Good morning. >> We'll open our Cook County Board of Commissioners regular meeting on this day, Wednesday, November 12th, 2025. We begin our meeting with the pledge. Please rise. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Are there any adjustments to the agenda? >> Madam Chair, I'd like to make a motion
to approve the agenda. >> House support. >> All in favor? >> I >> oppose. Same sign. Motion to approve the agenda. Move on to public comment period. I see nobody in our audience, so we're quiet
there. Um, have commissioners received any comments? >> No. Brooke might want to say something about being pulled away, but >> No, I'm good. >> All right. >> Okay. Moving on to the uh consent agendum items. Um, we have claims and we
have minutes from the October 28th meeting. Uh, Ski North Ultra special road use permits, 2026 Superior Spring Trail Race, 2026 Superior Fall Trail
Race, and uh, we have a donation. Um, and then we have natural resources block grant agreement and approve the retirement of Daniel Bergland. >> Pull. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I make motion to
approve the consent agenda as presented. >> Support. >> We have a motion and a second to support. All in favor? >> I >> I >> post same sign. Motion passes there. Moving on to uh a public hearing by
Brady. >> So that will be >> that's 9:00. And so we'll move along and when it gets to be 9:00 we'll we'll pause and go into that. And um so we have um some changes
for um the sheriff to discuss with us, but he's not quite here yet. >> Yes. U Madam Chair, I just sent him a message to see um when he intends on on being here. Okay, we'll put that on hold
and um go on to then Brady talking about airport maintenance and operation grant. >> Madam chair, >> do you do you think we might want to deal with the maintenance? As long as Brooke is here, then he could go. >> Then we could let him go. Okay. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Madam Chair. Commissioners, as as was added to the agenda, the amendment to the initial contract, and it's the um it's the standard AIA amendment. And
what it talks about is the cost of work in section, >> excuse me, could you please explain what AIA is? and SK it's the architectural >> yeah AIA is our standard contracts we use for government work
>> just so people understand with whom we're having a contract >> and we have a contract with BKV Group which we went into in October of 2024 >> and they are the architects >> Yep they're the architects for design of the LEC addition and the additional work
we added on so with the AIA document they're asking for a increase of 200,000. And it goes it it references section 11-1-2, which when you go to the original
contract for 11-1-2, it is 11 and 1/4% of the owner's budget for the cost of the work. As calculated in accordance with section 11.6, Six. The base fee
shall not shall be not less than $650,321 based upon the initial owner's budget identified in section 1-1-3. That was our initial budget that was set by AM which was the estimate of cost of the
the project. Adjustment to the compensation will be based upon the construction manager's estimate at the conclusion of the design development phase when the project's final scope is more defined. So
basically what happened was we had the initial fee the 11.25% and that was based on the estimates of cost. So per the contract we signed initially once we further defined the
scope and then got the actual cost from the construction manager at risk they were entitled to the additional 11.25% on the additional work of 2.633 million.
So basically with the contract we signed at first we would owe them $296,229. We had a meeting with BKV. They came in at they said they decreased their fees to 9% which brought us to $236,982.
And basically, we requested if we could make it an even $200,000 to drop it to a final percentage rate of 7.6%. >> Yeah, we asked nicely. They agreed. >> You know, >> doesn't hurt if you don't ask. So, any questions on that?
>> Commissioner Gamble. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh, thank you, Brooke. So as simple as as I can state this as I understand it that if you take a project that's 5 point something or other million initially that that falls in
that bracket with 11.25 25 whatever percent uh based upon the contract. >> Y >> when it when the actual with the uh the scope of the project expanding then it it was a reduced by contract a reduced
rate not 11.25 but you said the 9 >> No, it was it it wasn't reduced by contract. We were supposed to pay them 11.25% which was the $296,000. That's what the contract stated. >> Yeah. And and for some reason I and I
I've got this wrong then because um if I take if I take the scope of the work which is the five something or other million initially times that 11.25 25. That doesn't come out to that figure. That's where it
>> What figure? The the 600 655,000. That's what we've already paid BKV was that initial 655,000 which was the 11.25%. >> This is just the percentage on the
amendment on the addition. >> Yeah. So it's it's it's the calculation then here because I get the 655,000. Yeah. um because it ends up being actually cheaper at the 7.6%
times that figure than it is at given the total cost and the work it's cheaper than it would be at the 11.25. >> Oh, much cheaper. Yeah, >> we just negotiated down that additional um 200 2,633,000.
That was the only figure we were adjusting the percentage rate on. So for public awareness that on on the project initially we look at it best estimate of what we figure it's going to be and then as we uh continue through the process we find that the scope expands given the
nature of what we're going to have to do. So to finish the project, we have to continually go back to the agreement in the contract and the agreement specifies what that pay will be for them, you know, facilitating this. Y >> and so it it came out because of the
final scope of the project at at a higher number, which often does >> and so then the contract specifies that we get a lower rate, which is nine, but then we negotiated to get to the 7.6 so it reduced it. So the stewardship of that project on behalf of you and and
and whatever is is demonstrates that trying to save money but be in compliance with a contract agreement. >> Correct. >> Yeah. Correct. >> Yeah. >> And that all goes to relationships. It's because you're a swell guy and work well with people. But my question is the
scope of work is that um labor and or um material costs. >> So it it's both. So the scope of work um the increase of 2.6 million we added about a million to in scope which was accelerating the deferred maintenance
which was the spreadsheet I sent you with the boilers and the piping and and ceiling grid and carpet and all of that. And then the the other million dollars plus is just how far off that initial estimate was from AM
to what actual costs are that were that were secured by Johnson Wilson constructors. >> And do you anticipate that there might be more um more costs added or subtracted as you go
along? I mean will there be more >> from BKV? We we're this will be the final payment to BKV unless we do additional work on other projects. >> And BKV is not um responsible. It's our uh construction manager management
company that will cover any do they cover cost overruns with say um copper wiring goes up and the electric electrician electrical company says oh it's going to be an additional $10,000. Who eats that cost? That would be
Johnson Wilson. As long as we don't change the scope at this point and don't have change orders, that will affect our bottom line, the number stays the same. >> The only time we'll that number will change as if it's change orders that are approved. you know, either we're adding
scope or I mean, as the as the uh scope at the transfer station has gone, we're taking scope away from Johnson Wilson and Dustin is is basically generaling certain portions like the septic and this that and the other. So then we
actually are getting a gain back from Johnson Wilson because of they lose their 4% on top of that. >> Thanks. Thanks for telling the public. >> Yep, no problem. And oh, and I wanted to address something you brought up in
email, Deb. We had uh CRVPS do the the very large evaluation of all our facilities, which is a living document and continues to go on. So, as we accelerate the CIP in the LEC project, >> CIP,
>> the capital plan in the in the law enforcement center project, we update that as the as the projects get completed and as the additional work gets completed, just like we're doing with like the boiler project in the basement that was on the capital improvement plan. So, that has been
updated. the lighting, dishwasher, things that going on in the community center, YMCA, um, highway department, all those things get updated so that that that document is living and and keeps getting updated. >> So, there's an up recap. There's an up
to the upto-date spreadsheet tracking work done and money spent. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Commissioner Gavl. Thank you, Madam Chair. So, um reviewing and looking at
our our facilities and and uh assessing, you know, what we need to do to to upgrade, maintain, whatever, and then um allocating a certain amount to that. Um when we look at the budget, we don't we
don't necessarily see that allocated per department. >> No, we haven't done we haven't done it that way yet. >> Yeah. and and uh it would be beneficial in in in the budget if we see that we can have the master plan that shows it with the overall cost but then
distributing that to department would be beneficial. So when we look at the financial, you know, cost for that department, we're seeing our allocation to capital improvement, >> right? >> And we have equipment that might be in there and things, but things that pertain to facility aren't there, and
it'd be beneficial actually if we could see that. Yeah. >> By department. >> Yep. I'm working on that for the the 2026 budget. It's a very large project, and it hasn't been implemented before, I believe, because it's a pretty scary number. you know, if if I budgeted that
way like MIS is because we're so far behind that that number is going to be extremely large >> and that's why they were bonding for it. I mean, that's why they were taking out big chunks like that because it would be such a hit to the levy all at once.
>> Yeah. And if we're bonding and and when we're looking for bonding and we include other smaller projects under the major focus, I mean it gets lost from the standpoint of analysis, you know, for commissioners unless we ask that question. understand that when
we're making those decisions. But give you an example that if if the community center has looked at what they figure they need for replacement things for everything that's under the umbrella of community center and they come to us and say we figure we need an allocation of
$76,000 this year >> that goes to those replacement costs. Then when we see that in their budget, >> y >> we we know that and understand that. That's why it'd be beneficial if we if we did see that. And I I appreciate the
work involved, but it is >> Yeah. >> It is more evidence-based when we're looking at real numbers >> departmentally. And when when Sarah and I did that community center budget, we did not include the interior items that
need to be replaced because in the capital improvement plan bonding, there was $560,000 in that bond. That's only for community center bond. So all of the all the items
that need replacement on the inside, we didn't include in that 76,000 because we'll be able to take care of a lot of that with that $560ome,000 that we that was already bonded for. >> Yeah. Does it make sense in in in this
looking at this and how we disseminate information that there would be a ceiling at which anything that is under this amount here can fall into a certain category as opposed to anything that's beyond that it has to go to this
capital. It's like depreciation. Uh >> yeah, it was it was 5,000 and then that was recently moved to 10,000 I believe, right Brady? For capex for depreciation. >> Is that what you're talking about >> when it comes to the board?
>> Yeah. When when we're well >> or are you talking >> when we're looking at the budget standpoint? In other words, what what informs where we place different things. Ultimately, what we want is we want to see the costs for each department
relative to if it's capital equipment and what's reflected in the budget will fall on this, but if it's capital improvement replacement, which are larger items exceed the 10,000, it'll fall in this category. And you might say, well, you're going to have to look at our our, you know, depreciation
schedule, master plan. But what I'm saying, it'd be nice if we could see that with the understanding of how these things are allocated within a department's budget, if that makes sense. >> Yeah. Yeah. I think that makes sense. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, it's it's it basically comes back to kind of the way
you were breaking it down beforehand, just how we're going to allocate funds within the budget on a replacement schedule. >> Yeah. And when we're when we're saying when we go through the budget process as commissioners, it's a matter of saying, well, we're looking at this and and this
is what our plan is. This is the recommendation. We've looked at the the boilers over at the community center for years and it's been patchwork and this and that and the other and some of it be is because of budget decisions and and uh that's primarily, you know, what
drives that. >> Uh so I appreciate the conversation. >> Yeah. Thank you. Any other comments or questions? Um, administrator trouble. >> Madam Chair, I would just like to thank Brook for his work on this because he
was able to save the county significant funds by negotiating that rate deal. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> We appreciate it for sure. Thank you, >> Commissioner. >> And I would like to thank Brooke for uh answering emails yesterday on a holiday.
I means and that's he came with all the answers that were being asked. >> You get basic answers. >> Look, you're not in a hole yet, but keep talking. >> Sullivan. >> Yes, madam chair. I'd like to um approve
the amendment or make a motion to approve the amendment for professional services agreement with BKV >> support. >> Any further questions or comments? >> All in favor? I >> oppose. Same sign. Motion passes unanimously. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Thanks, Brook. >> Okay. So, now we're going to hear from Patty Elias, who is going to talk about um setting up a uh public comment period for body
camera. >> Good morning. >> Good morning, everybody. So, I would like to request um a public hearing for our body cam uh program, which we would like to get up and running. Um we have finally finished the
policy. Myself and the county attorney uh went back and forth quite a bit and we finally have that nailed down and I believe it's posted now or not yet. >> It it was attached to the agenda. Okay. it hasn't been shared with >> it will be it will be posted on the county's website for the public to
review. >> Um and so yes, I would like to um set a ask you to set a public hearing for the is it the November 25th >> meeting. >> So I would give the public uh two weeks
to uh look at the policy if they if they like um two weeks to make any comments or responses. Um, my email will be attached to that to that. So, if the public has uh comments or questions or or anything, they can email me and I
will uh answer all the emails that come in and I will also collect all of them and present them to you at that meeting. >> Okay. Questions or comments to Pat?
I would say that um this has been kind of rumbling along for about the last year and I'm glad that it's finally coming forward now for >> your safety in the department. >> Yes, it's it's it's been it's been quite a while. We've been uh working on this.
So, yes, uh we're almost at the finish line and we hope to get it through. >> Commissioner Gamble. >> Yeah, thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Pat. Um part of this disc discussion might have preceded uh me coming in in this term here, but
um what I'm looking at this um uh bodywn cameras given uh the importance of being able to back up what in fact is taking place uh is is an important element that's driven this. it tends to be more
urban areas and it tends to be you know smaller communities and there was a committee of the whole if I was in attendance at that committee a whole I maybe missed it but uh what I'm wondering is um given the um the cost
the policy has been put in place the projected cost based upon what we know in our application here in Cook County uh including the data storage and program management which are significant factors. I'm just wondering it'd be good
for the public to know and and maybe you've made it available, but if you're making the policy available, but also be good to put the projected costs >> and make that available. >> We can add that. Yeah. Um
I don't know. >> Part of that is again it's it's the initial cost setup and then it it is the data storage and it's the maintenance moving forward. And I think those figures relative to here's the policy, how it operates, and here's costs in association where that would be
beneficial. >> I can present those at the at the meeting. Absolutely. >> I can bring bring that uh reg. I mean, I'll get it to you, of course, first f firstand then I can we can discuss that at the at the at the uh public hearing. >> Okay.
>> The cost would be um something that would be within your budget, I believe. >> Correct. the maintenance in the future then would have to be considered. How often do you have to m maintain a piece of equipment like that? >> It would be uh considered. We also have
a technology uh line item in our budget that we that we put money into each year that would be used for this purpose as well. >> Yeah. And and I think that's beneficial, Madam Chair Pat, that uh that that line item on our budget. Constantly the
department's evaluating where it might be best spent >> to to meet need. But I think that's an important component of that for the public to have a discussion prior to coming to the public meeting if they have any concerns or ask about that. If it's something that's bid when you're
looking or you're working with Rowan on any of this from a technology standpoint, >> whether you are or not, it just I think anything that reinforces the stewardship in this process would be beneficial. >> Sure. >> Yeah. Thank you, >> Commissioner Sullivan. >> Madam Chair, I'd like to make a motion
to set a date for public comment for Tuesday, November 25th at the county board meeting at 9:00 a.m. >> Support. Any further questions or comments? All in favor? I >> I >> oppose. Same sign. Motion passes
unanimously. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Pat. >> Was it ski hill or was it uh >> it was a it was a it was a pretty significant accident. Let's put it that way. >> Oh dear.
>> Take care then. Okay. Well, we're about five minutes before our public hearing. We can move on to Brady and airport maintenance. >> Yeah, thank you, Madam Chair. So, this is uh a renewal of the uh bianual
uh maintenance and operations state grant for the airport and this will cover 2026 and 2027. Uh the amount of revenue is up just slightly. It's been uh 82,000 recently.
Now it's up to 83 263. That's over two years. And this covers a good share of regular maintenance costs at the airport. The grant covers 75% of eligible costs. >> Madam Chair, I'd like to make a motion
to approve the airport maintenance and operation grant contract. >> Support. Any questions or comments? All in favor? >> I >> oppose. Same sign. Motion passes unanimously. Thank you on that.
>> And we can start on the uh quarter 3 general fund budget to actual report. And this is uh quarter 3 of 2025. So it's 75% of the year. If things were
perfect in the world, we would have 75% of our revenues and 75% of our expenses. Uh, in fact, we've received 71, this is of our budgeted costs and revenue. So, se 91% of our budgeted revenues we've
received already. Mostly that's because of state and federal pill payments that have already been paid and our interest revenue. and our expenses are at 67% of budgeted, so less than 75% to this date.
Um, so to go down the list, I've highlighted some of the major differences. You may want to ask questions about others, and I'll just mention the ones
um that I've pointed out here. I've adjusted some of these since this was published. Um, so I've gone back and edited a few things, but first of all, the general finance, that's department 41, you'll see that highlighted at 193%.
That's because our interest rates continue to remain strong at just over 4%. This is the third year in a row that uh rates have not gone down significantly. Um they are starting they're trending that way now uh with changes by the
Federal Reserve but still strong. Um this gives you some flexibility and budgeting of course because it's over budget because we have not budgeted the high numbers. We've budgeted about 500,000 and uh and we're still uh far exceeding
that for the year. And on the expense side in that department uh we just uh allocate general insurance that MCIT doesn't allocate by department and we pay for it here and we pay for that in January. So that expense um is already
paid in data processing. Uh this continues a recent trend. So they get revenue, they charge public health, human services
for work that they do, um IT work, and they're exceeding that budget, the amount of work that they put in to support it. Uh some of this work is is things that we get reimbursed for. They get reimbursed for federal money. So
that's part of why we do this. It's an internal transfer, but we do get federal money for to some degree. Madam Chair, if I could ask Brady while we're on that subject. So, understanding that, I mean, if it's if it's if it's internal
transfer of dollars, then it has no impact on things, but your comment relative to the fact some of this is reimburseable. So, that we understand that in context. Um if we look at you know those revenues are 120 12% because they're above
>> understanding in the context what's real money because if it increases in the amount that we're getting the point >> that it what we get that's reimburseable that's the figure we really want to see. >> It's it's not that clear. You're not
going to see a one if we do this we get that. Um, we also do it with maintenance department charges PHS for rent for the same reason. And if you talk with our cost allocation professionals, it's there's a point at which you go too
far, it's there's no benefit to it. They can't they can't tell you precisely. >> Yeah. >> Charge them 30%. Charge them. They don't have a they don't have a precise number for that. >> Yeah. Um but I think we're doing they indicate that we're doing as about as
well as we can do with A87 money. >> Yeah, >> you see that in my department. So >> yeah and that and that's beneficial for us to understand that. Yeah. >> Yeah. Just how that works when we look at chargeback for copy or we look at
>> at mileage using you know >> county co you know vehicles and stuff. Being able to understand what that really means financially as it affects levy. That's the important >> and that's just the reason we do that with those two departments. Maintenance doesn't charge any other department rent
for their office. >> That's the only reason this one is done. And the same with it. They don't charge any other department >> for their PCs or for rent. It's because we do get some revenue. >> How is it with soil and water >> reflected in that regard? Because we're
not charging. they don't get that kind of federal revenue >> that gets reimbursible on that. So there's no there's no benefit in that way. Yeah. Thank you. >> We're going to pause right now. It's 9:00
>> and I'll open it up for Brady to um discuss the changes in the miscellaneous fee schedule. >> So this request was just for us one specific fee. We put it out to departments and no one else um had a
request for that for a change at this point. But this one is because of um the cannabis um licensing and registration the law
changes this year. So, uh, these low, this is for the low potency hemp retailers. They've been retailing products here for a while now. You'll see them the products in stores. Um, so now they're under a new process.
They're already uh licensed by the state, but they have to get new licensing, new ones do from the state, and they have to register with the county. They've not had any registration or licensing with county before. This is the first let's say this is stage one of
all this process for these low potency hemp um retailers. So in order to continue operating they have to have a registration with us and we have to set a fee and that's what this is about. So we're setting the fee. The state says a
maximum fee of 125 per location for each of these retailers and the committee is recommending yeah set it at the 125. That's their recommendation. So that's what you're seeing here. And uh there'll be more of this rolling out. I don't
know how soon, but this will be rolling out for the different uh types of operators. uh whether we'll have those operators or not, we'll still be complying with all the uh requirements of the state law. So, uh the retailers
had to either register by the end of October if there were new ones or re-up their registration, confirm it. So, this has to be this should be done soon just for them to to continue to operate without stopping. they would have to
stop and wait until we set a fee, had a registration or uh process. The registration process uh and application, all of that is ready. So, it's just waiting for the fee approval. >> Okay.
Questions? Commissioner Sullivan? I would just like to make a motion to approve the initial retail registration fee of $125 per location for the lower potency hemp edible retailers in Cook County. And this would be for um businesses outside the city of Grand
Marray. >> I'll support any >> do we need to do anything to like officially open the public meeting public hearing before we take action? other than saying that I'm opening the public hearing.
>> I don't know if we might say. Okay. Just ask. >> So we pro. Yeah. So whether you have to close it to make a motion >> might be the Yeah. I I would agree because um just for the public whether they see whether we have an audience or not that we are
having a public hearing. Nobody is here to discuss the issue. The public hearing is opened. We close the public hearing and the motion has been made. Um, and the other thing I I would just say that we are responding as a county in
response to requirement defined by the state of Minnesota. So, this is a compliance issue on our part. So, >> and I should point out too that this is outside of the city. Um, the city has retailers that that they will register.
They're doing the same process. It's an important element. Yeah. >> And that was stated in the motion outside the city. >> It's it's the same as the liquor licensing, too. So, it kind of kind of mirrors that. >> So, we have a motion and a second. Are there any further comments or questions?
>> Okay. All in favor? >> I oppose. Same sign. And now I will close the public hearing um at this time at 9:05. Okay. Okay, Brady, continue on.
>> Okay, >> quarter. >> So, ne next item is the elections. That's department 63. >> And this is a standard item you see in here because of the timing. >> Uh this is the the revenues we received
back from the hospital, the school, the city, the towns for election work. and we received that uh in 2025. And so we budget a two-year budget on this. And that's why the revenues are so
high. They don't get spread. They come all at once. Um for the administrative department, uh the revenues are slightly lower than expected and that's that contract we have with the hospital. That's Todd
Ford's time that's split. So, they'll be making that payment shortly. Um, same thing basically with the attorney's office. They have a city prosecution agreement and they get a quarterly payment and we haven't seen the third
quarter payment yet. Um, crime victim witness, their revenue is low. That's their um state payment. The it's mostly covered by a state grant. So, we're just waiting on that
grant payment. The recorders office is above in revenue and that's their uh technology fees. So, we budget a portion of that and expect to spend it and it comes in uh faster than we're uh
budgeting, but that is saved. Um it's a restricted fund. >> So, Mr. Gamble. >> Yeah. Thank you, Madam Chair Brady. Uh the board had passed uh for uh some additional convenience and reduced
um workload relative to some of the things that can be handled in the recorder's office. I'm wondering if if that will contribute then at all affect this number. No, >> it's more a convenience issue. >> This
it's uh convenience. Can you explain that more? >> Uh, >> are you talking about the e-recording platform? >> Yeah. >> Oh, okay. >> Yeah. So, that doesn't have any financial bearing. It just has a convenience to the public for accessibility and potentially work
reduces workload. >> But, it has a slight um impact on the technology fees. I believe there was a a minor fee that needs to be pulled from that resource for implementation. Um but outside of that it does not impact that number.
>> Yeah. Okay. And they increase the fees um which feeds this funding and then the other funding. They have two two different uh fee sources that some years ago uh went up a lot. Um
I forget what the fees were at that time, but that was for e-recording. that's for all the counties around the state to go to e-recording and not just necessarily e but speeding up their process to get it under 3 days and so that's what feeds this technology fund
and then they have a department 101 which is a slightly different uses but um anyway both of those are >> yeah Brady is so just to understand those fees is the increase in fees
reflective of more users or is it reflective of increased cost for the use? It's no, this is more users. It's just that they they're charged more >> uh 20 years ago whenever this started,
maybe not that long ago um to fund uh improvements to the recording process across the state. We're we've actually built up these funds to some degree. We're using them for uh related purposes. Uh it is using some of the
funds to help the whole recording process which you know affects land services, our department assessors, etc. So we're making use of those funds now. >> Yeah. And my my question wasn't necessarily the application of those funds. It was the increased numbers if
it reflects increased usage that more people are using the services as opposed to increase in the fees. >> Well, it's been both over the years and uh you it'll come and go the increased
use. Um up here we had tremendous >> uh deeds and mortgage etc. uh right around COVID and then afterwards as people some moved up here, some were splitting their properties, etc. >> Yeah.
>> So, I mean, we had like I don't know, you'd have to ask uh >> Yeah. >> Holly now, but uh three times let's say normal for a few years. >> And the benefit in understanding that is when you go to the budget process. >> Yeah. to know what influences those
numbers so that your projections are real when when you're looking at future budgets. So >> yeah, and this mostly is not a budget reflected item because we don't spend all of our money. So it's not really,
but it's um it it seems like we should report some of these. It's part of her levy department, but that fee itself is not really changing their budget number because we spend all that money and we still put some away. So,
>> okay. Thank you. >> Sure. uh courthouse operations. Uh that was uh that revenue was they got reimbursed for some ex log cabin roof up
there. >> Uh insurance reimbursed a claim $11,569. And since it was spent uh out of his department, then that's where the revenue goes back to. down to sheriff.
Um the revenues are very low. That's typical this time of year. They have a a large payment of state amortization aid that comes in December and they get another payment. I should have asked Pat while he was here from the National Park Service. It's not a huge number, but
it's mostly the state amortization aid. Madam Chair, if I may, Brady, um I'd like to go back to veteran service officer. >> The state provides $7,500.
>> Correct. >> And that figure might be $500 more than it was 10 years ago in my first term. >> In other words, my point is that we had 7,000. We had one veteran service
officer for the county. Then the state required that we had to have our our veteran service officer at the time had to make a decision whether he was going to serve Grand Portage or serve the county. And he made a decision to serve the county. So we had to split and have
two veteran service officer. And the state was allocating $7,000 for that position. And here we are in 2025 with 7,500. That's >> that's just >> it's not unusual. There are a lot of
programs like that that uh unless they get pressure on the legislature, they don't they won't make a change for >> a long long time. >> And so that that tends to push your budget up because your budget's based on
revenues and expenses. And if you're counting on a certain amount of revenue, if it doesn't rise with the cost, then that's levy. >> Should build into a cost of living because obviously we pick up the cost on that end.
>> Thank you. >> Uh let's see. E911. Here's another department. This really shown for information purposes. It's not a levy department because the state provides more money than we
typically spend um or ever have spent in this one. Some counties probably levy for it because they spend all that allocation, but for us um it's been a net plus.
But we show it here anyway. and uh the current balance in the E911 fund is 462,000. So that'll that's building up and getting high, but the next time that they have to redo that that system,
um you know, the E911 system, when they do that, that's very expensive. So, and we're using I've noticed we're using more of that now uh for technology than we used to. So the the net difference is
less than it was 20 years ago say when that fee went up. Uh radio communications they are exceeding this is not unusual either their tower lease fees are exceeding what they've budgeted there.
Tower capital is here again for information purposes. The Tower Capital fund uh is selfunding. So, we're building up enough funds in tower capital to replace towers and make improvements, etc. Currently, that has
569,000 in it. And that is one that is um totally at the board's discretion. So, those are committed funds because the board has committed that for towers um rather than uh required by law to be
there. I will pause for a moment. Commissioner White asked, could this be on the screen? Is this screenable? >> Um, what are you asking about? I'm sorry.
>> The document we're looking at, >> it is >> 7B. >> Yep. >> Okay. Um, you'll have to give me a minute or two. >> We still love you, Janna. Bye. Yeah, it will take a few minutes. You might want to copy. >> Should we keep going?
>> Yeah. >> Okay. >> So, county jail, they their expenses are lower than normal, and that's um I I think that's good news. Um
that's primarily their uh where they have to travel down and place prisoners in other facilities because we only hold them for 3 days. And the medical costs sometimes the medical cost can can exceed the the travel and stay cost. So
they're at 43% on that. um some years ago. Yeah, you might want to have the sheriff someday come and talk about that cuz that's that's a remarkable story. >> Mhm. >> When we were thinking of improving the jail facilities, uh do we need to go to
90 days or year round, etc. because of all of the costs of the travel and stays that was and I remember the marker at that time was well when we get to four the cost of four full-time deputies then we really have to look at um going to a
longer facility and making the improvements to the jail and that's just gone the other direction. Mhm. >> Some of it has to be, you know, what they do with courts has to be a large part of it. That restorative justice, >> but I don't know what else >> in drug court. >> Yeah.
>> I assume that's what it is. >> And that's ideally how we wanted to invest rather than in jail. And >> you don't often get a clear result like that. >> Yeah. um in your budget numbers, but so Mr. W.
>> And then at some point um mental health is woefully uh in need of help um and with the numbers that are sent out of the county for helping our community people uh with their mental health needs because we do not have residential
facilities. um maybe this is the time to see if we could partner with perhaps Grand Portage or Lake County, but to bring a facility that's closer to our community members and their families. I mean this is would be a huge complicated
discussion but but perhaps based on the amount that is spent for out of county for services that if we had the facility we could provide perhaps we should look at it. >> Yes I said it. Let's spend more money
and build buildings. No, that's but I think that for for the good of our community people, those that families, friends, and those that have needs, we should cons we should have a conversation. >> Look at Commissioner Gamble.
>> Yeah, Madam Chair, to that subject, that was something that was discussed at AMC. Um and we need to step back and take a look at because we're we're failing in this area and um it it's something that our voice needs to be lent to multiple
voices so that the response is something that is going to be a regional issue for us but it it needs to be addressed and it certainly was a a topic that was discussed. >> Minister trouble.
>> Thank you madam chair. So, this is also an item that I think will get information from Mr. Dave Leon um because he's very familiar with the Arrowhead region. He's already been talking with us about the mobile crisis team and some work we can do in that space. So, I anticipate that we will
have more information from him on what he thinks the recommendations are to make sure that we're meeting the mental health needs of our community. So, more to come. >> Continue. And then a consideration as it goes to what are the values that we have as a board and as a community. We
support child care workers. We support a lot of different um services for our community members. And so it's just one more thing that we should consider when the conversation
and the recommendation occurs. >> Did you still want that up on the screen? >> Yeah. And and again, was it the general fund budget review? Is that what it was? >> Yes. >> Correct. >> And we're on the first page of the spreadsheet. >> There you go.
>> Thank you, Jana. >> And I would like to add that the reason that I believe Jana didn't do anything right away besides the fact we've never told her, but when I came, YouTube was not working anywhere. And I got word
that it's up and running again now. So, we're on camera, folks. So, >> I feel at peace now. So that spreadsheet's up if anybody wants to talk about it. Like just the first page of it
for the public. >> Yeah, we're on uh uh 250 currently. Item 250. >> Yeah. >> And I've I've edited this too. I might send it to you if people are interested.
Um environmental health. So their revenues are low. They're um that's department 390. There's the lakeshore septic compliance funds. Uh they're coming later in the year. That's the Randy River one
watershed >> money. um solid waste landfill, their revenues are high and that's uh fees um that are already exceeding budget for
the year. A lot of use down there. Planning and zoning uh are at 51% of revenues. Uh, vacation rental licenses are um a little lower than
you'd expect at this time of year, 54%. They've got a state grant uh coming later, only 19% of that so far. emergency services conference. Uh they're just asking for fewer donations
than they expected. Uh then the historical society. Uh typically that would be at 100% because we make a levy payment, but this is also a uh insurance reimbursement. This isn't going to them, but this is in the
general fund department. We're allocating it to this department for the roof repair there. So, we spent the money out of department 501 and we're putting the money back in 501 for insurance reimbursement, which is why that looks higher. Schroeder, we paid
them their levy. That's 100%. Um, same with YMCA revenue comes once a year, comes in January, so that's 100% paid. extensions at 4%. Again, because of their backpack program, they're spending
down their fund balance instead of trying to collect more. Um and then just dropping to the miscellaneous which is at that's department 822 is at 91% of the revenue
and that's because of the state and federal funds that we've already received for the year. The PILT money the big thing we're waiting for is the second half of the county program. It'll come in December and get it to the 100%. The only other thing
in there is the we do have some um delinquent tax uh revenue that's comes into that department and that's it. And uh >> yeah, thank you Madam Chair Brady. Um
egg inspector, do we not get a contribution from the state on that? Not in this department. If the uh highway department does the egg in inspections, they just bill us for a
portion of that because it's not a highway department function, but they do it and then they'll bill us, >> right? I mean it's it isn't real clear because the a inspector the fact similar to when you
look at the u veteran service officer I think the state in the past they used to give $6,000 but >> if if they are that's coming to the highway department. >> Okay. Yeah. So this is the expense that
internal expense that they're going to receive. They'll send us a bill and we'll make a transfer to the highway department for the egg inspection costs. >> Okay. The years ago they, you know, they made the case you could hire anybody to do
egg inspections. It's not a highway uh department function, but the highway department has always taken care of it. And so what we did is that uh previously is if the state gave us $6,000 and we said highway engineer you can take this
responsibility and add $6,000 to your payroll. That's that's how we treated it. But if you don't see it, you don't know the revenue that's coming there. So you got to find it in the highway department. Yeah. >> White. Um Brady I had asked that question of you and you were gave me a
response to that and for what we are paying for the uh environmental specialists that the wages are 86976 and then the benefits are 28649. Yeah, there. >> But that's not from our it's from
highway. >> That's highway. And if you talk I'm sure Robbie has talked about that here before. It's that's not just egg inspector. That's on all their projects. If they have environmental issues, it's
it does egg inspecting is part of that, but it's it's not the job. >> It's the >> it's the environmental specialist >> specialist thing. So what >> like working with soil and water on the projects up there on the bridge >> and so forth.
>> So that's the question I need to ask. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. We need an explanation from them. >> Okay. >> Any further comments or questions? Anything else? Brady, >> I would just ask for a motion to accept the report.
So moved. >> Support. Any other questions or comments? All in favor? >> I I same sign passes unanimously. Thank you for all that info for sure. >> And
and the last item I have is just uh this is oh not the last. This is the uh non-mandated uh funding history. Okay. open my file here. So, this is every everything I had uh in
my file. So, this starts in 2003 and goes all the way to 2026. And uh non-mandated refers to spending that's not mandated by law. And then that's been kind of interchanged over
the years with discretionary, but this is my my understanding of it. Discretionary um refers to nonprofit organizations. I think that's how we probably mean that. And some of our non-mandated isn't uh
nonprofit organizations. It's things like Soil and Water, which uh is that which is governmental. um for example, and you can go farther than that. You'll see on the top of the list, airports are
not mandated, but we have one um that we fund and it's largely funded by federal and state grants. And then you also have um an extension service that's not
mandated. Um and we have a extension department have had for many many decades. Um I don't think mandated or not we probably have one but uh the community building also the
services up there are not mandated. And this is easy to point out certain types of functions that are pretty much all non-mandated. So, but there's parts of departments, a lot of departments that
do things that are non-mandated um as services. My department does passports. It's not mandated, but no one else in the county is doing it. It seems to fit. Um uh we do revolving loan fund.
Uh we we're not mandated to have a revolving loan fund and give those loans and things like that. And there are other departments doing things like that. Um, this is a small one, but emergency services conference uh years ago that
got broken out from that department and uh um I'm not sure there's a reason for that anymore, but it's not required that we have one. The YMCA is a big uh number and uh we have a YMCA. We're not
obviously mandated to have one, but um lots of people enjoy that service. parks department. We don't have to have a parks department, but we have one. Um, we have a an economic development agency
joined with the city. That's not mandated. It's something the county chose to do. Uh, library. Uh, we fund half the library with a joint powers agreement with the city. And if we
didn't, if we said uh we we wouldn't have to do that. If we didn't though, they couldn't be part of the regional library system. They'd be a local small library, for example. We have a housing redevelopment authority. We we're not required to have
that. Um we're not required to fund soil and water conservation district, although we see the benefits. Historical society, both of them, uh the Cook County Historical Society and the Schroeder Historical Society. So, we
fund all of those. So, those are, you know, easy categories to pick out that are non-mandated. Um and then you get down to the discretionary that are now primarily in the public health
human services and uh in what's called discretionary nonprofit organization. ations funded by the uh general fund since 2022.
And uh when we gave money to the art colony and back in 2019, the board decided that uh they would give this job to public health human services, the the public
health part of that to look at things that we were funding discretionary and look at it from a public health point of view and come up with uh their own method of distributing funds and the
board gave them said well last year we funded 130 here we're going to authorize you to to do 130,000 next year and that's how it got started and since then um it's the list has changed you know as
they look at they look at it through the eye of the public health department so so you see what those expenditures are and Kristen asked me this question and uh she looked at it and it's if you took
the this levy 2026 proposed compared to our full levy it's about 16% It would be I mean that's just a number. It would be interesting to know uh if you could find categories that you
were comparable to go around the state and see how much other counties are spending on programs that are non-mandated. if you could find ones that were, you know, really clear. Um, because they're doing small things within departments like we are too, but
these big big items, I would guess that we're pretty high in that category. >> Administrator. >> Madam Chair, thank you. And in Brady, I have asked some of my uh my peers uh throughout the state to try to gather some of that information to see if we are um if we're in line with other
counties or to your point if we are high. So hopefully more information soon. >> Yeah. Some some of that you just it's kind of obvious when you think about it that um that we're a small county with a
small city tip. In other places they have large cities that do a lot of the things that we're doing, you know. So I think that's how it that's how it started. Any
further questions or comments? Well, thank you for going back all these years to 2003. Does give a perspective on def definitely how things have changed with the discretionary. >> Yeah,
>> good perspective. And uh the the last item is the the budget uh reduction analysis. We asked all departments to look at what would you do if you had to the board said
we've got to cut we've got to cut 5% from every department. What are you going to do? So that's that was the uh it was a couple of paragraphs, but that's the short version of what we asked. And uh so you see their responses
here. Um I don't know if you want to hear me go through each one or maybe you just want to ask questions. >> Commissioner Gamble. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Brady. Um,
I don't other than maybe for public awareness, I don't think you'd have to go through them because we have them and have read through them. And I do want to say how much I really appreciate the departments doing this and um the
information that is provided is a window into the process which is for me it's hugely beneficial and uh it gives us I think it draws us closer to what they're tasked with and understanding the decisions that they have to made make
relative to spending taxpayer dollars. And so I'm really appreciative of that perspective that we gained by looking at their responses. I think that um this coupled with the other information that we get that has been provided to us
helps to inform us so when we come to making decisions on the final budget we have this this perspective. So that would be my comment. >> Minister Trouble. >> Thank you Madam Chair. I would um just
add that going through these um as the administrator I have significant concerns about some of the items that are listed as potential cuts and the impact that that would have on operations. However, um coupled with that, I also did look through all of
them and have conversations with many of our department heads and there are a couple items that I believe we're going to move forward with um at least in in terms of doing some additional analysis. So, there are some contracts um that
have been in place for many many years that need to be renegotiated. Um we're looking at some of our HR contracts as well in terms of some of the training that's provided. Um and there are some items that um Plowman had mentioned within PHS that um we are
moving forward with as well such as the review of the the positions, the organizational structure per per our consultants and also looking at non-client related travel. So, it was helpful in that it allows us to have opportunities about all of those items, but are but there are several items that
would be a risk for us if we did move forward with them. So, I just wanted to add that as well. >> Okay. Thank you. >> And I just want to let you know two um you know, the budget
uh changes a little bit as we we move on and there have been some changes. is you've heard some of them here like um how we changed the uh paid family leave. We had certain numbers budgeted and now it's less. So, we're saving money from
what we had on September 9th. We added a little bit for the insurance, health insurance going from the 10% we budgeted up to 11.8. Uh BKV, uh I think we got the final bill on the judicial design project. you
know, over at the law enforcement center that we didn't do. So, that was a um that was coming out of our ARPA funds. So, we don't have as much of that to use in the budget. But then we had uh two reductions because of a replacement in
the environmental health departments, the retirement of uh Mr. Iverson. And so, and now we know the details of the replacement. And then in human services, um Allison has adjusted some of the
hours for temporary staff for for next year, etc. All of that u is a cut of 97,220 from what you saw on September 9th. So that would uh with the use of fund
balance we showed then we'd uh our levy increase would be 6.79 if we did nothing else other than approve what's sitting in the budget right now and it was 7.57 but you could leave it at 7.57 and just
use less fund balance of course all those options are going to come Commissioner Gamble. >> Yeah, thank you, Madam Chair. I would I would just restate that I really appreciate the work that's gone into um
understanding our stewardship responsibility financially as things change. Being mindful of that and making the board aware, that's that's hugely beneficial. um your comments and opportunities to reassess
and when um when money is flush, we tend to bypass that discipline. But when things are tight, I think that's where stewardship responsibility and working at it mindful of what we don't want to lose. But that is something that
elected officials make a decision on based upon what they feel the constituents feel is valued to them. So I um I just want to say that this this process is good and I think >> pulling it all together as we move forward to setting that date is an
important thing that we need to do now. >> I think over the years I don't really feel we've been flush. You know, I think we've struggled in my time every time and had to set levies at
a percentage that was not really wanting to do that, but we had to. I think this year we are um a little better off because we have some general fund money and we had some ARPA money and we had all of that money that the last couple
years we've been able to utilize. But it's it's a struggle every every levy. And when you sit in these seats, it's especially daunting because of the decisions that we have to make according to the paperwork that Brady provides.
And um taking care of the our people is basically what we do. And so I'm hoping that the government will make some decisions and help with SNAP for one thing, you know. So that's just working
also with our budgeting and then working with what the state is doing and then what the feds are offering. So it's daunting but we can do it. >> Anything else Brady?
>> Well I would just like uh I hope if you have any other thoughts you know as we get to December of information that would help you appreciate it. Yeah. >> Thank you. >> And I would like the public with their
concerns or any questions they have, you can send them to your commissioners who will, I'm sure, direct them to Brady because the more eyes and the more experiences out there that can question or add to the uh decision
making, the better. Ultimately, it's the five of Ultimately, it's the five of us up here who uh make that decision. But I as one really want to know and it's not and so you understand that we're
probably going to not make you happy. We know that. So, >> okay. Thank you, Brady, for all the information. At this time, we'll move on to the administrator report. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, the first
thing I want to mention is I did get a message um from Robbie about the egg inspector position and it it seems like there's additional information that we can add um about that position as we move forward. Um it sounds like there's
a little more funding that is received um and he's got a lot more details about um how that position is leveraged. So, I would like to bring that forward to the board at some point just to make sure that we've got all the facts um clear on that position so we can we can add that
to a future agenda. Um I wanted to mention SNAP of course that has been a high priority for us and things have been changing almost daily. We receive um information every afternoon from DCYF so they've been providing daily updates.
We did not receive one yesterday because of the holiday and so the last one I received was on Monday. Um and at that time they said full November benefits have been issued to all motans who are eligible as of Friday, November 7th. Um they will also continue to accept um the
daily benefit issuance files which include newly eligible applicants. So that's the most recent information that we have. So all of our um community members that are eligible should have received a payment on Friday. So um we
continue to monitor that and com we will continue to communicate with the community if if and when things change. Um the next item I have is related to our our capital improvement projects. The law enforcement center is moving
along very nicely. I don't know if you've driven by, but things continue to progress. All of the footings will be inspected tomorrow by the state building inspector. Um footings will be poured most likely early next week and we're unscheduled to receive the pre-cast panels in early December. So that'll be
fun to see that that happen. Uh the transfer station, the pre-cast panels are scheduled to be completed this week. Um, we did have one small hiccup when one of the largest panels broke during the install last Thursday, but the contractor was able to respond very
quickly um and replace the panel to get the panel to us and we're planning on replacing it today. So, so that's been uh that's been fun to see as well. So, everything is going really well with the projects. Um, and the the last item I
have is just curious about future discussions around the budget. We have a committee of the whole next week. Um we have two potential agenda items um on that agenda. So um we can absolutely add the budget as an opportunity to kind of
dig into the information that Brady's been providing everyone if that's helpful to you. >> Yes. >> And if it goes long, I mean, could we have it so we have the room for into the afternoon? We could break for lunch and
come back if need be or you know just so that we can finish finish the conversation. Totally. I believe we could maybe I do know I I would have to check with Kim Shepard and
court admin because I've tenantedly have this room reserved starting at 1:00 if I'm assuming if they have a jury trial. Okay. Well, I could check with her and see if that's still planned or not. >> The other thing is, are the two items pressing?
>> Could they be postponed? >> One is the vacation um rental program. So, I I don't >> we need to do that. >> Do we need to do that? >> Yeah. >> Okay. And then the next is the SGSDs, which I know we're on a timeline for that one as well. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. So, and I I don't know with um live streaming if if I believe the ITV room is not not usable for >> I I haven't done it, but I think Patrick from the city has done it. So,
>> okay. We'll look into options and and check in with court administration and then also see if there's any way we could move over to the ITV room if possible. Um, >> another option, >> yeah, >> it would be the city
>> if you want to check and see availability of the city. >> Just just throwing it out when you're looking at everything and >> for the budget meeting part. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Well, just if if we we have a conflict because of scheduling in a room, if the city's available, I'm sure
that they would certainly make it available to us to use their conference room. The other thing to to remember is the personnel committee at 1:00 that day. You know, if we wanted if you know if we want late if we'd want to cancel that or just some people not attend.
>> Yeah, we could potentially move that if we needed the space if that's the only room available, but >> um >> and that meeting can be held virtually. >> Um so that would be another option, although commissioners would not be able to attend.
And I for and I for one am not opposed to having some sort of another day special meeting. I mean I'd rather have our special meetings with the drum beatat of the levy deadline looming farther out
than right right up against it. So I'm whatever you know I think this takes precedence. So I think I'm hearing that the preference would be to extend it on Tuesday if possible and if not set a
special meeting. Is that what >> Yeah, >> I would agree. >> Okay. >> Yeah. And madam chair and to that point that if if the items on the agenda that for the committee of the whole are something
and the scheduling we this is important. So we don't want to push through on it that if we set up a special set aside just that I'd be comfortable with doing that and then allow the time that's allocated and not have to move so many pieces for the
committee of the whole. >> Okay. Okay. >> All right. That's it. Thank you. >> Okay. All right. Then we'll move on to a commission report meeting updates. Anybody have anything they'd like to share?
Sullivan. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, we had a firewise meeting and one of the things I want to report is that the small burn piles along the Gunflint Trail have done quite nicely. Um there were burns um scheduled up by Bear Skin and Squint
Lake and everything went just beautifully. Everything was damp. It was the conditions were perfect. Piles a lot smaller than last year. So um not as much worry. Although when personnel leave at night, I think the tension and
the anxiety of people living there and our resorts increases. But it was handled very well. Um then um we had our fall gala last week. Um or actually two weeks ago now. Um over 260 people were
in attendance and I had the pleasure of and honor of sitting with the reservation tribal council as did representative Scraba. We had some really good conversations. So that was a great event to participate in. Um we had our spruce bud symposium a week ago last
Saturday. 60 individuals attending there and we had classroom sessions in the morning. Afternoon was a bus tour up the Gunflint Trail and to look at different kinds of applications and work that was done on a a larger property. And I
really um want to give a big shout out to extension and our soil and water conservation district and firewise staff for doing a great job of collaborating on that. It was amazing. Um gun Gunflint
Trail Scenic Byway met um last Tuesday and they were just very excited about the opening of the grade um now that there is an opportunity to have another emergency evacuation route out of the county and we gave them an update on the mill to hill project. If you haven't
been up the gunflint in the last few days, it's striped. The guard rails are going in um and the new bridge is being used. Uh the temporary bridge is in the process of being deconstructed and um we're right along with our
timelines. It's just happened really well. And I want to give a big shout out to our highway department for the incredible work they've done, the planning, and uh just strategically knowing when to work on a Saturday to make sure we meet our schedule, knowing
that winter weather is coming and we have to get that asphalt laid and the striping done while it's warm. So, they've done a a superb job. Uh, we had an AMC solid waste committee meeting last week, a couple of hours, and we had
solid waste directors and environmental administrators from around the state of Minnesota um speak for about two hours. There are some um concerns that were expressed about the interaction between a lot of
counties and um the MPCA. And so it was kind of interesting to listen to those concerns. They were primarily farming communities that were struggling um with issues with the MPCA. Um, but I did want to bring that up and
there'll be a lot of work that we have to do in December at our AMC policy committee meeting uh to determine how we're going to move forward with legislation and legislative priorities for the upcoming year. Uh, we had our
legislative luncheon last week and I'll let Commissioner Stoley um talk a little bit about that. Um, but that was a nice event. Um, I want to thank um Brooke Lassard and our county um attorney's
office and our veteran service officer for um helping with Operation Green light to honor our veterans. and the green lights have been showing in the courthouse um throughout the last week and just really appreciate the work they did and uh good support for veterans
that was uh demonstrated yesterday at a variety of activities and events throughout the county. And with that, um I believe that is it. And I look forward to listening to commissioners share what they have with
their meetings. this is the only time we have a chance to get together and hear about what's going on at meetings and so I would really encourage people to talk about those meetings that they attend so that we are all well informed as well as the public. >> Thank you.
>> Anyone else? Commissioner Gam. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh attended Northern County's coalition meeting. It was a conflict with the lunch and um uh I was doing a presentation at that meeting. So I I needed to attend that.
But uh for the community, Northern County's Coalition used to be formerly Northern County's coordinating uh you long end club they called it, but they've shortened it now to Northern Counties Coalition Board, and they began
1983 as a joint powers board. And the purpose of Northern Counties Coalition is to provide a local government perspective regarding regulation, implementation, and coordination of environmental and natural resource policies with our state and federal
partners. Um, we have added four additional counties to the original 10 counties. The original 10 counties are Aken County, Cook, Itasa, Cooching, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Marshall, Pennington, Roso, St. Louis, and the new
four additional members, Carlton, Cass, Ottertale, and Pine Counties. It was noted in uh our discussion that politics will likely be the primary focuses of the next legislative session and we were advised not to look for
anything other than the supplemental budget and perhaps a million-doll bonding bill. Members of the coalition met with the DNR as a part of a legislative audit that reviewed the DNR's land acquisitions. It was requested that the DNR provide an
outline online outline summary report that would be uh better understood by users. Uh the DNR appreciated the feedback that and they expressed a willingness to try to update their antiquidated system. It was also
expressed by members of northern counties that we have a very vested interest in understanding who owns what when it comes to land use. And it was noted that the DNR presently does not include school trust lands amongst their
listings. So from our standpoint in making decisions about land use that uh in meeting with the DNR and again this was precipitated by a requirement that the DNR do an audit and um so we were
able to communicate with the DNR that for us it'd be helpful to see all of the land the DNR um manages and when there's a change in that transaction to be have that reflected on an easily accessible online platform. The other thing is that
if you have a zero net gain policy as a county that if the DNR is purchasing property and there's land exchanges, we need to know how that plays out. So if if they're selling or they're purchasing
so that we we aren't losing our tax base with property transactions. So, it's always um a very substantive discussion and in my previous uh term uh being a member of Northern Countyy's coalition board, I always look forward to
attending because they definitely roll up their sleeves and do good work. This past um Monday because of the holiday, we had a township meeting in Schroeder and um administrator Treble and Plowman joined
us on Zoom and we had a good discussion in regards to their questions about what had um transpired with uh the situation with public health and I think they asked good questions and um the um
description of what really happened was um very descriptive and I think Plowman did a great job in covering the history on that and um there was no further questions after because I stayed after them to give my report. There weren't any other questions. So I think they're
they're pleased with understanding what had been going on in the last four months. So that was and I thank you for also joining us too on Zoom. Um yes, at Charlie's we had a a great gathering. Um we had Senator Hoschild and
Representative Scraba and a representative from ITR. Um Eda was not able to make it. So we had a representative there. And first of all, the question to the um senator and representative was how do you things are
how do you think things are going to happen next year in the legislature? and not real encouraging words, but you know, they um they do their best to represent us and they listen very closely to all of the requests that came
up and um administrator Treble and I um addressed some of the questions that we had that we put together and um they had some response to that. So um and Charlie's was a great place. Um we had a buffet lunch and so it is for the future
a great place in the west and to hold different um functions. So that was that was a success I would say. I had to leave a little bit early but I assume as it went on it was you know good good response to the requests. Um there was
probably about 11 requests from different departments. Uh, one of them was the Gigi Gami Trail and I, uh, serve on that committee. And, um, Tufty Park Road is really good now. We're ready for
the Fourth of July. They're just wrapping up some little edging work, but that's great. And the bike trail um was um, pretty much completed. Um they put the walkway um right in front of the museum and then they have two ch uh
chartreuse signs saying pedestrian crossing with the white lines. So let's hope that that is enough. I know that my time that I spend at the museum is you know not slowing a lot of traffic down but let's hope you know that those work.
If not, I think we will request a light just to give everybody, you know, like we do in Luden, >> just that heads up of, oh, there's something blinking. I need to be cautious when I come into town. >> There's something red and blue blinking. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> More eye catching.
>> And then I attended the Niko meeting and um there's a lot to discuss right now which I'll um bring forth at our public health meeting. Okay. Commissioner Gamble. Yeah, just I just want to comment uh to the meeting and the response on on the part of
county to Schroeder and I I think that just just a great thing um when the community has a question especially townships but anybody to be able to respond in a way like that to be forthcoming and transparent and I found
in the discussion that we had in budget and facilities when plain was there it was like this puts things in context text and perspective and and the the benefit of sharing those things and being open in that regard is the community can come alongside and help us
understand how we can address these things and there's a shared sense of ownership in that regard. So I just think it's a really healthy thing and and appreciated the response. um the more the more that we can do that
substantively and genuinely, the more that we build that relationship that we're looking to do. So, it's not just words, it's actions. So, I just want to say kudos. So, >> yes. Thank you. Any other reports, Commissioner White? Um yes, I I too
attended the uh legislative luncheon and I really liked that format with with the uh organizations and the representatives sitting at the front and everyone is in audience to hear sitting comfortably
um to hear what's being requested to hear the interactions um and then and it was it was well timed. I also had to leave early, but it was uh um I really like that. I really like that format. Um
>> and we can thank um visit Cook County and Linda working together with us. >> Thank you, Linda and whomever, Angel, whomever put that together. Um I attended the It's a long acronym, the uh Northern
Emergency Management Assistance Compact. that is a international national group that focuses on reacting to emergencies and coordinating and and we got a big conversation for the I stayed
for more than half the meeting. It was coming from Montreal, Manitoba, Manitoba, sorry. and uh they did a mock nuclear emergency like oh that's one like honestly I didn't
think about having an nuclear emergency it's always fire or so anyway I attended that and that was another part of the web of protection that communities and countries put together
for their citizens and that was pretty good but from there I got to go to the tribal relations conference up in Grand Portage. Uh the state for their state employees and I asked uh vice vice chair
I don't mean to leave you out. I asked uh vice chair um Agatha Armstrong if I could attend and and uh got it. they had room and it again I highly re highly recommend that everybody that works in
this organization particularly in our public health and human services and for those of us on this board and those department heads who have any interactions with uh uh working with Grand Portage Nation
that uh we get we do that I mean it is eyeopening and and what I thought and uh was particularly I mean there's a lot of dates and times in in treaties and broken treaties but the one thing that I observed really
caught people's attention when they did the presentation on boarding schools and this time around I'd seen this movie before it just it people were tearing up it just because there are like three and
four year olds and all these and no So anyway, all of that is important information that I really recommend that city, county, everybody should should offer that up. Yes, >> Commissioner. You'll be happy to know that I have a meeting at 11:00 today
with um the tribal training institute to try to see if we can bring some of that training to our staff. and understand that the participants were fed, those that attended. So, just keep that in mind. So,
>> okay. >> Um, yeah, I think those were the big ones. >> Okay. >> Well, well, wait. And then, uh, it was the, uh, Council on Aging and, uh, we have to have a strong conversation
with getting some funding help. they they uh ended the uh month again $18,000 behind having to draw for a second month from um funds that they have uh for this
situation. And a lot of it was because this is the time of year that insurance premiums are due and different large large expenses >> fall upon them. So uh it's not that their numbers are not up and the uh the
auxiliary the veterans they have just a lot of people coming and I know that there are people come or veterans coming down from Grand Portage for the meals also. So it was a really positive idea. So, >> and just to put a plug in um for the
public, anybody who is a veteran can go for lunch any day the month of November, Monday through Friday, and they can get frozen meals to take home as well. Um, so you just come in, you have to call ahead of time, and then you come in,
sign your name, what branch of service you were in, and you get your meal. And I would add that if you um they do have additional meals frozen. >> So that's always an option if it's the
end of the day and you're really hungry and well it's 450 but if you're a veteran it's free this month. So >> thank you. >> Uh yeah and I just have three probably I'll report on. Um um first one is the Northwoods Food Project. um going
through some reviews of uh where dollars are and the grants. The uh farmers market uh was extended and I guess the last two farmers markets which were part of the extension were the busiest that um vendors had seen. So um it bodess
well for the future and there was some funding um from the Margaret A. Cargill uh foundation I guess to extend that and to provide more of those tokens and there's more funding to try to um build it stronger for next year. So they're in
a very uh unique situation in place and there'll be some um strategic planning happening uh in the in the start of the new year. Um also um had a HR committee meeting with the EDA. Um we've we're working with Northshore Development
Company which is um Jason Hal and Theresa Bida um to help in the search for a for a new executive director and maybe take a little different tack on that. Um we'll have more conversations with the full
board. Um, but it's very encouraging and it's uh just a a very fortunate place to have the Northshore Development Company willing to support the EDA um through this and just their expertise is uh
phenomenal. So um feel really good about that. And then also the DUTH um uh Y board um which is will no longer be called the Duth area YMCA. will be the um Lake Superior um YMCA because of the
merger with the Superior Y in Wisconsin. And so that's been a huge project they've been working on for quite a while, two years I want to say, and it it wasn't a merger initially. Initially, it was just a management contract um because the Spir
was struggling and now um they're they're in the black and uh and it's really impressive to see that turnaround and just the collaboration there. Um, and it's Sarah Cole. She's the CEO. It's it was her 8-year anniversary. Um, and just the changes that have happened
within the organization, I think, is pretty pretty remarkable since her her hiring. So, um, that's probably all all to report on today. Oh, no, sorry. Labor management um committee. We we um met and it had been a while and it was
Kristen's first um meeting there. Um, and so that was really good just to kind of get get connected with that group and kind of talk about some of the things that we've accomplished, some of the things we've been working on and hope to to move on and just to really establish or reestablish or continue those
relationships. Um it's pretty critical for for our organization and because of that I miss the food access council um which is unfortunate because of just uh where things are at with food in in our country and county
right now. But um I think that's all. >> Okay. Commissioner Gamble. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. uh Commissioner Mills, the YMCA merger and then you made the comment that uh they're in the black. Do you know do you know what
contributed to that? In other words, can you give us sort of connect those dots between Superior and Duth YMCA and now they find themselves in the black >> the operations 100% just streamlining and professionalism >> merging in the operations
>> and superior's operations they were really struggling and they were in the red. um they have deferred uh maintenance and that's still something they have to address. >> Um but uh just having uh uh that professional work culture and systems in
place and structure, >> okay, >> is the the long and short of it. Um personnel is a huge cost. And so really dialing that in. And um yeah, it uh I know there's a lot of history there
and um and I'm not privy to all of that, but they've had some superiors had some significant challenges and um and it wasn't uh apparent to the board and then when it became apparent to the board, it was beyond uh
>> management. So, so then that's where that management contract came into play. But, >> um, >> yeah, it's >> I don't know if you're aware, but the Msabi uh Y shut down um with similar um issues, I guess. Um, and the the Duth
now Lake Superior Y has been trying to support and and um offer services now that the Msabi Y is gone. Um, and there is talks with, oh, and I missed the name of it cuz it the sound blipped off, but there is talks with another city. It
might be Hibbing, uh, to have a YMCA there. Um, and so trying to work with the Lake Superior YMCA to to figure out how that could or could not work, but uh, the city is the one initiating that.
And uh yeah, it can be daunting because you know when you get so big, it's a lot harder to manage, right? Um sometimes can be a lot more expensive to manage, but with the systems in place at the at the Lake Spear YMCA, it seems like it's
just more and more good happening and um getting national attention, too. they've received um well Sarah's received national awards but uh the Duth or the Lake Superior area YMCA uh received uh funding from Mackenzie Scott uh
philanthropic um and and just because of the work that they've done and just kind of stood out to to her which >> it's a huge boon for city of Duth but then also the region. So >> I mean and if you had Oh, I'm sorry. No,
I'm just going to say I I appreciate that because I mean just connecting the dots and understanding how you got there and and the willingness to address issues and to see them and and understand them so that you can respond in a way and that it just it's just a
good >> Oh, it's a it's a good learning story like you want to learn learn from those things. So that I appreciate appreciate that. >> Yeah, it's there's always lots to learn there. Um and just all the connections and the interworkings with all of the
organizations in Duth as well. Um it's it's very impressive. Um >> where I was going to go though with some unfortunate news or fortunate is uh Alex, our local director is is leaving. So um sad but happy for him. Um >> and uh yeah, we'll go through that
>> transition and um >> he loved the area. It's just that um >> his his uh partner is elsewhere and so he's moving close closer there. >> Yeah. Just encourage him. I mean when you look at your priorities I respect
his >> his focusing on his priorities and he he did what he did and uh you know not being more selfless in that regard but at some point in life you got to realize time is passing so it's it's important. So
>> I had another question. Uh thank you. Um, when you were talking about the meals with AOA, AOA had sent a a a followup asking if we were going to make a contribution towards their building
plan. And I'm just wondering where that sets, if that's something that is a discussion item in our budget process or where we're at on that. >> Do you understand? >> Yeah. I mean, when they he came before us and committee the whole and then
there was a followup and I I just I don't know where that's at. So >> Brady, do you know? >> Well, I mean >> I've not heard >> it's not in our budget. >> No. >> And so if we want to put it in a budget, we can, but I think that's as far as the
conversation has gone is what you were just referring to. >> Yeah. Well, and I and I just so it there should be a response with, you know, where our position is at and where we're on there because obviously the benefit that they are to us, we don't want to
ignore that. So if if our position unfortunately is da da da understandably, then at least we we want to respond so that the partnership is >> look into that. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Okay. So thank you for all the updating.
we keep on learning about what's going on in the county that way. So, we'll move on then to the we in our packet we have the lodging tax comparison through August and then we have recognition of um November staff anniversaries.
Christopher Oh, Christopher Fenstead and Recycling Center, one year. Stephanie Radloff, Recorder's Office, one year. Alli Iverson, Sheriff's Office, three years. Nancy Deming, public health and human
services, three years. Angelique Corman, Sheriff's Office, four years. Ben Hadley, Highway Department, six years. Grace Goger, Public Health and Human Services, seven years. Jimmy Walner,
maintenance, 11 years. Jesse Backstrom, Highway Department, 12 years. Norris Klestead, Highway Department, 12 years. And um anniversary milestone uh is Steve Olsen, Highway Department, 5 years.
There be no other business, we are adjourned. >> Thank you all. >> Thank you. Before you leave, >> excuse me. >> Yep. before you leave. I When was that seeing you? Cuz I >> yesterday