We're live. I think it will be a reach. >> Good morning everyone and welcome to the Candy High County Board of Commissioners meeting for Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026. Please stand for the pledge.
I aliance 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. >> I welcome everyone in the chamber as
well as those uh following us on YouTube. Thank you for your interest in county government. The first uh item of business is approval of the uh agenda. And we do have one addition uh that we need to put on here. You've just
received a uh a copy of a proposed surf purchase of service contract between Stevens County Human Services uh and Candy County Health and Human Services. I would propose that we add that uh after the um uh legislative update.
So, with that addition, uh, can we have a motion to approve the agenda? >> Also move. >> Thank you. Uh, is there a second? >> I'll second that, Mr. Chair. >> We have a motion and a second to approve the u uh agenda with the u uh additional
contract. Discussion hearing none. All in favor say I. I. >> All oppose. That motion passes. Uh next item is the uh uh consideration of the consent agenda though that appro uh that is three action items. Uh approval of
the May 19th, 2026 county board legal minutes, approval of the auditor's warrants and claims and approval of human services warrants and claims uh paying the bills. Is there a motion on the consent agenda? >> So move, Mr. Chair. >> Thank you. And a second.
>> I'll second that, Mr. Chair. We have a motion and a second to approve the consent agenda. Discussion hearing none. All in favor say I. >> I. >> All opposed. That motion passes. Uh at this time we are taking for information uh a presentation from Lutheran Social
Services on their stay uh program. Uh Angie uh I'm going to have you say that. Uh uh please please introduce yourself and uh uh welcome. >> Thank you. Angie Modeski. I am the
director of youth services for Wilmer Lutheran Social Service. >> Good morning commissioners. >> Good morning. >> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for the opportunity to share an update on the stay program and the impact that we have made over the past year supporting youth
in Candy Ohio and the other seven counties in the contract. Our objective continues to focus on helping young people build stability, independence, and long-term success through individualized support and access to
essential resources. Over the last year, 31 youth have been served through the stay independent living skills case management. These youth represent a diverse cross-section of our foster care community, including youth in care, youth in extended foster
care, youth that are preparing to transition out of care, and those who previously were in care who may be experiencing housing instability, homelessness, or other barriers. Of the 31 youth that we served, all of them
were between the ages of 14 and 22, which encompasses the full range of state eligibility. 15 of them were Candyo High County youth, and the majority, 20 of the 31, were between the ages of 17 and 19,
which represents a key transition period into adulthood. While individualized case management remains the core of our work, LSS's stay program offers a comprehensive support system. Services are guided by youth assessments, their expressed
preferences, and provided in collaboration with their county case managers. LSS staff work one-on-one with youth to create an independent living skills plan and then take actionable steps towards achieving those goals.
This includes support in areas critical to transitioning successfully such as housing stability, budgeting and fin budgeting and financial management, everybody's favorite, transportation, education, and employment. In addition,
youth have access to our new resource center where they can meet their basic needs such as food, hygiene, supplies, and clothing for those who have transitioned out of care. They can use computers for school job searches or applications and they can spend time in
a safe, supportive environment. Staff are also available for drop in and on call support at the resource center. This means youth do not have to wait for scheduled appointments. Immediate needs can be addressed in real time. This accessibility allows staff to guide youth and intervene in situations before
they can escalate to crisises. Sometimes we also offer weekly ILS groups year round covering a variety of life skills including cooking and nutrition, employment readiness, communication skills, healthy relationships, self-care and wellness to name a few. These groups
also foster a peer connection and a sense of community which is critical to our young people's success. Along with direct services, stay youth and staff are actively involved and engaged in the community, helping to build a sense of belonging, confidence,
and leadership skills. A few examples over the last year are part participation in the Wilmerfest parade last year with a float that the youth planned, built, and staff assisted. It was warm. So, the youth opted not to do that again
this year. Maybe next year. uh annual participation in foster child and youth day on the hill and our youth volunteered to run a table at the kids connection event at the candy mall where they were they provided face painting and some arts and crafts for elementary age youth.
Through these combined services, we have had the privilege to see young people experience increased housing stability, greater engagement in employment and education, development of crit critical life skills, reduced crisis situations
due to accessible and early support. The state program continues to be a critical resource providing not just services but connection, stability, and opportunity for foster youth. We are in awe of the resilience that the
young people we serve demonstrate and we are grateful for this county's investment in those youth which makes this work possible. I would also like to extend an invitation for each of you to visit our resource center if you haven't been and see firsthand where all the magic
happens. Meet our team and connect more deeply with the work that you help to support. Thank you again for your time today and your partnership throughout the years and uh I'd be happy to answer any questions. >> Angie, thank you. And uh are there any
questions? >> Yeah, thank you, Mr. Chair. Yeah, just a quick question. Maybe I missed it for the public. Would you Where is this located? >> We are located in the education wing of Bethl Lutheran Church. So 411 4th Street
Southwest. Um door three. There's lots of doors, but it's door three to the west side of the building. Thank you. >> All right. And if we wanted to do that, just set up a time to come by. And >> Absolutely. Or staff are there at 9:00. We don't open till 11:00, so if anyone
just if you just wanted to stop by prior to 11:00 a.m. >> Okay, that'd be great. >> Okay, that's that's that's good information. I I just wanted to say I like the idea of involving the youth in some things that are outside of themselves.
>> Uh because I think that's a critical component that's missing for a lot of folks today in general. uh but especially that cohort that you're talking about um where they just seem so within themselves and uh getting to
understand that uh uh there's a whole world outside of themselves that needs them. >> I like that. And uh Commissioner Dwayne Anderson, >> thanks Mr. Chair. I just have one question. What does stay stand for? >> Successful transition to adulthood for youth.
>> Okay. Thank you. That's the state name for it. >> All right. Uh, any other questions for Angie? >> Well, thank you for that presentation and maybe just stay there just in case there are any other further questions because our next item then is
consideration of the uh program contract. Perfect. >> Uh, and uh, Carly uh, go ahead and introduce yourself and >> um, uh, go ahead with your presentation. >> Okay. Um, my name is Carly Crayons. I am one of the children's services
supervisors. Um, and today I am bringing forward the Lutheran Social Services Stay Program contract. Um, you just heard from Angie Matesky who presented some about what that program is, um, and what this funding helps provide to the youth in our community, but also our
neighboring partners as well. Um, Kenway County is the physical host for this contract where um, we do act on behalf of our neighboring counties to dispense these funds to Lutheran Social Services. This contract is a continuation of a pass through fund that we received
through an award letter. Um, this fund remains the same as it was last year of $111,600. Are there any additional questions to what you had for Angie? Uh any uh any questions for uh for Carly
>> Commissioner? Thank you. So it's a pass through grant. Uh and where do those funds originate? Then >> they originate from federal government but then they go to state and then um we work with the state to distribute them >> and the state gets a pool of that and
it's distributed pro perhaps on a population basis uh throughout the counties all over the state. >> Yes. Yep. We are one of the um our region has selected to do it as a group um which has kind of benefited our allocation. There are some counties that
choose to just do it individually. >> Thank you, >> Commissioner B. Mr. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'm just kind of curious off the top of your head, do you have any idea what the administrative costs are part of that contract? >> Um we were just talking about this.
Currently, there I don't have a number off the top of my head. Um, that is something we are looking to add. >> Okay. No, I didn't expect you to either, but just in case. So, thank you. >> Yeah. >> All right. Any other questions? >> Mr. Chair, I'd like to make a motion to
approve the contract as presented. >> Thank you. Is there a second? >> I'll second that, Mr. Chair. >> Have a motion and a second to approve the 2026 27 stay program contract with Lu Lutheran Social Services. Discussion.
Hearing none. All in favor say I. I. >> All opposed. >> That motion passes. Thank you so much. Thank you, >> Angie. Thank you for the work. >> And uh we'll make our way down there >> someday to take a be. Thank you.
>> Thank you so much. All right. At this time, uh we'll have public works director Mel Odens with a amendment to a joint powers agreement. Mel, good morning. >> Mr. Chair, members of the board, Mel O L O L O L O L O L O L O L O L O L O Linens, public works director, Kanduai County. Um what you have before you is
an amendment to an agreement, a joint powers agreement that we had with Mandot as it relates to the Wilmer Y and the acquisition of Rightway. Um, I will point out that um, Paul Rasmmanson's
here from Mandot and if you have any questions, you know, feel free to call him up here and and ask you ask him a few questions. But anyway, in 2017 on March 3rd, this is when this all got
started. And um, I always show people for the record, I I bring I bring the original agreement from way back then. That's nine years ago. And what it was is we agreed to as part of the Wilmer Y to purchase right away as a joint public
private partnership with the partners, the five partners to get the the Wilmer Y constructed. And with that, the only um financing mechanism was to do a joint powers with MDOT um so we could get reimbursed. So, what
we had what we had agreed to do back then was to um limit our exposure to $500,000 to purchase the rightaway with the idea that we would be able to sell back the excess property and also um
we wouldn't be overexposed to a commitment that the county board had made in back in 2014. So, it it we're going back a number of years, but there was a there was a a large risk I think for this government unit. Anyway, so in March 3rd, we made the agreement. March
2019, we started uh purchasing the rightaway. Um I brought all the plats and now on June 2nd, we're done and they're going to reimburse us for anything over the 500,000 is where we
are. So this amendment is a is a friendly amendment. We had been meeting with um the Mandot staff in St. Paul and um the local district office. And so it's my recommendation to sign amendment
number one to the joint powers agreement 1037003 and authorize the public works or the candy county to invoice the state of Minnesota for $470,27428. >> Are there any questions for the director?
I'd move on the uh recommendation from staff, Mr. Chair. >> Thank you. Is there a second? >> I'll second that. >> We have a motion and a second to approve the recommendation of staff to uh sign the u uh amendment to the joint powers
agreement. Discussion. Commissioner. >> Um I'm just reflecting a little bit. I remember the first time that we were approached, the county was approached by this, it got turned down and uh it went back and resubmitted for the tiger grant
and uh then on the second go around it came. But I had no time has gone by. I mean from 2012 I was barely a commissioner at the time and uh to think that now it's finally we're finally closing the book. It's good news, but
it's amazing the amount of time. I was on monthly meetings with uh >> the commissioner of transportation as this was getting rolling. We made several trips to Washington on behalf of this. So, it's uh kind of an exciting time that we're putting closing the books on this and and
>> yeah, there's two of us left that >> there's two of you left. I was visiting with Paul before the meeting. >> That's why I I uh >> I thought he had retired. I did my South Dakota lasso and I got him to come up here just so you can see us. >> Yeah, this is good news.
>> Yeah. So, you know, and I think what one thing to point out with what Roger's saying, you know, I I brought a copy of a of a whiteboard. I like to do whiteboard, but the county, we took a risk, but what we got is we worked on getting the ramps on 23. We got the
bridge over on five over Highway 23. We got the roundabout by Geneo. Um, we're getting 55 redone, not only between Highway 12 and 40, but also the piece from 40 to the bridge.
We're getting the 55 bridge. Um, and then we also got the excess property that we could sell to reimburse ourselves. Now, the risk we run is we had to have the money. So, we borrowed it out of our road and bridge reserve fund to to do all this. It was $1.7
million that we are exposed on this thing. And you can see it, I think, on on your last sheet. If you turn to the last sheet in your handout, you can see the amount of dollars. It was $1.734 million that we basically did internal
borrowing back then to get this to be accomplished. So, this money will just go back to reimburse the money that we were out. >> Mr. Chair, if I may follow up, you may. It was a big risk and I remember I was
not I was not on board at first but I was so new that I didn't understand the potential but man when you look out at the uh what's happened out at the in the industrial park and what can still happen out there it was an investment
that clearly is is uh paying off and so um but again glad that it's done. >> Yeah, same. We just have some sister revisions to do now and I think we're we're done. So minimal action. >> Commissioner B. >> Uh thank you, Mr. Chair. It's a good
example how government does travel slow, but it gets there. And really such a good example of collaboration between different levels of governments, different departments. I just wish uh the other other areas work together so
well and get to this point like this. This is very good government. >> Thank you both. >> All right. Any other questions or comments? All right, we have a motion and a second. Yes. Uh to uh move forward with
this amendment to the joint powers agreement. >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> I. All opposed. >> That motion passes. No. Thank you. >> All right. Should have should have left it on this page. Here we go. At this time then uh
we'll receive a update uh in regards to the environmental services department uh household hazardous waste and uh Derekson uh is the coordinator. Derek, good morning. >> Good morning. Thank you for having me. Uh my name is Derekson. I'm the
hazardous waste and recycling coordinator for Candy County. I'm here to provide you a little information about what we do at our facility. Uh we're a regional facility. We take from six other counties including our own. There are Bigstone, Chippoa, Lacaparo, Renville, Swift, and Mer. Um residents
from those counties, they don't have a permanent facility in those counties. So their residents can bring it to our facility. Um we then process it and get it ready for shipping. Um we also do mobile collections for those residents. So, if it's a smaller collection, last week I was in Bigstone County, I just
load up the truck with drums, um, supplies, and I process, we went through 42 households that day. So, I just process the chemicals myself. We ship it, um, load it up in the truck, bring it back to our facility and ship it out from there. The week before that, I was
in um, Laaparo County. That's a little bigger collection. So, I I scheduled the hazardous waste company to meet me there. they process the material and ship it out to their facility. So, it never comes back to ours. Um, after the waste is brought to our facility, we
have to identify the chemicals in it, um, and then process it, get it ready for shipping out. Most of the the chemicals get sent to hazardous waste incinerators. The latex paint does go to Amazon paint down in Fidley where they recycle about 40% of it into new paint.
So, if you ever see Amazon paint on the shelf, that's recycled paint from facilities like ours. Um, like I said, the most of the stuff we send out goes to hazardous waste incinerators. Minnesota does not have a hazardous waste incinerator. So, the two that I use is Monomony Falls, Wisconsin
and Port Arthur, Texas mainly is where our stuff goes. There are also is Saj, Illinois. That's for some of the more hazardous stuff. Um, and then Gumspr, Arkansas is a relatively new facility that they're bringing online. So, we'll start to use that a little bit more. Um,
I do have a little summary, a slide if you could throw that up. It just shows you the the overall last year what our facility processed. Um, latex paint, we did about 67,000
pounds of paint through our facility last year. Oilbased paint, we were right around 15,000. Um fuels, we were at 6,600. Most of that gets sent out to get fuel blended to generate electricity when they burn it. Um lab pack materials,
that's that's what goes to the incinerators. Um and then all the way down to to used oil is another thing. Used oil antifreeze and oil filters. We have East Side Oil. They manage a drop off site right at our facility and we get rid of that for free.
Um, another thing I wanted to highlight is is instead of when we get paint or chemicals in that are still good, we want to reuse them and not pay to dispose of them. So, the the recycled through paint exchange is all stuff that we got in that we gave away for free to
people to use. Um, a little over 2,200 items that we got rid of last year. Um, another thing we take in is fluorescent light bulbs. It has it listed in pounds here, but that's right around 40 to 50,000 bulbs that we
recycled last year through our facility. The total tons are are 84.59 tons of material that we diverted from the landfill. Um, with that, if you have any questions about our facility or what we do, I'd be
happy to take them. >> Have one. >> Uh, I will uh Yes. Uh, Commissioner Anderson. >> All right. You you said you process the chemicals. What what do you mean by that? >> Um there's really three ways we can process it. We bulk it. So if it's a chemical that's not too hazardous, we
will bulk it into a 55gallon drum or a 30- gallallon drum and then ship it out in that drum. Um if it's something we we lab pack it where we'll put it into a container, we'll leave it in the container it is in and then put it in another bigger container. or if we get a
container that's damaged, leaking, we can overpack it into an 85gallon steel drum. So most of our stuff is either in cubic foot boxes or 55gallon drums. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Any other questions? Commissioner
>> B. Uh just uh yes, a question. Would you share with the public? I talked to you earlier about something. You didn't mention that as one of the things that you take there for other people so it's clear about ammunition and stuff like that. >> Oh yeah. Yeah. Anything. So basically anything that's hazardous to humans,
animals or the environment, we want to keep out of the landfill. So if you don't want to dump it down the drain or it's not safe to throw it in the garbage, good chances we can help you out with that. So that's ammunition, paints, cleaners, yard chemicals, pesticides, all that type of stuff we can help you
out with. And if I don't take it myself, I can probably direct you to the spot where you can get rid of it. >> Commissioner and Dick, >> thank you. Uh Derek, couple of questions. How big is your shop? How big is your staff? And is there are there other places within the county where you
can drop off or do you have to go to your site in order to drop off? >> So for hazardous waste, our site is the only spot you can drop off chemicals and stuff like that. There is other spots like hardware stores where you can drop off latex paint specifically, but that's
just for paint. So, for hazardous waste, we are the only drop off site. Um, six, seven years ago, the landfill was another drop off site, but that's that's changed. It all comes to our facility now. >> And how many >> what's that? >> Another staff. >> Yeah, there's two staff total. Myself
and then Brady Pearson. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So, if I may, I >> ironically, because I hadn't looked at the agenda yet, I was marking a spot out at the uh out at our cabin to do a locate. >> Yep. >> And so, I had several cans of paint in
the store, spray cans of paint. I was looking for a white one, but I had a lot of colors. Couldn't get one of those damn things to spray any paint. And I'm thinking, now what am I going to do with all this stuff? And I had one that was almost empty, and I was right above the waist basket. and I thought, "No, this
isn't the right thing to do." And so I cleaned the whole thing out. They're in my pickup to bring to you uh after the meeting today. >> Perfect. Yeah. Yeah. Don't throw it in the garbage. It's free to bring it to us. So it's not like you're going to get charged or anything. Just we don't want that in the garbage. So
>> Well, ironically, I was out last week with with a little bit of a load and last night I separated out the remainder of it. Uh, I'm keeping still way too much, but that's that's okay, >> right? >> Uh, and uh uh and I'll be out probably
tomorrow with the uh with the rest, including a little bit. I was I I was sure we were going to get more snow. So, you know, I had a little extra gasoline left over from uh from the winter. So, you're going to get that uh Sure. >> Uh as well, because I know you can uh uh
you can take that. Um uh I really appreciate that this service uh is there. One thing that I have missed and uh I'm going to put a plug in for this as long as Gary's in here as well. Uh several years ago uh we had a
big recycling event. Uh >> uh and I' I'd kind of like to uh gently push for that uh again because I know there's a lot of electronics and stuff out there that uh people would really like to recycle. diving. I understand
once in a while we see product like this in our road ditches out in the uh out in the country. Uh and that's that's just not a good uh good thing to have uh have happen. But uh uh I know I did talk with one of the other partners who had been
involved in that in the past and they'd be uh very open to u uh to doing that event again if we could somehow get it arranged. So, um if uh if there's any help you need from the uh from the board
on that to uh or myself to uh uh make that happen, be happy to happy to help. >> Yeah, absolutely. We're always looking at ways to help people recycle items responsibly and not throw them in the ditch. So, >> yeah, >> we'll we'll look into that. >> Yeah, it's and and that's that's a heck
of an event. Uh I mean, it's it's a logistical uh uh imposition upon the community for a few hours on uh on a Saturday morning, but it's but it's the right thing to do. So, Commissioner Burke,
>> uh thank you, Mr. Chair. I I just like to support you on that uh suggestion. That's a great suggestion. As long as it doesn't include uh tires, >> right? >> So, >> that's that's a great point.
So, and I too, you opened this up, chair Gardner. So, yeah. >> Um, the other thing I've noticed and and this Saturday is the Ribfest up in New London is we don't have the recycling containers in the public that we once
had. And I was at a baseball game in Watkins last week and right where they sell the the beverages, they had they were really nice because you could see what went in each one. They were clear plastic bags. If the bag was full, you just took it off and right >> plastic in one. We we don't have to
separate here, but uh >> that would really be nice at school events and and uh these public events that >> we could and I know it's not a hazardous waste, but it's in general. We did better with that several years ago than
than we currently are. So, >> something to work on. Uh, are there any other uh questions uh for Derek? >> All right. Well, seeing and hearing none, uh, thank you for your report and
thank you for everything that you do and uh, uh, I'll be out tomorrow afternoon. >> See you soon. >> All right. Um, do we want to move directly to our legislative uh, uh, update? Oh, Lisa is
here. Oh, I didn't see you over there. I'm >> all right. Lisa, good morning. Uh, you're here with a couple of amendments uh uh regarding uh some sponsorships of ski trails.
>> Correct. Good morning. Lisa Whis, Candy Ohio County Auditor Treasurer. Um as um Commissioner Chair Gardner said, I have the next two items and they are both related. What we are requesting is we are requesting amendments to two resolutions that were approved on March
of 2024. Uh the first one was resolution 2024-8 which authorized sponsorships of the trails operated by the glacial lakes trail snowmobile club and the other is resolution 2024-9 which is authorizing uh sponsorship of
the Bur Oak Nordic ski trail. Both the Snowmobile Club and Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center that um runs the ski trail piece have recently submitted their grant applications for the 2026 2027 year to the DNR and the
DNR in reviewing their applications has requested updated resolutions as the current resolutions do not go to the end of the state's fiscal year and the funding is for the fiscal period of 2026 27. Um so the amendments um were in your
packet. Um they are the amendments are requesting to move the date for March 19th of 2027 which was three years from the date those were signed to June 30th of 2027 to coincide with the state's fiscal year for the grant payment purposes.
>> And it appears Lisa that we're doing this with new uh with basically a new resolution new resolution number. Yes, we have a new resolution number that is amending the existing resolution to extend that time frame.
>> Okay. Are there any uh uh any questions for the auditor? >> Uh commissioner, >> just for clarity, so the new resolution is 2026-26, correct? >> Um >> 25. >> Yeah, there's two of them. Yes, 2026.
>> So, we don't do it in one felt swoop. We do them separately. >> Correct. Yes. I need two separate votes on those. um as they were two separate resolutions to begin with. Yes. >> Any other questions? Um I'll look for a motion then to uh uh
approve the first uh of the resolutions which would be 2026-25. >> So move, Mr. Chair. >> Is there a second? >> I'll second it. >> We have a motion and a second to approve resolution 2026-25.
Uh discussion hearing none. All in favor say I. I. >> All opposed. >> That motion passes. And similarly then you have uh another amendment that uh needs to be made as well. >> Yes.
>> That would be resolution 2026-26. >> Mr. Chair, also 26-26. >> Thank you. Is there a second? >> I'll second that, Mr. Chair. We have a motion in a second to move on resolution 2026-26. Discussion
hearing none. All in favor say I. I. >> All oppose. That motion passes. >> Lisa. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. At this time, u we are going to hear from the administrator. Uh and
uh this is in regard to the uh 2026 legislative update and uh >> take a break. >> Oh, yes. Let's take a 10-minute recess. >> Thank you.
it. Are you ready? >> The Candy Island County Board of Commissioners is back in session. At this time, uh, we're going to be receiving a legislative update from County Administrator, uh, Kelsey Baker. Kelsey, good morning. >> Good morning, Kelsey Baker, KUI County
Administrator. Uh, uh, today we did a handout, um, for the 2026 legislative updates. Um, at the last board meeting, I had said we would provide more of an uh, update to the board. Um, we did provide some information from the county attorney's office, which is the juvenile
justice changes. um some from community corrections, probation with the pension and the retirement plan that our director Tammy Jolie worked tirelessly on. Um and then our main uh production will be the human services update and I
had asked the director Caroline Khan to come and do more of an um indepth uh presentation for the board just because the priorities within the association of Minnesota counties were focused around the human services modernization. So Caroline is going to go into more depth regarding the modernization, the SNAP,
MAFA, uh Medicaid, all of that throughout the the presentation today. And then we also uh wrap up our legislative updates with some public works. And so you have the staff contact. Please review this information. Um if there is anything else, we'll work
through the legislative issues or legislative changes throughout the 2027 preparation for the budget. I was just speaking with Commissioner Berg prior to coming back and so we'll be working through some of those changes if they've had if they have a financial impact on the budget and we'll work through that
with the like I said the 2027 budget process. Um any other legislative questions um please let me know. If not, I'll direct that over direct it over to Caroline now to go through the presentation. >> Caroline, good morning. >> Good morning. As Kelsey said, I'm
Caroline Khan. have the opportunity to serve as the director of health and human services for Candy Ohio County. Um I think if we've learned anything over this past legislative season is to expect the unexpected and learn to be nimble. So um as Kelsey mentioned uh
changes to the 2027 budget are going to be expected especially within our area. Um unfortunately we can just give glimmers and high level uh markers at this time and things will still be developing as we expect the unexpected as we move forward. Um today I'm going
to walk you through each of the priority areas that we discussed during our deep dive session at the beginning of March and how those things unfolded during this legislative season. Uh so first we'll start with technology modernization. Um I apologize. We just had our MAXA director's conference last
week at the end of the week. So we did miss the board packet portion. So um these slides were not available but we can make them available on the meeting portal later. So the position that we had as AMC and MAXA jointly was to invest in human services technology systems and we are excited that we were
successful in that. Uh the legislature passed an HS modernization fund um in the tune of 75 million in this first year and a 15 million in the second with the capacity for additional funding moving forward. Um they wanted 15 million of this specifically to be
focused on fraud prevention. Uh the hopes here is to uh replacement of the legacy green screens as known um and automatic min benefits to maxis functionality. Um, additionally, there will be $10 million for updates to IST systems used
by counties. This may be uh eventually directed to counties specifically. Uh, these are going to be earmarked for projects such as EVA, Rocket or the Data Depot and etc. Um, how this will unfold is still being in in development and
what how this will impact counties that have already chosen to move forward with projects is still in development. So we are working as counties um that have already moved forward with projects such as EVA to ensure that we also uh receive the benefit to apply for these
opportunities um for inclusion as well and then it creates a biccameal legislative commission on human services systems modernization to build the expertise and system oversight. So, we are hopeful that by creating a well-rounded system that requires both
sides um of legislature to agree on the systems modernization and include both county representation as well as state representation that we will end up with a modernized product that is beneficial and impactful to counties and the way that our our staff um carry out the work
each day. As we move forward in SNAP, our our MAXA position and our AMC position was to support legislation that mitigates the impact of the the federal SNAP changes from last year. Uh what did pass was a
10.728 million to counties for the SNAP administrative costs based on the county's proportional share of SNAP admin costs. Um this is based off of the re most recent per reporting year. So this is to help offset that administrative portion that we were
expected to receive of that 50% down to 25%. So we were anticipated that next January when we would re um apply to receive our administrative reimbursement for the quarter um of October to December of this year. January is when
it would have decreased by 25% that we should be able to have state funding to help supplant that 25% loss. So, we are anticipating some support there. How that will eventually play out and what that will exactly look like is still to be determined, but funding was
set forth. Um, but that is what we're hopeful is that will help offset some of those decreases. Um, additional provisions that the state sought to include um expansion of train the trainer um and CQI that will work to address the problematic case trends
earlier. So watching case trend issues throughout the state to help address um SNAP error rates throughout the state to help hopefully overall uh decrease our SNAP error rates as a overall collective. What did not pass which is
most significant and mostly um the area that we spent a significant amount of time discussing was the benefit cost share. Um this did the coverage for cost shifts related to SNAP benefits did not for the error rate did not pass and we do anticipate those to hit the tax levy
in quarter 4 of 2027. Again how that will come will it come as a quarterly a semianual or an annual payment and um how that will walk through is still yet to be determined but we are anticipating at this point to
to experience that cost. there is, you know, the Minnesota miracle opportunity of having this addressed in the next legislative session. So that will be an area that we will be spending significant amount of time advocating at this at the federal level as well as
next legislative season. It will be important that we all um rally behind this conversation yet again um to offset the the county impact um as we move forward. I I did want to provide a little snippet of a timeline that was
provided to me by Ally Strategies, who is working um in partnership with AMC. Um this is just a nice little visual that kind of helps us walk through what the SNAP error rate timeline looks like. Unfortunately, um we are not sure
clearly if the error rate um time frame will be on the 2025 or the 2026 error time frame. likely the 2025 because for things to turn around as quickly as 2026 is not typically as Commissioner Berg
said how how fast government works um what we're anticipating but possibly um but we are anticip we're so that's still what we're waiting for federal guidance on but we are anticipating as you see in 2027 and then I did provide a snippet of
um the implication of what that error rate cost to Candy Ohio County based off of Minnesota's overall error rate in 2025 from our that was a snippet from our legislative work session in early March. Uh Caroline, I kind of want to uh
land on this point for just a moment because from my understanding uh is that error rate uh is and sometimes a little bit of a misnomer here because uh you could have for example a clim a client
uh uh give us a uh a number that is their uh uh net income and not their gross income for example or you know some some sort of thing and and and it's It's not intended as you know anything fraudulent or anything. We just
sometimes are provided with uh incorrect information but that becomes our problem as far as when we rectify the error now it's it's there and if I remember from the session that we had here a couple of
months ago um this is uh based on uh in extremely small sample sizes. it is based off of extremely small sample sizes and I'll just give a broad general recap. Um if so if you'll forgive my um granular numbers if you'll allow me to
just kind of give broad scope during that work session we talked about that the time frame that of Candy Ohio County was approximately a $6.5 million benefit year. So $6.5 million of of SNAP benefits were redeemed in Candy Ohio County for that that federal fiscal
year. of that the state pulled um about 3500 and of that um 35271 I do remember that number was deemed to be an overpayment based off of um a
simple conversational question um with a client. So, of that, that $271 overpayment from a 600 or $6.5 million benefit distribution would have cost about $750,000
worth of benefit share. So, we're not talking about actual um calculations that seem reasonable for participation. So, what we're asking for from a federal standpoint is let's have reasonable conversations about how this error rate
is calculated. if we're going to participate in what this um uh federal program does for our local communities and and for our local neighbors, how can we do that in an equitable manner that makes sense? And we're not doing 1% of a
broad piece and then getting super granular down to um $271 equaling a a a participation of 750,000. So, >> thank you, Commissioner Mick.
>> Yeah. And is it um is it also true that it in the example that you use, we overpaid $271, but is it also true that had the wrong income been reported, which would have resulted in them receiving more money,
but we didn't give them as much money, is that also an error that's going to be on our shoulders? No, the underpayment or overpayment. They're both >> heirs. Both Both would be heirs. Correct. Yep. So, if we didn't pay somebody enough or if we over if they o
received over benefits and even if we um caught that in time before the benefit was distri distributed, it would still count. So, >> it's still an error. >> It's still an air. So, that as if it was calculated and deemed um distri distributed
um so it it's very granular and becomes very um challenging. So, the oversight that our staff take um on these applications and and they really get granular in there. We were at yesterday we had a DHS came and did an overview
fraud training um for all of our eligibility staff and and really walking through um the oversight on each application at initial and renewal. And sometimes just the the renewal some doesn't match the the previous one and
not by um like wanting to make a mistake but just simply I don't remember what I did a year ago and what I put down. So we have to really be sure that we're accounting for every single application and comparing the two and spending the time
investing in accountability and the integrity program integrity. And I think Candy Ohio County has historically done a remarkable job. Um, for the most part, we have a historical error rate of 0% here in Candy Ohio County, which is astounding. Um, if for a county of our
size at a benefit distribution of our size to for the if you look back historically for many years, um, the majority are 0% years. Um but the the the challenge is those years that we do have any it suddenly those that 271
becomes a 9% error rate and the community then thinks that we're spending 9% more than we really are. Um so it becomes challenging in that public perspective. >> Mr. Chair, I apologize for taking us down that rabbit hole. appreciate it.
>> The uh the purpose of this presentation is to say we have work to do yet and here's where we're going to be working focus. >> So I apologize. >> No, and I appreciate that because I think Commissioner Abeck, you do bring up a good point um of a major challenge that was in our last legislative session
and will continue to be a a a challenge in the next legislative session is program integrity conversations. And I think program integrity um and the the fraud conversations were a significant impact in the ways that we were able to advocate and move throughout the
legislature in this past session and will be something that we need to pay attention to as we navigate into the next session. And it's our responsibility as health and human services professionals to have that conversation with our boards and with our communities about what we're doing
on a daily basis to account for the program integrity because if we're asking for an investments from our legislature into our programs and then they're seeing things in the um in the media that says there's overspending in all these areas.
Those are all staterun programs by the way. Um but um the it it be it becomes challenging to say invest more but yet that there's there's federal cases of overpay of overpayments and and how do you account for that discomfort in that
conversation but those are the the anomalies not the norm, right? The the vast majority are people that depend on these programs on a daily basis. And that becomes a very important conversation that we all must um take accountability for as we navigate
advocacy moving forward. So, >> Commissioner Berg, >> thank you, Mr. Chair. I won't go on because you just answered my questions, which I or statement I was going to make is is just to be clear, you know, that our error rate is excellent and we're
doing a great job and we're being penalized pretty unfair on this whole thing. I want to use the word bogus, but I I guess I shouldn't. So, thank you. >> I I was going to use the word bogus as as in this this formula is bogus and the
idea that our programming is rife with errors. Uh is just simply couldn't be any further from the truth. >> So, so please continue. So, I want I guess just to to to sunset on the SNAP conversation is I do want to set the table that we we will si um expect
significant impacts to how we we approach our budget in 2027 based off of what wasn't covered in the legislature last year or this current year. Um feels like last year for last year's ledge season already. Um but as we move forward, there is a glimmer of that
Minnesota miracle for next year. um and and hope that we can have some coverage support in that next year especially it being a budget year. So if we move into Medicaid um we had asked for the state assumption of new cost and the modernized eligibility systems and
manageable administrative requirements and the u counties to have capacity to administer the programs effectively. We were able to accomplish a lot of those goals with the systems modernization priority being um supported as well as federal conformity being supported. So
staff aren't working through um federal laws requiring one and state laws requiring something different. Conforming our laws um really helps us be streamlined and successful in that portion. also the ability to use external um work verification centers u
being established to help um assist in that work requirement under HR1 as well as the ability to use the national change of address database um which is something that you would think that would be afforded to eligibility workers because it's been part of phil
philanthropy for a very long time if somebody changes their address with the United States Postal Service that's gets updated um with the people that send you letters every day asking for they get that updated, but we're not able to use we weren't able to use that legally um within our eligibility work.
And now if you are make a change with the United States Postal Service, we're able to use that as an update, which will help streamline our ability to communicate because oftent times um change of address delay does delay the processing of applications. So that that
is something that will help um increase capacity to um and make the administrative burden a slight better. Um moving into MAPA CWDA um we had asked for the state assumption of case review function and sustainable funding to
carry out the work. There was a lot of discussion at the legislature asking for potential delay and um funding and and they wanted to align it with a budget year to allow for funding. Um that those conversations really what we
wanted to ask was it was really important that the case reviews get become a state responsibility because that burden on the county would have just been too too great. Um funding also would be helpful. Um so that part was uh successful. We did receive 15 million
one-time funding for counties to address staffing and services. This would include active efforts. Um this cannot supplant current ex um expenditures with some exceptions. Again, we are unclear as to what that will be, but what we do know is every county will receive a
floor of $100,000 through the child protection allocation. Um a similar formula, but we don't know how exactly that will come through and it will be one time. So, will it be similar to that funding that we received that you can only spend on the third Tuesday if the
wind is from the west and the moon is full? We're not sure. Um, you've done this work before, Commissioner Berg, you understand. So, um, but we're we'll be watching as that unfolds and how we can use that money to make a positive impact
within the work that we're doing um with our families in Candy Ohio County. We also um had policy changes clarified that defined the scope um of uh eligibility such as now it was only applied to child protection cases. So
that ensures that it's um not to child welfare case management andor children's mental health. Um it also defines to disability status and 300% of federal poverty guidelines. um as well as the original intent of um
racial classification of the statute. So um at this point uh uh county attorney uh Shane Baker and I have not had the conversation if we will pivot our strategy. We previously have talked about what's good for one kid in Candy Ohio County is good for all kids in
Candy Ohio County um and moving forward with caring for all kids in the same fashion. So, I anticipate that that will probably still be the same strategy that we move forward with. All right, thanks for sticking with me. We're almost done. It's been a busy
legislative season. So, as we move into long-term services and supports, um, and that's us I want to take a step back and bring us back to not this legislative season, but the last legislative season to kind of set the table for this conversation. That's when we had the big
conversations about um waiver participation and they we had different proposals from the governor, the senate and the house. And then they had said let's table any county cost shift to to ask the counties say cut cost by x amount and then you won't have to have any payment participation. Does that
ring a bell for everybody? >> Okay, Mr. Chair. >> Yes. Is that a result, excuse me, is that a result of that 13th hour push that uh we did at the capital that we stayed in that office? It >> it is. We have senators
to thank for that. Yeah. >> As well as all of our combined efforts. >> So So yes, and I and I'm sorry to dis >> we did at that point >> at that point. >> So unfortunately um at this point where we find ourselves is that work that was
done. So at that point what they had said was help save the money and you won't have to pay the cost. Um in this legislative session it did not specify a clear process to ensure that the 500 to $600 million of potential cost shift
savings that were identified by the task force would be attributed to the task force and not attributed to the general fund. So the task force did the work overshot the cost savings and then that was attributed to the general fund of savings and so at this point we are
anticipated that well you didn't save the you didn't hit that goal so now you're going to get the cost um to the counties of the cost shift. So, um there is still a small glimmer that if we come up with additional cost savings, um we can still save this off, but at this
point, we are told to expect that waiver cost shift to the counties and providers to come to the county um in the tune of around $410,000 if we were basing it off of 2024 numbers. Again, I don't have clarity as to when exactly that will come to the budget um and in what
cadence that will come to the budget. Um and we will still be actively discussing um how do we account that the task force did that work and we should be um credited for the work that was done and not the general fund. Um as well as the additional ideas that the task force had
to for additional cost savings within the program. Um so still work to be done but at this point the legislature is saying nope the cost shift is coming to the county for that program. um is what we're So the 13th hour push delayed it a
year and um the work was done successfully because significant cost savings were identified in this past year and I think that's a lot to celebrate within waiver programming. Um unfortunately it didn't get credited to the tax task force as expected at this
time. So that'll be ongoing discussions. Nobody expected that um to happen and I don't think Senator Hoffman himself expected that to happen as well from what I understood. >> Commissioner B. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. You uh brought up
something and I just want to say thank you to you and uh administrator Baker and the commissioners that did make that last minute had time to make that last minute push that was very very important. >> So, >> thank you. If it's all right, I am going to take a quick pause from a legislative
update and share a invite uh our supervisor Melissa Helguson to come up and just provide a community updated related to long-term services and supports. Um just be so you guys are aware of what's happening in this realm on a local basis.
>> Sure. Uh >> yeah, before you go off of that, if I Yep. just make a comment uh that we have our district six meeting coming up a week from today or tomorrow I think >> um and
largely the accomplishments that we have made we as >> commissioner >> state 87 counties is a result of the association of Minnesota counties and I think there are some people who um maybe don't understand that that impact
figuring out the priorities and districts six meeting next week is kind of the start of that process again for ne for next year. So, um can't emphasize enough the value of the Association of Minnesota Counties and identifying and our staff there, our legislative staff
led by uh Matt Hilgart. It's amazing the work that they do on behalf of counties. So, um >> I agree. >> Hold that up. >> I agree. Uh, >> so it'll I just wanted you guys to be aware of some other circulating
information related to this long-term services and supports area. >> Good morning. >> Thank you. As she said, my name is Melissa Helguson and I am a social service supervisor within the home and community based area. I am going to talk
to you briefly about Minnesota Revalidate 2026. Um, I kind of going to read through what I wrote because it's a lot of information and I don't want to get off track. Um, Minnesota Revalidate 2026 began earlier this year as part of
the state's program integrity efforts to satisfy a correction corrective action plan CMS imposed on DHS um off cycle red. So basically what was being required is offcycle revalidation
and that is a revalidation of a provider's enrollment in Minnesota healthc care program that occurs outside of the standard periodic reeval revalidation cycle every 5 years or three years. Um CMS instructed the department to
revalidate all providers delivering the those high-risk services by May 31st 2026. It's June 2nd. Um, DHS was going to terminate all Minnesota healthc care providers who do not revalidate by May
31st, 2026. DHS is um has sent disenrollment notifications related to revalidation for the following reasons. Failure to submit revalidation application after two notification attempts. Failure to
provide requested documentation within a time frame. failure to meet uh their criteria that may have occurred during an on-site um visit. Um there were more providers impacted than was initially intended or thought would be the case.
Um providers who have received a disenrollment notification can appeal and um continue to work through the process. I bring this to your attention because I was contacted. I do know we have providers in Candy White County who have been impacted. We have providers
who have yesterday morning because it is June 1st received their notice that their program that that it was disenrolled. Um I have encouraged all of those providers to appeal. Appeal buys them more time to get their paperwork
in. Um receiving a disenrollment letter doesn't mean the provider did anything wrong. Um it it it could be a paperwork issue. It could be it could be any number of things. It doesn't mean they did anything wrong. So providers are
appealing. Um they can continue to provide services during the appeal but they cannot bill. So um we have providers who will be providing service without any sort of reimbursement pending the appeal process. Um, what I
am understanding is that once all of the paperwork is received, they will review and there's supposed to be a turnaround of seven business days. Who knows? Um, but I just I wanted to bring this to the attention or Caroline wanted me to bring
it to the attention to all of you because you may hear from providers. Um, I have a group of providers. We meet quarterly and I have sent them all of this information. um those that are reaching out and my staff know to encourage those providers to appeal. Um
it that's >> Commissioner Deck. >> Oh yeah, I the the the high-risk services. Um I'll just read a list. Some of them are waiver services, some are not. Um, adult companion services, adult
day services, adult rehabilitative mental health services, assertive community treatment, community first services and supports, early intensive developmental and behavioral intervention, individualized home supports, integrated community supports,
intensive residential treatment services, night supervision services, non-emergency medical transportation services, recovery pierc support and recuperative care. Um, >> yeah,
>> so you answered some of my questions because without naming names, I I was wondering what kind of services were were affected and where are they getting the notification from? Is it from >> PHS? >> Yes, provider enrollment or Minnesota
healthcare provider enrollment. they're receiving either a letter via mail or through their minutes mailbox. It's the electronic um way of of communicating information. Um there is one piece
I I do want to share this part. There's a there's a FAQ site and there's a question. If I am disenrolled, does the payment suspension impact my ability to bill for all services I provide or just for the high-risk services? And this is
important because we have providers who provide some of those high-risisk services that I reviewed, but they provide other services as well. And the answer to that is um DHS terminates providers for a variety of reasons. If the termination is related to
documentation or enrollment requirements and a specific provider record is disenrolled, it would affect all services associated with that provider record. So, we are providers are doing what they need to do. I'm I'm trying to provide assistance. I can't change this
for them. I can let them know what they need to do and I'm going to be hopeful that we get it resolved. Commissioner, >> this is this is really unfortunate because um when the public hears all these
stories of fraud, they immediately think that Candyoy County and service providers are the ones that when really the fraud that's in the news are state-run programs. They're not happening. I mean, I'm sure there's always something that can happen in in our local areas, but I've spent a lot of
tr time trying to explain that to people. And so now we're having uh services that are being discontinued. Um when you know in in fairness, fraud is a big issue, >> but the bigger issue is state-run
programs, not not the local programs that we have here. And it's unfortunate that we're going to lose some of those services as a result. I could see the frustration level on some of these providers saying, "Hell with it. I I'm done." And I hope not because some of the providers that provide these
high-risisk services are also our group homes. They are uh the the I I'm I'm not going to go there yet. I'm going to stay
optimistic that we will get this result. Um, we are fortunate that our providers can not all providers might be able to make this work. While again, they can't bill. >> Mhm. >> They still have staff. They still have
to pay those staff, but they're not generating any revenue. Again, if they appeal and goes back, we can go back and we can we can correct it all, but it's just it's some uncertainty. But yes, I just I don't want to go down that road right now because that's too
intimidating, scary. >> Commissioner Anderson. >> Yep. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, so they got kicked out. Is it because they didn't do the paperwork when they were asked to, or was it they did the paperwork, but it was rejected? >> I can't The one particular provider I
spoke to yesterday said they submitted everything. Um and and provider enrollment is a complicated complex process and there could be simple things where the the I wasn't dotted, the T wasn't crossed and that caused the
issue. So we just need to work through it. >> They had over a thousand providers disenrolled um and throughout the state. So this is a statewide issue, not just a high county issue. Um so there's a lot of advocacy from statewide um advocates as well as statewide coverage on this
issue. Um we just wanted to this is happening locally and since we are one of the counties with the largest population of residential um group homes um it it could become a huge um impact to the way our services are delivered
here in the community. I will say when I received one call and I sent information out to our provider group, I was pleasantly surprised that there wasn't I I didn't get followup panic calls from people. So maybe, you know, this it
won't be as big as we think, but it potentially is. I I just I don't know. >> All right. Uh that Did you have anything? I I guess we can go go on and on forever about this. This is this is just another crazy
crazy deal. And I really appreciate the state, you know, really looking very serious about fraud and they're trying to do something about it, but we don't want to throw out the baby with the bathwater and and we some of us serve on some of these boards too probably and they're the state's coming out and
seeing them in groups as well. So, you know, we're watching who we work with and audit those as well, you know. So, they're getting overly audited and and like you said, just one audit, one thing, this paperwork might be wrong. They're punishing the whole program
then. >> And that's and it's a small amount. >> It's I I've been in the social service field for almost 29 years, which really scares me to say because I'm only 35. I started when I was really young. um
>> or to the it's the the things that we are seeing now and it's not just one >> thing it's like it's it's all it's from all directions. >> Mhm. >> It it is it is so
mindblowing. >> Well, this puts kind of a sobering >> Yes. uh uh point on uh uh on what started out uh as as a happy occasion and and we will still celebrate the systems modernization
uh piece of this but uh uh there's a lot of work remaining to be done and uh uh there may be some uh widespread change uh at the state and federal levels uh post uh post election uh that uh may
inform form and impact uh what some of these uh impacts to counties uh and and our programming uh uh might look like going forward. I think that's fair to say. So uh any concluding >> I have one last slide and I'm it was
just one last piece and it it's going to feel small compared to everything else but it impacts our our team so it is large and does deserve our time. Um so uh one thing that also passed in this legislative session is that the title protections uh previously uh counties
were exempt from the requirement that you had to have a lensure in order to use the term social worker. Um now that exemption has deceased and so we have to change by July 1 um our our titles for our positions um to either reflect case
manager or specialist. We'll be working with HR and administrator Baker to determine what that will look like, but uh to change the the title of our positions to reflect something other than social worker. Uh because not all positions, all employees that we have um
actually have a license or choose to continue their lensure within their position. Uh many do but not all do. Some have other um uh similar backgrounds um and education. So, um that is something that will be changing quickly within all 87 counties um over
the next 30 days. So, wanted to highlight that because that will be a change that we'll be working through. So, um hope I don't think it was anything too unexpected for our staff because they have heard this before. Um and some really they want to sanctify
the the you worked hard for your lensure and they want to make sure that only people that have the lensure are called social workers. So now >> question number I think that's a very good idea. >> So now I will be done with my legislative update. As you can see we
covered a lot um and there's a lot yet to still be done and to still keep our our eyes on. As as Melissa mentioned it's a very um complex and moving targets in all areas. And I can't lift up enough my appreciation for our leadership team in health and human
services, our supervisors. I'm a little biased, but I think we have the best team leading our work here in Candy Ohio County and they're all experts in their own areas and and help make my job really easy by helping lead these complex spaces and keeping their eye on the target within their specialty area. So,
>> I think your assessment is spot on. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh, and just uh uh just a note that uh uh at the end of this uh uh uh presentation here, there's a little note about uh the bonding bill and uh uh
several different public works uh items. Uh just wondering if uh Commissioner Mdeck, you wanted to comment on any of that. I notice LRIP and bridge improvement and some local community projects that got uh uh funded uh in the
bonding bill as well. Sure. Maybe I would just say it that we appreciate u the support of the bonding bill and uh how important that is every year to uh have a bond or every other year I guess it is to have that bonding bill so that we can keep our infrastructure up to
date and um so local road improvement u that's like townships you know there's one in New London Township being done right now and the bridge uh public works director told us all the bad bridge bridges. I think Renville closed two roads just last week or the week before
because of bridges. Uh wetland replacement. They funded it a little bit. Not nearly what we need, but uh so we take our our our wins and uh come back and and uh keep working on it.
>> Very good. We It was bigger than we thought it would be. The governor was looking at less than a billion and and it ended up at 1.2 billion. So that was that was good. Okay. All right. Uh we are uh are we ready to move into
close session? >> But yeah, we have the >> administrative update for us. >> No, I do not. I have the purchase of service contract. >> Oh, the contract itself. >> Yes, that was added. Uh so, uh Kelsey Baker, Candyway County Administrator, um
thank you for adding this to the agenda this morning. We are working with Stevens County. Um, and so we've prepared a purchase of service contract uh between Stevens County Human Services and Candy County Health and Human Services. Uh, due to short staff in
Stevens County, they are looking for assistance within their case load. And so they reached out to regional counties to see if they could help. We said we could assist with that. And so the by signing this agreement, it would be from
yesterday, June 1st through December 31st, 2026. Um, our team between Caroline and Carly have identified the staff who will be able to help out during this time. Um, and it will be through child welfare, child protection,
case management, mental health case management, and child foster care licensing. Um, we have an administrative fee for 5% within there. It lists under three. It lists um the case management services, travel and mileage. We will be
getting reimbursed for our time uh spent over there. It talks about the delivery of services. Um covers some very high level MCIT coverage. Um we will let MCIT know that we are doing this but a lot of counties I was just
speaking with Mel Odin's on this. We are doing this in his department now as well possibly. Um there's conditions within the the contract. Um it we have an end date. If we need to term um this contract, we have 30 days notice to do
so. So that language is in there. Um, it does note, I will say this, the contractor and the department shall adhere to all practices and policies set forth in the attached documents and bulletin through DHS within SSIS. So, that is all covered. Um, I believe um,
county attorney Shane Baker has reviewed this briefly as well. we got sent over to them. And so I know with unless Caroline or Carly have anything to add, uh staff would recommend that this is approved uh to help out a neighboring partner during this time.
>> Uh Commissioner B. >> Uh thank you, Mr. Chair. Um I think it's an excellent idea. This an excellent idea. you know, if if we have the capacity to do it, and it sounds like we do, and you are the best judges of that. I just think doing this kind of thing is
so much so important. We've worked so hard developing these relationships with other counties, and this just brings it that much further with all our joint power organizations that we do have and they would do the same for us in return. So, I'm really glad you brought that
forward and I would like a make a motion to approve this contract. >> Thank you. Is there a second? >> I'll second that, Mr. Chair. >> Thank you. We have a motion, a second to approve the purchase of services contract uh between Candere County and Stevens County Human Services.
Discussion. >> Commissioner and >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um yeah, I I too uh applaud this. I'm wondering how many staff member uh or staff are involved in in uh >> uh Carly and her team um have identified
approximately >> four >> four five well >> five five if we include the licenser as they need. So it depends on they won't use the licenser um consistently. It's just if something does come up where they do need licensing support. So that would be the fifth, but that we do we
have identified some staff and have already talked to them to say would you be interested um if this uh was possible. Uh Carly has worked with the supervisor to really walk through capacity and how this nitty-gritty would work through. Um and so we they've already we really let the supervisors
kind of drive how this would look dayto day because this is their work. Um so we we didn't want what we didn't want was that one staff member would leave Candy Ohigh County completely. So, we thought we would spread it amongst a couple of staff um within different areas. And
ironically, we have one staff that does have a summer place in Stevens County. So, that also helps out for um their uh ability to be in that area. So, we've talked a lot about the ability to um do some support remotely uh to limit costs
to the that county as well and allow for our staff to maintain their connection with Candy Ohigh County at the same time. So, um, we're excited for the opportunity to help lend a hand to our neighbor in need, um, and hope that somebody would be willing to do us the same favor if the rules were reversed.
So, >> and and for how long, um, are we anticipating this arrangement to be? And, and could it be a long-term arrangement? >> At this point, I think that we had put the end of the year date, but it could be less uh, depending on right now. um
they are in a bit of a paid family medical leave ch transition challenge um as well as the ability to get some positions um moving forward administratively. So they're hoping to find their way out of this. But as a small county with a small team um they
are finding that having 30% of your staff out at one time for 20 weeks is quite challenging. Um, so that's one thing that we have is having a larger uh pool of staff. When we're up we're down three staff, we have a larger spread to
share that with. So, um, something that we could look forward to possibly in the future to help offset some of our ability to meet our needs at times, too. So when I had talked to county um attorney Shane Baker about this, it's like is this the new norm is to help
manage that future need in this new era of leave. So um it it really as long as it's working um until their need is met >> and their staff returns. >> It's not really a new norm, you know, out in the country when somebody uh got
hurt on the farm, the neighbors came in and pitched in and helped free field. Yeah. Uh, Commissioner Burke, well, um, I don't want to go on, but you're talking about Family Medical Leave Act, and this is a unfortunate thing. This is a good
example of what the impact is on the counties. >> This, I'm sure, will come up next week at our district meetings. Commissioner Anderson. >> Thanks, Mr. Chair. So, basically, one of the problems with that they're having is they can't just bring people in because
they get it takes a long time to train them. >> Yep. Yep. it takes a significant long um time to train a child a qualified child protection worker. Um and so that the time from you hire to to when they're able to carry their own case load is
more than a year. So >> thank you. >> All right. Anybody else? >> All right. We have a motion and a second to approve the request uh to uh uh move forward with the uh purchase services contract. >> All in favor say I.
>> I. All oppose. That motion passes. Thank you. Uh at this time, uh we will uh move into a closed session. So, we will be recessing the Cand County. >> You need to vote to go into close session. >> Pardon me.
>> You need to have a vote to agree to >> Right. I'm getting there. >> I'm just I'm just Yeah, we But we will also be recessing in order to be able to do this. We'll be moving into close session pursuant to Minnesota statute 13D.03 subdivision 1 as the Candy County
Board of Commissioners as a governing body of a public employer to hold a closed meeting to consider strategy for labor negotiations including a negotiation strategies or developments or discussions and review of labor negotiation proposals conducted pursuant
to sections 179A.01 to 179A.25. Uh, is there a motion to move into close session? >> Mr. Chair, I so moved. >> Thank you. Is there a second? >> I'll second that, Mr. Chair. >> All right. Uh, all in favor say I. I. >> I.
>> All opposed. Motion passes. I will be a