Good morning everyone. I'll call the uh Cook County Board of Commissioners regular meeting to order on this day, Tuesday, March 10th, 2026. Uh 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? >> Hearing none. I'll have a motion.
>> Make a motion to approve the agenda. >> I'll support. All in favor? >> I >> oppos. Same sign. At this time, we give an opportunity for the public to uh appear before the county board with um their thoughts. And is there anyone in
the audience this morning who would like to do that? I don't see anybody in the audience this morning. So, we'll move to the board. Has anyone here received any comments? >> Okay. All right. Thank you.
We have a consent agenda items, claims, minutes for the uh regular meeting of February 24th. This is the shortest one I have ever seen in a while. >> Yeah. Well, I'll move that short one. and I'll support that.
>> Good. Thank you. So, all in favor? >> I oppose. Same sign. Motion passes on that because then we can move right into highway a presentation with an interesting term,
a grant application for biochar. >> Yes, >> that's a new environmental word nowadays. Okay. >> Yes. Yes. Yes. We've Good morning everybody. Um, we have talked about that on and off, I think, in the highway committee. We've touched on it a little.
I know we brought it up at a committee of the whole a while ago. Um, but yeah, what's what's super exciting is the the LCCMR program. It's an environmental uh environmentally focused grant program through the legislature. Uh, and it allows an opportunity to do projects
like this or your very environmental focused um projects. And so what's what's neat is there's a really small scale with it like our grant application. Um and I've even seen it with larger applications funding projects like a bike trail. Um and so it
can have it it's a great funding source to do things like this. And so what's in front of you um is a proposal to purchase a biochar trailer uh for invasive species management. I'll just read the summary quick and then I'll add a couple things. um uh biochar trailer
uh to aid in invasive species management for $69,000. Uh the trailer includes a small kiln and so that's attached right to the trailer. Uh it creates biochar on site which is fantastic. Uh from the invasive species that have been treated and dried. Uh
that product is then used on site to remediate the area that we just uh treated. Uh trailer would fold into the existing capital equipment plan. So we have our equipment replacement schedule. similar trailers we have on like a 20 or 30 year lifespan. Um it it really
depends on use and that type of thing, but so we'll just monitor that. Um and so yeah, I think I think what's neat is the mobility of this program. um where we're able to treat it. You know, as we've touched on, I think there's, you know, 80 to 100 sites um that our
environmental division treats every single year and we'll be able to move this thing around to all of them and kind of remove a terrible thing, make a nice thing, and get that back into the soil um and to to help treat those areas. So, I guess does does anybody
have any questions about this, >> Commissioner White? >> Tons of them. >> Tons. >> Biochar. So you're going to take the ashes from burning the invasive species and that will be it doesn't become dirt it becomes ashes >> well slightly before ashes so it become
like uh think of charcoal >> so we're going to make it that and so ashes doesn't have any um nutritional value to the soil and so we're going to we're going to burn slow burn it down to basically make charcoal um and then that's what gets kind of ground back
into the soil to help remediate the area >> and are we doing the grinding it back into the soil? >> So that would be part of um the re the reveation effort and so either a contractor through another grant funded
source potentially um or or our staff would be out there spreading it around these sites. >> So >> depending the size. >> Okay. I have a number of issues so people can learn something. Yeah. >> Robbie's going to tell us. >> Absolutely. Um, so we have 80ome sites.
Are they all on county land? >> Oh, no, no, no, nope. This is all public, private, all over the place. >> So, we will bear the the cost of this as a county because on page 44 of the packet, it says the program over three years is an $800,000
investment, which is about 2 and a.5%, >> right, >> of the levy for every year will be going towards this, >> right? And so I I think what's important to remember is that's an inind match. And so that's salary and benefits of staff that are already on staff. So a
similar comparison would be and I had I wanted Lisa to pull some numbers for me just for a good comparison here is you know if I took say uh our maintenance superintendent wages and our foreman's wages and benefits and I spread that
over three years. I could say it would cost us a similar price to run the shop for example um would be around $800,000 over three years. You could say the same thing with running our SGSD program. We could take our maintenance superintendent and our accountants wages
and it actually cost us about $900,000 to run an >> that program reimbures or is supposedly we don't know that's still an ongoing thing. >> I just wanted to give some comparisons though on what >> Thank you for because I understand that
between our assistant um I don't have their titles right. We have the egg specialist and then a technician. >> Sure. It's almost $200,000 in wages annually. >> Correct. >> So after three years and we've done all this treatment, so now is the program
done. So we don't need to expend any more money on on the invasives. It seems like a feudal activity to try to rid our county of invasives. >> Uh there's actually an argument to go the other way with it because we are so
far down the curve. We're in a very good prevention stage right now. And so that's where, you know, when and I think I' I've handed out a lot of information in the past where you can see it costs far less money to prevent than it does
to actually deal with damage from those invasives. And so when we've talked to the Department of Agriculture in the past, you know, they've referenced our area, our little nook of the world as one of the rare, you know, pristine places. you can still say pristine wilderness here. Uh you go down into
cities, you can't say that. You go down to certain parts of even St. Louis County and you can't say that anymore. And so the fact that we are still in an area where yes, there is a cost, we have staff time, um we have, you know, the so staff time to do this work. Um it's
still an option to keep our area pristine. >> Okay. So pristine. So we have that designation. Um, so it goes back to commissioners when we look at the coming levies into the
future and the reduction of federal and state fundings for public health and human services for are we going to continue to fund for food stamps and the and help? Are we going to reduce our services that we are able to provide to
our community or we will we just continue to increase the levy to support what we're not I mean to fill in what we're not getting. So >> and thank you Madam Chair. Um Commissioner White just to to be clear
we don't know what's in the future for SNAP and for Medicaid and public health and human services. So I don't think that that we can make this decision based on an unknown. But one thing I do want to point out if you recall from our discussion at the committee of the whole
is that these invasives cost our taxpayers a lot of money. Not with taxes, but I want to remind you that spotted napweed, which is spreading rapidly, gets into a septic system. You have to replace your septic
>> and that is incredibly expensive. And if we look at the spread of spotted napweed, it's a huge issue we need to deal with. Biochar will give us a chance to jump on top of that, improve the situation with napweed and other terrestrial invasive species and amend
the soil. And one of the things I keep thinking about and I was at the natural resources and environment policy committee um down in St. Paul last week and we talked about the use of biochar to amend soil and that it can be sold
and so there's potential for us when we look at >> future composting maybe at Northshore waste that we can be selling a product and making money and a product that we many of us go to duth to purchase dirt and so I think this is a win-win for us
>> right well we okay there's Dirt and Cook County too for purchase. That's very good. But that's not the point. Um so so you are so knowing what where we are right now
and we should not assume that so we should not assume that we are going to be going into the future with a a reduction in federal fund or governmental funding for ours. We should just assume it will come back. So
>> I'm not making that assumption personally, but I'm saying that can't drive all our decisions. >> Um, can I ask a question? It So this is a grant and then we're already spending money on >> the inind. So there is no additional
cost to the county. No. Okay. Nope. Nope. None of none of that's new. It just they like to see a lot of times with these grants we the inind piece you know it can be my time it can be staff time and so that's where that number can give us a really good match component to
this and so that's where you know you see a project cost and it's almost $900,000 and you go whoa what what is that staff time that's it >> well and and you can also put into it your equipment and and all sorts of things like that >> and that's what's in there as well is
truck gas you know the you know the the the total effort to administer this type of program. >> So So essentially it's the county's responsibility homeowners property owners
they have an I I don't know do they have an expectation that the county will take care of their property for them >> that that that is in statute under the egg inspector laws >> that we have a responsibility to the private land owners >> Yep. to administer noxious weed laws on
every land, no matter who owns it, in the entire county. That's in statute. >> Okay. And there is going to be I don't think I've missed it, but there's a biochar demonstration. Yes. Coming up that you invited I think the public to also. >> Absolutely. Yep. It's in I don't have it in front of me. I want Thank you. There
we go. It was like early April. >> Yeah. So, um, well, those are I mean I I still think that our community our community people, our people that depend on our public health and human
services that I really worry about what the future's going to hold. I mean, maybe we can't assume anything, but I can say we are. Oil prices are rising, gas is rising, there's going to be the farmers are in trouble because of
fertilizer, because of supply chain things, and we need to be I'm more conservative with how we're going to go forward in this county. what what I value the services to our people that
have basic needs more than I do to the environment because going to the Boundary Waters, it's all very nice and it's pristine. Maybe I'm jaded because this is what I've been in in for almost
44 years. So that's my level of everyone should be like this. So, um I don't have the contrast anymore like when we first moved up here and oh look, isn't this great? My expectation of what things are
like is that we don't have litter and we do have healthy forests and everything. So, that's there's that. So, thank you for that information. Thanks for sharing with the public. Thank you Commissioner Sullivan for that input.
>> Administrator Treble. >> Thank you. Um, thank you for your comments, Commissioner White. I just wanted to add that this is because it's grant, it's a grant application and because um, it's an inkind match, there aren't financial tales to this outside
of the cost of the trailer in 20 years. So, we have time to assess as we move forward if there are changes that need to be made to the budget as a result of the federal impact. Um, this is a space where taking on this program isn't going to have um any additional costs in the
near future. >> Um, Commissioner Mills, >> um, can you explain the trailer a little bit more? It sounds like it's small and is the kiln. It holds a barrel. >> No, it's a square barrel. Uh,
>> yeah. So, it's if you think of like um, what do I want to compare it to? I mean, it's a dual axle trailer kind of like you see hauling around slightly smaller than a skid steer, that type of thing. Um, and so you can tow it with a half ton, which is great. That's vehicles we already have. Um, and so then the kiln
is just right on the trailer. And so that's what's neat with this, and a big thing with invasive species is not removing them from the site. You want to keep everything there. And so what's happening is as we're treating these different sites, what you're seeing is just a whole bunch of dead biomass all
on people's properties or on public property um and no way to get rid of it um because we can't remove it. And so this is an opportunity now to you know bring this system there. It sounds like the kiln I think fits five or I'm sorry
four 55gallon drums. Oh >> okay. >> And so then you fill those up with the biomass. It sounds like once the kil's rolling, it takes about a half an hour um to make it. And so you can take that batch out. If there's more, you put in another batch um and just turn it out that way. Okay.
>> And so then all that material goes back then onto the site which then helps remediate that that area. >> Do you know is this purchased in from in a guy in Maine? >> It is. >> Yes. >> Okay. Yeah, I know this. Yeah. So I have I've been sitting in the biochar in
Minnesota biochar initiative last year or so. Oh, I haven't I haven't for maybe 6 months now, but pretty familiar. Uh, in Maine, I guess he invented this kind of for um invasives, but also one of the issues in Maine was uh disposal of
cannabis byproducts, like it's considered hazardous waste, and so they needed a way to >> much like noxious weeds. So, it was really interesting to hear about that. But what I'm more familiar with is the bigger ones for like Firewise and slash piles and stuff. So, That's what we've
applied for in the past. If you remember, it's probably a year ago, we applied for one, you know, it's called Char Boss. And so it was a huge massive thing, $200,000, and that's for Firewise. And so what was interesting is before this came on our radar, you could
find either the big ones or there were these really tiny almost like at home ones. And there was nothing of this like in between. And so then that's where we came upon this and it was like, oh, this would this is perfect. this is exactly what we're looking for. And so I think starting with treating our sites and
then potentially something we're talking about is maybe a public drop off. So to the point of what Commissioner Sullivan had said is if you want to bring invasive species to the highway department as an example, let them dry out and then that product gets made there, you can purchase a bag or
whatever. Um that that's very far into the future. First we want to make sure you know see how this goes. Assess and then go on. Well, I just say at this scale, I I I'm very suspicious of any product to sell. It's going to break down to nothing. Um, but do do we have
to dry though? >> It has to dry. Yes. >> Yep. Yep. And so on on a lot of these sites we've already been treating for the last two or three years, it's ready. >> And so that's what's fantastic is we almost inadvertently set ourselves up for this um very nicely uh to be able to
show up on site and just start remediating. >> Great. Commissioner Gamble. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, what I would say to Commissioner White's comments relative to what do we know and
in the context of the unknown, what decisions are we making relative to expenditure of taxpayer dollars. Now, this is grant money and anytime that the department head comes in and says, "We're applying for a grant," which
means that we're we're providing services that uh bypass the effect on levy. And when that happens, that's a good thing when we can resource be resourceful and find money that provides quality
services without it being a burden to the the taxpayer. Uh the problem that uh we have incrementally as we go through a season without taking a look at the big picture which we've talked in the budget
process is that we incrementally end up with the end at the end of the season with oh my goodness these are promises and commitments that we have made. Now, separating out the request for the grant money to purchase something that isn't
dependent upon levy dollars is a good thing. I I would just say that in on page nine of the document, it says that this is a collaborative effort. And if we look at Superior National Forest, if we look at the Department of Agriculture, if we look at the DNR, I
don't know where the collaboration is coming other than than the name and the discussion and we're doing your work for you. And part of that burden that that exists here, if we're going to collaborate, let's have a discussion. And it's similar to the discussion that
was had yesterday in a meeting AMC meeting about mandated and nonm mandated and funded and mandated and not funded and and if this is a collaboration with entities that want to see invasives
addressed in an area that has benefit. There's a lot of things that that enter into that discussion. The one being on page nine, a collaborative effort. And collaborative usually means that that we we pull
together resources which is just not knowledge and discussion, but it's also dollars say let's make this happen because it's a shared value. Um can can I touch on that quick? >> Yeah. Yeah. So the collaboration comes from the Cook County Invasives team. And
so um I think I apologize I don't remember who sits there we go on that. Um, but so that's Superior National Forest, the DNR, MINDOT, name any other entity related to the environment up here or along the Northshore, they sit on that. And so while there might not be a dollar in cents specifically as, you
know, hey, we'll provide $10,000 or whatever, um, they do provide a lot of staff time. And so when we do go out and treat sites, um, this grant application doesn't show that, um, because the guarantee we had is is our own staff time. But more often than not, when we
do go treat sites either, you know, with CCIT partners, they're there as well. And so whether it's members of the Forest Service, members of the DNR, members of Mandot, whatever it might be, um, you know, that component is a part of that. So the the collaboration component you mentioned, I agree, is we
don't just say that because we all sit in a committee together. Um, no, it's you want those members to be there. We all got to get a little dirt under our fingernails if we really want to have this collaborative effort. And so that's where I think um the CCIT really shines
in that regard is yes, we are leading it. Um but I think having those members being a part of that and being willing to go out to to do these types of projects is super helpful and it lends us to a very strong application not just in this regard but in other you know
infrastructure projects or you know whatever we >> Yeah. So I I appreciate that response. I mean not that it's required in the application but it is to inform both the public and commissioners who are making a decision on this where we see the substant of that collaboration. The
other thing to be mindful of and we we've got this across the county is that um this position which through the state is funded based upon the 87 counties and their position at between um 8 to
$10,000. So I think our funding here is we get from the state for the agricultural position. We get about $8,500. >> Usually with a county that's about 20% that money is about 20% of their total budget in that particular area.
Agriculture for us it's 2.34%. That means that the amount of money that we're spending in there because of our our our wages and and costs of things is that we're we're spending uh a significant portion of money in in the last few
years in this department that did not exist before. This is where in the budget process you're kicking in an additional significant amount of money. If we look at the money that comes back to us paying payment in lie of taxes which is
the state of Minnesota in our saying okay we realize there's work that is done on this land it can be work that is done both in emergency in your department in in the highway department and in invasive and other things and um
that this the amount of money in that department when we look at what we get in the funding in pill which runs between 380 and 390,000 annually, we're we're using over a third of that money. So, how this app applies
practically and generically is that as a board when we're fiscally responsible for taxpayer dollars, we have to look at what do we get for what do we pay as a percentage of what we're where the funding mechanisms are in this. And we've got some departments where there
is very very little money. you use comparisons to say here and there. Those comparisons can be can be true and they're informative, but in the context of the whole picture and the unknowns, we have to know where we're at. My my
sense of things on this, I guess the simple way to say it, Jack and Jill went up the hill, is that uh we're spending this money in this department now, which at some point in time this body of decision makers made a
decision to do, which is a significant portion of money. And where we're at right now, you've already made that decision. It shows up in dollars in the application. Well, we're saying let's equip that department that that expense
that you've already committed to by taking grant dollars to buy something to tool that department. I would say that have you had conversation with Carlton County or Ramsey County? >> Yeah, there's a lot to unpack in what you just said too. a lot of figures, a lot of percentages that I I don't have
and the numbers to confirm in front of me. But what I have had an opportunity to do um is go on the Department of Agriculture website and I showed this with Commissioner Sullivan and Commissioner White a while ago of all 87 counties. And so I think comparisons have been made in the past about maybe our neighbors up here, which is one tiny
comparison. And I know articles have been written in the past as well about this very department and it admittedly gets a scoch under my skin when the whole picture um as we like to talk about a lot um is isn't shown. And so I think what's really important to remember is there's a lot of counties
that have multiple full-time egg inspectors. Um some have two, some have four. Um we have one. Um there's I think I can't remember off the top of my head, but I want to say 18 counties that have multiple county egg inspectors. Uh there's three in the entire state that
have full-time ones. We are one of them. Sterns is the other and Becker is another one. When you start to actually list all the counties next to each other and have a good list of comparables, not just the size of the county, but also the population of the county, right? Tax base that funds it, but the agricultural
inspector, as I've mentioned in the past, is responsible for all of the land in the county, not just public, not just private, all of it. And when you have that list in front of you of all the counties with the number of egg inspectors that they have and you see where we land on that, we actually fit
in pretty darn nice um to what everybody else is doing. You can see Ottertale County has four county egg inspectors. Um and they are not that much bigger than we are um as far as a land is concerned. And so I think you know I'm happy to share that
list too with other commissioners if you guys are interested in seeing that. But to the point of, you know, bang for your buck, I guess, um, we, you know, this this board did unan unanimously create this division. I believe it was three years ago. Um, and we've subsequently
unanimously, you know, been able to fund it, um, and make it a levy dependent thing because of the value that I believe this board and this community has shown um, to this division. Um, you you hear it whether you're in CCIT meetings or you hear it when we go to
conferences where we are in a rare place where we can still prevent. We can still eat fish out of our lakes. And I know that seems really silly to say, but you can go to places. I mean, even in Brainer, would you eat a fish out of Gold Lake? You know, I have uncles down there and they wouldn't, you know, are
you going to pull a northern out of, you know, Bedet Macca down in Minneapolis and fry that up? Probably not. And so um so so we're in a rare a rare opportunity to prevent um which is great which is you know the information you and I had talked about before Commissioner Gamble
and I had uh given you that stack of research uh showing the importance um of prevention of protecting the environment from invasive species and and the causes of them. you know, we're on the very bottom end of that curve. And so I think that's where, you know, something I'm
not just passionate about, um, but also, you know, it makes sense. We're we're still in a prevention stage, which is >> Yeah. And Madam Chair, if I can follow up that that list, I mean, before when we were in the budget process, I looked at the list to see how many egg, you
know, individuals were in counties and some counties that have considerable farming uh are are different than in our situation. And um the the point is is that as decision makers that uh when it comes to budget,
we have to we have to go through the discipline of prioritizing based upon an assessment of value based upon a comparative study based upon a look at it dollars based upon looking at the revenues that we receive from other
sources. Um, I can look at the uh um the Veterans Administration Department that in in over I I'd say probably going ever since it changed and the state required that we had to go to two veteran service
officers back in the early 20s. Um, uh, 20 2012, 2013, something like that. the state. From that time to this time, we continue to get $7,500 from the state for the VA position. And it seems to me
there's a lot of discussion about the value of of treating our veterans with respect and services. And we have not seen that dollar change in that period of over a dozen years. You think that if value translates from words to dollars, we would have seen an increase in that
money. So we have $7,500 the state gives us for that department and we're we're spending over hundred and some thousand dollars in that department. So what does that mean? That means that we as a body of decision makers relative to budget have to learn to prioritize and then put
our dollars there and hopefully it's reflective of the values that are in this community. So that's that's the problem I have is um it's not that we've got the grant money and we can buy something. If you've talked to Carlton and you've talked to Ramsey where
they've used this and we've seen that and there are other organizations not forprofit as well that are piloting this system and saying what's working, what's not working. We learn from other people's experience so that we can refine our decision based upon that
lived experience. So, uh, there are counties that are piloting this to see how it works. We could pilot it, but we could also learn from others. And if we've done that, we don't have to do an additional step if we're assured through
our decision-m process that we're confident in in the approach we're taking. And I will say that in my experience in working with you that that you are thorough and detailed in that regard. So I have I have confidence in the integrity of process. I just look at
the budget issue. >> Totally. No, I appreciate that. Thank you, >> Minister Trouble. >> Thank you. And thank you for raising your concerns, Commissioner. Um the only thing I wanted to add um is that it seems like some of the concerns raised are much broader. like you just
mentioned, it's about the the budget and um and we'll have an opportunity to um work on that during our next work session where we're going to dig into the budget. Um the in in regard to the position, this
particular position, um one of my questions when I started was to ask Robbie, can you share that analysis regarding what do other counties in the state do? where are we at? And in looking at that, I really do think that
this position um is the right match for our county, having one FTE um uh or two FTEEs, the the egg inspector as well as the technician working in that space. And so we did that analysis. That doesn't mean that we can't continue to
have discussions about how that how we move forward and how the budget is impacted by certain positions, but I just wanted to make sure that I shared that that we had done that analysis. Um, I fully support this purchase. I think it's the right move for us as a county for the reasons that Robbie has
mentioned. Um, and I look forward to continued discussions around the budget. >> One of the words I like is collaboration. Um, how confident are you that we can collaborate with Mindot because the ditches are full, >> right,
>> of stuff? >> I I think it's something for us to bring up at the next CCIT meeting is, you know, okay, we're going to have this trailer now. um how do we want to kind of the getting back to the point of prioritizing where we're going? How are we doing it? What can we how can we get
the biggest bang for our buck, how can we help not just our public lands but our private folks too. So the example Commissioner Sullivan had given, you know, kind of with the septic, something like that. Um and so I think I think pretty confident we're the this would be the only disposal site I think within 80
or 100 miles of here. Um, and so that was another big reason is that is if there was somewhere we could do this, we'd already be doing it. And so the fact that that is already so far away and basically not an option, now we're going to be the only one. And so it'll
be really interesting to see how that transforms how people do work up here, I think. Yeah. >> Yeah. I had one experience with them at Cascade where they um did some revamping of the brick work there and there's a little center. >> Mhm. And I don't know why, but they
planted it with invasives. It's like, wait a minute. So, I asked them to remove it. They did. And they planted a kind of a reed type of uh stock. No flowers, just so I know that it can be workable. And I am working on Highway 61
committee. Yes. So, it may be something, you know, that I'll bring up there, too, because we need to collaborate, especially with the loopin >> because they're so showy and so beautiful and everybody either likes them or hates them. >> You can you can lead that discussion.
>> Well, and when I go to garden centers, I do see loopin and I say, "Please don't sell these again because they are invasive." There's a smaller loopin that's a state loopin and it's smaller and just as beautiful. So, I'm trying to spread the word.
>> Okay. Any other other comments? Commissioner Gamble. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, I would say that, you know, in in doing the research and looking that this isn't something new. This has been around for 2,000 years. this this practice of doing this. Um, in many cases when you look at the
biochar, you see that it's it's farms that are trying to treat treat the weeds and the woody substances that impede their ability to get, you know, good return on on their fields. And so the type of soil is is important. there are
more risks involved in the farming end of things growing vegetation than there are in our situation. Trying to eliminate invasives um and having highly acidic soil is one of the components which is pretty much were the poster
child of that in the dictionary. So um um these are are things that are I would say rightly aligned saying this seems to be a response. My concern is the overall budget. That's my hesit hesitation. Um, as I said, we've committed to that 3
years ago and this is just asking to tool that department. My initial was u I'm not comfortable that we've had a lot of discussion on this, but this discussion that we've had right now says that there is a lot that's foundational
to this coming before the board today. And so, um, um, I I support it in the fact that it's not new money. It's just creating new opportunity with the money we already committed to three years ago.
Um but I do believe that the scrutiny and the um integrity of process needs to be evident when it comes to decisions like this. So I appreciate the discussion. >> Absolutely. Thank you. >> Commissioner, >> you said that that people could bring
their invasives to a site like maybe >> No, not yet. >> Okay. But that that's something the whole idea of of taking out invasives and then transporting them, >> right, >> is not good, right? Well,
>> right. And so that was the, you know, right now the the point is and I like that idea. We're giving people tools and this is what that is. Um to now we are going to travel around and do it. We have kicked around the idea of a centralized disposal site that then we
could make biochar. But that is something that need that is way far. I don't even know if it would happen. We got to see how this goes first cuz to be honest, I think to the point administrator Treble brought up. Maybe this is a bust, you know, and we're not going to do it
anymore. And so that's where I think having the grant funding is nice. You know, we're not on the hook for anything. We can try this. we can assess and it's either going to be great and it's going to work and we're going to have a fully functioning program um or
it won't and we got grant money and then we'll try and sell the trailer or use it to its life and that'll be that. >> And just one last question. Uh I attended that uh with with Commissioner Sullivan, the the collaboration of the
entities that are working on invasives. And the DNR's report was alarming because they spray Roundup on the invasives in the ditch sitting right above Lake Superior. And they also
have, which the presenter was very excited about, uh, a piece of equipment that allows him, I don't think he has one of his own, but he gets to use it to spray the round up about 30 ft. >> Right.
>> So, what happens when one are there's burning Roundup burning? I I don't know the chem I don't know if if there's anything or I mean when I originally read down in Wisconsin about Roundup that in a farm magazine about
this new exciting uh herbicide that it had absolutely no negative repercussions anywhere like and it was just the basic little yeah I forget the name of it but it was newspaper print and it was like this is
the coming but what happens can you burn Roundup and all those chemicals >> without >> other side effects. How does that happen? It's if it still in the biochar, does it break down? Is it gone or is it still there?
>> That's a great question and I have no idea. Um, but I think what we would do is before we would make anything, we would know how that site was treated. More importantly, um, we know exactly how our sites are treated and so that 80 to 100 is the sites that we specifically treat. Um, anything beyond that would be
a consult with either the DNR or I think it was Mandot maybe. Yeah. That had mentioned that. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I remember that conversation. Um and and and I think what's nice too with those um groups like that is while we can't say please stop using Roundup,
what it is is at least an opportunity for everybody to come together and then hopefully try and you know assert a little pressure government to government and say you know well can we try something a little different up here because we we do want to make biochar or we do want to do something different and
so I think there there'll be more conversations around that that'll have to happen but um No, that that's a really good question. I'm not sure if that would go away or not, >> but I wouldn't want to use it then if it was going to be there, >> right? But and I think even more
alarming is it's being sprayed in the ditches and at the river mouths of the river >> right there next to Lake Superior. That's >> alarming. >> And Commissioner Mills, >> um just wanted to put a plug. um Northshore Waste as far as a centralized
location is concerned, Northshore Waste is very interested in biochar um but more at that um firewise level, the the bigger stuff and so there could be an opportunity to partner with them if we wanted a more centralized >> beast >> thing. But I think this priority comes after the transfer station, after
recycling and maybe after composting. But uh their interest has recently been peaked because of uh the wastewater treatment plant and how those bioolids are disposed of and they can be put into biochar. Um so there's an opportunity there.
>> Maybe I'll reach out to Dustin and see what type of because I know we've we've applied for a couple different grants in the past when I've talked those bigger systems and I know I don't know if those bigger ones handle, you know, uh, uh, like waste at Northshore waste versus, you know, like
firewise, um, you know, two different. So, I'm not sure yet, but I'll I'll reach out to him and see what he's seen. That's a good >> again down. >> That's good. That comes real quick, though. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um,
as we've mentioned many times that the area that we live in is considered pristine compared to many places around the country and um we want to be good stewards of that protect that and so efforts that we make um
to Commissioner White's point relative to what's the composite nature of what we're we're burning and what's in it uh in in the research it says that and large scale, you know, use, it's crucial to test the bi final biochar product for
contaminants to ensure it meets safety standards such as those recommended by the International Biochar Initiative. And so in in reading different articles, it it talks about some of the things that you might come up with with metals that are contained in or other chemical
components. And uh the reason it's important to bring it up and connect the two is if we say that this is a pristine area that we're trying to protect against any contaminants compromising the pristine nature that this is this is something that we don't want to make an
assumption and find out oh my goodness this is what we've done. We found that with Roundup that we thought was going to be a problem solver that ends up creating significant problems that translate on multiple levels. So um it it's another component that when it
comes to the decision making we're saying are we looking at this as not something that's a new thing that's going to solve a problem that we end up bringing martins in and uh having you know problems. So it it it's not it's
not to overlay or to confuse the issue or to obstate. It is just a matter of being good stewards and recognizing we need to be consistent when it says we're protecting our pristine area. And when it comes to looking at things that have been defined here to make sure that we
are testing and finding out is it doing what we want and that there's no residual effect that's going to come back and bite us. So >> right >> and there are and we can look at too I think what's neat if if you looked at the application you know how funding generally works with this type of stuff and that's why I said you know it's good
to start collaborating now because the future comes very quick is this wouldn't be until a summer of 27 purchase so that's a lot of time between now and then to you know potentially even find a place that does test and so that could be a thing I don't know if it would be
per site if it would be um maybe every so often but you you would think I would think the composition of the material at each site even if it's the same plant could be different given what that site is um you know rem you know we're not
going to be treating super fun sites but you know it's people's property but who knows right um what people have done in the past so I think to your point commissioner Gamble it would be interesting to find somewhere that we could send some samples into once we make it um to say you know is this good
before we stick it in the And and I would say in that regard that in a conversation with Carlton that's using it in their soil water using in a similar application asking them question did you >> um and the the other thing the University of Minnesota because they're
>> they're doing this in in several St. Paul parks and places where they're using it for invasives >> and and just especially with the University of Minnesota saying so are you finding out what the com composite nature of this is after you've basically
turned it to ash. So >> anyway, it's a good point. >> Appreciate the discussion. >> Absolutely, >> Madam Chair. Well, I think we've had a really excellent discussion and um I think that my mobile biochar gives us a
lot of opportunity here in Cook County. Um and the fact that this can be pulled on a relatively small truck, gets us into all kinds of areas that otherwise we might not be able to treat. And given that, I'd like to make a motion to approve by resolution to support and
submit the proposal for the biochar trailer purchase with LCCMR funds. >> Um, support. >> Any further questions or comments? >> Yes. >> Just want to say on the LCCMR members, we have Seth Moore, um, we have Roger
Scrabba, and, um, I thought there was someone else I recognized, too. But um it's nice to see that we have some people in our court there. >> Mhm. >> So I will call a vote unless there's any other questions or comments. All in
favor? >> I >> I >> oppose. Same sign. Motion passes with one objection. Thank you for enlightening us and we'll wait for the u future biochar to develop in the county.
>> Thank you very much. Thank you. And to uh Mr. Hass, you do a fine very fine job with your numbers and details and explanations and it's it's much appreciated even by the greater community those who are actually tuned
in and u it's helpful very helpful. So thank you. >> Uh let's see. So next every year uh you get to hear me talk at length about past current and future projects. Um, and so part of this, there's a resolution
buried in here. It's our five-year bridge priority list. Um, I am very happy to report that is getting shorter and shorter and shorter, which is fantastic. That was a goal that I've talked about since I started. Um, and so what I wanted to do, this is the sixth time I've done this update. Um, and so
we'll talk about 2025 projects, 2026 projects, and then a couple um, that we have out there into the future if we have a contract for design services. Um, and then we'll talk funding a little bit, too. though. Um, this was actually speaking of drones, Commissioner Stoley, we were touching on that before the meeting. Here's a drone shot from one of
our bridge inspections. Um, Mandot employs drones to help with some of the more complicated structures. So, it's kind of neat, um, that we can participate in that. Um, as you guys know, there are alligators in Cross River up the Gunflint, and so just be cautious when
you're up there. I don't think they're not in season right now, so we should be okay. >> In the winter, they're a lot chiller. >> Yeah, chiller. I like it. But like I mentioned, we'll go over 2025, we'll talk about 2026, we'll go over some design services, talk about funding, and then a quick wrap-up at the
end. So 2025, uh, Spruce Creek, so down on Cascade Beach Road, um, we had a bridge replacement down there, uh, that was funded through bridge bonds and then our local project funds a little bit. Um, Northland Construction was awarded that.
So you can see our original bid was just under 810,000 final cost. Um, they dug a smaller hole is basically how we save money sometimes. So, we think the hole should be this big. They dig a slightly smaller hole. We end up saving $20,000. So, I ain't going to complain about
that. Um, that was completed. Pretty straightforward project um last summer. This one kind of highlights some things I like to do where I'm a big proponent of concrete structures, but we can have a nice looking timber railing to fit our aesthetics around here.
Toffee Park Road. Um that one is 98% complete at this point. Um we do have to go back next summer just a lot of times because our construction season's so short. Revitation efforts, gussy up some things, basically put the final bow on it. Um but you can see this was
transportation sales tax funded and so that's that half cent tax that we have up here. Um I think projects like this are a great use of those funds, little neighborhood roads, um to leverage that TST fund. uh KGM had that work and so our original bid uh seven you know just
over threequarters of a million and you can see our final cost that'll probably change once we're done um but I don't anticipate it changing much and so we're basically right on budget with that um our uh CASA 17 realignment and timber bridge and so you're probably asking why
am I still talking about this um that one dragged into another season because if you remember we had to make the bridge longer a lot conversations with the DNR um and uh the band up there about in particular that bridge. And so um what this this project was though is
it realigned traffic off of the historic Stone Arch bridge. And so we made a new crossing just north of that. Um then we realigned the intersection a little bit down there uh and have the new bridge on there. And so you can see this is bridge bonds and state aid money. Redstone
construction did a great job. You can see the original bid was 2.6 Six final was just over 2.9. Again, that additional cost was because we had to make the bridge longer. Subsequent, you know, costs are are with that. It's great project to wrap up. And you want
to talk about collaboration. I think that was I lost track of all the different acronyms that we had, government acronyms that were involved with this project. It's fantastic. So, um, yeah, what a wonderful project, our big gunflint project. And so there's
a lot I can't I need to think of a cleaner title for it, but it was mill the hill. So we resurfaced the the road going up. We had the Little Devil Track River bridge replacement, the big bridge that we're all familiar with at this point. Soil and water did a great stream restoration project adjacent to ours
right in the Little Devil Track River. And then we resurfaced Cutoff Road as well. Big big big project. Fantastic. Um so we had a bunch of different federal or a bunch of different funding sources on this project. Some of them were federal. We had about nine I want to say 9 or10 million in grants that were
secured for this project. So you can see our low bid came in at about 11.6 million and so that additional funding would just come from our like state aid allocation. So the money we get from the state every year to do these types of projects. Um that one is still we have
some final punch list things to wrap up this summer. Um, and then I'll have a better cost for you about this time next year, 2026. Um, so what's great is I'm only waiting on one more project to open bids this year. So we're actually tracking really
good schedule-wise. Um, but the first one we've talked about a lot here is the multi-use trail that'll go in on the gunflint. So, if you're a member, that's going to pick up in front of GES, in front of the LEC, wrap around the gunflint, around my office and the school, come down Fifth Avenue West there. Um, again, a lot of different
grant funding on this transportation alternatives, which is federal, active transportation, which is state, and then uh CRP, I think, is county or uh carbon reduction program. There we go. Funding um to pursue uh construction on this project. 10 foot wide trail along the
gunfix 6 foot wide down Fifth Avenue to match up in front of the recycling center. This was awarded to MJ Companies for $830,000. Um we'll start this uh after the 4th and then the goal is to wrap it up before school starts and so then we'll have a
nice new trail through there. uh our Pine River Bridge. So way at the end of the Arrowhead Trail, literally at the end of what we own as the county, um is a bridge that sits there that we are responsible for. And so it's kind of one of those ones where you're I don't want to say a bridge to nowhere because I
know a lot of people have cabins and and and places up there, but it is always kind of funny when you see the dot on the map literally in the middle of nowhere um that we're responsible for. And so this will be a special town bridge funded and then some local funds. Uh the UT road designation, that's the
special town bridge. And so funding for that will come mainly from that pot. Uh Redstone was awarded this recently for $1.8 million. And that'll start again after the 4th. Um yeah, 1.8 in the middle of nowhere. >> Can't believe that. >> It's what it is. And it's nothing it's
nothing fancy. Yes, >> Madam Chair and Robbie, if I could just ask. So, that bridge right now that's all constructed with timber. >> Correct. >> Yeah. And what's your projection, Mr. Concrete, man? >> Concrete. So, we'll put So, yeah. So, a lot a lot of cost too can come from, you
know, we want to make sure there's a bypass so people can get to and from their place. So, we'll have a temporary bypass as the bridge is being built. Um, but yeah, I mean, it's >> that that's a lot of money for that little skip across the So cost of doing business.
>> What's what's the timeline as far as how long you think I mean how much can be done so that the transition happens as quickly as possible. >> Structures like this we've seen about 3 months. >> Yeah. >> Is generally how that goes. We did a very similar one in Hovind a couple years ago across the flute reed on the
north road and that was about 3 months. And so yeah, barring any weird complications or anything I would expect. So what's that? July October we should be wrapped up. Yes. >> Um I just have a question about the cost of concrete. Okay.
>> Um undoubtedly it's going to be higher. >> So how does it's just a how do you uh the people who do who's doing this? >> Uh Redstone. >> Redstone. So they have a rider in their
contract that they will adjust for price increases on >> Oh no. Nope. This is what we awarded here at the board meeting. You know, I think it was one, you know, just under 1.8 if I remember. That's the cost unless we change something. >> Okay. >> Right. >> I think the only thing we have in our
contracts that could potentially change depending on cost is a fuel escalation clause. >> Yeah. But that's about it, >> which is very common. >> Uh staying over on the east end, uh resurfacing the Arrowhead Trail and the Otis Creek Bridge. We've talked about
that a lot as well. Um that'll be a state aid funded project along with some bridge bonds uh for the Otis Creek crossing. Uh it's 2 and a half mile mill and overlay that we awarded to Yulan Brothers pretty recently for $2.1 million and we're going to start that as
early as we can. Um the tenative date is May 18th, but it's really dependent on road restrictions and we've talked about that a lot here. Um our roads get really soupy in the spring and so it just depends when we're able to haul. Uh but the sooner the better. So,
uh, across across the street, across the highway from that one, we have Chicago Bay Road. Um, what's neat with that one is again, same construction company. So, I think that coordination is going to be really nice there with Yulan Brothers. Um, again, very similar uh to our Ty Park Road project. This is TST funded.
Great little neighborhood project, great little neighborhood road. I think it's a great use of those funds. We're going to start this one after the fourth. And so the hope is they can get rolling on the arrowhead project, get that a welloiled machine, and then come in and and do this one.
Um, this is the last one we're waiting for. It's out for bid right now. Gunflint, um, resurfacing between the 92s. And so, like I said, it's out for bid as we speak. I believe we open bids on Oh, it says it. Wonderful. March 24th. Um, that's another one where I want them to start as soon as possible.
It's going to be a big big project. Um you can see I think it's four and a quarter almost 5 miles of road. We're going to resurface and replace all the culverts there. Um that one we were awarded local road improvement funds which is fantastic. It's about $ 1.5 million in a competitive state grant
that we got for this and then the remainder will come from our state aid funds. >> And will you have flagmen or how will you one lane at a time? >> Um we're we're going to see. I think it's we're going to have to figure out who the contractor is first and then you
know as far as culvert replacements and that type of thing. Um it's really going to depend I don't want to hard close the gunflint. I don't think that's for at least a long term I don't think that's a good option but this is rare that we actually do have a detour route. So you have County Road 92. Is it great? No.
But is it at least an option? Yes. And so it could I could see it being short-term detours. I could see it to your point, Commissioner White, of maybe it's northbound traffic goes on to County Road 92, southbound traffic stays on the gunfint. Uh we're going to play it by ear and whether it's flaggers or
we've had really good luck with the um automated lights. >> Um that works really well too. So to be determined. >> Oh, sorry. >> Since it's uh it seems like it's really tight. >> Mhm. >> Um
>> don't want to curse anything the timeline. >> Oh yeah, for sure. Yeah. Don't curse anything, but there's pro there's a chance it could go to 27. >> Oh, absolutely. It could. Yeah. Yeah. And I and I think no different than our Mill the Hill project. Um that's a very similar time frame, although there's no
giant bridge on this project. >> And so that's where I'm I'm comfortable. I think this could be a nice one season thing. Um but, you know, parts of it, the reveation, as we've touched on a lot, if that goes into 27, to me that's a success. That's fine. Um, I I think
the majority of this from what I've seen over the years is this is a good one season project. >> I just meant like if you're starting in May and here we are, you know, it seems like people might have their Anyways. >> Okay. >> And we'll do to to the and I didn't touch on this before, but with the all
the East End projects, we're going to plan on doing a town hall over there. Um, I'm not sure when, closer to construction start date, late April, early May. Um, and so then we'll have a good idea then on time frames and what people can expect. Similarly with, you know, especially with this project
going, you know, we'll head up to the mid uh, what is it? Scap up there. Um, and we'll do a little town hall up there so people know what to expect with construction. >> Yeah, thank you, Madam Chair. Um, this is all for bids, but uh when you get your bid in, you're looking at the
dollar amount, but there's there's room for evaluation based upon our experience or reputation of of whoever the firm is that is conducting the work. And and where I'm going with this is that um uh
when you get a bid in, you say, "Oh, I love working with this company." And and they're right on top of everything. They don't dillydally around. And so we move through um and certainly that's an expectation that we present given the nature of our arteries and dependency on
them. >> But um I just wonder how much of that is is what you're looking and and stating the expectation and the awareness that they do try to move forward as quickly as they can. >> Yeah. And we have, you know, in our contracts there's different ways you can
do it, but we have start and end dates or you can say you have, you know, a 100 days to do this, you know, either or. And then there's incentives one and disincentives one way or another for meeting those. And so that is something and they're looking to finish the project, too, because at the end of the
day, they want to get paid and move on to the next thing. So that's a good point, though. >> Thank you. >> Uh, so that was it for 20. I shouldn't say that was it. Like four or five projects. That's a lot. We're going to be very busy. I think my staff already yelled at me. Um, so
we'll go back to like three or four in 27. Uh, so design services, this includes in-house designs as well. So what what is our staff working on? Um, one of them that we've touched on that will go in 2026 and we're wrapping up right now is that North Road resurface. So just that little stretch of pavement
there on a on the west end of the north road. Um, we're putting some plans together with that. And so with now that we know who's doing the Arrowhead and who's doing Chicago Bay, um we'll submit that um to them and get and and get a price that way. Um and then additionally, we've talked about this
one in the past, the Casper Hill Road, there's a culvert on there. It's not a bridge, it's just a culvert. Um but we did, it does wash out almost every single year. And so that was something identified by our maintenance department. And so this is we'll use some buzzwords. I love the synergy here that happened in our department um where
they let us know about that. We looked at it and then confirmed like, yeah, this this is severely undersized. So, we did the hydraulic design inhouse. It was small enough. Um, it was weird to flex those muscles again and in my head and one of our other staff members heads. So, that was kind of fun. Uh, but we'll
use local project funds for that. That's a big reason why we set up that account, that local project fund account, um, is for stuff like this. And so, we've t touched on the Culver inventory in the past. This is because of that. And so thank you guys for being on board and willing to support that. But we'll aim
for 2027 construction here with this one. Um couple other projects uh inhouse once those are wrapped up. I like the name on this one. We just called it the pity pave. Uh there's several there's several gravel pits off of the
ball club road uh that we want to have paving to. Um as we touched on, we want a different name. Okay. Um but but um uh road restrictions are a thing we've touched on a lot. If that road gets paved, that helps us a lot. That
means we can start projects sooner, which is fantastic. Gravel roads are limited in spring load restrictions to 5 tons. Paved roads are 10 tons. So that means we can start construction sooner um if we're able to do things like that. This was also a priority identified
within um our department of paving to our gravel pits. So, as we talk about also extending pavement on the Arrowhead Trail up to Irish Creek, there's two big gravel pits. One that we work out of with the DNR and then the private pit up there with the Labotas that we a lot of construction happens out of. So, having
pavement to our aggregate resources is going to help us. >> U but that's something we'll work on soon. We're planning for 2029 construction with that. Again, that would be a local project TST funded type of thing. Uh and then Fall River Road, uh the traffic count on that one, it's
kind of been identified as one that we should convert that to pavement. Um it's all uphill as well, as you all are familiar with that area, so it gets washboardy really quick. Traffic on it also kind of warrants that shift into paving it. Um and so we're going to aim for 2030 with that one. I know that feels very far away, but it comes very
very quick. And so that one is state aid funded. So that was that's CASAW 13 if I remember right. Uh additional design services. So, Woods Creek, we're working with LHB. They're finalizing the contract right now. But this is one where we have a bridge on County Road 60 that's deficient. So,
that needs to be replaced. Additionally, on Woods Creek further down on Linskoo Road is uh a bridge that is actually it's perched. It's a culvert, but it's perched so fish can't get through it. And so, we were awarded some outdoor heritage funds to replace that one. And
in addition, it was identified that kind of paving that first little chunk of Linsku because it's all uphill and on a curve would be beneficial. >> And so we're working with LHB on that contract. We'll aim for 2027 construction there. >> So I'm sorry. Yes. Uh the paving on
Linskoo is just beyond uh Woods Creek or >> uh Yeah. So off of 61, just the first like quarter mile. Yeah. Yeah. I just didn't know where that landed exactly, but >> yeah, >> I could have drew a line instead of a star. Sorry. Oh, I see. I see. Okay. Thank you.
>> Uh, Flute Reed, this is a one that's been in the works for a while as well. Uh, Lower Camp 20 Road, we have a bridge there that is undersized and deficient. Uh, we're working with MSA on that one. Uh, they're actually were recommending changing it into a beamspan bridge instead of a culvert. It's really
undersized right now. What was interesting is when they did the survey on it, you think of a river generally has, you know, it's a U shape or it's a V, right? You know where the bottom is. This one has been so undersized for so long, it's turned into a W. Um, so it's
got two low points on it, which is a big flag. Um, and I'm sure Commissioner White is very aware that floods every single year. Um, and it it's real nasty. And so that's one where the recommendation was to install a beam span bridge. Uh, we're aiming for 2027
construction funding. Again, it's UT70. And so that would be a special town bridge, Fall River. Um, so this is another one that's got a few different crossings on it. Uh, two of them are on on CASA 6. One of them is on Brandon Lane right there. Um, but we were we're working
with MSA on the design. Uh, but we were awarded $1.4 million in the outdoor heritage fund. It's kind of the sister fund to the LCCMR stuff um to replace these crossings. So, we'll go after bridge bonds as well to be a nice match. Um, but then we had three crossings that were identified as unders sized. Again,
I'll use the word synergy from our maintenance department. The southern crossing was identified as kind of a big flag for them. It's a big, if you're familiar with that area, it's a big downhill. Um, and that crossing is really undized. If you look off the road, I don't want to say it's straight down, but it's darn close. Um, so it is
actually scary. And then when you get down there, it's you can almost see through um due to all the erosion there. So, this that this will be big project, but a nice one. And we're aiming for 2028 with that. Um, one we've touched on a lot recently and especially last week even down at
the legislature is the N10 miles of the Gunflint Trail. Um, we have a pretty big lobbying effort going right now to secure funding for this. To date, we've secured about $3 million to this project. Our estimate is about 15 million total, uh, is what that project will cost. Uh, we're finalizing the
contract with LHB, but if you remember, it's resurfacing the N10 miles of the Gunflint. There's about 16 culverts that need to be replaced and then potentially four bridges as well. Uh funding well funding would come from a lot of different sources, but then we're aiming for 2028 construction.
Couple more slides, promise. Uh alternative funding. So, I touch on this a lot. I've touched on it in this presentation, but it's something I try and talk about a ton. You can see over the years how much money we've been able to secure by going out and getting it. All of these are most of these are competitive grant applications. Um,
gener I think we're averaging about $4 and a half million dollars annually at this point in time in outside funds coming into the county to do construction. But in total since 2021, we've been able to secure about $23 million in outside funding bringing that into the county to do infrastructure
work. That's something I'm very very proud of. >> Yeah, Madam Chair Robbie. Yeah, I appreciate this slide is significant I think for the community to be aware of this uh 23 million in outside funding. Um it would be interesting to see and
again dependent upon how how much land you have within your county and and what your infrastructure consists of. But um uh you take that you know per mile whatever what that translates to. If we were to look at it
historically within Cook County, of course, inflation in dollars in increase in their value, but in my experience, uh the resourcefulness uh is is significant. So, you have reason to be very very proud of it. I think that resourcefulness is something that that
is a consistent theme when it comes to trying to do more with less within government. and the more that we can see department heads or the community be resourceful in trying to generate revenues that are not totally dependent on taxpayer dollars and uh this this is
a a huge a huge slide. So just appreciate your efforts. It's a it's not just the energy involved in it but it's your knowledge and and uh the way you go about securing those dollars. So thank you. >> I appreciate it. And and honestly it goes to show too with your guys'
support. I can't do this without your guys' support and then my staff's support as well. Um, so thank you for letting me do that. >> Uh, so in short, we've talked about a lot. Uh, but 2025 we had about $16 million in construction. 2026 a little
bit less. We have about 10 million. Uh, but then in our total design services that we have out there is, you know, about $23.5 million worth of worth of projects in the works at this point in time. So, uh, appreciate it. Does anybody have any questions? Talked about a lot.
>> Commissioner Mills, >> per chance, are will you be presenting to the city council? >> Uh, we can as as projects come up that are that are relevant for sure. Um, I I think right now there's nothing in the foreseeable future. Um, you know, I
think the closest thing if you look at our 10-year transportation plan would be 8th Avenue West. >> Um, I if I remember right, I think I said 2033 >> five. Okay, wonderful. So even further away. Um so I think conversations with with projects on the whole I really
don't want to start having town halls or anything like that until we're two maybe three years away. Three years if it's a big big project. Sure. And so you know as we talk about like our lobbying effort and you know I know where you're going with this with Broadway in Wisconsin specifically. You know once I
we don't even have a date. Um, and so I think until I have a date and until we're about 3 years away from that, then that's a great time to start those conversations. >> And if I can add, Madam Chair, as well, um, Robbie and I had discussed this just briefly before the meeting this morning.
And I mentioned that I would also be reaching out to administrator Roth just so that he's aware of this presentation and has information and h if he has any questions or if the city council has questions, we'll certainly answer those at this time. >> Yep. Over
the years, I think I reflect back when I worked with Brady on getting the half a percent sales tax. That was unusual for people to ask about that and we did it. And then a few other counties applied and they were turned down. >> Oh. >> Mhm. It was so new with the legislators
to think about. I don't know if we can. >> And at that time it seemed like it wasn't significant, >> but but we said we'll pull it. >> Yeah. and it'll become significant. So, >> yep. So, there you are. We try to do our work, too. >> I appreciate you all. Thank you very
much. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Robbie, for all of that. Goodness me, that's a lot >> into the future. I mean, that's that's wonderful. So, now we're going to have a report from human resources and
give us some updates. >> Good morning. >> Good morning. All right. So, I've got uh a handful of job description and job grade updates to provide you um today. Since Rowan is up here, I guess we could
do the the three M. >> Any order is fine. >> Any order is fine. Okay. Um well, maybe you're okay waiting a little longer. Maybe we'll tackle the one then first. Okay. Um, so in your packet, um, there are the specific handouts, um, including
I feel like I haven't done one of the job description review, uh, topics recently. So, getting back to it. So, when DDA uh, does the job description review, job grade, job classification review process, uh, typically they provide a memo um, as to the final
decision. And if there's a grade change, typically then there'll be a short synopsis of why um why they recommend the job change. And then also in the board packet is the proposed new job description. Um so the first job that
we're talking about today is a new position. We currently don't have it. Um but you may be aware that um there has been discussion around adding uh kind of like a a backup position to support not only the auditor's office but the county recorder's office as well. So this is
the proposed position. It's the accounting and record specialist. Again it'll be shared about 25 hours with the auditor's office um and then 10 hours I should say per week 10 hours with the recorder's office. Um so that is
proposed at a job grade of 150. Again that position um will be split up in providing a lot of backup um support to the various roles in the auditor's uh office as well as backup um and
processing support in the recorder's office. >> Yes. Did you say it's divided 25 hours and 10 hours? So, it's not a full-time position. >> It's considered a full-time at 35 hours a week. >> Okay.
>> Commissioner Sullivan. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, I just want to thank you for your work on this and also thank um, Auditor Treasurer Powers and um, the recorders office as well for working on the job description. You know, we approved the position and I
stepped off the personnel committee. I had questions. It's like where is this going? And I really appreciate all the effort you've put into it. I think this position has been needed for a really long time and I'm happy to uh see this coming to fruition.
So could you so that will ensure that with the disappearance of our key people in those two departments because of some good reason that the basic knowledge and everything will continue to hum along.
Yes. >> Yeah. I'm curious on who's disappearing but yeah >> department heads. >> Okay. Brady and um >> Holly. >> Yeah, perhaps. >> Well, hopefully we'll have Holly quite a bit longer. >> Brady may
it's a security blanket. It's insurance for us. >> I think what we tend to find in our departments because we are a small community. we've got a smaller staff is we have very kind of focused specialized positions where there's not a lot of ability to do or we haven't had the time
capacity to focus on cross trainining and providing backup support. So, I think one of the big things right here um in this position is support for both um our finance controller, Kelly Berg, and then our payroll specialist, Nick Honer, as well where those are like very
specialized work areas. And so, if they're gone, there isn't really anyone trained to back up those types of services. So, it's adding depth where we're able to to make sure that that you know they're they're not work to the
point where they're burnt out and they have support. >> And my memory of conversations too is it's not just that, right? That's that's a bonus, right? A very excellent bonus, but it's really just the sheer workload right now. And then um
>> Correct. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Yeah. And to that point, I can add there have been some changes and Brady can talk about this in more detail if needed, but there have been some changes to our audits and other things that have added additional workload for the staff
within the auditor's office. So, um, so it is backup for several different areas within the county, but it's also, like you mentioned, taking on some of that work because we have a couple staff that have had extensive overtime to make sure that we're meeting the needs and the
requirements. So that will bring that cost down um and will have a positive impact for us as we move forward. >> Mr. Gamble. >> Yeah. Thank you, Madam Chair. Is that uh additional time for audit precipitated by the change in
uh who we're using to conduct that audit >> or just the complexity of the audit changing? >> It's it's we're doing more of the work than we did when the state auditors uh did it. We wanted to do that. We wanted to be more involved, understand it.
That's why we made the change to Red Path. >> And the savings in money was secondary. It was important, but >> but uh we've saved and we're estimating probably where we would be now. We're saving 50,000 a year from the state
auditors. >> Yeah. >> And uh but it has put a greater burden on the workload for >> for providing that audit. >> Yeah. And uh so we need to take care of that. >> But I I think it's um in evaluating
that's a key component. The fact that we understand it better and we own it and that internal >> uh awareness is is reinforcing the credibility of the audit. Yeah. Otherwise if you have somebody else come and do the whatever and stuff and you don't know the detail
of it. But this is a discussion we had you know number of years ago too. So, but just wanting to understand is it because of the change of the nature, but it's it's the change we're saving money and we're also >> um learning more about the process and what we do in that regard as opposed to
having outside people. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Um so I'll make a motion to uh approve the job description for the accounting and records specialist. >> I'll support that. Any further questions or comments? All
in favor? I >> oppose. Same sign. Motion passes unanimously. >> Thank you. Uh okay. So the next three positions all uh fall within the information systems department. Um there's a little more complexity I would say behind kind of the changes here. So,
I've asked our information system director, Rowan Watkins, to be here today to assist in the conversations because I'm sure you have questions that will be kind of outside my subject my subject area. Um, but basically what the
synopsis is is we currently have um kind of three of the primary positions in the um MIS department. We've got our help desk specialist. we've got our IT analyst and or excuse me, IT technician
and then um our systems administrator. So, what Rowan has proposed and he brought this to the personnel committee um several months ago um to talk about like these are his thoughts in kind of proposing a restructuring of these positions for various reasons. Um, so
we've gone through the job description review, um, and through the work that he's done with his staff to kind of lay out, um, and with more of a focus on, I would say, cross trainining, just like with the other position that we just approved, a more focus on progression as
people cross trainin and there's more support and backup of the various functions required of the MIS department. So, there's a proposal to change kind of the structure and the naming of the current positions. So the help desk specialist would be proposed
uh renamed as an IT analyst 1. The IT technician right now would be renamed IT analyst 2 and the systems administrator would be renamed as security and systems engineer. So those all encompass different uh revised updated job
descriptions. And then two of the positions um there's a recommendation to change the job grade as well. So the IT analyst one um that grade would change from a 150 to a 160. Uh the IT analyst 2
would remain the same at a 170 and then the security and systems engineer uh proposed change from a 180 to a 190. >> Thank you madam chair. Um I recall the discussion vaguely but I know it was detailed when you brought it you know to
the personnel committee ran um and um it's it's trying to create alignment within the department that that makes sense when you step back and you take a look at and just say we'd be better off if we did this based upon these things we're trying to accomplish which is
progression and and distribution of responsibilities as well. Um, I think when when something is is informed by our lived experience and our foresight moving forward to realign the department so it it's going to work better and it
it transitions more smoothly. That all makes sense. In my experience in personnel committee previously, a lot of times department heads would would come into the personnel committee and and we review a job description and it didn't meet the the requirement for a change in
grade. So the department had go back and change the title or change something in order to get it to fall within you know where the marble they wanted it to land. And that that approach I don't like but a wellreasoned thought out makes sense. And that's why when it came before the
personnel committee, you know, it uh it was, you know, well represented why you're doing what you're doing. And Allison referenced that. Um I I'm in I'm in agreement with with the proposal. Um, and over the course of this tenure in
this position as commissioner when I've uh been opposed to these proposals, it is is based solely not on the individuals nor necessarily the rationale that informs the position, but it is the it is the basis under which
value has been determined that I have a problem with. And so I don't want to send a wrong message and be disrespectful in recognizing the work and the thought that has gone into this in in the department and through human services, but uh it is the basis under
which when we these paygrades change, we're linking it to a foundational determination on value that I have a real problem with. And so that's that's where my my opposition comes. Go ahead. >> Sure. Well, Commissioner, I appreciate
that and I I think kind of to add some context for the rest of the board and the public to those conversations that happened in the personnel committee, it would really what we're looking at doing here is how can we in the most efficient way meet the emerging needs and maintain levels of service for this department
and the organization that we support. And if I was to kind of group that into sort of three buckets of what's really driving this, I would I would highlight organizational growth. Uh redundancy and capability, right, being one deep, like we talked about in other places as a as a risk that's been identified and then
an increased focus on security. And so as I kind of go through each of those, you know, as we support other departments and the organization that grows around us, you know, we can move things around and have support and prioritize things to a certain extent.
And I think a piece of historical context that I think is is helpful for this conversation is this department has been really good at that. as the organization grows around us maintaining a real flat number of staff and a and a
relatively flat budget all things considered. Um, so when you look at the IT help desk specialist currently and then that position was identified and created as a halftime position uh by my
predecessor several years before her retirement and it wasn't actually filled until when I was in this role and at that time we came before the board and I highlighted then that since it was identified and created as a need for
that position the county as an organization had added 20 staff, 20 positions since then and the need for support had only increased. And so when we talked about that where we went through all the different ways and things that we've done to try to be more efficient and provide services in a way
that we can, but without sacrificing the level of service that we provide, eventually there's a a tipping point there. And in this case, what I think we're at now is again is how can we kind of realign job duties and
restructure to meet all those different needs uh without adding staff. So in particular on security, this is a conversation that's happening all across the state, all across the nation, but in particularly often that I see in my
peers, IT MIS directors across the state and they're struggling with this. How do they add security staff? Um, and it it's a multiaceted problem. They demand they can the skill set demands high salary.
Um, I often hear it referred to as an intern program where they're essentially hiring people who they think have the skill set and investing in them and training them up only for them to then leave and go take a private sector job because they now have the security skill
set. Um, and so I think for us, you know, we're in a really good position, um, and for us as a department, for us as an organization, for the taxpayer, where we can just reassign duties to the people who have
the skill set and the potential to to meet these needs. And so rewarding and rewriting the job descriptions to address those needs is, you know, the most efficient way to do this. We're not we're not adding staff. There's an added cost, right? And so
we're we're shifting adding more responsibility to staff, creating a progression and eliminating we're formalizing crossraining and overlap in the do job descriptions amongst each other so they're not so siloed and independent and that eliminates risk, right? Where you have one person who's
gone, nobody else knows how to do that. Whatever your problem is that is that person specially just has to wait. And so there's all those added values and I think you know this is the by far the most efficient way to do that. And you know when we look at the cost that's
been included in the agenda packet we're talking a dollar an hour on two positions. And you know there's more long-term cost than that. But for me, I see a lot of return on value in that investment. That that positions us
really really well for potential turnover and growth within the department and ability again to just meet emerging needs and and maintain levels of service. And not all of this is is our control, right? In the IT department. I mean, in a lot of ways, we're trying to be strategic in how
we're reacting to different things where, you know, going back to when that help desk position was first created, something happens like like HDC leaves town or other services leave and now we're needing to staff up in PHS or um
you know, vacation rentals is so big that we're adding a position in land services department to do that or um the county attorney's office, right? There's all these different things that happened to us and it and it's not just staff that we support too, but it's facility growth, right? So now just within this
last year, we're uh networking the highway department's added garage and we're networking and providing office support to the new offices in the basement. Then we have an LEC project that we're going to be doing some significant expansion on and you know the infrastructure cost and the support
of that infrastructure is all tied into part of this. So, how do we again address and meet those needs um and do it in a really efficient way? And I think this is this is that and that's why we bring forward the recommendation
that we do. >> Commissioner, administrator DO. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I don't have a lot to add because I think Rowan did an excellent job covering everything. I just want to also say that I think this is a very strategic approach to meet the needs within this department and I've
appreciated the work that Rowan has done on this and I fully support it. >> I think it's great because he's casting the net out >> from a 10,000 foot view and that's what we needed to understand the growth and just adding
offices in in our um courthouse basement and all of that. So appreciate that wider net. Commissioner Gamble. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Ran. Um I think just foundationally that um
uh in in addressing this for the public that the public sees, they're reading the newspaper, if they're listening in, they see that that um we're we're adding staff in places. we're uh we're constantly coming before the board and
changing you know the grade and and the staff wonder what is going on and I think uh integrity and process is hugely important. uh oftentimes I think we've ex experienced in life that sometimes we don't like what is happening or what
we're seeing but we we respect those that are bringing these things forward and we respect the integrity of the process and so that tends to mitigate some of the sense of my goodness you know we're just continue to add layer
and layer um of cost to doing governance and in in this situation Um, and I and I know administrator treble that our our intention is is to create structures that demonstrate that
integrity and process so that what we do has consistency and that we are accountable to what we are doing. It makes it much easier. We just had the presentation from the highway department and uh comments made that we respect the work that that Robbie does and his
approach to it and uh the said can be same said in your department as well. Um people earn their opportunities by how they handle what has been entrusted to them and uh you certainly have have demonstrated that in your position. and
you demonstrated prior to stepping into the position in the ID department. The other thing from the human resource standpoint is that we have a commitment to our to our employees as well as to our community and being stewards of the
financial side as well as representing what it is we're asking as a community of people to do. And so, uh, normal and customary best practices relative to evaluating job distributions so they're reflective of what we're asking people
to do bait about based upon a credible process of evaluating and being strategic that um, this this is a process that is building integrity into our structure when it comes to how we handle personnel and meet the needs of
the community. So the reason I I I preface my comments with the foundational comment is is that um we are we are trying to build a system that that we can be proud of and that our department heads are earning the respect
and the trust of those people that work under them because we're committing to this process. Um and I I uh for me, you know, with the the change in our administrative position, we
looked at different candidates and and the candidate that we we selected was based upon those foundational components that we believe this is somebody that can shepherd us through this process. So that the decisions we made are are based on sound reasoning and good financial
management. It takes me back to the one you know issue that I have in this regard that the foundation under which we are making these decisions that relative to dollars that that is something that I that I question. Um but
I I do want to affirm uh the the process and the credibility that we build into this process in human resource and department heads. So, it's a lot of words, but I think it's important for the community to understand because what they see is, "Oh my goodness, here we go
again. Oh my goodness, here we go again." And so, how often should this happen? Unfortunately, uh, counties and counties are not alone in this regard. Um, have have it's been years since we've taken a look at some things. When it comes to comp studies,
it's been years. And then when we address it, counties, it's like a popcorn effect. Everybody says, "Oh my goodness, we should do a cop study. Oh my goodness, we need to do this." And so, um, uh, building a routine and that's an expectation makes employees
feel comfortable that there are processes that have that integrity and demonstrate it. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Any further questions or comments, >> Commissioner Sullivan? >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh, Madam Chair, I'd like to make a motion to approve the
job descriptions and the two grade changes for um, analyst one and two and the security and systems engineer positions. >> I support. >> Any further questions or comments? All in favor? >> I oppose. Same sign. Motion passes
unanimously. Thank you for describing everything in good detail. Thank you. >> Thank you very much, >> Madam Chair. Yes, it's been brought to my attention that we did not approve the resol resolution related to the highway department's 5-year bridge priority
item. So, at some point, we'll need to address that today. >> Madam Chair, I'd like to make a motion to uh approve the resolution for the 5-year bridge project priority project update. >> Thank you for bringing it to our We were
so enamored in what he's doing out to 2035. Thank you. Um, we have a motion and a second. All in favor? >> I >> I oppose. Same sign. Motion passes unanimously on all the work that Robbie has done and the group, the whole group
out there. Okay, we'll move on to Auditor Brady. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. This this is a request to set a date for a public hearing to consider fee changes.
Um we have one that uh for land services, this is where this is coming from. They'll be asking for um a septic system compliance inspection
uh fee change. Um but we'll also look at at others that uh that other departments may have. So the request would be to set a date um out to the first meeting in April would give us enough time to
inform other departments and uh see who else might need a change. Uh, Madam Chair, I'd like to make a motion to set the public hearing for April 14th
at 9:30 a.m. um for the um uh fee changes in our county system >> support. Okay. So 9:30 a.m. April 14th. Any
questions or comments to Brady? Commissioner Gamble. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Brady, uh, when we've looked at this before, uh, we've had a comparison. We see where we're at. We see our last change. We see what other counties are doing, whatever. So,
we have a context basically for >> making that recommendation. >> Yeah, we'll have that. >> Yeah. So you'll have that uh the week it'll be in your board packet for that meeting >> and and so there'll be a discussion and
yeah comments to inform that in enough time in advance of this public hearing. >> Right. >> Yeah. Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. So I have a motion and a second. Any further questions or comments? All in favor? I
>> oppose. Same sign. Thank you. Motion passes unanimously for our public hearing. Okay. Thanks on that, Brady. So, we'll move on to um Administrator Treble. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, I have the
unfortunate opportunity to announce um that our sheriff has provided me with a letter of resignation yesterday and um he has worked here in Cook County, I believe, for 31 years and
is a very wellrespected and valued member of our team and of the community. So, I'd like to thank him for his service. And I'd also like him to please come up to the mic um so that we can thank him. will have opportunities in the future as well as I'm sure there
will be a celebration for him. Um, but wanted to provide him an opportunity to address the board as well. >> Thank you. >> So, I'll turn it over to you. >> Um, I just want to tell you all I appreciate everything you have done. I
appreciate working with you. It's been my honor and my pleasure being a part of Cook County while you were here. So, thank you so much. You if you've served 31 years, which you have, then you must have started at age eight because you still 39 years of age,
right? I wish I was. >> You're a little kid running around with that little sheriff badge that you got in your Christmas stocking. Yeah. >> I never wanted to be I never wanted to be in law enforcement. I was a kid. >> Wow. Mhm.
>> So I believe procedurally we need to accept his uh resignation as an elected official. >> So Madam Chair, I'd make a motion to accept the resignation understanding that it's always difficult to say goodbye to somebody that served for a long time and somebody that we
consider a friend. >> Support. >> I don't think we have any questions, do we? other than to thank you. >> I could come up with one, but >> well be super. >> So, we have a motion and a second. All
in favor? >> I. >> Thank you all so much. >> You're released. >> Almost. >> Almost. >> Thank you, Sheriff. >> All right. So, the second item is to discuss discuss the upcoming um sheriff
vacancy. So, uh, our sheriff's last day will be on May 8th. And, um, I understand that we've been through this process before for the county attorney. Um, and so I just wanted to place this on the agenda so that we can have a discussion about how we want to proceed.
Um, I also want to point out that in um, in the sheriff's resignation letter, he did have a recommendation and I can let's see, I can read it to you. He states to ensure the con um continuation of services and a smooth transition, he
recommends appointing the chief deputy Ben Hallberg to the position of interim Cook County Sheriff. Um so with that, I want to turn it over to the board for discussion related to um how you would like to proceed with this vacancy.
>> Commissioner Gamble. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um I'm assuming that um sheriff has spoke with Ben and that Ben would be acceptable uh to stepping into that role. When we uh did
this previously when Commissioner Sterling and I were on the board uh we had a couple individuals that were looking at this and so the board had to make a determination of where we go. Part of that looking at it is that uh if
uh this being an elected position, those individuals that are expressing interest in that uh position um uh in the previous case, I think that was what we were experiencing. So we wanted to make sure that we were
evaluating this on a basis that didn't so show preference for one individual candidate over the other. In this situation, I would say that the recommendation coming from the sheriff as well as um uh Ben expressing his
interest in running uh there's a there's a sense of risk in involved in doing that, serving that role prior to the election. In other words, it's an opportunity to demonstrate that he's capable reinforcing the uh um the
reasons why people should vote for him. But if if there are are um individuals in our previous experience that would be interested, then we would evaluate it, I assume, on that basis. But if we have no other individuals that are expressing
interest and if we feel that a candidate who would step into that role is capable then that would seem to be the smoothest transition at this point. But just >> Madam Chair, if I may respond. >> Yes. >> Um I did have a conversation with the
sheriff and asked if he had discussed this with Ben Hellberg uh chief deputy Hellberg and he said he had. >> Okay. >> So that's the information that I am aware of. Commissioner Sullivan. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I would also say that the the role of um deputy chief is
one where that individual stands in for the sheriff. That's part of the role if in fact they're unable to serve for illness or whatever reason there might be. Um so I would fully support having um Ben Halberg um as an interim until
the election identifies a winner for Cook County Sheriff. And I would just say is there anything from you know anyone's experience that would just say is there anything else we should be considering prior to making a
recommendation >> I would say with um the county attorney's position there was a little bit of a process um I don't even remember the origins of it or or how it all came together But um
for consistency sake, we could do that. I too am very comfortable uh with um Ben in the position. So I'm not looking to drag anything out, but I just wanted since you asked, I wanted to share that. >> Well, I I think it's it's important and
from our stewardship responsibility, we don't want to just say, well, here it is. Let's just do it and move on. there's statute to consider if there's something that you know when it comes to appointment but assuming that there's nothing at statute that prohibits a recommendation coming from our sheriff
and as commissioner Sullivan said that person stepping in that person be a candidate I think it just it seems to be a natural progression so I would be comfortable you know making a motion of support but >> um briefly thank you madam chair um I
yes I did go through the interview process I would say anecdotally that that is probably highly unusual for a county to do and that the typical um outcome in a situation like this would be to for the board to accept the the
recommendation of the outgoing elected or if there were concerns to to not accept it and to open it up to either a special election or other format >> and and I would I would say that the things that we're responsible for relative to this decision is that if the
sheriff is making a recommendation and if the individual that is being recommended to be a consultant is willing and if the individual on top of that which is not a necessity is actually going to be a candidate for the position and if that individual is equipped to do the job which is our
responsibility putting somebody in there that would know what they're doing and if it complies with statute and requirement then I think we've done our due diligence and as commissioner Mills said we don't have to drag this on to look like for, you know, building more
credibility and process. I think we know what it is. I'd be comfortable making a decision that we would recommend take the recommendation from our sheriff in in putting Ben in that position and interimm basis. >> Madame Chair, just uh the statute doesn't uh say
anything regarding that part of the process. It just says that the county board uh must name a replacement um who would serve until the end of the term or until the replacement is qualified say if nobody ran for example
but it doesn't say anything further. >> Thank you on that Brady Commissioner Sullivan. So, Madam Chair, I think given our our discussion here, um I would like to recommend um supporting Sheriff Elias's recommendation to have Deputy Chief
Halberg serve in the capacity of Cook County Sheriff beginning May 8th upon his resignation until January 1st, 2027 um when the newly elected sheriff would
be uh taking their oath of office. support. >> Any further questions or comments? All in favor? I >> oppose. Same sign. Motion passes unanimously.
We'll move on to administrator updates. All right. Thank you, Madam Chair. So, the first update I have is to make sure the public is aware that many of us spent a few days last week at the Association of Minnesota Counties Legislative Conference. I'm sure some of
the commissioners will touch on this as well. Um, but I wanted to share that we met with Senator Hoschild in his office and we shared our priorities and had a great discussion with him. Um, and engineer Hass Hass and I have met with several senators, representatives and
staff on the floor um when we were over at the capital as well. So we spent a conser considerable amount of time on Thursday meeting people and um following our lobbyists all around the capitol so that we had an opportunity to do so. So it was a a great couple days um spent in
St. Paul. I also wanted to mention related to our lobbyists and our number one legislative priority this year, the Gunflint Trail, that we do have a House number and a Senate file number. Um, it's House File 3811,
Senate File 4261, and the Senate file was just introduced yesterday. Both bills were requesting uh $10 million in appropriation from the bond pro proceeds um from the transportation commissioner of transportation to for a
grant to Cook County. Housechild and Scraba are the authors of those two bills. So, our lobbyist is tracking those. I'm tracking those as well. And so I'll keep you all in the loop on when we need to head back down to the capital and if there are opportunities to meet with folks and or testify.
We also met with our federal lobbyist yesterday as well about our federal um legislation. And so she has submitted the house community project funding. So that's something that I understand we have done as a county in the past and they're taking that on as our lobbyist.
So they submitted that. We're requesting $8 million through the federal administration highway infrastructure program. Um, and that's through the House. The Senate has not opened up their portal yet, but we anticipate that that will be opening up very soon. And
as soon as that's open, then we'll also be moving forward with um entering information um within the Senate for $8 million as well. Our lobbyist is requesting that we submit a letter to
Representative Straa's office today. And so we have drafted that letter um and and are hoping that we can send that on behalf of of um the board. Um she did provide a draft for us. So wanted to make sure that as the lobbyist that
she's making sure we're hitting all of the right uh points in that information. So once we have that, then she's also requesting that we all reach out to his office as well and ask for funding support. So I will send all of you
information following the meeting today. Um I don't believe we need a formal approval on the letter because this is our this is our bill. This is something that we're supporting as our number one priority. So Jana has took the time late in the day yesterday and got that
prepared for us. So we're ready to send that out. So, I think that's it on legislation, but this is moving very quickly and so I'll make sure that we keep you in the loop on everything related to those four bills as we move forward.
Madam Chair, um I know in the discussions that we had in the opportunities we had presenting this now that we have a bill um just any feedback, any comment if that at this
point in time is would be appropriate to share relative to sense of things >> both from the the lobbyist standpoint as opposed to our conversations with both of our representatives. >> Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely. Um I feel very
positive. Our um representatives are very supportive of this effort. When we were at the capital meeting with other senators and representatives um everyone was very um excited and complimentary about the work that we've put into this um and supportive of of how we're
electing to move forward. So um it was very energizing being spending that time there and everyone that we talked to. So, I I feel pretty positive about where we're at. As Robbie discussed earlier today, we've already secured about $3 million for this project. And so, um I
think we're in a good place right now. >> Yeah. I I think for legislators who are making decisions with limited dollars that when they see the the efforts that we've invested in this and they recognize the the real importance that those are two good things. Um, I think
when you're inundated with uh 87 counties and multiple commissioners and individuals coming and asking for things that it can be a little overwhelming and you try to be polite and and some of that ends up being a little more pretentious and not substantive in nature. That's why I asked the question
is just but um I I I would agree that there's certainly support for it. It's just a matter if we can get the get the votes, you know, from the legislation overall. Um, and that's why we need as many voices as we can get to represent.
>> Absolutely. >> And it also helps if community members reach out and support this effort. So, I want to make sure I mention that to the community members that are listening. Um, it's it's it's important for us u myself as administrator and the in the boards of course reaching out to
representatives, but we also really encourage anyone um in the community that supports this project to reach out as well. Thank you. Couple other updates if I may, Madam Chair. Um, construction projects. I just wanted to mention that
both our two large construction projects, the law enforcement center and transfer station are moving forward very nicely. Um, we h now have roofs on both. So, we're very excited about that. And at the transfer station, um, we're we're pouring the first slab hopefully within
the next week. Um and at the LEC the windows are being put in. So it if you haven't had a chance to drive by um they're looking great and they're moving forward very nicely. Um I have two other updates very quickly. Um one is related
to a uh actually both are funding related. The first one is um from the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department. They are submitting an application for a federal grant to acquire slip-on tanks.
They would allow this would allow pickup trucks, ATVs, and trailers to be converted to tankers and com combat wildfires. So, they're just asking um if the county would act as the entity to apply for this grant, they would do all
of the the paperwork and um documentation. And so, I've had a discussion with Auditor Powers about this. And typically what we do is we would we would apply for the grant and then at the time that we've received the funding, we would bring it to the board for approval. So this is just really
information for you to let you know that they have reached out that we have agreed to do this um and are hoping that they're successful in securing this funding. And then the next one is the Loots and Fire Department. um they have applied
for funding to purchase a drone um and it's my understanding that um this would be used for emergencies including search and rescue. There's no drone for Cook County that has a trained full-time resident to pilot it right now. And so
if this was if we if the Luton Fire Department was successful in securing this funding, um we would be the first in the county, um it would be donated to the eastern township. Um oh yes, I'm sorry. The Western Thank
you. And uh let's see what else they said here. They said having a drone in our area would save time. The nearest is over two hours away and it could potentially save time and save lives. So, we have had two staff members provide a letter of support for this.
Rowan Watkins from our MIS department and Mike Keeport, our emergency management. >> I believe Kovville Town Hall has a drone and a living yearround drone operator certified licensed. Yes, the Kville Fire
Department does have um >> uh Jordan Ecroot who is an operator of a drone. Um he also works up at the Gut County Airport. >> Um but I think given the distance, it's really important that we have a couple of drones in our county and fully
support this. >> Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner. And I will make sure that when I reach back out to the Loots and Fire Department that they are aware that there is one in Kville as well. >> And I will emphasize it tonight too because okay >> I went up to their open house. That's
how I knew about the drone was going to Kville and then presenting it to the Lucen Township >> and so we have our annual meetings tonight. So we'll have >> and and are not the communities like 70
miles apart or something like that or 50 miles apart? It's there's it would not diminish the need for one in the west end at all. >> Right. And the fact that we do have a trained person in the east end, but we'll also need one in the west end too.
>> Yeah. Okay. >> Clarification is always good. >> Thank you. Thank you. Okay. So then we'll move on to commissioner report and meeting updates. We've been busy. You've been busy.
>> Well, basically the uh happy to announce that the hub has has uh two new board members that have stepped forward and they're they're uh they would still like one more as a backup or as an extra, but
they they now have seven board members and they're feeling pretty good about that. So, >> okay. Any anybody else? Commissioner Sullivan. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um we had an opportunity to meet um for Firewise um
about a week and a half ago and had updates um that we shared primarily both Commissioner White and I um from the highway department so that for Firewise they would be aware of the construction and could understand how that would impact their work during the summer of 2026.
We had a soil and water conservation district meeting and we're very thrilled that Amanda Weeberg has been elected as the chair of the Minnesota DNR statewide AIS advisory committee. And so in her role, she recommends AIS um
protection management and works on prevention and funding and policy improvements. And so, um, we are very excited and know that that puts Cook County in a very great position, um, with AIS. And then at AMC, just to add
on with um our administrator's remarks, I had a chance to attend along with Commissioner Storyly testimony training and put myself out there in front of all the commissioners um to provide testimony for the last 10 miles of the Gunflint Trail and get critical feedback
on on my performance. And um I was 25 seconds too long. um they really pay attention to time when you are at the legislature. So, I appreciated that feedback and have um adjusted remarks and I'm ready to go before the bonding
committee, the governor's office, wherever I am needed. And um for our county day at the capital, I would just um I guess reiterate that it was a great experience. We met in the Senate building with Senator Hoschild. Representative Scraba came in at the end
and we had an opportunity to uh spend time in a number of committee discussions. I was in education uh transportation where they were talking about autonomous vehicles and then the final day um the environment and natural
resources policy committee met and Neva Maxwell attended from land services which was great. brought up a couple of really important questions and we talked a little bit about the wetland conservation act because they have changes in the ratio of wetland
replacement when you have transportation projects. So we thought that was really important and um had a chance to also speak with assistant commissioner Bob Meyer from the Minnesota DNR about some of our Cook County initiatives. So, it was a a great opportunity and I look
forward to going back in the very near future. Oh, I have one other thing. Sorry, Commissioner Gamble. >> Um, many of you have perhaps seen this, but next Monday, a really historic thing is going to happen in Grand Portage.
There's a signing ceremony and three distinct properties are being returned to Grand Portage thanks to the work of the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation. So, Paradise Beach, which is on the Lake Shapi Superior shoreline, um Francis
Island, that's part of the Suzie Island archipelago, and also the Mineral Center Forest uh parcel is going to be returned to them. Um so, that is a huge piece. It's about restorative justice and I
just couldn't be more thrilled that this is happening. And I want to thank Grand Portage for working with Lloyd K and for the tremendous efforts they've put forth. >> It's incredible. >> And Madam Chair, if I can share that at the AMC conference, I heard from several
AMC staff what a wonderful job Commissioner Sullivan did in testifying and how prepared they felt she is for um our legislation before um before the Senate in the House. So that was great to hear.
Um well, as referenced the legislative session, um uh when we had met in the office and and uh Representative Scraba showed up late, but he was there for photo op. And then um we have our annual
dinner which Commissioner Stley and I attend on Wednesday evening, which is through the northern counties. and uh we had partnered with the organization that the committee that you sit on. So we had we had a considerable group. Um, last
year we had uh a fantastic turnout and we had a larger room at man's seedings uh where we annually have held this ever since I've been on that committee previous term as well and um that has grown and we had 12 representatives that
participated from the state legislature in that dinner. I sat across from the representative from Pine City and uh again uh when representative Straa came in, he came in late and um I moved some
papers quick and put my place setting there so that he could sit right, you know, kitty corner for me. And last year when Commissioner Mills was there, we had the opportunity to have that whole dinner evening discussion and so had considerable discussion with him and uh
um he said uh give him a call. So to be able to follow up with him on issues that we addressed was very good. So that that is beneficial. There's a lot of shuffling that goes on. AMC uh provides
a um an opportunity for uh representatives to come in um during our event that evening so that um it's ordurves and things that that we can interact but they were meeting I believe
up until 7:00 and so we had changed the northern county's meeting to 7:00 in order to accommodate that schedule. So, it's always a moving target, but the participation was great and uh uh every representative that was there expressed
uh their appreciation um because uh those that are representatives out of the metro area go home at night, but these representatives from the northern tier do not. and to be able to associate and spend time with, you know, constituents and uh they
really appreciate that and and getting the free meal. And I noticed that uh Scraba who had u he chose the steak on the menu that um he had some leftover and he had asked
for a container to take it and and I said, "Would you like some potatoes and some toast and everything else?" He said, "No, this is for my dog." So he was uh then the the waitress went and got a bunch of meat from the back for him for his dog. So his dog's wellfed.
So that was uh beneficial and and the session the breakout session that I attended in public safety uh the commissioner of um corrections uh from the state spoke and uh much of the discussion centered around the need to
be build regional facilities and we had this discussion previously when it came to mental health issues. We need to have a facility that can address this issue. right now it's sort of overlapped in our prisons and it's not the way to really
address real need in that area. And uh my comment was that uh when we look at these things we tend to look that at them as buildings and locations but really we need to look and understand the need that as it exists and be sure that we are meeting that need with the
staff and the people that can address this. uh the building is the building but it's really the service we provide that that we need to be sure we provide. Um and then uh yesterday administrator and myself attended an AMC uh committee
advisory committee on um learning opportunities uh for AMC as they plan um work sessions and um uh it was a it was a good very good discussion and uh the two things I would
point out is that um with Jessica who was the administrator in Aken County and now heads up this uh working in this committee. um they are doing some very good things to help counties and one of
them is in the past AMC has done a salary survey but they've used an outside resource that sort of just takes generic information plugs it in and gives it to you but AMC now is going to do uh this study uh internally so it'll
reflect actuals and they'll be contacting all 87 counties to do that the other thing that they're putting together which is something we've talked about in preliminary budgeting is the uh uh mandated what's mandated when it
comes to uh services that we provide. So they will do a uh a chart that'll show the the nature of the mandate uh the date that it was uh passed by the legislature uh percentage of funding and percentage
that is up to the county. There's some nuance that exists with the 87 counties, but but it is a basic uh document that we can adapt as it applies to us in evaluating budget and understanding
where priorities are and our priorities uh in some cases are defined by the mandates. In other words, you have to do it. But the interconnectedness to those things that we identify as it' be important is is another part of that
tool in in interpreting it. So I I really felt that there there are associations and organizations that have an umbrella that that appears to offer value. But the AMC is is uh with this
effort and many of the things that they provide in way of workshops and classes online and in person uh really are of value to us as a county. Uh, and for the community, when AMC will
be doing a wage study, will they be including benefits that are also offered with wages? >> That was a question that that I raised. Um, and when I raised the question because in the first time that we did a comp study, uh, I asked the the
individual company that we contracted with, will you do benefits? They said, we don't do benefits. I said, benefits is the number three uh determiner on where somebody is employed. And maybe you as well as I have had a number of people that have asked if I could just get a job at the county because of those
benefits. And um so when I raised the question, will it include not just the salary, but will it include basic benefits? And just list all the benefits that you've got health benefits, but you've you've also have the mandated, you know, paid time off and you've got a
number of different things, contribution to retirement and and uh health savings accounts. and they Jessica and u and I believe the other individual looked at each other and smiled and said, "Yes, we we do intend to do that. We're going to use it through another source that we're
going to be able to get it, but we do intend to put it include it." >> Great. >> And if I can add to that, the other source they're going to do that through is the um the contracts, the bargaining contracts. So um so that information
will be provided to the HR directors and the county administrators so that we have access to that. >> Yeah. And and that that's that's thorough and that that's data that is is is going to really help us. I mean there
are so many times I'm sure individually we think oh my goodness if I just if I had this then I'd have context. And um for them to do that, that's really stepping up and helping. >> Yeah. only only updates I would share would be um both with the Northwoods
food project and the food access council um talking about uh different grant opportunities and and there's some really big ones and the food access council was looking at one and applying for one but then it would be um kind of
in competition um with another community organization um because there's too too too similar or too closely aligned and so the Northwoods Food Project I think is going to take a stab at it. Um and and we'll see where it goes. Uh
currently the Northwoods Food Project is working on a grant program for farmers to give them support however they need it and trying to figure out what that is and to what extent. So much of it is labor just you know weeding or or whatever but
>> there can be equipment efficiencies or supplies or whatever too. So, um that's probably the there's a lot a lot of collaboration. Um, one of the conversations in the food access council too has just been about um, you know, the very real need uh, of food in our
community and um, it not being met for everyone and um, you know, uh, the resources that it takes to operate a food shelf or food distribution.
um versus uh a voucher to use at a grocery store, you know, like where how do you draw that line? And of course, grocery stores have profit, you know, built into it and so that's a factor. Um but it was just a really interesting
conversation uh you know, trying to look at the problem as as large as they can and try to find a long-term solution. So, um, no determination there, but I'm glad it's it's being talked about. >> Okay.
All right. Well, yes, at the legislative meeting, I attend the public health and human services. I'll give more report next week, but the key word is modernization. Modernization. Modernization. We had um a lot of presenters come
before us. So um we didn't specifically um vote on anything um for modernization, but the legislators are hearing a year ear yearful about that and we'll continue. Um I attended the U
Minnesota Highway 61 uh first gathering and um incrementally we'll be meeting about every three months and um the project of resurfacing starts at Chateau Lavau. That's where
the toy township ends and it'll go to almost to the border almost. Good. >> Yeah. the little S-curve that we all deal with won't be dealt with until 2030 something. >> Wow. >> So, they have their projects way out
there, too, just like Raleigh House does. So, we had a there were two meetings. I attended the first one with um visitor Cook County and a variety of people um township people. And then that evening
they had a public meeting. I did not go back for that one. But um so they're now saying we're we're in it for the long haul and we'll start working on that next summer so that they have good input from everyone.
Um for the second year, Gigami Trail has been nominated as the best bike trail in the country. And so that's quite an honor and we hope that people will, you know, recognize that and vote and be a part of that
system. Did you have something you wanted to add, Commissioner? >> I was just going to say you can go to usa.com and vote on a daily basis. >> USA newspaper >> the newspaper. Correct.
And if I could add, yes, the active living steering committee talked about the gigami and there is so much work and now it's like >> maintenance >> and there's just a shortage of people. >> I mean, they've actually come to do the
work. But it's pretty astounding >> what has been accomplished and continued. >> It really is. And especially in the winter, you know, privately the townships hire people that can clear the trail, but there's sections of it that you just can't do it. And then when the
weather gets better, then um the organization will hire people to from the DNR too to come fix the fence and do different things because the first part of the trail is now getting older. So, you know, now you're looking into more maintenance, but they're
>> they're on top of it as best they can be. So tonight is my marathon night with the um township annual meetings. They don't start till 8:00. So I start in Schroeder and uh they are very nice though to say,
"Oh, here's the commissioner. They stop their meeting. I give my report, get in the car, move on to the next one." The reason I'm doing that um in that order is that Luden is really the only one that has some new supervisors that have um put their name on the list. And so by
the time they get all that counted and by the time they talk about drones and all of that, it'll be later. So I'm hoping that I can get there in time for that announcement. So that's um that's my evening. Okay. Anything else anybody wants to
add? >> Well, I just had a question. Um, have have you heard any further correspondence from uh Ellers regarding options we might have um for tax rebates?
>> Nothing nothing specific. >> Okay. >> Just that they they understand that we have that power. >> Okay. >> Not that they know how that would be used. >> Well, that's something. Yeah. Thank you,
>> Mr. Glo. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, I maybe could hold this for the uh public health uh meeting, but uh relative to to our conversation with the uh commissioner of uh corrections at AMC
uh talked about recidivism, which is when somebody is incarcerated, um what's the likelihood when they are released from that time, that program, whatever they're participating in, um
that they will be a repeat offender. And so what we we try to do in corrections is correct behavior, which means we want to reduce the likelihood somebody will return as an offender. And I think that
the um the uh average we were finding in in jails was 44% likelihood that somebody's released will be a repeat offender. And um it was pointed out that
uh there is if you if you look at states like neighboring states and you look at what their recidivism is given our programming um how we compare and where I'm going with this is Nerk who we talk often about and the
effectiveness of their programming which is standout that their recidivism rate because uh Phil was sitting next to me from Nerk during this meeting and uh so I asked him I said what is ours and it's 11%.
That's significant. So what we're saying is because the approach that we take in trying to rehabilitate trying to come alongside and work with people uh to help them enter life in in a way that's positive that the likelihood that they
will return as a repeat offender is 11%. That's a significant number. It is for sure. So, we have some um upcoming meetings to note. Um public health and human service
board is next Tuesday, March 17th. If anybody has a wee bit of Irish in them, that's your day. >> There's another word drone, I think, isn't it? In their music or something. >> And our next regular board meeting will
be Tuesday, March 24th. In our packet, we have our correspondence memos, our lodging tax comparison through December of 25, and then we have recognition of staff. The anniversaries for March are Connor
Ingram from highway department, three years, Leanne Avery from public health and human services, four years. Amanda Weeberg, soil and water, six years. Kim Shepard, court administrator, 29 years.
and Courtney Berner, auditor's office, 32 years. Wow. And be no other business. We are adjourned. >> Thanks everyone. Thank you. >> Any discussion on >> Can I touch your sweater?
>> CJ Rams. >> Yes. >> Oh, there's been discussion.