorities that we had um as as secondary with the watershed with the water district and

339
02:23:47.040 --> 02:24:02.479
the uh pum component we did have conversations about that with them while we were there and so I would argue that we actually that that figure's doubled over $20 million to Klay County and benefit really uh out of the legislative

340
02:24:02.479 --> 02:24:19.520
session. Questions from the board? Commissioner C. >> I don't have I don't have a question, but I I guess as we as we [clears throat] um I I really um was impressed with I was somewhat skeptical going into it, but I I certainly impressed with the

341
02:24:19.520 --> 02:24:35.760
results and I it certainly as far as I'm concerned warrants us uh moving forward with them. Again, I I would like and I and again, it's been primarily on bonding issues um you know, like the flood mitigation

342
02:24:35.760 --> 02:24:52.160
and and the juvenile detention facility. But, um another area that I I think maybe they could be helpful on is the helping us with the message, even though AMC does it. um you know when we start looking at

343
02:24:52.160 --> 02:25:07.680
these policies that are coming out there and when we're seeing these formula where where we're penalized for doing a good job, you know, in the areas of social services, maybe that's another area that they can

344
02:25:07.680 --> 02:25:23.600
lend us a hand in in trying to convince the legislature that, you know, don't penalize uh counties who, you know, have a 1.8% 8% error rate when the state has over a 10% error rate and it's costing

345
02:25:23.600 --> 02:25:40.720
Klay County and it $1.5 million um probably at a minimum. I think those are areas that I don't think we need to have them just work on infrastructure issues. M >> I think they can help us on policy issues

346
02:25:40.720 --> 02:25:57.840
>> and I so hopefully that can be a message that this board gives to them moving forward into next year. I I think that that's probably a more costly thing down the road. >> Yeah. >> than than some of our other requests are >> now that the flood mitigation is you

347
02:25:57.840 --> 02:26:14.319
know I mean we're probably still going to be doing some small asks there. But anyway, that's that's my my thoughts on that. Madam Chair, >> I I do really appreciate that perspective and Commissioner the floor in a moment. I do want to say that we have had conversations about pivoting

348
02:26:14.319 --> 02:26:30.640
now that we're out of a bonding cycle year. We're into a policy piece, highlighting those that are really going to be hitting the levy in a a challenging way if the legislature doesn't act on their mandates. So, I appreciate that and I certainly can give the direction to them if the board chooses. Commissioner Ebinger.

349
02:26:30.640 --> 02:26:48.160
>> Yeah. Just one one item. Excuse me. One item that or aspect of this that I think the heaven lobby it when almost becomes vital. We're looking at the issues with the score fun or with the score funding the

350
02:26:48.160 --> 02:27:03.280
>> Oh, that too. >> That too. >> Yeah, that too. But many of the funding elements we're dealing with right now, counties have different counties have different positions on it. And when we rely on AMC to to be our representative

351
02:27:03.280 --> 02:27:20.080
on this, they at times are going to have issues where there's conflict within the counties. And it's good to have a talented team with you when you're trying to go in and show that we we are meeting the qualifications that are desirable in

352
02:27:20.080 --> 02:27:35.359
dealing with with our funding that we get from the state and from the federal agencies. and that other counties that are not as successful aren't going to be inclined to join us in trying to lobby

353
02:27:35.359 --> 02:27:51.520
for what's the best interest of the Klay County residents. So, these folks have done a good job. I certainly think it's money well spent. And uh having said that, I might as well make the motion to approve the agreement with Winthre and

354
02:27:51.520 --> 02:28:07.920
Winream Weinstein PA to provide lobbyist legislative services on behalf of Klay County. >> Second. >> Okay, we have a motion offered from Commissioner Ebinger, a second from Commissioner Kavanagh. >> Just one comment. >> Commissioner Bear,

355
02:28:07.920 --> 02:28:24.800
>> this was budgeted for last year, right? This is not going to be an increase on our That's >> correct. Everybody knows. Yeah, >> correct. the uh and this contract goes through the end of this year as well. So we have had conversation with them on additional work. I think uh Commissioner >> Campbell had talked to them about uh

356
02:28:24.800 --> 02:28:40.399
coordinating the DNR has mitigation funding application components as well. >> My question uh has this been reviewed by the attorney's office? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> All right. Additional questions from the board? I would note, Madam Chair, that

357
02:28:40.399 --> 02:28:54.560
that Commissioner Campbell's comments are very timely. I had a conversation with Quinn yesterday. He is going to be coming to board next week uh with some additional updates, but we did were notified that the state has air rate has gone up over 10% now, which will put us

358
02:28:54.560 --> 02:29:20.240
in the 15% category. All right. >> Questions? Uh, we have not voted yet. Correct. >> That's giving up. >> Any other comments? All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> I. >> Those same sign carried. Thank you for

359
02:29:20.240 --> 02:29:36.960
prepping that. uh in looking back at the item uh five and uh four and five where Cecilia was before us earlier, we've left messages with Cecilia. I know they're scrambling to get the data uh that was requested. I

360
02:29:36.960 --> 02:29:54.800
did reach out to Carrie Robu who is the direct supervisor of the program and felt like it would be helpful for her to help get information. it. Um I would prefer that and they would as well that we table um since the budget component needs to happen after the item four that

361
02:29:54.800 --> 02:30:09.359
we table both items to next week so that we could have in-person presentation with um there is a a hiccup there but just given given what staff is under with the county fair this week feel that would be uh the most fair and so uh

362
02:30:09.359 --> 02:30:26.240
would take up um if the board wanted uh tableabling ing them one at a time to next Tuesday. >> You need a motion for that. >> Correct. >> Yeah. I'll make a motion for to let's see >> item four.

363
02:30:26.240 --> 02:30:42.560
>> Item Yeah. Okay. I have a motion to table of Clay County Board of Commissioners uh considering modification University of Minnesota contract on staffing level leveled. >> We [snorts] have a motion offered to lay on the table. Item four from Commissioner Kabanov to second from

364
02:30:42.560 --> 02:30:57.040
Commissioner Bear. That is a non-debatable motion. >> Well, Madam Chair, I think the motion needs to include table till when? >> I thought it wasn't included in what he said. I apologize. >> Yeah. Uh tabled until >> next Tuesday.

365
02:30:57.040 --> 02:31:15.479
>> Next week being what's the date? 14th. >> 14th. >> Uh July 14th. >> Okay. And that resembles your second as well. Thank you for catching that, Commissioner Campbell. >> All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. I >> oppose. Same sign carries.

366
02:31:16.399 --> 02:31:32.160
>> I'll also make a motion that the uh present uh the extension budget presentation for 2027 also be um tabled until next week's meeting on July 14th. >> Motion offered from Commissioner

367
02:31:32.160 --> 02:31:48.720
Kabanov, a second from Commissioner Bear to lay item five on the table until next Tuesday. Additional com or no? Uh, all those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppose. Same sign carried. Thank you.

368
02:31:48.720 --> 02:32:16.479
Okay. Going back into item 12 would be our committee reports. Commissioner Ebinger. Uh, two weeks of reports. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Let's see. On Tuesday the 23rd of June, I uh myself and Commissioner Campbell

369
02:32:16.479 --> 02:32:32.960
attended the trip authority board uh meeting at the dispatch center. Uh I think probably the high point of it all was we did pass a uh a motion was sent up from the

370
02:32:32.960 --> 02:32:51.280
executive board uh for a 2027 budget. Um the budget was an 8.28% increase and it included um a uh technology specialist position which I

371
02:32:51.280 --> 02:33:07.040
mean is is fairly critical for for succession there. Um we have a wonderful talented uh individual in the position of technology supervisor. Uh but he is he's been there for 20 years and sooner

372
02:33:07.040 --> 02:33:22.640
or later he needs to retire and we have a a competent uh younger employee who's moving into the position to learn learn what uh what he does. So uh we passed the motion to make to approve that

373
02:33:22.640 --> 02:33:38.880
budget and it'll be coming up here during our budget discussions for review. Uh we also defined the uh public service T1 call taker job description which at this point we do

374
02:33:38.880 --> 02:33:57.800
not have. We've not taken a call taker dispatcher model on yet. But to have those positions and a pay structure on them uh is essential if they're going to transition at some point which I think they'll need to. So that was done. Um

375
02:34:01.520 --> 02:34:17.280
also recognized uh Commissioner Colpek from um from Fargo, uh Commissioner or Mayor Mahoney from Fargo and uh

376
02:34:17.280 --> 02:34:34.680
Commissioner Olsen, all of whom have been on the board but who were moving out because of the elections. North Dakota. We'll have new people coming on board here shortly from those from the North Dakota partners.

377
02:34:34.906 --> 02:34:50.399
[clears throat] Um on the 24th, Wednesday, I attended the Partnership for Health entrance meeting with state auditors and staff from Becker County and uh Klay County

378
02:34:50.399 --> 02:35:06.319
discussing the upcoming audit. Since there's a transition from the four county model to a new twocount model, there's going to be a higher level of scrutiny paid attention to uh to us on this audit. But as it stands right now,

379
02:35:06.319 --> 02:35:23.600
everything looks good and uh they'll be moving in and starting the audit process. Um later that day I attended the Morehead or the the uh Metro Flood Diversion Authority Finance Committee meeting.

380
02:35:23.600 --> 02:35:43.319
Uh basically was general business where we approved a couple of the financial reports to forward to the next day to the uh diversion authority board of authority.

381
02:35:47.680 --> 02:36:10.479
And on the 25th I attended that meeting. Uh we uh the uh executive director gave report there's an intention to get a new committee and board member orientation set up for new members that are coming in. As Commissioner Campbell pointed

382
02:36:10.479 --> 02:36:25.760
out, we're going to have in the next year six new members on the board. >> We're going to have eight new members. >> Eight new members. So, there's going to be a turnover. And it I think it's critical that we have u some of the u new people brought on board and brought

383
02:36:25.760 --> 02:36:52.120
up speed with with what's a pretty complex board assignment. There's going to be a board retreat on September 15th. Um, I apologize. I did not review this prior to leaving the meeting here a week ago.

384
02:36:52.479 --> 02:37:10.840
Regular project updates and regular business. And again, there was recognition uh for Mayor Mahoney and other board members who were leaving uh because of term limit limits or retirement from their positions.

385
02:37:16.479 --> 02:37:34.399
On uh Friday the 26th, I attended a remote meeting of the Great Fargo Mortad EDC board. Uh Charlie Johnson updated us on the convention center over in the decision to have a

386
02:37:34.399 --> 02:37:51.600
downtown location for it. Uh we also discussed um the executive director's uh performance review and reviewed some of the material that was provided to us earlier

387
02:37:51.600 --> 02:38:08.720
and um there was a plan to prevent return or to present return on investment and some of the other concerns that were brought up in that evaluation. Uh there were two nominations for new members of the executive board

388
02:38:08.720 --> 02:38:26.160
and that completed that meeting. And on the first of this month, [cough and clears throat] I attended uh out of James Nelson Farm south of uh City Morehead, Amy Clolobisher had a press conference.

389
02:38:26.160 --> 02:38:41.200
The SNAP problems we were identifying earlier were discussed uh as part of that presentation. Uh she also presented uh some potential pro projects that she would propose if

390
02:38:41.200 --> 02:38:57.920
she were governor to address needs of rural Minnesota. Uh we did discuss the cost that we've got of SNAP air rates. U which now it looks like the state has gotten worse and we've continue and maintain an excellent position and yet we're going

391
02:38:57.920 --> 02:39:18.319
to be penalized even more now. So that completes my report. >> Thank you, Commissioner Ebinger. Thank you also for being present for that. I think that was an important dialogue. Commissioner Kavanagh, >> thank you, Madam Chair. Um

392
02:39:18.319 --> 02:39:35.040
have two meetings here. Uh going back to the um June 24th and June 25th, Commissioner Bear and I went to a two-day um [clears throat] um a a two-day government

393
02:39:35.040 --> 02:39:51.840
which is tribal state relations training and uh this was held in Granite Falls. Um the presentation was done um in line with a statute that was passed in 2021

394
02:39:51.840 --> 02:40:07.840
under Governor Walls um and it's statute 1065 and what it uh the essence of the um uh of the of the statute is that the relationship between

395
02:40:07.840 --> 02:40:22.960
state government meaning their agencies mostly and and the uh legislators themselves um understand uh and gain knowledge of past history.

396
02:40:22.960 --> 02:40:39.120
uh also current uh situations that are going uh within uh the 11 tribal uh uh tribes in the state of Minnesota and requires them to create education and

397
02:40:39.120 --> 02:40:55.280
conversation so that they understand each other uh to the highest ability that they can do. It also gives rules and regulations as to how to um go about

398
02:40:55.280 --> 02:41:10.000
uh respecting and honoring and working with each other's authorities and rights uh so that in order to uh work better in a relationship that honors each other and helps each other jointly. So that

399
02:41:10.000 --> 02:41:27.520
was the overall view of it. Uh it was um o overwhelming at point I I would say with information it was really I mean when they started at nine and they did go till five. I mean it was one thing

400
02:41:27.520 --> 02:41:44.640
after another with a few breaks. Uh, a big part of the what they did was to give a historical background starting all the way back to Columbus uh to present day. Obviously um um you know

401
02:41:44.640 --> 02:42:01.920
the some of their story that they presented is very tragic and yet at the uh the other end of it as we get more current day we see uh some of those areas that have created can create and

402
02:42:01.920 --> 02:42:19.680
still uh create challenges uh for the two entities. So you have your federal government, you have your state government and you have your tribes and how they all um share their identities. Uh they use the word sovereignty

403
02:42:19.680 --> 02:42:38.000
um uh how how you mix and mingle all three and when one one's authority uh um overseas uh overlays the other one. Um maybe I'll uh that's a good overview of

404
02:42:38.000 --> 02:42:54.640
that on my part. Um Commissioner Bear may have more specific things to chair share. Um they've done this educator that was leading this has done 50 of these trainings over the years. Um it

405
02:42:54.640 --> 02:43:11.439
varies from year to year how often they have them. It's kind of up to the tribes. They've had as up to as many as 11 a year. And this year they may only have two or three, but I would suggest for the future I I found it very very um

406
02:43:11.439 --> 02:43:27.040
uh important information to know. Um I would suggest you know we uh participate best we can whenever it returns over to uh white earth. um just to help our relationships or grow our relationships

407
02:43:27.040 --> 02:43:44.720
I should say um you know with our uh the with the tribe closest to us. So um later on the um that was the 24th and 25th and then that evening the 25th I had my monthly meeting for CAP LP. Uh we

408
02:43:44.720 --> 02:44:00.319
had a full review um of our audit done by Bergen KDB. The audit audit report showed that CAPLP is in good standing and had no negative marks. That's the highest uh it can do.

409
02:44:00.319 --> 02:44:15.680
Um and then um so with that that that was approved by the board which then led into uh the financial statements uh that go along [clears throat] with um uh the

410
02:44:15.680 --> 02:44:32.640
report and our 109 and our 1090 form uh nine I'm sorry our 990 form uh to the IRS for the 25 uh 2025 um tax here and we did approvals of several grants as we

411
02:44:32.640 --> 02:44:48.080
do every month. Again, it's amazing all the grant opportunities that people work at um over at that agency. And then uh they had a Head Start self assessment uh report as required by a federal head

412
02:44:48.080 --> 02:45:04.319
start uh oversight. Uh they gave detail of that um and everything has turned out uh in the report to be fine. So, um, that's what I have to say about that. So, um, that completes my report.

413
02:45:04.319 --> 02:45:19.279
>> Thank you, Commissioner Kabanov. Commissioner Campbell. >> Thank you. Um June 18th we had our um Grey Lake Solid Waste Budget Committee meeting which we

414
02:45:19.279 --> 02:45:35.920
were delegated to present the budget to the full board and the items [clears throat] of um of note on that were there was going there was a $220,000 projected increase due to labor and

415
02:45:35.920 --> 02:45:49.600
benefits. Uh there was an estimated increase of $55,000 in electrical costs, an increase in autotail management by 18,000. That's the first time they've

416
02:45:49.600 --> 02:46:06.160
increased that um in many many years. And then we had an [clears throat] increase of the internal service fund fund from 250,000 to 350,000. And I'll touch on that in a minute. and

417
02:46:06.160 --> 02:46:26.800
we had a reduction of $25,000 in the property insurance premium. And so the what it amounts to is there was an additional $355,000 in total cost in 2027. Uh which calculates out to a 4.6%

418
02:46:26.800 --> 02:46:43.840
increase as it relates to Klay County. That's an increase of $15,531 to the Klay County U solid waste budget for 2027. Uh if you want to look at it from a tipping fee standpoint, the tipping fee

419
02:46:43.840 --> 02:47:03.520
went from $160.31 to $167.71. So that meeting was held and recommended for approval. Uh I back on the issue of the um 250,000 to 350 on the internal service fund

420
02:47:03.520 --> 02:47:21.680
over the next five years um the need uh in the internal service fund is $630,000. And so we're we're just even by increasing it by 100,000 we're still going to be short. Uh but the nice thing

421
02:47:21.680 --> 02:47:37.600
about that is in year five uh there is a million dollar project scheduled in year five um but by the time that rolls around one of the previous five-year capital improvement bonds that we had will be

422
02:47:37.600 --> 02:47:54.319
paid off and and so we we're hoping that we could then incorporate another a new capital improvement bond um that would would help cover that to offset the need for that internal service fund. Otherwise, we'd really have and again it's it's all to try to make these

423
02:47:54.319 --> 02:48:11.200
annual increases as level as possible and that's that's part of what what that helps to do. So then on uh the 20 oh I guess I have my little backwards here. Oh yeah. Okay. On the 23rd, uh we did have the Red River Regional Dispatch

424
02:48:11.200 --> 02:48:30.240
Center board agenda and at that we we did uh review the um budget from the U recommended from the budget and finance committee. And as Commissioner Eber noted, we did approve

425
02:48:30.240 --> 02:48:48.640
that budget as a board. And then in also in addition to that we did consider approval of the call taker position uh and we um did not move forward on that uh for 2027.

426
02:48:48.640 --> 02:49:04.800
And we also considered a pay structure for the call taker job position and we did approve that but with the idea in mind that it's not going to be implemented right now because of the

427
02:49:04.800 --> 02:49:20.720
other demands on the budget that we have to deal with. Uh other things of note, we there's 36 of the 38 full-time positions uh in place right now. Um and there's

428
02:49:20.720 --> 02:49:39.120
two part-time. Commissioner Abbringer mentioned about the succession plan for the technology specialist position. And I think that's that was a critical thing. I think everybody agreed with that, including the executive committee, which is all our sheriffs and police chiefs and fire

429
02:49:39.120 --> 02:49:56.800
department. They all agreed that that position is critical to have somebody get in there and to learn the work that Brian does because it's important work. Then on the 24th, I attended the MOED

430
02:49:56.800 --> 02:50:14.560
wellhead protection plan uh part two meeting on the 24th and um we just kind of went over uh some of the changes um one of the one of the things that I brought up that they are incorporating into the wlet

431
02:50:14.560 --> 02:50:31.920
protection plan now that wasn't didn't exist back 10 years ago when it done was the fact that there is now a one watershed one plan deal through the wershed. So, so there's language in in this new weather protection plan that

432
02:50:31.920 --> 02:50:48.479
identifies that one wershed one plan program that's there. Uh then also then on the 25th we had our Klay County solid waste advisory committee meeting. Um, we got

433
02:50:48.479 --> 02:51:03.920
some grant updates and reports from Ella. She did a fantastic job with her work in those grants. Corey gave a good report on the landfill activities

434
02:51:03.920 --> 02:51:21.359
and um he presented a recycling formula that I think is going to come before this full board here soon that kind of addresses how we're going to distribute that re those recycling dollars in

435
02:51:21.359 --> 02:51:36.160
rather than just kind of pick some numbers out of the thin air. we have a we have a formula estab established that's going to help be consistent. There was a little a few little um suggestions on it. Um but I think overall

436
02:51:36.160 --> 02:51:52.399
uh it was well received. Uh on the also on the 25th we had our Mor Clay County Joint Powers Authority meeting and we did we did our final appointment on the representatives of the Minnesota

437
02:51:52.399 --> 02:52:10.800
funding or or the that and then the um the funding requests moving forward how that would how that would be prioritized. And then there was a some small contracting actions that we approved as

438
02:52:10.800 --> 02:52:30.800
well as a reimbursement request from family on their moving. And then the diversion authority board meeting was held that same day. Uh [sighs] a lot of a lot of updates. Uh, one thing

439
02:52:30.800 --> 02:52:48.720
of note, um, under the finance committee, uh, Mayor Dardis, um, gave a report, the sales tax collections, both from the Fargo sales tax and the C County sales tax has been somewhat stagnant or level.

440
02:52:48.720 --> 02:53:04.240
Uh, there's indications now in this last one that they've seen that there's they're starting to see that move in the positive direction again. So, that was good news. And of course it was um kind of a

441
02:53:04.240 --> 02:53:21.279
kind of kind of a day where we said goodbye to Chair Mahoney uh who meant a lot to me. I'd worked with him since day one on it. We were co-chairs of the on the original project. So it was kind of sad to have to say say goodbye and um

442
02:53:21.279 --> 02:53:38.640
but so it goes. Then also uh Bernie Dardis uh who was You know, it's it's nice when you uh have board members who might lead in committees that you have a lot of respect for and you know

443
02:53:38.640 --> 02:53:59.279
that what they're going to provide you is just good information. And Birdie Dardis was just solid in that regard when it comes to the finance financing reports. Um and then we did go into an executive

444
02:53:59.279 --> 02:54:14.880
session to discuss the um nest crop loss issue and we came back into um once we were done with that we got some updated information. We came back in and and the

445
02:54:14.880 --> 02:54:36.640
board took action to um get that contract or that um next crop loss agreement agreed to and that that was um supported by everybody. So, uh, and then I I I I should mention

446
02:54:36.640 --> 02:54:53.279
Denise Copek, too, was the other board member who, um, she'd been on there for four years and had done a a really good job, and she will be missed, too. And it's, it's, uh, the the nice thing about that thing is we're getting to October

447
02:54:53.279 --> 02:55:08.399
is the date that uh, it's supposed to be substantially complete. So the uh efforts on behalf of all those people for as many years as they worked on it uh they're going to they're going to see the results of that.

448
02:55:08.399 --> 02:55:25.600
It's going to be historic when it's all said and done. Uh then um on the 29th, Commissioner Bearer and I attended the West Central Regional Water meeting and we that one was held in

449
02:55:25.600 --> 02:55:40.560
Grand Forks. Uh items of note, we had some of the things that were in there. Of course, we had Wilin County was there. So we talked about that what we did today in terms of

450
02:55:40.560 --> 02:55:58.720
funding earmarks. um the 2024 earmark, we finally were approved for our first reimbursement of $327,000. So, we've been waiting that for quite some time. Um in terms of the 2026 year mark, we've we

451
02:55:58.720 --> 02:56:17.200
now have a case manager assigned. So, that's probably also a good thing. Um, and we, you know, our priorities were to really be talking about getting the water to Felton, Georgetown, Plyley, and Hendram as part of our key. That's to

452
02:56:17.200 --> 02:56:36.640
get this thing moving. And um, I think that's all I have on that. That concludes my report. >> Thank you, Commissioner Campbell. Commissioner Bear. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I also was down at the government to government tribal state relations

453
02:56:36.640 --> 02:56:51.680
training down in Granite Falls with Commissioner Kavanagh where it was a very eyeopening two-day retreat. We learned about a lot about the federal Indian policy and uh just the treaty obligations that

454
02:56:51.680 --> 02:57:08.240
the federal government has gone in with the tribes across the nation and specifically in Minnesota. It was a great retreat and I would I would yeah like to advise you everybody on board if it does come around closer to White

455
02:57:08.240 --> 02:57:24.080
Earth I'd advise you to go to it that yeah it's very very eye openening very well worth the two days and then on June 29th I was also at the West Central Regional Water District Board meeting up in Grand Forks where

456
02:57:24.080 --> 02:57:39.680
Commissioner Campbell gave a very good update on that the one thing the one thing I'd uh add to that we're also our next step is to do outreach with Felton, Georgetown, Pearly Hendram and H Hallstead on getting that getting

457
02:57:39.680 --> 02:57:55.840
contracts with them in the next couple months so we can move forward with pipeline. And after that meeting, we had a financial policy workshop up in Grand Forks 2 with West Central Region Water District where we were just setting more policies on the district. And that

458
02:57:55.840 --> 02:58:13.120
concludes my report. Madam Chair, >> thank you, Commissioner Bear. On the 23rd, I with all of you attended the employee appreciation picnic. Really great opportunity to uh celebrate the um amazing staff that we have at the

459
02:58:13.120 --> 02:58:28.800
county. Huge gratitude to the staff member and department heads that I really helped shape uh what that was. to uh thanks to Troy and to Commissioner Bear for providing the pork. Um one of my favorite times of the year and I

460
02:58:28.800 --> 02:58:43.600
can't go without saying that Kurt Cannon's got some sweet moves on the grill. So there's that. That evening I attended the planning commission meeting. We did have a request from Ryan and Michael Hog uh from Hog Farms uh

461
02:58:43.600 --> 02:59:01.439
Kayo expansion of a feed lot um in Humbult Township. There were some concerns in regards to fencing, but uh that is those are conditions of the permit and the board did approve uh the request. June 24th, I had the opportunity uh was appointed to the

462
02:59:01.439 --> 02:59:17.040
Fargohead diversion authority debris removal and restoration uh committee. Really uh that is that is a promise that we saw through to the the folks that will be inundated with uh the project once it's in operation. And so it was

463
02:59:17.040 --> 02:59:34.319
our first meeting about uh coming up to speed, making sure that we had a process in place, uh articulated some of the language, dialed that in a little bit more. We will be having an additional meeting next month so that we do have a a better plan going forward and what the

464
02:59:34.319 --> 02:59:50.399
communication strategy is to land owners. Appreciate uh the MCCJPA for appointing me to that board. Uh so thank you. On the 25th, I attended the SWAT committee meeting with Commissioner Campbell. We did have great updates from

465
02:59:50.399 --> 03:00:06.720
Ella on the status of the composting grant. I've not heard uh we should hear very soon on that. Really hopeful that we hear soon. And then also the lumber reuse uh grant. That's a a great opportunity for folks to uh reuse some

466
03:00:06.720 --> 03:00:22.960
good lumber that comes into the resource recovery facility. staff is also in addition to what Commissioner Campbell updated on working on the new solid waste management plan that uh is due in 2027. That's a two 10-year plan. So, appreciate staff's

467
03:00:22.960 --> 03:00:40.319
work for getting that going. And then uh two, making sure we're dialing into the recycling grants to our cities in the best way possible uh to reflect the effort that all of the smaller cities and uh Morehead too, but uh all of the cities are doing uh in collaboration

468
03:00:40.319 --> 03:00:56.960
with us. I also attended the MCC JPA meeting with Commissioner Campbell general updates. We did have those resolutions and clarifications on the uh state funding requests. I attended the CAPLP board of directors meeting that Commissioner Krabangh highlighted on

469
03:00:56.960 --> 03:01:12.319
June 26th. I attended the AMC board of directors meeting in St. Paul. We had really good dialogue on on so many of the legislative issues uh that are coming out uh both state and federally and how we continue to uh have messaging

470
03:01:12.319 --> 03:01:28.319
with our state representatives and senators on on how these uh budget these uh mandates are hitting our budgets challenging in challenging ways. On the

471
03:01:28.319 --> 03:01:43.520
Tuesday, I attended that following Tuesday rather, I attended the Romke re-imagined uh reopening uh for a kid that grew up in the Morehead area. Uh really exciting to see that development, but more importantly, exciting to see it

472
03:01:43.520 --> 03:01:59.200
full of uh families and young people alike. Congratulations to Morehead. The amount of grants that they were able to federally secure on that were quite enormous. That afternoon, I attended the Niko public policy steering committee. As you recall, I'm uh been appointed to

473
03:01:59.200 --> 03:02:15.279
that uh with Commissioner McDonald from up in St. Louis County. Uh both he and I were added as co-author sponsors to the uh proposed legislative language for the in u anticipation of the annual

474
03:02:15.279 --> 03:02:31.840
conference next week. Uh that bill is to a proposed resolution to delist the grey wolf from the endangered species list. That is something that uh in conversations with providers locally that or not providers uh producers

475
03:02:31.840 --> 03:02:48.399
locally that would be something that's would be really important for them. So felt that that was important to our residents to do that. So I've been added as a co-sponsor. did ask Steve to forward that language to all of you. So, you're aware of that. The next day, I

476
03:02:48.399 --> 03:03:05.600
had an opportunity to uh attend a soil health uh day with members of SWCD, NRCS, USDA providers at the Dan Gruffs uh farm by ROG. Really great to see different

477
03:03:05.600 --> 03:03:21.920
alternative practices in regards to rotations and uh practices on their fields. uh in rotations with the the cattle grazing. Um you know, it's it's not something that fits for everyone, but it certainly is has worked for them and it's a challenge, but a great

478
03:03:21.920 --> 03:03:38.720
opportunity for folks to coordinate and communicate together about what the challenges and opportunities are there. Uh but more importantly to have so many staff members, particularly supervisors from this SWCD there uh was helpful. Uh

479
03:03:38.720 --> 03:03:54.800
last week I also worked on a um article with Agulse which is a national egg based uh reporting out of Washington DC uh on the SNAP reality that counties are facing locally. Quinn did a remarkable

480
03:03:54.800 --> 03:04:11.840
job communicating where we stand uh to see some huge increases with our minor error rate as we we talk about. So, I think the more we can continue to tell that story, it's helpful. It was in collaboration, not collaboration, but seemed to go at the same time as

481
03:04:11.840 --> 03:04:28.479
Commissioner Ebinger's visit with the senator, but I really appreciate that. So, Steve, if you can send that out to staff, that would or not staff, the commission, that would be helpful. And I believe that concludes my report. I do have one final thing. I I I do think

482
03:04:28.479 --> 03:04:43.840
that uh one I'm really appreciative that we have so many departments that are willing to be out at the county day at the fair on Friday. Uh really excited about that if you have the opportunity to head to Barnesville. It is a free gate so uh great uh great fun there. But

483
03:04:43.840 --> 03:04:59.840
uh so many folks have put uh time and effort in there and um there are some pretty amazing champions that will be getting some farm awards particularly um uh the friend of the fair uh awards. I really uh they've been people that we've all worked with for a number of years.

484
03:04:59.840 --> 03:05:14.960
So, congratulations to them. Commissioner Campbell. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I I do have one additional thing here. Um when we talked about the West Central Regional Water District, um when we formed that, we had Commissioner Bar and I are on there and

485
03:05:14.960 --> 03:05:31.439
we have an atlarge member from Klay County and I neglected I neglected to uh be thinking about a predium for that individual. And so this entire time, Don Martyrdom has been going to all of these meetings.

486
03:05:31.439 --> 03:05:47.040
He attends everyone with the exception if he's out out of state. And I I I would like to um have Mr. Larson put this on next week's agenda to incorporate a pdeium rate for Dawn. I don't

487
03:05:47.040 --> 03:06:02.080
>> I thought we did that. >> I don't think we have done that. >> I can I can look back into information if we haven't brought it forward. I'll bring it forward. If we do, I'll provide an update. >> Yeah, because I I don't I don't recall seeing where we >> I thought, and I could be wrong, but I

488
03:06:02.080 --> 03:06:16.640
thought we did have a dialogue to make sure because he's not been getting mileage either. >> No. So, anyway, I I just want to make sure. So, if it if if we have, then fine, but I don't know that there's even a form that he's filled out to

489
03:06:16.640 --> 03:06:32.640
>> Okay. And I would like to see that be retroactive to January of 2026 if if we have not done it. So >> I just >> Yeah, that's I mean >> incredibly fair. >> He travels a long distance to get there

490
03:06:32.640 --> 03:06:51.279
and then some of our meetings last multiple hours there and he shouldn't be doing that for and I would like to see that at the same as what our planning commission is at. >> All right. Okay. Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, again, just

491
03:06:51.279 --> 03:07:08.080
want to thank everybody involved with the county appreciation picnic. Fortunate the weather held off and we had a a great day. Thank the commission for uh continuing to to serve uh on that day along with Darren and many of the staff that uh both behind the scenes and

492
03:07:08.080 --> 03:07:24.720
after. Uh it was again another great day. uh that afternoon he had the extension uh pre-budget discussion that we'll be hearing having on the agenda again next week. On the 25th participated in the MCC JPA um uh meeting which has been well covered on

493
03:07:24.720 --> 03:07:41.439
the 29th participated uh virtually with the water district uh board meeting and also the financial workshop on the 30th uh had the technology service pre-budget discussion uh and also the highway budget which will be coming. Those two will be coming next week. On the first

494
03:07:41.439 --> 03:07:57.439
met with Dana, Darren and Anna in regards to a step three union grievance. I had that meeting that grievance hearing the following day. Uh on the yesterday I had had a conversation with Quinn as I mentioned earlier. Uh again, I'm going to be

495
03:07:57.439 --> 03:08:13.279
inviting him back to the board uh next week to talk about some new information on the long-term service and supports. Uh this goes back to the 2025 legislature if you remember. uh in January and through March this year, we were having some discussions on

496
03:08:13.279 --> 03:08:30.479
potential impacts. Uh if you recall there was a task force or committee that was established through legislation that was comprised of commissioners uh administrators and CM or human service staff directors uh that were to get uh

497
03:08:30.479 --> 03:08:47.920
get approval of of information to cut uh help cut uh the the re recommended DHS uh cuts that the state set and get those to CMS for approval. Unfortunately, they did not get that uh to them in time. Uh and so there's going to be impacts that

498
03:08:47.920 --> 03:09:04.319
are going to be to the 2027 budget starting in Jan July 1st. Uh but again, we'll have Quinn here to provide uh more detail, better detail probably than I just provided. Uh yesterday met with Commissioner Kanghoff uh updated on several things that happened over the

499
03:09:04.319 --> 03:09:20.000
last week and a half. Uh and also then again met with Darren Troy uh and Anna yesterday on detox uh withdrawal management program. Um also just a notification we did re hear from Red River Communications

500
03:09:20.000 --> 03:09:35.439
yesterday as this board recalls you've been part of several grant applications providing letters of support. Uh and uh just to let you know that the the Reconnect grant that we received or that they received uh with your support uh a

501
03:09:35.439 --> 03:09:52.000
little over a year ago is starting uh to bring fiber optic uh broadband to to the saving and comtock area. And that concludes our report. >> Thank you, Steve Brian. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I I did just want to highlight one uh item. Uh really

502
03:09:52.000 --> 03:10:08.720
uh something that combined both uh Quinn uh Jagger's department with mine. It was very uh fitting uh that um Sandy was here with Tammy Gerky. It was a a medical assistance uh claim that was outstanding, pretty large scale and

503
03:10:08.720 --> 03:10:24.160
ultimately the property that was owned by this individual, specifically a house. we were able to do the uh real estate actions um pay the remainder of what was owed on the house and then sell that to a new seller. Um, and that was a

504
03:10:24.160 --> 03:10:40.960
new process that uh both um Crystal Wahlberg and then Katie Stock out of my office worked on. And and so I know Quinn highlighted it to Steve in just a a short part of the email that Quinn uh had put out there. Uh just said uh Katie

505
03:10:40.960 --> 03:10:57.760
and Christa really did all the heavy lifting to make this happen. This was a process we hadn't navigated before and they put in a tremendous amount of work coordinating the estate, working through the legal and administrative requirements and seeing the sale through to closing. Katie, you identified several opportunities to reduce closing

506
03:10:57.760 --> 03:11:14.720
costs, increasing the recovery even further. Given the budget pressures we're facing, this is a very nice recovery for the county, but it's also a great example of staff being willing to innovate and tackle something new to improve outcomes. And so I I just agree with all that and I thought it was a very good uh opportunity to get some

507
03:11:14.720 --> 03:11:30.640
money back uh you know taxpayer uh money for both the county and then the state. So I just wanted to highlight that. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. I appreciate that. Darren, >> thank you Madam Chair. Um unfortunately I was not able to make the county picnic

508
03:11:30.640 --> 03:11:47.600
this year. I was sick that day and you definitely wouldn't want wanted me there. Um, so but I want to thank every all the EAC members and everybody that participated and they they really put a lot of work into that. Uh, on Wednesday, June 24th, had us a meeting with Quinn

509
03:11:47.600 --> 03:12:04.240
and Anna about the new law that's coming down on social workers. Um, in the future, to be able to be called an actual social worker, you have to be certified and licensed to use the social worker title. And so the the human

510
03:12:04.240 --> 03:12:19.040
resources uh departments throughout the county are trying to figure out what would if you're not licensed in a certified social worker, what would be what would be the title of you? So where there's some consistency throughout the state. So more to come on that. Um on

511
03:12:19.040 --> 03:12:35.920
the 25th, I attended the SWAC meeting as well. That's already been covered. And I had a meeting with uh Chief Deputy Martin on some personnel issues. I was out Friday as well. Um, Monday the 29th, uh, I had a

512
03:12:35.920 --> 03:12:52.720
demonstration of the Nemo Q appointment review. Um, it's what, uh, the DMV uses to schedule appointments. And so, we're looking at, uh, having that also for public health and social services. This is where uh, citizens can make

513
03:12:52.720 --> 03:13:10.000
appointments online and then it will send them text reminders. um very low cost for I think the benefit that we would get from that. Um it's about $5,000 for for two departments, the public health and social services for

514
03:13:10.000 --> 03:13:26.800
the year. So, uh that was good. And then uh on Monday also we had a EAC afteraction review of the picnic on the 30th. um sat in on some pre-budget meetings with uh tech services and highway

515
03:13:26.800 --> 03:13:42.880
on the first uh we had a meeting on the step one grievance that was put in from the detox and worked some on the data practices project on Thursday July 2nd uh we had a

516
03:13:42.880 --> 03:13:59.279
step three grievance that we had heard um that's ongoing right now. And then on the 6th, um had a meeting for the followup on the the lottery mill that uh we've been

517
03:13:59.279 --> 03:14:18.800
working on with a deto detox employee. That concludes my report. >> Thank you, Darren. Sarah, [clears throat] >> thank you. [cough] Excuse me. So, as I noted, uh, Friday will be Klay County government day at the Klay County Fair from noon to 4:00 by the open class, uh,

518
03:14:18.800 --> 03:14:29.160
building area. Uh, we have concluded all items on the agenda. Our next scheduled meeting will be Tuesday, July 14th at 8:30. We are adjourned.