Hello, good morning. It is 8:30. I'll go ahead and call today's meeting of the Klay County Board of Commissioners to order. Our first item on the agenda today is an approval of the agenda. >> Move to approve. >> Motion offered from Commissioner Campbell to approve the agenda. >> Second.
>> Second from Commissioner Ebinger. Any further discussion? Discussion. Discussion. All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppose. Same sign. Carries. citizens to be heard today. Are there any uh individuals in the audience wishing to
address the county board on any item that is not on the agenda? Any citizens wishing to be heard? We had any requests for online? >> We have not, Madam Chair. >> Thank you. Thank you. The next item on the agenda today is the
approval of the payment of bills and vouchers. >> I move to approve the payment of bills and vouchers. We have a motion offered from Commissioner Krabanoff to approve the payment of bills and vouchers. >> Second. >> A second from Commissioner Campbell. Any further discussion?
Discussion. Discussion. All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppose. Same. Sign. Carried. Uh. Item two today is a recognition for
a proclamation for National Treatment Court Month. I'm going to do the minutes first because I I just got so excited that so many people came in here. We do have minutes, I'm sorry, in the packet from May 5th, May 11th, and the work group session May 21st.
>> Move to approve. >> Motion offered from Commissioner Campbell to approve the minutes as presented. Second from Commissioner Ebinger. Any further discussion? Discussion. Discussion.
All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed. Same sign. Carried. Now we can get to item number two today, which is a recognition a proclamation for National Treatment Court Month. We have Judge Rosenfeld, Judge Liser with us today. I
don't see Crystal. Anyone else joining you up there? >> Um, it will be us too, but then we have members of all of the treatment. Great. And I won't go through and do all the introductions, but member members of the
DWI team, >> okay, fantastic. Good morning. >> Good morning. >> Morning. >> Um, good morning, chair and commissioners. Thank you for allowing us a few moments today as we recognize May
as National Treatment Court Month. As one of the judges who has the opportunity to preside over treatment court, I have the privilege of seeing firsthand the profound impact that these programs have on individuals, families, and our communities. What makes
treatment court unique is that they bring together judges, probation agents, law enforcement, treatment professionals, attorneys, social services, community services to work collaboratively towards long-term recovery and public safety. Treatment
courts reduce recidivism, improve recovery outcomes, reunite families, increase employment, and save taxpayer dollars by reducing repeated incarceration and crisis system involvement. I often say the treatment court is one of the most meaningful
things our justice system can do because it combines accountability with the opportunity for transformation. This month gives us the opportunity to recognize the incredible professionals who make this work possible. Our treatment providers, probation agents,
attorneys, coordinators, law enforcement partners, peer support specialists, community organizations. Their dedication changes lives every single day. So today, we are respectfully requesting that the county commission join communities across
Minnesota and the nation in recognizing National Treatment Court Month by issuing a proclamation acknowledging the important work of treatment courts and the positive impact that they have on our county. Judge Lisa, anything you wish to add? >> I would just say that, you know,
assuming this passes your body here today and that you're on board with this, we just really appreciate the support from the county. We have had tremendous outpouring of support in our treatment courts this year uh publicly, privately from unexpected corners of the
community and uh it's just really reflective of the community's dedication to trying new and effective and proven strategies to reduce recidivism in our community. So we're just really fortunate to be able to do this kind of work in this community and with your all support. And I'd also just wish to add
that if this passes, then one week from today, we will be doing an official u recognition of the proclamation as well as an announcement of the official alumni group for all Klay County treatment courts. And we are currently
recruiting a number of our alumni to be a part of that alumni group. We have a leader for that alumni group. And we think that that is really going to just continue to build on the success of these programs. When and where would that be? >> So, it will be on Tuesday, one week from
today at 3:30. We are still deciding on location, but we will update you as soon as we've decided that we should have a decision by the end of today. >> Thank you. >> Any questions regarding the presentation? Commissioner Ebinger? >> Yeah, I just like to make an
observation. Uh I've been uh witness to the the productivity of treatment courts through most my career as a as a a police officer. It's a 40-year career both here and in other jurisdictions.
The Morehead Police Department supported with with diverting funds from our seized assets uh funds for years while I was chief. And as uh with that investment came a an
engagement by some of my detectives and certainly by the administration and making sure that we were involved in something productive. My experience is the people that go through the treatment courts work harder.
uh they're more committed and they do more towards towards uh paying back society, paying back their families, and giving themselves a future than just incarcerating somebody or just putting somebody on probation. They have that
there's more of a commitment to it. And I'm grateful we've got these programs. It is part of my portfolio. Uh, I'm working with the with the state of Minnesota as a representative for AMC with our treatment courts and I just want the public to be assured that they
are valuable resource and getting getting people who have made mistakes and sometimes very difficult uh people to work with and turn around. But when they commit to it, they get back out and they're benefiting the community, their families, and themselves. So, I
appreciate what the staff here and what the the judges are doing and keep up the good work. Thank you. >> Thank you. Additional questions. Not sure I could articulate better than Commissioner Abinger. We also see significant value uh in the lives of the people that you work with for this.
Thank you. >> All right. Shall we read the proclamation? Whereas addiction and mental illness touch the lives of families across Klay County and the traditional justice system, acting alone too often cannot
break that cycle. And whereas treatment court brings together judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and treatment providers to offer a different path, one built on accountability, ev evidence-based treatment, and genuine support for recovery. And whereas Klay
County is proud to operate three treatment courts, one adult drug treatment court, a veterans uh treatment court, and DWI court, serving individuals and families who are working hard every day to reclaim their lives. And
>> whereas participants in treatment courts are held to rigorous standards, appearing regularly before the court, submitting to testing, and engaging in the hard work of treatment. And when they rise, we rise with them. And
>> whereas research consistently shows that treatment courts reduce substance use, lower recidivism, strengthens families, and saves taxpayer dollars, producing better outcomes than incarceration alone. And whereas every person who has
completed the Klay County Treatment Court is proof that recovery is possible and that the justice system at its best can be a doorway to a better life. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Klay County Board of Commissioners hereby proclaim May 2026 as treatment court
month in Klay County, Minnesota, and call upon our community to recognize the courage that it takes to choose recovery. Madam Chair. >> Yeah. To honor those walking that road and to
celebrate the truth that when we invest in people, they can and do change. >> Madam Chair, I move the proclamation. >> Second. >> Have a motion offered from Commissioner Campbell to move the proclamation and a
second from Commissioner Ebinger. Any further discussion? Commissioner Campbell. I just want to also um in addition to Commissioner Ebinger's comments um this is this has been something that our board has supported for a number of
years and it's proven year in and year out to be very effective. Uh when when when we look at um the ability to keep um offenders from reoffending, uh the people real have to realize the
significant cost of having them in our system that this is a far better way. Now granted, it's not successful in every case, right? But but the the evidence that we have shows that the percentage
is high in res in reducing recidivism. So um I'm happy to support this. Uh the drug court was the first one and then we've moved into a couple of others and it seems to me that they're all they have all been very successful and I want to congratulate
um our judges and those that have been working on this. Um, there may have been some hiccups along the way, but it's I think it still is a remarkable program and I I proudly support the proclamation. Thank you.
>> Any further comments? >> Make one. Yeah, I couldn't go without saying something. Um, thank you uh from the bottom of my heart. I've been around recovery for decades and watching people
go through the process and um uh you mentioned recidivism. Yeah, this is how it works and uh it's not easy just turn an addiction off and it takes time and uh it takes coaching,
mentorships and all the things that you offer through your program. So I too am very very very happy that you've split this into three areas. I think the more the better and we're going to be a we are a better community because of it. So
thank you. >> Any further discussion? Commissioner C. >> I just want to add one one thing. We we're always invited to the graduations of this and I was able to attend graduations early on. However, later on,
I end up being on another board that um did not allow me to be at these graduations, which typically are held on a Wednesday. And but I I do want to say that um the graduations I've been at, and I remember Commissioner Gross when
he was here, I think one of his best favorite things that he did as a commissioner was attended those graduations from these programs. And um so maybe now I I'm probably not going to be a commissioner much longer, but
>> we will keep you on the invite list. >> There you go. And my Wednesday and my Wednesdays will be freer. >> Wonderful. >> And our and the DWI courts will be on Fridays, Commissioner Camp. >> Well, I'm at the lake Fridays.
>> I'll be happy to come. Thank you. >> We'd love to have you. >> Any further discussion? All those in favor of the proclamation signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed. Same sign. Carried. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you all as well.
>> Thank you. >> We'll move to item three, the request approval of the amendment to MINDOT for agreement 1061904. Morning. >> Good morning. >> Um, yes. So, the amendment to this MDOT agreement, this is for the roundabout
project. So, basically what this is is Mandot was able to appropriate an additional $293,478 in federal funding. So, that'll thus reduce our local share on the project. questions.
>> I hate to pass this one up. >> Well, I I'll say we continue to be happy at how your department and others look to additional ways and grant opportunities to reduce our local share on these vitally needed pieces. Um,
again, this is a no-brainer savings, I guess. >> Commissioner Ebinger. Yeah, I just want to point out something, Justin. I have never had the kind of response, and my district's all in Morehead, but people
use this intersection a lot, and everybody hates it. And I've never had the kind of response, people stopping me on the street in a grocery store, two people coming up to me in a restaurant here two weeks ago. I've never had the kind of response. This there, people are
excited about this. and for you and your your staff to bring it in with as much assistance as as this needed project uh is getting. Really grateful for it. >> It's very good to hear. Thank you,
>> Madam Chair. I move to approve the amendment to men. Contract 1061904. >> We have a motion offered from Commissioner Campbell. >> Second. >> A second from Commissioner Ebinger. Further discussion.
>> Do you need the amount added in the motion? >> Yeah. Yes, please. >> Miss Commissioner Campbell, does the amount reflect your motion? >> Yes, that's the um 293,478. >> Okay, Commissioner.
>> Any further discussion? Discussion. All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed. Same sign. Carried. Thank you. >> Item four today, the adult mental health
local advisory council annual report, Bri Allison. Good morning. Welcome to the board. Thank you, chair and commissioners. Uh, my name is Allison Walbeck and I'm co-chair of the Klay County Alison. >> Yeah, there you go. >> My name is Allison Walbeck and I'm
co-chair of the Klay County Adult Mental Health Local Advisory Council and we are pleased to present our uh 2025 report. Um on behalf of the council, we appreciate the commitment and investment
that Klay County Board of Commissioners has uh provided for us. with your support uh we've been able to um provide um sorry uh through the funding um you've
provided we continue to provide ongoing education related to mental health and mental health services across the community. uh individuals with a lived experience of mental health conditions and family members of the LACE continue to receive
stipens for participating in community projects such as um the Klay County Fair, um mental health um events across the community. Uh recently we did have a a table set up at the mental health in
the park at uh oh, I cannot remember the name of that park. Yeah, the Viking ship park. Yes. Uh and we uh allow our members to have a greater understanding of the ongoing mental health needs of the larger
community. Building a stronger foundation for mental wellness. So our group um you know really focuses on community integration and building relationships. Um but the World Health Organization defines mental health as
the state of well-being in which the individual realizes his own abilities um can cope with the normal stressors of life um can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. Um
while the 2025 report primarily highlights the strong community partnerships, collaborative efforts and accomplishments of the LAC in addressing the needs of adults living with mental illness in Klay County. We also recognize the importance of advancing policies
policies, systems, and environments that promote mental health and well-being for residents to prevent or mitigate the impact of mental illness and support recovery. Uh last year uh we spent a great deal of our time in building relationships,
reaching out to community agencies and spreading the word to individuals with lived experience of mental health conditions to join our meetings. Uh we the attendance at our meetings has increased twofold which in turn brings better discussions and dialogue about
barriers and their impacts on clients, referral processes, weight lists, and ways to improve mental health services in the county. Um, at our annual 2025 meeting last July, we really tried to spread the word
to get consumer or consumers and agencies just really tried to um make it a big event, you know, and um we saw existing members and many new faces um
and they continue to come. And so that that was a huge win for us that the new agencies that attended our annual have continued to to join our monthly meetings now. Um very cool to see. Um we also on a monthly basis we continue to
reach out to local agencies just to do um to present at our monthly meetings for new services or new resources that could help um individuals in any way. So, and and that's very, you know, even if I know somebody personally or, you know, that works at an agency, if if
Paul knows somebody, you know, we all have our connections. So, we all try to do our part to bring people to our meetings. >> And then legislative changes and also the economy has significantly infected
affected clients and service and the way services are provided. Some of those examples are medical assistant medical assistance uh transportation contracts have ended. Uh the healthy food benefit and over-the-counter benefit have been
cut and co-pays for medications, even insulin not being covered for some individuals. All of these challenges make it even harder for individuals with a lived experience to meet their basic needs alongside the rising costs and inflation
of everyday life. I do kind of want to touch base too when housing stabilization services ended in October of 2025, that put a really big strain on agencies to kind of get creative and how to utilize their existing staff members uh to still serve
the people that they were serving with with mental health um services. Um, some agencies have expanded other services, even you know, Klay County Social Services adding an additional rule 79 case manager. Other agencies adding arms
practitioners, psychiatrists, therapists, just trying to still serve those folks. Um, so other positives within the LACE in 2025, we ended up having two of our LAC members who joined the Bee House steering committee to represent Klay
County. They've returned to our table to present items um discussed at these meetings. Our co-chair Allison here continues to serve on the state advisory council for mental health. And then um this year our council collectively
agreed to use the funds received this in 2025 to purchase a billboard for mental health day mental health month in 2026 here in May. So you'll see two billboards uh one by the Dairy Queen in Morehead, one on Highway 10 that kind of
rotates between a couple different um billboards promoting mental health and dairy. Keep your eyes out. Uh overall, while 2025 did present challenges to agencies and individuals
with a lived experience and family members supporting consumers with mental health, our local advisory council will continue to meet monthly advise and educate the county board of unmet needs of adults with mental illness. We will
review and evaluate the continuing of services for adults with mental illness and provide public education and awareness about mental illness and promote mental health in Klay County. Sometimes we don't have all the answers,
but we show the same compassion to help others who struggle. We will continue to do just this in 2026. Next in your board packet um is our current membership which needs board approval.
>> Any questions from e to either Bri or Allison on the report? I know Commissioner Krabnoff is the co-chair as well. Commissioner, do you have anything to add? >> I do. >> Okay. First of all, a lot of thank you uh to both of you and person Leard in
the back back there uh with our service or in our developmental services. Um I want I want to make note that uh you heard that Allison for a number of years has uh not only been our chair but also
has been um serving on the state advisory council of mental health bringing back a lot of the advocacy that happens down with legislature and throughout the uh year giving guidance to uh DHS.
Um the other part and we see the membership list here that we're uh going to uh make a motion on. Uh you can see there's 30 names on here. And the one thing that is a little unique about this
group, we have uh other um I think there are seven here and sometimes more uh do show up uh as consu um consumers. uh is a name we um have put to that and they
come and and they're in real life situations and they they share that and I think that gives a better perspective to all the providers and and having a dialogue with each much like our children's adult our children's mental
health group LAC uh one common thing that happens in both those groups is by sharing these uh successes and challenges. They're hearing from each other. When there's a shortage, they're talking
about a shortage. How can we refer to help cover each other to give the greatest opportunity possible uh through this group and uh collectively I mean it makes a difference. I see that. So I've been um really happy to be part of being
a co-chair with you. We meet every month uh try to plan and for that next meeting and we hold these meetings uh the third Tuesday uh of the month at um at 3:00 and we certain uh certainly invite more
providers to come be a part of our group as well as uh consumers that are u uh those uh living uh with mental health needs. So with that, um I would like to
make a motion, if I may, that we do, uh approve the adult mental health lac membership list. >> We have a motion offered from Commissioner Kaboff to approve the list. >> Second. >> A second from Commissioner Ebinger. Discussion.
I just want to offer gratitude for the work uh in which your organization does. Having um a space for all the the different folks to come and talk about these issues is really valuable and it certainly shapes the dialogue that we're having in St. Paul. You mentioned
legislation being um challenging and uh an opportunity for some changes there. So, uh thank you for having that discussion. Um, some of you might not know, uh, Allison served on our mental health advisory committee when we talked about adding that component into our new
correctional facility, and it was, uh, really groundbreaking, but also, um, we've heard from staff throughout the years, uh, how beneficial that has been there to make sure we're taking that component in. Thank you for your work there. Thank you for your work on this committee and certainly at the state as
well. Any further discussion? All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I >> I same sign carried. Thank you. Thank you. Item five today
is the request approval to consider adding a6 Wick registered dietician position. Jessica, are you waiting on Sue or is it just you today? >> She was coming. We can start. >> Morning, Jessica.
>> Good morning, Madam Chair and commissioners. Uh, I am here today to request consideration to add a 6 registered dietitionian in the Wick program. Over the past several years, the program has uh consistently
maintained a case load exceeding 1,400 client visits per month, which has Oh, come on. >> Sorry, Sue. That's um which we we're feeling it's not sustainable under our current
staffing structure. Uh at present the WIC program is staffed by three full-time employees, two variable hour registered dieticians, and a six administrative assistant. The full-time team includes our WIC director, Sue
Olsen, one registered dietician, and one nutrition specialist. The two variable hours staff um are both registered dietitian. one consistently is working eight hours a week while the other fills in intermittently as she is able when we
have a need. Uh, additionally, we recently lost a variable hour registered dietician who resigned um with her last day being May 7th, which kind of triggered uh this need to consider looking at um our staffing structure. Uh
dieticians in the WIC program are responsible for conducting comprehensive assessments, developing care plans, providing nutrition education and counseling to pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children. They also manage quite a bit of documentation due
to the federal requirements, issue benefits, coordinate referrals, and collaborate with um other referral sources and community partners to ensure compliance with state and federal uh program requirements. Uh, as I mentioned, WIC is a federally fundated
funded and mandated program which is administered through the state of Minnesota and then delivered through local public health agencies. As a participating agency, the county must meet all federal and state program requirements. Uh, in 2025, Klay County
averaged 1,488 WICK appointments per month. By comparison, Becker County averaged 635 appointments per month with two FTEEs. Uh Becker County is also in the process of requesting an additional variable
hour staff um to support their program. Um also to compare to Ottertale County, they averaged 1,181 appointments per month and they um currently staff 3.25 FTEES. So, uh,
based on comparison by appointments per month, uh, our county's workload is approximately 56% higher than Becker's and 37% higher than Ottertales. Uh due to the volume and um limited
staffing, um our wick director frequently works more than 40 hours per week to meet client needs and ensure regulatory compliance, particularly during staff absences. Approval of this position would reduce
case load pressure, improve program sustainability, and allow leadership to dedicate more essential management and supervisory responsibilities while um still maintaining high client quality care. Um
the position would be classified at grade 17. Um and we're requesting a 6 uh so 24 hours per week um after much consideration. um that was kind of the number Sue felt um would give enough coverage to reduce her direct client
work um while still maintaining the quality care that our clients have come to expect. So um we've also received approval to fund 50% of this position through the CDC infrastructure grant. Uh so that is a federal grant that um
supports public health workforce capacity and is currently available through December 31st of 2027. Um as a result half the cost of the salary and benefits would be covered for the remainder of 2026 and all of 2027. So,
um, it's uncertain if this grant will be renewed beyond 2027, but if it is, we would continue to utilize that funding to support this position. Uh, since this position is not currently budgeted, the net annual impact to the
public health budget for 2026 would be $12,94 after accounting for grant funding. Um although WIC does generate program revenue, the client need is currently being met through um
um full-time staff working in excess of 40 hours and then through variable hour support. So we don't anticipate additional revenue. Um however um we still feel that this would be um a highly very much needed support for the
program. Um uh also in 2026, public health um lost an administrative assistant position. Um so that loss resulted in a budget savings of $24,452. So our hope is that we can use some of
that savings to cover the cost of the this position for the remainder of 2026. And then just finally, uh we did bring this before pick last week and received approval to bring to full board. And with that, I'll yield for any questions.
Thank you for the presentation, Jessica. Questions? It was uh discussed at uh pick last week. We did uh talk about understanding that uh we are in some challenging times as we frame uh what a budget looks like.
did feel because because of the earlier reduction in um in cost because of that other position and given this was a point 6 ft like we could uh make this work. Um but what I'll say is um it was
very clear that um the require the what we had available for staffing was not um not adequate. uh when we have individuals that have not taken vacation days for years because of the inability to cover what is needed, I the onus is
on this board to make sure we adjust that and appreciate that you came forward with not a full-time piece at at at this um moment so that we can continue to evaluate where the staffing needs truly lie. >> Yes, Commissioner Koff.
>> Yeah, I'll just make a a quick comment. Um I certainly strongly support the work you do and the fact that um the efficiency of your work and still have worked beyond uh uh strongly shows the
need. Um I'm not going to get caught up on not uh how money not already planned for66 can't be added when we see such a pre pressing need. So with that, you'll have my support.
>> Additional board discussion. Commissioner Campbell. >> Yeah, as Commissioner Moer mentioned, this was brought before pick. Um, and I I really find that in 2026, if we approve this, it really it really is pretty much budget neutral. When you consider the other savings that we've had, uh, when we look at these client
numbers, my only wish is that the client numbers would go down. And I, you know, I just, I just wish we could do more in that regard to help help reduce the need of that program. Um, but in the meantime, it's it's uh a necessity.
>> Yeah. >> And um so I I fully support the motion or the um the um request and I as a matter of fact, Madam Chair, I would move to approve the 6 wick registered dietitian position with back pill if there is needed.
>> Second. A motion offered from Commissioner Campbell. A second from Commissioner Ebinger. Commissioner Ebinger, did you have further comment? Any further discussion? Discussion. All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I >> I
>> oppose. Same sign. Carried. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Jessica. >> Item six today is a request approval of to hire RN lead at grade 19 step eight. have Andrew and Troy with us today.
>> Good morning. >> Good morning, Madam Chair, commissioners. Um, yes, today we are bringing forward a request to approve uh starting a lead RN on uh step eight. Um,
we went to pick last week and um happy to be sitting here today. So requesting this position. >> Thank you, Troy. We did talk about this at pick as noted, a fairly long
conversation on this. uh really do feel like um uh given the the challenges that we have had over the years with um our ends because of the health uh hospitals that are in the region uh felt like this
is a a offer that um we're really excited about and could really benefit uh the services in Klay County and it was pushed forward unanimously. Commissioner Campbell. Yeah, you know, this is this is one of those areas when
it comes to the hiring of RNs and in this case a a lead RN. Our our market conditions here have really made it difficult for us to be able to move these people into a
position like this at step one. And so quite on quite often in this particular case, we have had to move up on that step line to um just to have somebody
have the interest to come here and work. So that might be saying a little bit about our grid too, but that's that could be for another day. But um yeah, again our pick committee
fully supports um this hiring this lead. >> Unless there's other discussion, I'll make a motion to approve the hiring of the RN lead at grade 19 step eight. >> Have a second. >> Motion offered from Commissioner Krabanoft, a second from Commissioner
Ebinger. Any further discussion? Discussion. Discussion. All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> Those same sign. >> Granted. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you both.
Item seven today request approval for the strategic staffing realignment proposal financial services eligibility worker. >> Good morning Quinn. >> Morning madam chair. Commissioners.
Okay. Yes, I am here to request a strategic staffing realignment, which I'll go over in just a second. There's quite a bit of detail to it, so please feel free to jump in if you have any questions at any time. Um, I'm proposing to make this staffing realignment to help strengthen our financial services
team. Um, the impacts of the big beautiful bill are coming. uh October 1st to 26 and January 1st to 27 is when we're going to see a lot of these, but they'll continue after that as well. Um, as you've as you've heard us talk about it, our our casework becomes more complicated over time due to these
policy changes, administrative requirements being added, our case loads continue to grow, and also, as you know, our technology systems have not kept pace with the work that we're being asked to complete. I do anticipate that these pressures are going to continue to increase as the big beautiful bills
provisions uh continue to roll out. We have an opportunity with two retirements that have that have occurred and that are occurring in social services um to really take a look at how we structure our workforce. So rather than simply replacing those positions as they exist today, I'm proposing to
strategically shift some of those staffing resources into our financial services division through onboarding two brand new eligibility worker positions. Uh it's kind of a two-part proposal. So the first part of this proposal involves the retirement of our longest tenur
licenser uh who has been with Klay County since January 4th of 1993 who retired on Friday. uh following their retirement. I am proposing to hold that licensing position vacant rather than refill it. Uh this is not a new idea to be honest. Um Jessica's left, but prior
to Jessica uh transitioning to her role as public health director, we had ongoing conversations around all the divisions within social services of where we could improve efficiencies, restructure work where it makes sense, and identify potential long-term cost savings without sacrificing our service
delivery. Two major ideas came out of those conversations between Jessica and myself. The first was actually the min choices SNBC change uh that social services completed with public health. And the second was this possibility of restructuring um and redistributing the
licensing duties uh within the remaining workforce if a licenser chose to retire rather than automatically refilling it or considering other options like layoffs or outsourcing licensing services. We did create a restructuring and workload redistribution plan with the
remaining licensing staff if this were to be approved. Uh this plan includes reassignment of different types of licensing duties. Uh cross trainining to provide backup coverage for those duties. Uh redistributing our provider outreach and recruitment uh events that
we attend and re-evaluating membership and different committee participations um that we participate in. Uh, I would not be proposing this change if I believed it would create an unacceptable risk to our providers, to our standards, or to client safety. Uh, the licensing
team was included in these preliminary conversations about what this plan would look like while Jessica is still in the department. And now with Mary taking over her spot, Mary and myself have met with the licensers as well. And this restructuring plan was built directly from the feedback and concerns that we all talked about with the licensers. Um,
I do intend to actively monitor what those workload impacts would look like into the future, our provider responsiveness, and how our staff are doing with this change, and I would return with recommendations if this is a huge failure. Um, I don't think that's the case, but I'm always open to being
wrong. The second part of this proposal involves the replacement of another long-standing staff member um who has been with the county since April 8th, 2002. Um, they currently are an eligibility worker within our family team. uh that position would continue to be filled immediately due to the
operational need. However, uh that person is at the top of the pay scale and we expect the the replacement to come in at grade 14 step one. So there'll be some cost savings going from the top of the pay scale to the bottom. So those two retirements together create this opportunity to strategically
reinvest these staffing resources into financial services by adding the two new eligibility workers. Um the dollars and cents of this, the licensing position, the annual wages and benefits is $130,90. Um however, there's some payouts and uh
early retirement incentives. So the 2026 savings after the payouts for the licensing position is $32,410. But in 2027, uh the uh structural savings will be $130,90.
the eligibility worker position. Um, with the uh early retirement incentive and the payouts that come with that retirement, it's actually an increase cost in 2026 of $8,595. However, the ongoing structural savings
in 2027 would be $15,571 going from the top of the grid to step one. So, the total 2026 savings is $23,815. Uh however, the combined structural savings beginning in 2027 would be
145,661. So by adding two new eligibility worker positions, the total gross cost of those positions at grade 14 step one with benefits is $158,685. However, those positions get 50% FFP through the state and federal
reimbursement. So the local levy impact uh cuts that in half down to $79,343. So rather than hiring both positions immediately, this this proposal, it's only one proposal this time. I did bring this to pick and I've tweaked the numbers a little bit. So there's one proposal that I'm bringing forth today.
Uh I would stagger the hiring of these two new eligibility workers to effectively make this budget neutral in 2026. Um, so I would onboard I would immediately fill the retiring eligibility workers position. Now the first new eligibility worker would be
brought on August 1st and the second eligibility worker would be staggered for a November 1st start date. Um, so from a fiscal standpoint again to to recap that our 26 savings is 23,815.
The estimated expenditures for bringing on a new eligibility worker in August for the remainder of the year is 16,530. And that second eligibility worker from November to the end of the year is $6,612 for a net favorable impact of 2026 for
$673 to the good. Um so operationally this approach allows us to proactively build that staffing capacity for the big beautiful bill um and still have uh no impact on 2026's budget. So So again to summarize all of this after the
retirement related payouts and transition costs are paid out in 2027. I anticipate ongoing annual savings of 145,661 by holding the licensing position vacant and refilling that retiring eligibility worker position at grade 14 step one
rather than the top of the grid. The annual cost of the two new eligibility workers is 158,000 less the FFP which brings the uh levy impact to 79,343. So, I'd be taking some of that 145,000
in savings, applying it to the levy impact to still have a positive net position for 2027's budget of $66,317. A lot of information I threw at you, a lot of numbers, so uh let me know if you have any questions. >> Thanks for walking that through, Quinn. Commissioner Campbell,
>> thank you. Um, yeah, this we had a quite a long discussion on this at at pick and I u one of the questions that I didn't ask and I think you touched on a little bit this morning, but um with the um leaving
of the licensing position vacant. Uh are we comfortable and confident in um the case loads of the remaining um licensers and are are is that going to
become a challenge? >> Um that's obviously my biggest concern with this is what that looks like. We have communicated with the licensers. Uh we kind of be moving uh CRS, CFRS and all FRS's um to one and then leaving all family child carees to another. uh
whereas right now we have one of our licensers that kind of has a split makeup. We'd be streamlining those and then those two licensers would provide backup coverage. Based on the math, it's about 11 11.4 visits per month for the family childare licenser. Um we believe that this is doable. Um that is what I
would be actively monitoring. Our licensers were pretty transparent with me that um because of the timelines of those uh check-ins and when they need to do their licensing activities, it's not going to be a year worth of checking. It's going to be closer to two or three years to see if this is a successful plan or not. But that said, it is very
much on my rad. >> And then and then you have a a third one that deals with the foster families. Is that >> we we have four? Yes, we have four licensers. Um so we have a uh non-relative foster care licenser and then a relative foster care lenser.
>> And are those able to um you talked about being able to crossrain and that type of thing. are so all of our licensers are they do they have the ability to for example go and do an inspection regardless of >> um so what we do is we'd have the uh
family child care and then the CRS CFRS FRS cross trainin for one another's case load and then our foster homes are already cross trainined they would continue to do so and then some of the outreach and recruitment activities would shift from family childcare licensing to our uh foster care
licensers >> and you mentioned two of these people uh and I think they both qualified for the early incentive um and I'm I'm going to quote your two words u this allowed you to improve efficiencies did
>> so to me the having the ability to have that incentive program is doing what it's supposed to do so uh and with that I also want to state that um Quinn when when we talked about this in
pick Uh originally there was the the way it was designed there would have been a a slight little negative cost to 2026. >> Correct. >> And uh Quinn was willing we asked that if if he could try to make that budget neutral for 2026
and I am thankful that you're bringing that back and I think by the staggering of those positions as you've talked about today I think that um certainly makes that doable and leaves no negative impact to our 2026
budget. So, I think that's a good move and I I really appreciate, you know, and I and you you even mentioned Jessica before be working on this. I think this is a good strategy provided that we're not putting extra
demands on our current staff. And I think you've done a really nice job in in how you're handling this. Thank you. Mr. Abinger. >> Yeah. I uh in looking at this, it's pretty impressive.
Uh if you didn't have a track record since you've come on board um of of coming up with good ideas and making them work, I'd be skeptical. And I want to assure you of something. As long as you're willing to do this,
there's an there's an element of risk. If in in what I'm sure is going to be a wellmonitored transition, you see problems, feel free to come back and tell us what you need, put the wheels back on.
that is, you know, we're asking our employees to stick their neck out and rearrange things and break that lethargic expenditure money that happens sometimes because that's the way we've always done it. You're doing a real good job of
listening to that and of coming through with with uh good response. I think we need to be uh aware that the element of risk is there and if it doesn't work uh I trust you'll retool it and come back with something that that will. I
appreciate it. Having said that, I I would like to uh make sure I get this right. Uh motion to approve leaving the licensed licensing position vacant, refilling the retiring eligibility worker position, and
reallocating the savings to hire two new eligibility workers with the approved timeline. >> That motion covers. >> And does this need back fill? >> I would request backfill just in case. Yes, >> with back fill as well.
>> Second the motion. >> Second from Commissioner Campbell. Commissioner Campbell or Kavanagh. echo what Dave just said. I exactly what Dave just said. Uh do you have a question on the standard
timeline? So if we go back to the eligibility worker, how do you cover that for the the two months or three months? >> We would cover the u the retiring eligibility worker would be replaced immediately. We'd start that onboarding process immediately. But for the two new
workers, we would stagger. There'd be there'd be three people that would be hired total with this proposal. One to replace the retiring and then two brand new ones. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> We we have lead workers that when there are leaves or FMLAs or or vacancies that
occur, we have lead workers that can step in temporarily to help take some of the case load. It's not ideal, but it works. >> Yeah. And I think for multiple reasons, you know, it is good. And maybe it goes back to the day we had the retreat, the management's retreat. We talked about
that cross trainining if you will to um cover our bases in in a lot of different ways. Okay. Thanks. >> Anything else clear? I also want to comment that I I really
do appreciate when we look at staffing strategically. There are some savings without compromising quality in the work that we're doing in the um in the systems that we're double-checking. I I really do appreciate your ability to see
if this could work with making some substantial savings. I believe uh and uh certainly the board really does uh look at that favorably and we appreciate that. Any further discussion? >> All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I
>> I >> oppose. Same sign carried. >> Thank you so much. >> All right, we are scheduled for a brief break. Okay, we are back. We will go ahead with number nine, committee reports. Commissioner Ebinger.
>> Thank you, Madam Chair. Last week on uh Tuesday the 12th, uh we all attended the EDC EDA quarterly discussion. um covered a number of items uh that I I
won't go too deeply into into the minutia but uh uh solid waste demolition landfill updates a discussion of compiling all the economic development programs available in Klay County on our website. Had a
nice presentation on the Spark Center in the new Morehead Library. Um and again uh there was discussion on um collaboration with other entities here within the community. It's just a good
these these have turned into really good meetings and it helps collaborate some of the efforts that we've got particularly on this side of the river to uh advance the economic development of our communities. later that day
um participated in a discussion again collaborative involving the Greater Farger Morehead EDC with the Minnesota partners on uh on some issues that were of interest.
on uh Wednesday the 13th attended Northwest Emergency Communication Board meeting as quick as I can find my notes on that. Okay. Uh pretty much regular business on the old business section.
uh new business. We had uh a couple of general items on approval for talk groups and interoperability. Uh one that I found kind of interesting is that we've got, as everybody knows, we've for years now had uh the Red River
Regional Dispatch Center on uh Armor, the Minnesota Backbone System. I went up when I first came here as police chief with North Dakota Air Guard in one of their helicopters. They were assisting the regional drug task force
on police operation and found it really good. They were very effective and it helped avoid some problems. Uh we approved the North Dakota Air Guard at our last meeting for an interoperability use of the Armor Air S or Armor uh
communication system. Uh they have three helicopters that work with our regional drug task forces and they now are able to communicate directly with uh the armor uh systems. We voted that and passed that which was I think good for
the the entire system here. Um on Thursday I attended the beyond the yellow ribbon meeting. We had our general business discussions. Uh I will say uh Kurt Cannon came back.
He had been on one of the honor flights uh assisting with the veterans who were going out on that. And that honor flight su uh system is really impressive what it does for our mostly right now it's Vietnam and Gulf War vets. the uh World
War II and Korean vets uh pretty much have all been and and they're an age where they're not traveling. One of the discussions was that in at least within next couple of years, uh Gulf War vets, the more recent ones are probably going
to get some eligibility. Um and that that concludes my my meetings. >> Thank you, Commissioner Evinger. Commissioner Kavanagh. Thank you, Madam Chair.
I too was on the uh Tuesday the 12th um part of the uh county EDC EDA uh quarterly discussion. Um I'll just make a little comment. It's always not only it's just energizing I should say when
we have four communities as I here so I point them all out. We so we had Dworth uh we had Barnesville, Holly and Morehead in that discussion and to hear all four of them of the the activity
that they have going on in their community is just really energizing Highland, you know, and and u you know in Dworth the opening of uh over in the rail district, the community center groundbreaking all that going on and
other subdevelopments starting over there. Barnesville apartment buildings going up, a new subdivision starting there. um their campground expanding over to Holly, a new land development area on both the south and the and the
east side of town and um just hear all that and then uh uh city of Morehead with the opening of uh downtown and then the potential economic driver of potentially a staff complex out uh
outside of town here. So anyway, I just enjoy those meetings here. for their update. Uh good to hear their updates and and then again as we're involved uh with them uh when next legislative session comes or those type of things we
as we communicate with each other it's uh it's good when we can go down and uh speak as a collective voice for the whole county. So with that um really good meeting. Uh the next day on Wednesday the 13th, I
had the Claycast food or Cascade Food Commission uh held over at Metro Cog uh well attended uh probably 30 people there and there were a couple top topics. The main presenter was city of West Fargo, their parks department and
their forester uh talked about um city orchards. Um uh West Fargo has uh 13 of them that they talked about varying sizes. Uh how they use some for education uh other just to fill green
spaces and provide uh uh good uh produce uh for just the community at large to uh go and pick and part of a neighborhood gathering place. Uh we had lengthy discussion about that. So
that was the main um um main essence of that meeting. And then also I I almost forgot Boulevard Gardens. That was the other part. Uh mostly pollinators what you see most time and they are loud in Morehead Fargo and not quite sure about
West Fargo but anyway the the use and then making sure to get your permits. There is no fee whether Morehead or Fargo. It's just a matter of understanding what the uh parameters are for if you're choosing to do that.
Um on Thursday I had the class WC CD monthly meeting. Uh we went through uh their share cost shares for cover crops. They had three items. Uh they had uh um let's
see four four different fuel wind breaks uh that came through. The uh tree plantings are pretty much over. Um maybe with a little rain here they'll even grow a little better, but it's nice soaking rain. Uh but they I'll get final numbers next month, but they're they're
in that neighborhood of around 20,000 trees that they planted. Um they also um which uh Ezra talks about many times up at the u uh uh wild rice uh we have
these um uh one watershed one uh plan uh funds and Klay County now has or for the Buffalo red received another uh $42,000 that they already have new projects underway that they'll use those monies
up over two years. So, um yeah, really active. I think that was the main part of that meeting. uh other than discussion of information and programs that they were doing
um both Wednesday uh uh the 13th and on Friday we also had our um what will probably the um be toward the last now of our um uh nonsecure facility strategy meetings
and setup for legislature. Um, I will tell you that I'm totally exhausted from this weekend um, mentally and uh, uh, I know that three of us here were watching the capital investments
committee as they went through their bonding bills. Uh, big wins for our area. Uh, definitely. Um, I I let someone else talk more specific to their area, but having to do with the diversion and uh, having to do with
what's central water district and some money toward the uh non-juveninal center. So with that and being an active participant um down in St. Paul um um
behind uh a very active uh commissioner Mojo. Uh I just I I really do I I I think I want to say this uh in public and they just I'm so proud of our board, every part of it, every person here,
corrections, mental health, uh the diversion, um you know, we all had an active part in this along the way. And I I I just like how our conver conversations continually went. Um I got to just I
can't say enough about staff, you know, whether out of West Central Regional Juvenile Center or Social Services. Um you know, they're all engaged. Um our representatives, Rep. Keeler, Rep. Joy, Senator Coopek, we're always engaging,
always available, and uh you know, authors of our bills that we're going through on the on the nonsecure. Just a huge thank you to the 29 counties that wrote letters to support, the 11 tribes for their support through the Minnesota
Indian Affairs Council, and the dozens of legislators that we personally met. um just get to know these people and and the work they uh um uh that they do and and um the heartfelt interest they they
see for all these things that we're trying to advocate for. Little shout out to the Chamber of Commerce, uh the Association of Minnesota Colonies. Um we're having some uh further discussions, Senator Clolobachar and
Senator Smith. And then also uh a real huge thank you for this year and the ability to work with lobbyist team of Winthrop and Weinstein. Um Tom Hansen and Haley Cobb uh brought us into places
of discussion that we just want to wouldn't have ever been otherwise. So anyway, that's a big thank you list, but there were a lot of people involved, a lot of hours spent, and I think Klay County did very well. >> So that's my report. >> Thank you, Commissioner Kanops,
Commissioner Campbell. >> Thank you. >> On Tuesday, May 12th, we had a a um quickly developed pick meeting. uh all of the items that we had on the on that agenda were discussed today either in on
consent or with the presentations that were here and recommendations that were here today and um that all of those have been taken care of that afternoon. Um we had the um EDC EDA
meeting. I think it was a a good meeting. And as I as I sat there um through that meeting, it it kind of reminded me of the old days of our Klay County Intergovernmental
>> Retreat Committee and how we uh back in back in those days, we had a combination of working together with um public, private, and agencies like the chamber and the you know small
business admin. administration and those types of things in finding ways to uh collaborate on making Klay County better. uh you know and the reason I was thinking that because there's been some uh discussion recently about the
intergovernmental committee and its viability and I I strongly um disagree with those who think it doesn't serve a purpose and uh and I you know uh as I've stated u my time on this board is is
going to be coming to a close but I would encourage um this forward to oftenimes I don't like to go back in things. It's always better to go forward but in this particular case to um use
exactly like the dialogue that we had at that ED EDA meeting to maybe refocus some of that committee's work efforts. Now, that was designed to be with school
districts, our our cities to collaborate on ways where we maybe don't see duplication of services and all those types of things. And over the years, I think we've done what we can in
that area. Um, anytime that you start talking about reducing duplication of services, unfortunately, um, people protect their turf. It's just a it's just a natural deal that everybody protects their turf. And u so
I think I think moving forward I think that would be an excellent opportunity to maybe um look at ways where we can continue to grow the economic aspect of Klay County.
And you know, so I I think part of what we were did that day was having those dialogues and to maybe bring home builders together with business community and how we plan and how we arrange our where our
developments go. All those things are just critical and I think it would be good on our part to maybe uh seeing as how there are some who maybe question that committee moving forward maybe we should regenerate those efforts in that regard and I think it
would be serve the county well. Then on May 13th I also um attended the Red River Regional Dispatch Center budget and finance committee meeting. That was an interesting meeting to say the least. Um the 2026 year-to- date budget review
went well. There was no surprises there. Our our building project is just about done now and it's coming under budget which is great. uh when you start talking about the 2027 budget, there were four different proposals
there and there were some potentially some significant uh changes in that budget that um quite frankly under our stressful budget times that we're dealing with uh could be a real strain.
Um, and I I know um Amanda, our director there, she's she's speaking on behalf of uh of dispatch. And I I think what I'm you know, where I'm going here, what I'm talking about here is um
you know, right now there's they're looking for the potential for six new positions in 2027. um and whether they're all filled and and some of them might be she does have
a really good idea in switching to some of the new positions where they'd be what she called uh call takeon only positions. So it you know they're they'll be the ones who would take the first calls. I think there's a a move to maybe have
three to four of those uh at once. Um there's a technology position that's a standalone or in addition to Brian's work that's he's been doing there. He's kind of overwhelmed with what he does there. So that's certainly is one but
but I mean we we're talking about numbers here that on the low end maybe a 8 n% increase all the way up to 20ome percent increases in in staffing and that's uh that's a significant portion of that budget. So, there's more to come
and I I asked that this go before the executive committee because it hadn't been presented to them yet. Commissioner Campbell, I was part of a dialogue last week in Anoga County because they're dealing with some of the same increases that we all are statewide implementing a
AI component on the non-emer I mean the non uber critical calls and it would be fascinating to see one where that pilot is um located if that would be some area you could just follow along um
understanding that when they're calls that do come in. Obviously, folks need an individual, but to see if there's savings there. >> I think that's a good point. I and and I know um Commissioner may between the two of us, I think maybe we can have those
dialogue, but I just wanted to point out um these four scenarios um that were talked about here. Um the first one would see an increase for Klay County over 2026 in the amount of
$45,000. The uh second one proposal would be an increase to Klay County of $92,000. Uh the third one, the proposal would be an increase of $68,000
and then the fourth one would be a increase of 52,000. Um and that and that one that's the lowest percentage at 8.3%. And that's the lowest one that they and I and I you know and I I'm thankful for
um our finance director from the city of Mor was there too and also raised some some real concerns about where we're at right now and in our budgeting process and and and also um council member Ryan Nelson who serves as the board chair. He was also on the budget committee and and
he you know he did ask some really um good questions too that we whatever we need to do we need to make sure that we're not uh interfering or harming with the purpose of that agency and that's to for the public safety of everybody
but there's going to be some serious dialogue and then when we start talking about you know this proposals of our small cities uh that's you know and how how that contract might shape out. That's going
to be a significant impact on all of our Klay County taxpayers. So, I did it's more to come on that, but it was a an awful lot of dialogue that went on there. So, um just give me one second here.
And then um on the 13th I also attended then the uh Morhead public service wellhead protection for um Morheads wellhead protection and this was the second meeting. Uh it
went it went well. There was a lot of different discussions. Uh we had people from Glendon Township there and others and u the presentation was very well. the uh Minnesota Department of Health was there talking about the quality of waters and
making sure and and to you know a lot of the map it was a lot of discussion about the mapping and how the aquifer footprint may have changed since the last time we did this in 2013 and you know how how is the aquifer regenerating
uh what other sources of um um I think ultimately what everybody would like to see is a reduction uction if possible in groundwater use and finding alternative uses of of water to make sure that groundwater is is protected and save for
times of severe drought. Uh so you know so we had a lot of good conversations and I I really want to compliment more at public service and and those people that were there. They're really um they're really on top of this and doing a nice job and I I'm thankful that
they're u doing what they're doing. Then on Thursday, May 14th, I attended the Lakes Country Service Cooperative meeting. Um, I think probably the thing that's most
interesting most interesting uh to Klay County and maybe and Morehead is uh Lakes Country Service is working closely with Morhead public schools and Brandon right now. And it looks like we're going to be able to we're getting close to establishing
a center here in in Morehead. Um that would uh probably reduce the need for us to be sending 20ome kids every day by bus to Fergus Falls and to
bring them back to Morehead here. So I there's some really I think there's some really good opportunities there. And Jeremy Kovash, the executive director of Lakes Country Service Cooperative, is really on top of this, I think, and I give him a lot of credit uh for what he's doing in working with Brandon uh
Lunik at the city or at the M public schools. Then on the 14th as well, we had a diversion authority planning committee meeting. Uh we had a some some talk on
the potentials for the crop loss program, insurance program. There's some uh different options out there that we're looking at uh in terms of um do we take a certain amount of money
and set aside that basically it it it almost sounds like an endowment almost where you put money aside and then and that can that can grow financially where that would that would earn more than what our annual premium would be as if
we had to do it through on and m on on an annual basis. So, so I again there's more work being done on this uh from some people really thinking outside the box on ways to to do what's best for um
for that project, its operations and maintenance and for the taxpayers. I really some good discussions there. Then there was some discussion about uh obviously in June there's an election in in Fargo and there will have a new mayor and our
current under our current format. Um, Mayor Mahoney will will be done the end of June and based on our our bylaws, the new mayor of Morehead will step in to that position as chair and depending on
who it might be, you might have somebody who's not had any experience uh or knowledge on on the diversion authority. Um so we had some discussions in that regard but uh and I think it was really we talked
about myself for example and and dear uh you know I will no longer be on there. There's the potential that mayor Dardis will no longer be there from West Fargo. So there's going to be some some significant change owner over in people who have been there a while and and
um the importance of our staff to reach out to and maybe start some early education to new people who might be finding themselves on those boards. That concludes my report. >> Thank you, Commissioner Campbell. Great
updates. Last week I attended the pick committee meeting. It was well represented. Um you know I know this um I hate to make so many changes when uh Commissioner Bear's um out of town. Um but really felt that
uh given the advice that this board has um given to our staff to to try to strategically look at at things really felt like we covered some great basis with the pick committee uh and the proposals and the dialogue that we had
there. uh after that had the EDA EDC dialogue and really had a substantial amount of great discussion anywhere from uh what we're talking about with the organics grant through Klay County and how that can benefit the larger
businesses and the school districts. really uh was encouraged to hear that we had all the school districts in Klay County except Holly and only because Holly is in the middle of a big building campaign did they not decide to move forward. Not that they won't, but uh
really shows that we're continuing to find savings through our coordination and collaboration. Um great updates from the cities on all of the um projects and developments that are going on within their communities. uh had an update from
Dworth on uh the Resco and the community center uh groundbreings that have been covered. Talked a little bit about what the uh Highway 10 roundabout projections are looking like. Um talked about um
some new senior living developments in a few of those areas um different cities. Uh Barnesville had a really great uh update on that senior housing project that we've talked with them all along on and how that will open up some
additional space. Uh and then great updates um on existing spaces that ex uh are in Klay County for development. Great update from the city of Moreheads um downtown uh Morehead, Inc. on the
economic development programs uh that are going on and their coordination with their public service utilities. Uh and um then we did have a little bit of a discussion on the casino update. There were no updates at that
time. Since then, that executive um briefing has come out. We've not been provided more than just that three-page document yet. Correct. >> That's correct, Madam Chair. uh would like to and I know you're in internal meetings uh would like to have
some some significant questions on how we came about the housing piece. Um there were only 33 new homes identified with that project. um but 700 employees. And so what that tells me is they're exist they're probably banking on the
existing workforce that uh is here already living in homes. And that will continue to uh be an issue as we um figure out how all of us staff the businesses that we have in town after that meeting. Uh and I do concur with
what Commissioner Campbell said. These are the um the the meaty, if you will, topics that we need to continue to have all of our cities dialogues on. Um this framework for our small cities is really important, too. Uh the greater Fargo Morehead EDC meeting afterwards,
Commissioner Ebinger and I met with um city manager Molly and Mayor Carlson uh and Steve on what our request in the past has been from the Greater Fargammore EDC. what have been the ch tangibles that come have come out of
that advocacy not only for Klay County but any city of uh Morehead or Minnesota side benefit um you know we have had a substantial decrease and what uh our contributions were there and we did shift and I to Commissioner Krabanov's
point this board's focus was to really focus on St. Paul and triaging some of the cost fundate or cost mandates that were coming to us and how do we stimulate some investment and growth on the Minnesota side and to have almost $20 million in bonding dollars shows
that uh that shift certainly paid substantial dividends for us. So more to come on that. I know that uh Commissioner C uh Ebinger has a meeting this week on what that funding looks like and we'll continue the dialogue moving forward. Over the past few days,
I've had a substantial amount of flood mitigation strategy meetings uh with Commissioner Campbell and legislative planning u for the non-secure facility with Commissioner Kabanoff. Uh we uh were all in prep for what the weekend
would result in and was able to deliver the um stress relief sandbags to every member of the legislature from the diversion authority to continue the funding. Uh it was substantially less heavy than all of us um pitching all those sandbags for all of those years.
But it must have uh been successful as they did allocate $10 million to the MCCGAPA to finish the Minnesota uh components that were uh are vitally needed to protect our citizens in operation. Not just folks inside the dam, but also on
the other side of it. Uh I attended the AMC day at the Capitol 2.0 I know uh representing Klay County, making sure that we talked about the um strategy on minimizing those cost shifts to Klay County. We had fresh information from
Quinn that the SNAP shift would be $2 million annually uh as we figure out what our budget looks like. It's really hard when we're constantly getting uh those shifts to us. So, uh, grateful for the opportunity to be there and attended
the futures meeting on Thursday and Friday. We did talk about the human services redesign, how counties can continue to advocate for what that change looks like, had uh the legislative updates and talked about political polarization and political
violence, how we work uh as nonpartisan u individuals in this work statewide to continue to tone down the rhetoric as we continue to find solutions for all of us. uh because I um served on uh
futures, uh Klay County did not pay for that uh trip. Um yesterday I attended the Lakeland Mental Health Center uh board of directors. We did have substantial dialogue about what our deliverables are, access indicators, and
as we move into a time when there's a little more openings in the staffing patterns because of vacations, how do we triage what that those losses look like? um the Klay County facilities continue to be um quite sustaining for the entire agency actually. So appreciate that we
have that availability uh in Klay County. And yesterday I attended the AMC legislative wrapup. We had all of the um government affairs uh folks updating on what the highlights from the session were. Uh what were the wins, what were
the challenges. Um a major win. This entire board has been talking about modernization and how that could uh reduce our fraud exposure uh but also help with staff and um productivity. Uh
there was a huge win $85 million individually as an earmark for that statewide. Really hopeful that will affect a lot of different program areas and really grateful for that. and then talked about bonding. As Commissioner Krabanov talked about, that was a big
win statewide to have the 1.2 billion, but particularly locally for us. We'll need to have some discussions at a workg group coming up about how we move forward, what the decisions are there. Uh, but really um speaks to the advocacy
of this entire board. After that, I had the uh Minnesota rural counties county caucus meeting and uh same uh updates really as the AMC one only more focused on those of us in rural Minnesota. uh really the teams that we have at AMC,
but also um Capitol Hill uh investment or Capitol Hill Associates with uh MRCC and then our lobbyist Winthrop saved Klay County a substantial amount of money in future legislative um challenges going forward. Uh and I you
know I too um I think it takes us all a little bit of time to recap from the work but uh really grateful to be on the legislative uh part of this board as part of my committee assignment. So, thank you for allowing me to go down there and advocate for Klay County's uh
behalf. Uh I will tell you when you walk through the halls of the capital and have a legislator from Good Hugh County say, "I really wish my county was doing what Klay County is doing to help mitigate the needs and challenges that we have." That really speaks to this uh
regionalization of the entire issue. and um you know to say that we're not heartbroken that there's not more substantive uh money to deal with the children that uh whether we got $28 million or $1 million or nothing, Klay County will
continue to uh serve those children uh in the best possible way. And it is a huge levy challenge. As it's been noted, um there are there's um individuals in which their care has uh exceeded a million dollars for finding what
appropriate placement is. And uh those aren't challenges that cities have. Those aren't challenges that they need to finance, but uh counties are the ones that are u mitigating what that challenge is. And uh that concludes my reports. Commissioner Campbell. >> Yeah, I thank you, Mer. I I do have one
additional thing. Yesterday afternoon, I I did um attend a virtual meeting along with um administrator Larson, a um a special meeting of the MCIT board. Uh and it was in regards to a Klay County
facility. Um and you know that that facility we've had coverage with. Um there were there were some there was some discussion about certain things not being covered because it's a 24-hour facility. Uh so they had they had a
special board meeting on that and um they came to a really good conclusion on behalf of Klay County and that is um you know they agreed with us the fact that we've felt we had the coverage all along
and and so um what they're what they agre what they agreed to and voted on was establishing a writer uh to the policy that clearly clearly delineates what that coverage is and that we do will have coverage and that we do have
coverage and they actually um backdated it to um January 1st of 2025. So, um, so they voted they voted that in as well as, um, now there will be an additional
premium for that and the a motion that was approved included a annual premium amount of $5,000 a year. So, so that I mean that that was uh done in in board action. So, it clarifies
um any concern that we might have in regards to uh in coverage on that facility. So, I'm thankful for the MCIT for uh the dialogue that they had and the conclusion that they came up with. So, I just I I wanted the board to be
aware that that I think we've gotten that resolved. So, >> thank you, Commissioner Campbell. Steve, >> thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh last Tuesday, I participated in the pick meeting. Again, that's been well addressed. I just want to thank our department heads. Uh I think that the
agenda strategic adjustment uh item that was on the board are things that we talk about in our management group on a routine basis. And so uh I was uh very pleased with the proposal and appreciate the board's willingness to to move forward with that. Uh participated in
the EDC quarterly meeting uh that has been well covered. Uh also uh met with representatives from the city of Morehead. uh on the economic devel economic development discussion that was brought forward on the 13th participated in management. Uh we discussed budget
2027 uh facilities update an HR update and IT update again uh Klay County is going to be participating in the Klay County Fair again for the Klay County government days. It'll be Friday, July 10th. Again, uh we will be there from
noon to 4. uh several of our departments uh along with the sheriff's department, highway department uh and many others. Uh 13th participated in the flood mitigation planning meeting uh that been well well covered. Again,
appreciative of the the funding that was received through the legislature. On the 13th, uh had the legislative planning meeting for the non-scared attention. It's been well well covered. uh and also met with that afternoon met with the representatives from city of Morehead, Dworth and White Earth Nation uh on the
executive summary receiving a very high level uh overview of that. Uh we hope to meet again here within the next month or so uh when they have additional information to share. Uh on the 14th I met with Dan Molly in a series of issues between the county and the city. Uh, one
of those issues, um, commissioners, as if you recall, uh, couple weeks ago, I brought before you a request to, uh, look at a feasibility study with Klein McCarthy, uh, at the, uh, law enforcement center for future needs of either law either, um, law enforcement
entities or, uh, if if the city of Morhead were to leave, uh, that we would need to potentially, uh, fill that space with other county business. uh in talking with Mr. Molly uh they wish to put a pause on that for right now. Uh
and so we would not be not be bringing that bringing that forward. I have talked with the the our architect firm uh and to make that notification. Uh on the 14th we had a MAC legislative check-in that I participated in and also
a nonsecured detention uh nonsecured detention planning meeting. I met with Darren on the 14th on an HR issue. Uh and then yesterday I had conversations with Mr. Summers uh from solutions uh in regards to uh the the legislative uh
funding and uh discussed plans moving forward uh and also then participated in the in the meeting uh or listened to the meeting of the MCIT that Commissioner Campbell was talked about. And with that um I would end my report.
Thank you, Darren. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Most of all my um items have already been covered, so I won't bore you again with all of those. The big things that I've been working on was the uh data practices project. That's proving a little bit more difficult than I had anticipated.
And um also I'm pleased to announce that Anna is back in the office as of yesterday. So, uh, I'm happy about that. So, I had a meeting with her yesterday and kind of got her up to speed on everything that's happened in the last 12 weeks. Other than that, that's the
extent of my >> Madam Chair, if I could just thank thank Darren and Jesse and Melissa and Sarah uh for for stepping in. We did everybody took on a little bit more during the time that Anna was out. We're um appreciative of all the great work that they did and happy to have Anna back
also. I don't think EMTT's excited that Anna's back. Sarah, anything else, board members? If not, we've covered all of the business for the day. Our next scheduled
meeting is May 26th at 8:30. We are adjourned.