Dec 12, 2023 Board of Commissioners

[Call Board of Commissioners Meeting to Order: Chair]

[00:00:11]

ALLEGIANCE] GOOD MORNING EVERYONE.

WELCOME TO OUR COUNTY BOARD MEETING TODAY.

THIS WILL BE OUR LAST REGULAR BOARD MEETING OF THE YEAR, ALTHOUGH WE WILL HAVE A WORKSHOP ON DECEMBER 19TH.

SO MAKE SURE THAT THAT'S ON YOUR CALENDARS FOR NEXT TUESDAY.

CHAIR WOULD WELCOME A MOTION FOR APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA.

[Approval of Agenda]

IS THERE A SECOND? SECOND. MOTION AND A SECOND.

ANY QUESTIONS? CONCERNS? ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

AYE. THOSE OPPOSED IT CARRIES.

SEEKING A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA.

[Approval of Consent Agenda]

IS THERE A SECOND? SECOND. MOTION AND A SECOND.

ANYONE WANT TO PULL ANY OF THOSE ITEMS OFF TO DISCUSS FURTHER? IF NOT, ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.

AYE. THOSE OPPOSED IT CARRIES.

ARE THERE ANY PUBLIC APPEARANCES FOR TODAY'S BOARD MEETING? ANY PUBLIC APPEARANCES? HEARING AND SEEING NONE.

LET US MOVE TO HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.

[Health and Human Services]

GOOD MORNING. GOOD MORNING, MR. CHAIR, AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD.

AND THIS MORNING MY FIRST TOPIC IS HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES WORKER DAY.

EACH YEAR, THE GOVERNOR HAS PROCLAIMED THE SECOND WEDNESDAY OF DECEMBER TO BE COUNTY, CITY, TRIBAL AND STATE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES WORKER DAY.

THIS YEAR, THIS FALLS ON DECEMBER 13TH, 2023.

AND I'D LIKE TO READ THE PROCLAMATION, IF THAT'S OKAY.

WOULD YOU PLEASE? WHEREAS COUNTY, CITY, TRIBAL AND STATE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES WORKERS ARE DEDICATED TO IMPROVING HEALTH, PROTECTING THE VULNERABLE, AND PROVIDING OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICES TO THE PEOPLE OF MINNESOTA THROUGH PREVENTION EFFORTS, ADMINISTRATION OF PROGRAMS AND PROVISION OF SERVICES.

AND WHEREAS, COUNTY, CITY, TRIBAL AND STATE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES WORKERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PRUDENT EXPENDITURE OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS ANNUALLY AND MUST MEET THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF JOB PERFORMANCE IN PROGRAM AND SERVICES DELIVERY.

AND WHEREAS, THE DUTIES PERFORMED BY COUNTY, CITY, TRIBAL AND STATE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES WORKERS REQUIRE THAT THEY DEMONSTRATE A VARIETY OF SKILLS IN ORDER TO PROVIDE SERVICES TO CLIENTS, COMMUNITIES, AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

AND WHEREAS THE NATURE OF FEDERAL AND STATE LEGISLATION NECESSITATES THAT COUNTY, CITY, TRIBAL, AND STATE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES WORKERS CONTINUALLY EXPAND THEIR KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERTISE RELATED TO THEIR PROFESSIONS AND THE NEEDS TO THE COMMUNITIES THEY SERVE.

AND WHEREAS NICOLLET COUNTY RECOGNIZES THE VALUABLE PUBLIC SERVICES THAT COUNTY, CITY, TRIBAL, AND STATE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES WORKERS PERFORM EACH AND EVERY DAY FOR THE HEALTH, PREVENTION AND PROTECTION OF MINNESOTANS.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE NICOLLET COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PROCLAIM.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13TH, 2023, AS COUNTY, CITY, TRIBAL AND STATE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES WORKER DAY.

THANK YOU. YOU'VE HEARD THE RECOMMENDATION.

IS THERE A MOTION TO THAT EFFECT? SO MOVED. MOTION IS MADE.

IS THERE A SECOND? SECOND. MOTION IN A SECOND? ANY QUESTIONS FOR CASSIE? ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

AYE. AYE. THOSE OPPOSED IT CARRIES.

THANK YOU. MY SECOND TOPIC IS THE SALES OR THE SALE OF A VETERANS SERVICES VAN.

THE VETERANS SERVICES OFFICE HAS A 2006 FORD FULL SIZE VAN THAT WAS PURCHASED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2005 FOR TRANSPORTATION SERVICE TO AND FROM THE MINNEAPOLIS VA MEDICAL CENTER.

THE VAN WAS PURCHASED ENTIRELY WITH DONATED FUNDS THAT ARE PART OF A RESTRICTED FUND BALANCE FOR THE PURCHASE OF VEHICLES FOR THE VETERANS SERVICES OFFICE.

THE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM NO LONGER HAS DEMAND FOR A FULL SIZE VEHICLE, AS THE AVERAGE TROOP TRANSPORTS BETWEEN 1 AND 3 VETERANS.

THE MINIVAN CURRENTLY UTILIZED FOR THESE TRIPS IS SUFFICIENT, COST EFFECTIVE, AND PREFERRED BY VOLUNTEER DRIVERS.

THE REMAINING VAN PROGRAM FUND BALANCE WILL BE UTILIZED FOR THE PURCHASE OF A NEW MINIVAN IN 2024, WHICH IS PART OF THE 2024 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN.

AT THIS TIME, WE ARE SEEKING PERMISSION TO SELL THE 2006 FULL SIZE VAN ON A GOVERNMENT AUCTION SITE, AND THAT THE MONEY RECEIVED AT THE TIME OF THE SALE BE RETURNED TO THE RESTRICTED FUND BALANCE FOR THE PURCHASE OF FUTURE VEHICLES FOR THE VETERANS SERVICES OFFICE.

THANK YOU. YOU'VE HEARD THE RECOMMENDATION OF OUR HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DIRECTOR.

IS THERE A MOTION TO THAT EFFECT? SO MOVED.

WE HAVE A MOTION. IS THERE A SECOND? SECOND. MOTION AND A SECOND.

ANY COMMENTS? QUESTIONS? CONCERNS FOR CASSIE ON THIS? IT WAS A FINE RIDE THE LAST TIME WE TOOK IT.

I'M SURE SOMEBODY IS JUST EAGER TO RECEIVE IT.

[00:05:05]

I MEAN, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO FUTURE RIDES IN A NEWER MODEL.

BE CAREFUL OF THE BACK SEAT.

IT HAS, UH, IT HAS SERVED US WELL.

VERY WELL. SO WE APPRECIATE THAT.

UM, DO WE NEED A ROLL CALL ON THIS? I THINK. LET'S DO A ROLL CALL, PLEASE.

MY LAST ITEM THIS MORNING IS OUR HOUSING POLICY.

SO A LITTLE BIT OF BACKGROUND INFORMATION.

MINNESOTA'S MORATORIUM ON CORPORATE FOSTER CARE AND COMMUNITY RESIDENTIAL SETTING DEVELOPMENT, WHICH BEGAN IN 2009, CREATED A NEED FOR COUNTIES TO BE PLANFUL AND ORGANIZED IN THEIR MANAGEMENT OF BEDS TO ENSURE UTILIZATION ALIGNS WITH LOCAL GOALS AND PRIORITIES.

THE COUNTY'S ROLE IN THE PROCESS IS TO DECIDE WHETHER TO RECOMMEND REQUESTED DEVELOPMENTS AND AUTHORIZE THE USE OF HOUSING SUPPORT, WHICH IS A STATE FUNDED PROGRAM.

THE COUNTY IS ADDITIONALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR LICENSING, MONITORING, QUALITY OF SERVICES, COMPLETING ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS, AND PROVIDING ECONOMIC SUPPORT SERVICES.

IN 2021, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF NEW DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE COUNTY, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DEVELOPED AN APPLICATION PROCESS AND IMPLEMENTED A MULTIDISCIPLINARY HOUSING COMMITTEE.

TO ASSIST THE HOUSING COMMITTEE IN MAKING DECISIONS ABOUT NEWLY REQUESTED DEVELOPMENTS, A SET OF COUNTY PRIORITIES HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED.

THE IDENTIFIED PRIORITIES ARE FOCUSED ON NEW DEVELOPMENTS AND PROGRAMS THAT ARE CREATED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF NICOLLET COUNTY RESIDENTS, OR TO MEET IDENTIFIED GAPS WITHIN NICOLLET COUNTY OR THE REGION.

SITES THAT ALLOW INDIVIDUALS TO LIVE AS INDEPENDENTLY AS POSSIBLE.

PROVIDERS WHO WILL SERVE INDIVIDUALS WITH COMPLEX RENTAL HISTORIES, AND PROVIDERS WHO OFFER PERSON CENTERED SERVICES.

THIS MORNING, I AM REQUESTING APPROVAL OF THE COUNTY'S IDENTIFIED HOUSING PRIORITIES AND PROCEDURES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF CORPORATE, FOSTER CARE AND COMMUNITY RESIDENTIAL SETTING DEVELOPMENTS. THANK YOU CASSIE.

YOU'VE HEARD THE RECOMMENDATION FROM OUR HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DIRECTOR.

IS THERE A MOTION TO THAT EFFECT? SO MOVED. WE HAVE A MOTION.

IS THERE A SECOND? SECOND.

MOTION AND SECOND. ANY QUESTIONS FOR CASSIE ON THIS? IS THIS THE ITEM THAT YOU AND I NEED TO GET TOGETHER ON, OR IS THAT A DIFFERENT ITEM LATER ON? THAT WAS THE CONTRACT THAT WAS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA FOR SIGNATURE.

SO DO YOU WANT TO STOP UP HERE BEFORE YOU GO? YES, PLEASE. AND THEN I'LL ASK THE VICE CHAIR TO TAKE THE MEETING AT THAT TIME, I CAN WAIT UNTIL.

OH, OKAY. YES.

MY APOLOGIES FOR MEMBERS.

ONE OF THE BENEFITS OF THIS IS TO ENSURE THAT NICOLLET COUNTY RESIDENTS ARE SERVED? YES. OUR GOAL HERE IS TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE PRIORITIZING OUR AVAILABLE BEDS TO SERVE NICOLLET COUNTY RESIDENTS, OR THOSE WHO HAVE CLOSE TIES TO NICOLLET COUNTY.

ARE WE SATISFIED? PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.

IT CARRIES. THANK YOU.

THANK YOU. MOVING ALONG ON THE AGENDA.

[Property Services]

WE WELCOME JACKIE KOPET ON HER 25TH YEAR OF SERVICE TO NICOLLET COUNTY TODAY.

THANK YOU, MR. CHAIR.

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD.

I HAVE BEFORE YOU APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION FOR THE AG BNP LOW INTEREST LOAN PROGRAM, AND THESE ARE FOR SEPTIC LIENS.

SO SOMETHING WE ANNUALLY DO AT THE END OF THE YEAR.

UH, PROPERTY SERVICES WORKS WITH LANDOWNERS WITH SEPTIC NEEDS AND, UM, CAN HELP PROVIDE LOW INTEREST FUNDING FOR THEIR INSTALLATION OF SEPTICS.

AND THERE ARE FOUR PARCELS THIS YEAR THAT, UM, HAVE BEEN APPROVED, AND AT THE END OF THE YEAR, THEY TURN THEM OVER TO PUBLIC SERVICES FOR US TO ASSESS ONTO THE PROPERTY TAXES BEGINNING IN 2024.

THESE ARE A TEN YEAR REPAYMENT PLAN AT A 3% INTEREST.

AND SO I WOULD BE ASKING THE BOARD TO CONSIDER APPROVING THE RESOLUTION, APPROVING THE FOUR PARCELS WITH THE REPAYMENT PLAN OF TEN YEARS AT 3% INTEREST. THANK YOU JACKIE.

UM, SARAH, COULD YOU DIAL DOWN ON THOSE ANOTHER PAGE, PLEASE? JUST SO WE CAN TAKE A LOOK AT THEM.

ALL RIGHT.

YOU'VE HEARD THE RECOMMENDATION FROM JACKIE.

IS THERE A MOTION TO THAT EFFECT, PLEASE? SO MOVED. WE HAVE A MOTION.

IS THERE A SECOND? SECOND.

MOTION AND SECOND.

ANY DISCUSSION, COMMENTS? IT'S A GREAT PROGRAM.

IT IS. APPRECIATE YOUR COMMENTS.

[00:10:04]

DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING ELSE FOR US TODAY? I DO NOT, THANK YOU.

THANK YOU. MOVING ALONG TO ADMINISTRATION.

[Administration]

GOOD MORNING, MR. CHAIR, AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD.

I HAVE SEVERAL ITEMS FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION TODAY, BEGINNING ON PAGE 130 OF YOUR PACKET.

THE FIRST ITEM I'LL REFERENCE IS THE 2024 ELECTED OFFICIALS COMPENSATION AND PER DIEM RESOLUTION.

I ALSO WILL BE SPEAKING TO THE 2024 LEVY RESOLUTION AND THE 2024 BUDGET RESOLUTION.

ALL ARE CONNECTED TO THE 2024 BUDGET AND ARE CONSIDERED ANNUALLY BY THE BOARD.

I WOULD LIKE TO PROVIDE THE BACKGROUND INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THESE ITEMS FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.

AS I SAID, THE FIRST ITEM I'LL BE DISCUSSING IS THE 2024 ELECTED OFFICIALS RESOLUTION.

PER STATUTE, THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, BY RESOLUTION, SHALL, EXCUSE ME, SHALL SET THE SALARIES FOR THE COMING YEAR FOR THE SEVEN ELECTED OFFICIALS, WHICH INCLUDES THE FIVE COMMISSIONERS, THE SHERIFF AND THE COUNTY ATTORNEY.

THE RESOLUTION ALSO INCLUDES THE PER DIEM RATE OF $70 PER DAY.

MR. CHAIR, I WOULD LIKE TO READ THE RESOLUTION FOR THE RECORD, PLEASE.

2024 NICOLLET COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIALS COMPENSATION AND PER DIEM RESOLUTION.

WHEREAS THE NICOLLET COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ANNUALLY ESTABLISHES COMPENSATION AND PER DIEMS FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS.

AND WHEREAS MINNESOTA STATUTE 375 .055 STATES THAT THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS IN ALL COUNTIES EXCEPT HENNEPIN AND RAMSEY SHALL RECEIVE AS COMPENSATION FOR SERVICES RENDERED BY THEM FOR THEIR RESPECTIVE COUNTIES ANNUAL SALARIES, AND IN ADDITION MAY RECEIVE PER DIEM PAYMENTS AND REIMBURSEMENTS FOR NECESSARY EXPENSES IN PERFORMING THE DUTIES OF THE OFFICE AS SET BY RESOLUTION OF THE COUNTY BOARD, WITH THE SALARY AND SCHEDULES OF PER DIEM PAYMENTS NOT BEING EFFECTIVE UNTIL JANUARY 1ST OF THE NEXT YEAR.

AND WHEREAS MINNESOTA STATUTE 387 .20 AND 388 .18 STATES THAT THE COUNTY BOARD ANNUALLY SHALL SET BY RESOLUTION THE SALARY OF THE COUNTY SHERIFF AND COUNTY ATTORNEY.

AND WHEREAS THE PROPOSED 2024 NICOLLET COUNTY BUDGET INCLUDES A 3% GENERAL WAGE SCALE INCREASE.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT NICOLLET COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS DOES HEREBY ADOPT THE FOLLOWING FOR 2024.

NUMBER ONE, THE NICOLLET COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SALARY WILL BE $38,588.95 IN 2024, WITH THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD RECEIVING AN ADDITIONAL $1,500 ANNUALLY FOR DUTIES RELATED TO THAT POSITION.

NUMBER TWO, THE NICOLLET COUNTY BOARD AND LAY PERSONS SERVING ON COUNTY COMMITTEES, WHICH HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE COUNTY BOARD, ARE APPROVED TO RECEIVE PER DIEMS IN THE AMOUNT OF $70 PER DAY.

NUMBER THREE, THE SALARY FOR THE NICOLLET COUNTY ATTORNEY IN 2024 IS SET AT $165,000.

NUMBER FOUR, THE SALARY FOR THE NICOLLET COUNTY SHERIFF IN 2024 IS SET AT $165, DATED THIS 12TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2023.

I'M REQUESTING THE BOARD CONSIDER THE RESOLUTION SETTING THE COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIAL SALARIES AND PER DIEM RATE FOR 2024, AS STATED IN THE RESOLUTION.

YOU'VE HEARD THE RECOMMENDATION, WHICH HAS BEEN DISCUSSED THOROUGHLY BY THIS COUNTY BOARD IN SEVERAL MEETINGS THIS PAST FEW MONTHS.

IS THERE A MOTION TO APPROVE? SO MOVED. WE HAVE A MOTION.

IS THERE A SECOND? SECOND. THERE'S A MOTION AND A SECOND.

ANY COMMENTS CONCERNS QUESTIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AT THIS TIME? COMMISSIONER UM, TERRY MORROW.

THANK YOU, MR. CHAIR. I WOULD SIMPLY NOTE THAT THESE ARE THE SALARIES THAT ARE SET.

INDIVIDUALS CAN CHOOSE WHETHER THEY ACCEPT PER DIEM OR ACCEPT SALARY INCREASES.

IT'S JUST AN OBSERVATION.

ALL THE ELECTED OFFICIALS CAN CAN DECIDE WHETHER THEY WANT TO ACCEPT RIGHT? ANY OTHER COMMENTS CONCERNS? QUESTIONS? MR. CHAIR, I'D LIKE TO MAKE A COMMENT, I GUESS.

UM, AS YOU MENTIONED, I KNOW THAT THIS, UH UM THESE PAY INCREASES HAVE BEEN DISCUSSED QUITE EXTENSIVELY AT WORKSHOP, AND I KNOW THAT IN THOSE WORKSHOPS I'VE HAD.

DISCUSSIONS WITH YOU ALL AND, UH, HAVE SOMEWHAT UM, WE HAVE COME TO SOME CONSENSUS ON THIS.

HOWEVER, I MUST SAY THAT I STILL HAVE SOME RESERVATIONS ABOUT SOME OF THESE SALARIES.

IT'S JUST A COMMENT THAT I FELT I NEEDED TO MAKE.

THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER ANY OTHER COMMENTS BY OTHER COMMISSIONERS? YES. MR. CHAIR, I'D LIKE TO COMMENT.

[00:15:01]

WE'VE HAD A CHANGE IN HOW WE SET THESE SALARIES AND THE PROCESS GOING THROUGH IT.

IT WAS A LOT OF WORK AND AND CHANGE AND THEY HANDLED IT VERY WELL.

I APPRECIATE THAT COMMENT.

AND I KNOW THAT IT WASN'T A PERFECT PROCESS FOR US, BUT AS WE MOVE FORWARD, WE WILL MAKE IT A MORE PERFECT PROCESS.

ANY OTHER COMMENTS? I WOULD ECHO MARIE'S COMMENTS AS WELL AS WELL.

ANY COMMENTS FROM ANYONE ELSE IN ATTENDANCE? HEARING NONE, WOULD YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL? IT CARRIES 4 TO 1.

MANDY. THANK YOU FOR THAT.

DO YOU HAVE ANOTHER ITEM FOR US? THE SECOND ITEM I HAVE IS THE 2024 TAX LEVY RESOLUTION.

ACCORDING TO MINNESOTA STATUTES 275.065 COUNTIES MUST ADOPT AND CERTIFY THE PRELIMINARY LEVY ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30TH OF THE CURRENT YEAR.

IN ADDITION, THE SETTING OF THE DATE, TIME, AND PLACE FOR A PUBLIC COMMENT MEETING DURING THE SEPTEMBER 26TH, 2023 BOARD MEETING, THE BOARD VOTED TO APPROVE THE SETTING OF THE PRELIMINARY 2024 TAX LEVY AT 3.5%.

THIS IS A PROPOSED TAX LEVY AMOUNT OF $26,410,973, OR A TOTAL BUDGET OF $56,929,105 ON DECEMBER 7TH, 2023.

THE BUDGET AND LEVY MEETING, OR AS IT IS MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS A TRUTH AND TAXATION OR TNT MEETING, WAS HELD TO ALLOW CITIZENS AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN ABOUT THE UPCOMING BUDGET AND TAX LEVY AND ALSO ASK QUESTIONS.

TWO RESIDENTS DID ATTEND IN PERSON, AND BOTH OF THEM HAD QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE PROPOSED ESTIMATED MARKET VALUE.

THIS MEETING WAS ALSO AVAILABLE TO VIEW ONLINE FROM THE COUNTY WEBSITE, AS WELL AS RECORDED FOR FUTURE VIEWING.

THE TWO MAIN FACTORS FOR THE LEVY INCREASES ARE AS FOLLOWS.

THE COST OF DOING BUSINESS HAS INCREASED AND CONTINUES TO INCREASE.

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS HAVE FELT THE FINANCIAL IMPACT RELATED TO BASIC OPERATIONS, TECHNOLOGY, EQUIPMENT, LEGAL AND DATA PRACTICES, COMPLIANCE ASSISTANCE, PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL SERVICES, AND ROAD AND BRIDGE PROJECTS, AS WELL AS INVESTMENT IN STAFF.

THE OBLIGATION TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS TO PROVIDE SPECIALIZED SERVICES HAS BEEN CHALLENGING.

NICOLLET COUNTY CONTINUES TO COMPETE WITH ALL LAYERS OF GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR QUALIFIED CANDIDATES, COMBINED WITH THE CURRENT WORKER SHORTAGE AND THE GREAT RESIGNATION, HAVE CREATED UNIQUE CHALLENGES TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN INDIVIDUALS TO PROVIDE SERVICES MANDATED BY THE STATE.

APPROXIMATELY 29.4 MILLION, OR 52% OF THE TOTAL BUDGET, WAS RELATED TO WAGES AND BENEFITS.

THE PROPOSED BUDGET INCLUDES SEVEN FULL TIME POSITIONS AND ONE PART TIME POSITION, TWO WITHIN OUR COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, FIVE WITHIN OUR HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES OFFICE, AND ONE PART TIME POSITION WITHIN OUR SHERIFF'S OFFICE.

WHAT DOES A 3.5 TAX LEVY INCREASE MEAN FOR PROPERTY OWNERS? THE NUMBERS I WILL SHARE WITH YOU COMPARED 2023 TO 2024, AND THE FIVE PROPERTY CLASSIFICATION AREAS IN 2023, AGRICULTURAL PROPERTIES INCREASED FROM 34% TO 26% IN 2024.

THIS IS A SHIFT THAT WE'RE SEEING FROM RESIDENTIAL TO AG PROPERTIES.

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES MAINTAINED AT 40%.

COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL DECREASED FROM 14 TO 13%, NON-HOMESTEAD RENTALS MAINTAINED AT 10%, AND UTILITIES REMAINED AT 2%.

FOUR EXAMPLES OF TAX IMPACT.

HOWEVER, FACTORS WITH AN IMMEDIATE GEOGRAPHICAL OR MARKET AREA CAN ALSO IMPACT THESE TAXES THAT I SHARE WITH YOU.

THESE EXAMPLES A RURAL HOME WITH AN ESTIMATED MARKET VALUE OF 602,500, WHICH SAW NO INCREASE IN VALUE, COULD EXPECT TO SEE A DECREASE IN TAXES OF APPROXIMATELY $259, OR 9.37%.

A HOME LOCATED WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS, WITH AN ESTIMATED MARKET VALUE OF $394,100, WHICH SAW AN INCREASE IN PROPERTY VALUE OF 7.88%, COULD EXPECT TO SEE A DECREASE IN TAXES OF APPROXIMATELY $11, OR 0.62%.

A FARM RURAL SITE, WHICH WOULD BE A HOUSE GARAGE IN ONE ACRE WITH A VALUE OF 265,700, WITH AN INCREASE OF 10.99% IN THE ESTIMATED MARKET VALUE FROM THE PRIOR YEAR, COULD SEE AN INCREASE OF $34 OR 3.06%, AND A LAND WHICH IS APPROXIMATELY 70 ACRES WITH A LITTLE VALUE OVER $1 MILLION, WITH AN INCREASE OF 18.9%, AND THE ESTIMATED MARKET VALUE COULD SEE AN INCREASE OF APPROXIMATELY $177, OR 8%.

MR. CHAIR, I WOULD LIKE TO READ THE TAX LEVY RESOLUTION FOR THE RECORD LOCATED ON PAGE 133 OF YOUR PACKET.

THIS RESOLUTION LISTS THE TAX LEVY PERCENTAGE, THE FOUR FUND AREAS, AND THE CORRESPONDING DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,410,973.

[00:20:05]

WHEREAS THE NICOLLET COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ANNUALLY ADOPTS A BUDGET AND WHEREAS PROPERTY TAX REVENUES ARE NEEDED TO BALANCE SAID BUDGET.

AND WHEREAS THE 2024 NICOLLET COUNTY BUDGET WAS PREPARED WITH INPUT FROM ALL DEPARTMENT HEADS AND NICOLLET COUNTY BOARD MEMBERS.

AND WHEREAS, ON SEPTEMBER 26TH, 2023, THE COUNTY BOARD SET THE 2024 PRELIMINARY TAX LEVY OF $26,410,973, WHICH IS A 3.5% INCREASE OF THE 2023 PROPERTY TAX LEVY.

AND WHEREAS A BUDGET MEETING WAS HELD ON DECEMBER 7TH, 2023, TO TAKE PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED 2024 BUDGET AND TAX LEVY.

NOW THERE BE, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, THAT ON DECEMBER 12TH, 2023, THE NICOLLET COUNTY BOARD HEREBY APPROVES THE 2024 NET PROPERTY TAX LEVY FOR NICOLLET COUNTY AS FOLLOWS.

AND I MENTIONED THERE ARE FOUR FUND AREAS WITH A CORRESPONDING DOLLAR AMOUNTS.

AND THAT WOULD THEN THIS RESOLUTION WOULD BE DATED THIS 12TH DAY OF DECEMBER 2023.

ALL RIGHT. YOU HAVE HEARD THE RECOMMENDATION.

THIS HAS BEEN ON THE MINDS OF THE NICOLLET COUNTY BOARD SINCE THE BUDGET COMMITTEE MET, BEGAN IN THE SUMMER.

TO ME, IT SEEMS LIKE A 3.5% INCREASE IS A REASONABLE INCREASE COMPARED TO SOME OF OUR OTHER NEIGHBORING COUNTIES AND EVEN CITIES WITHIN NICOLLET COUNTY.

IS THERE A MOTION TO APPROVE? I MOVE ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION.

COMMISSIONER MORROW HAS MOVED.

IS THERE A SECOND? SECOND. COMMISSIONER DEHEN.

COMMENTS TO THE MOTION, QUESTIONS, CONCERNS? I WOULD JUST ECHO THE CHAIR'S COMMENTS.

UM, I CONGRATULATE THE COMMISSIONERS ON BEING PRUDENT IN THEIR USE OF PUBLIC FUNDS AND, UM, COMPARED TO OUR, OUR NEIGHBORS.

AND I SAW RAMSEY COUNTY THIS MORNING WAS PASSING A 6.5% INCREASE.

SO I THINK WE DID A GOOD JOB OF MANAGING OUR EXPENSES GOING FORWARD.

THANK YOU COMMISSIONER.

YES, WE'VE SEEN FARIBAULT COUNTY HAS GOT A 25% AND WE DON'T EVER WANT TO BE THERE.

BUT WE'LL SEE WHAT HAPPENS IN THE FUTURE.

ANY OTHER COMMENTS TO THE MOTION IN FRONT OF US? MR. CHAIR WOULD THINK..

SHE'S PRETTY LEAN. YEAH, I WOULD SAY.

I WOULD THINK, UH, DEPARTMENT HEADS, STAFF, UH, THE REQUESTS THAT WE SAW WERE REASONABLE IN LIGHT OF ABILITY TO RUN THE GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATELY AND THAT STAFFING REQUESTS WERE APPROPRIATE.

AND I THINK THAT, UM, IN OUR HUMAN RESOURCES AREA, WE SAW A GOOD MOVE ON THE INSURANCE COMMITTEE A FEW YEARS AGO THAT HELPED US KEEP COSTS IN CHECK.

SO IT'S, I THINK, ALL DUE TO THE STAFF AND THE LEADERSHIP TO BRING IN REASONABLE REQUESTS THAT WE COULD WORK TOGETHER ON AND REACH THIS GOAL. YES.

THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER. COMMISSIONER, I THINK RESPONSIBLE BUDGETING IS IS VERY IMPORTANT.

AND YET WE'RE ADDING SEVEN POSITIONS TO OUR COUNTY, WITH FIVE IN HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AND A COUPLE IN THE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE WHERE WE HAVE A COUPLE OF VACANCIES AND A PART TIME AND THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE.

SO. WELL, MISTER CHAIR, JUST TO BE REAL CLEAR ON THAT, AT LEAST ON THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SIDE, WE HAD HUGE CASELOADS THAT WERE BEING CARRIED BY INDIVIDUALS.

WE WILL MAKE SURE THAT THOSE OBLIGATIONS AND THOSE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED IN A REASONABLE WAY.

WELL, WE HAVE A NUMBER OF PEOPLE WORKING IN HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES HERE IN NICOLLET COUNTY.

ANY OTHER COMMENTS, QUESTIONS? WOULD YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL TO THIS RESOLUTION? 0. THANK YOU.

THE NEXT RESOLUTION I HAVE FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION IS THE 2024 BUDGET RESOLUTION, LOCATED ON PAGE 136 OF YOUR PACKET.

THIS CONTAINS THE 2024 BUDGET REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES IN THE AMOUNT OF $56,929,105.

MR. CHAIR, I WOULD LIKE TO READ THE RESOLUTION FOR THE RECORD LOCATED ON PAGE 136 OF YOUR PACKET.

WOULD YOU PLEASE DO THAT? THANK YOU. 2024 NICOLLET COUNTY BUDGET RESOLUTION.

WHEREAS THE NICOLLET COUNTY BOARD ANNUALLY ADOPTS A BUDGET, AND WHEREAS THE 2024 NICOLLET COUNTY BUDGET WAS PREPARED WITH INPUT FROM ALL DEPARTMENT HEADS AND NICOLLET COUNTY BOARD MEMBERS. AND WHEREAS, A BUDGET MEETING WAS HELD ON DECEMBER 7TH, 2023, TO TAKE PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED 2024 BUDGET AND TAX LEVY.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT ON DECEMBER 12TH, 2023, THE NICOLLET COUNTY BOARD HEREBY APPROVES THE 2024 BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $56,929,105, AND BELOW THAT LISTS THE REVENUES AND THE EXPENDITURES THAT THE COUNTY IS ANTICIPATING FOR 2024.

[00:25:06]

VERY GOOD, THANK YOU.

YOU'VE SEEN THE RECOMMENDATION THAT HAS BEEN ARRIVED AT BY OUR COUNTY BOARD IN PREVIOUS MEETINGS.

IS THERE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE 2024 BUDGET RESOLUTION? SO MOVED. SECOND.

WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.

ANY COMMENTS, QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS MOTION? COMMISSIONER MORROW.

MR. CHAIR, JUST BRIEFLY, THAT MORE THAN HALF THE COUNTY BUDGET COMES FROM OUTSIDE NICOLLET COUNTY TAXPAYERS.

IT COMES FROM STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, AND THEN COUNTY EMPLOYEES PROVIDE SERVICES TO OUR RESIDENTS.

AND THE COUNTY PROGRAM AID FROM THE STATE LEGISLATURE WAS IMMENSELY HELPFUL THIS YEAR, AS WERE THE FEDERAL DOLLARS, WHICH IS IMPORTANT.

AND REMEMBER, WE'RE HERE TO SERVE PEOPLE.

THAT'S WHAT OUR JOB IS.

ANY OTHER COMMENTS TO THE MOTION? HEARING AND SEEING NONE, WOULD YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL? YOU, MANDY, FOR THE SERVICE THAT YOU BROUGHT TO NICOLLET COUNTY THIS YEAR, ALONG WITH DEPARTMENT HEADS.

THANK YOU. DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING ELSE FOR US AT THIS POINT? NOT AT THIS POINT. WE'LL HAVE A 10:00 PUBLIC HEARING FOR OUR FEE AMENDMENT.

VERY GOOD. WE WILL MOVE ALONG TO, UH, COUNTY ATTORNEY UPDATE, AND THEN WE'LL HAVE OUR COMMISSIONER REPORTS MOVING FROM THAT SIDE OF THE

[County Attorney Update]

THANK YOU. UM, MR. CHAIR, I WANTED TO JUST PROVIDE THE BOARD WITH SOME UPDATES TODAY REGARDING OUR SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS TO ENSURE THAT STUDENTS ARE ATTENDING SCHOOL AND GETTING THE EDUCATION THEY NEED TO ACHIEVE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL AS THEY MOVE THROUGH THAT EDUCATION PROCESS.

AND I'M GOING TO HAND OUT, UH, UM, FIRST OF ALL, STARTING WITH A BROCHURE.

UM, AS THE BOARD IS AWARE, UM, ALMOST TEN YEARS AGO NOW, I STARTED A GROUP CALLED STAKEHOLDERS FOR EDUCATION SUCCESS.

IT IS A MULTIDISCIPLINARY GROUP THAT HAS MET MONTHLY DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR, UH, TO DISCUSS BARRIERS THAT PREVENT STUDENTS FROM ATTENDING SCHOOL, UM, REGULARLY WITHOUT ANY ABSENCES.

UM, TRY TO ADDRESS THOSE BARRIERS AND PROBLEM SOLVE WAYS TO ADDRESS THOSE BARRIERS.

UM, ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE CREATED AS PART OF THAT GROUP IS A BROCHURE THAT'S AVAILABLE TO PROVIDERS TO HAVE IN THEIR LOBBIES OR TO PROVIDE TO THEIR CLIENTS ABOUT SOME OF THE BARRIERS THAT STUDENTS SEE IN ATTENDING SCHOOLS, AND THEN SERVICES THAT ARE AVAILABLE WITHIN THE SCHOOL, WITHIN HUMAN SERVICES, WITHIN THE COURTS AND WITHIN PROBATION. SO I'LL I'LL HAND THIS BROCHURE OUT FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.

UM, ALSO, UM, THE BOARD MAY HAVE RECALLED AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS SCHOOL YEAR, THERE WAS A NEW LOCAL NEWSPAPER ARTICLE TALKING ABOUT THE RATES OF ABSENTEEISM IN OUR LOCAL SCHOOLS, AND THEN TALKED A LITTLE BIT ABOUT SOME OF THE INTERVENTIONS THAT THE SCHOOLS MIGHT BE LOOKING AT.

UM, IMPLEMENTING.

UM, OUR OFFICE HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THAT CONVERSATION, UM, AS HAS HEAVILY INVOLVED, UM, OUR COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT IN PROVIDING THOSE INTERVENTION SERVICES.

AND ONE OF THE THINGS THAT HAS CHANGED WITHIN THE SCHOOLS IS REALLY LOOKING AT INTERVENTION THROUGH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS AS ANOTHER TOOL THAT CAN BE USED ALONGSIDE TOOLS THAT THE SCHOOL MIGHT IMPLEMENT, RATHER THAN THAN MAYBE MAKING IT THE LAST TOOL THAT'S ATTEMPTED TO ADDRESS, UM, ATTENDANCE ISSUES.

AND I WANTED TO GIVE THE BOARD JUST SOME NUMBERS OF WHAT WE'RE SEEING, UM, KIND OF GOING TO THAT ISSUE OF, OF WORKLOADS WITHIN VARIOUS OFFICES.

SO IN 2022, UM, MY OFFICE SENT OUT 82, WHAT WE CALL TIP LETTERS, THEIR TRUANCY INTERVENTION PROJECT LETTERS. IT IS A LETTER THAT INVITES THE STUDENTS AND PARENTS TO ATTEND A MEETING AT SCHOOL TO TALK ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF ATTENDANCE AND CONSEQUENCES OF NOT ATTENDING. UM, LIKE I SAID LAST YEAR, UM, WE DID 82 LETTERS, UM, THROUGH NOVEMBER OF THIS YEAR, WE'VE SENT OUT 216.

WE ARE HAVING MEETINGS WITH UPWARDS OF 30 STUDENTS, AND THE VALUE OF THAT IS THAT IT REALLY BRINGS THE STUDENT AND PARENT, UM, TOGETHER WITH THE SCHOOL AT SCHOOL, TO REALLY TALK ABOUT SOME BARRIERS AND LOOK AT SOME INTERVENTIONS SO THAT, THAT THAT'S HOPEFULLY THE LAST STEP THAT IS NEEDED TO,

[00:30:03]

IF THERE IS NOT AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE STUDENTS ATTENDANCE, WE WILL RECEIVE A REQUEST FOR A TRUANCY PETITION.

AND WHEN WE RECEIVE THAT REQUEST FOR A TRUANCY PETITION, WE EVALUATE THAT PETITION TO DETERMINE WHETHER WE SHOULD FILE THAT PETITION IMMEDIATELY WITH THE COURT.

OR WE SHOULD LOOK AT A DIVERSION PROGRAM.

AND WE ALSO ENSURE THAT, OBVIOUSLY, IT MEETS THE CRITERIA FOR FILING A TRUANCY PETITION.

UM, IN 2022, UM, WE RECEIVED 53 REQUESTS FOR TRUANCY PETITIONS.

UM, THIS THUS FAR IN 2023, WE'VE RECEIVED 63 OF THOSE 63 REQUESTS.

WE HAVE SENT OUT DIVERSION LETTERS IN 25 OF THOSE CASES.

AND SO IT IT THE NUMBERS REALLY REFLECT THE REALLY CONCERTED EFFORT THAT EVERYONE IS MAKING TO ADDRESS SOME OF THE THE LINGERING, UM.

IMPACT THAT COVID HAD ON EDUCATION AND STUDENTS AND ATTENDANCE ISSUES.

AND I THINK WE'RE MAKING GREAT PROGRESS, UM, WITH THAT AND WE'RE WORKING COLLABORATIVELY TO ADDRESS THOSE ISSUES.

AND I WANTED TO USE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE THE BOARD WITH THAT INFORMATION AND ALSO THAT BROCHURE.

AND, MR. CHAIR, THAT WOULD BE MY, UM, THE SOME OF MY PRESENTATIONS.

SO I WOULD CERTAINLY ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS THAT THE BOARD MIGHT HAVE.

THANK YOU. ARE THERE QUESTIONS FOR THE COUNTY ATTORNEY REGARDING HER REPORT THIS MORNING? WE UNDERSTAND AND WE THANK YOU FOR THAT INFORMATION.

THANK YOU, MR. CHAIR.

COMMISSIONER ZINS.

[Commissioner Committee Reports, Meetings & Conferences]

AND, UH, YESTERDAY ALSO ATTENDED THE, UH, JUDICIAL DITCH SEVEN JOINT DITCH MEETING WITH MARIE UP IN GAYLORD.

THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER DEHEN.

UM, I HAD A PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT, UH, COMMITTEE MEETING.

I ATTENDED THE THE SHAC ANNUAL MEETING, AND I DID INCLUDE A HANDOUT ON THAT FOR ALL THE COMMISSIONERS TO REVIEW.

UM, THAT THERE IS SOME ADDITIONAL FUNDING PROVIDED FOR, UM, FOR THE FOR THE SHAC COMMITTEES, THE COUNTY HEALTH BOARDS.

UM, AND THERE'S A FUNDING FORMULA THERE.

IF YOU LOOK AT THAT FUNDING FORMULA, UM, EACH COUNTY HEALTH BOARD IS GOING TO GET 115,000 ADDITIONAL DOLLARS TOWARDS FOUNDATIONAL WORK.

UM, THERE'S 24.3% OF THE DOLLARS AVAILABLE FOR THOSE THAT ARE COUNTIES OR HEALTH BOARDS THAT HAVE SOCIAL VULNERABILITY.

AND THE BROWN NICOLLET COUNTY HEALTH BOARD IS AT THE HIGHEST END OF THAT.

SO WE SHOULD BE GETTING SOME FUNDS FOR THAT ADDITIONAL FUNDING.

AND THEN THERE'S AN ADDITIONAL 16.2% OF THE FUNDING FOR THOSE SERVING COUNTIES HAVE FEWER THAN 100,000 PEOPLE THAT WE WILL BE RECEIVING.

SO THERE'LL BE SOME ADDITIONAL DOLLARS COMING IN FOR.

FOUNDATIONAL WORK, NOT FOR PROGRAMING.

UM, I ATTENDED THE, UH, MNDOT, UM, HIGHWAY 22, UM, REBUILD OR OPEN HOUSE? I HAD A GMG CALL.

I HAD A PERSONAL MEETING THAT I MET WITH ALL OF YOU ON A SPECIAL MEETING.

I HAD AN MRCI BOARD MEETING YESTERDAY, AND THEN I ATTENDED THE, UH, YOUNG PROFESSIONALS, UM, ANNUAL MEETING.

AND THEN WE HAD OUR EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION, UH, THIS MORNING.

THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER. ALL THOSE EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU FOR THEIR SERVICE.

COMMISSIONER MORROW. UH, I HAD AN HRA MEETING AND A TRAINING.

UH, I WENT UP TO AMC FOR A WHILE.

UH, ALSO A GENERAL GOVERNMENT MEETING FOR AMC AND THEN THE BUDGET TAX WORKSHOP THAT WE'VE ALL DESCRIBED.

THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER DRANTTEL.

UM, THE AFOREMENTIONED A SPECIAL WORKSHOP, TNT MEETING, THE DITCH GIG IN GAYLORD YESTERDAY AND TODAY'S FESTIVITIES.

THANK YOU. UM, I HAD A PUBLIC WORKS MEETING WITH COMMISSIONER DEHEN AND, UH, MISS GREEN, MR. GREENWOOD AND MISS LANDKAMER TO DISCUSS ITEMS OF INTEREST, COUNTY PERSONNEL MEETING, A DIVERSITY COUNCIL MEETING.

I WAS AT THE AMC TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MEETING EARLY DECEMBER.

SPECIAL BOARD MEETING ON THE SEVENTH, TAX MEETING ON THE SEVENTH AND TODAY'S FESTIVITIES.

AND WE THANK THE BOARD, EVERYONE WHO SERVES NICOLLET COUNTY, TO BE PART OF THAT.

I WANT TO SEE THAT.

THAT'S CONTINUED.

MANDY, IN THE FUTURE.

IT'S IT'S A GOOD PROGRAM FOR US.

AND THOSE ARE THE COMMITTEE REPORTS.

COMMISSIONER REPORTS.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER MEETINGS THAT WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GOING FORWARD? MANDY, I'LL ASK YOU.

[00:35:01]

VERY GOOD. THANK YOU FOR THAT REMINDER FOR OUR MEETINGS FOLLOWING COMMUNITY HEALTH ON FRIDAY IN NEW ULM CHAIR WOULD

[Approve Per Diems and Expenses]

SO WE HAVE A MOTION.

IS THERE A SECOND? SECOND. WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.

ANY DISCUSSION.

ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.

AYE AYE. THOSE OPPOSED IT CARRIES.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE TO COME BEFORE THE BOARD BEFORE WE TAKE OUR BREAK AT THIS TIME? ALL RIGHT. WE ARE ON BREAK UNTIL 10 A.M..

THANK YOU. AND THE NEXT IS THE ADMINISTRATION WITH A 2024 FEE SCHEDULE, PUBLIC HEARING AND RESOLUTION.

[Administration (continued)]

YES. THANK YOU, MR. CHAIR.

THE NEXT ITEM I HAVE FOR YOU IS THE 2024 FEE SCHEDULE, PUBLIC HEARING AND RESOLUTION FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.

MINNESOTA STATUTE 373.41 ALLOWS COUNTY BOARDS TO CHARGE FOR SERVICES PROVIDED BY COUNTY OFFICES.

EACH YEAR. DEPARTMENT HEADS REVIEWED THE EXISTING FEE SCHEDULE AND SUGGEST CHANGES AS DEEMED APPROPRIATE.

THESE CHANGES ARE PRESENTED AT A PUBLIC HEARING, WHICH IS SET FOR TODAY AT 10 A.M..

TO GATHER PUBLIC COMMENT WITHIN YOUR PACKET, THE FOLLOWING DEPARTMENTS HAVE PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE FEE SCHEDULE.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.

PUBLIC SERVICES.

RECORDER AND SHERIFF'S OFFICE.

WITHIN YOUR PACKET, ALL THOSE CHANGES ARE IDENTIFIED IN RED.

THEY ARE INCLUDED ON INCREASE, DECREASE, ADDITIONS AND OR REMOVAL FEES AND ARE RENAMING OF SERVICES.

JUST PROVIDE A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THOSE AMENDMENTS WITHIN HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.

THEY ARE MOVING THE COPY CHARGE, WHICH IS ALREADY CURRENTLY LISTED UNDER ALL DEPARTMENT CHARGES.

REMOVING THE OUT OF HOME SERVICES TO CHILDREN.

THIS WAS DISCUSSED LAST YEAR AT A BOARD WORKSHOP.

UM, THE STATE HAS SAID THAT COUNTIES MAY CHARGE IF THEY CAN PROVE IT'S IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CHILDREN.

AND CURRENTLY, THE POLICY FOR HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DOES NOT ALLOW THE COUNTY TO COLLECT THE FEE.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ARE OFFERED, HOWEVER, FEES ARE COLLECTED BY ANOTHER ENTITY AND THAT HAS BEEN EXPLAINED WITHIN YOUR PACKET AS WELL.

AND PUBLIC SERVICES IS ADDING A FEE FOR CERTIFIED BIRTH, DEATH AND MARRIAGE RECORDS NOT FOUND OF $20.

AND THIS IS A RESULT OF THE INCREASED REQUESTS WHEN A ENTITY HAS REQUESTED A BIRTH, DEATH OR MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE.

UM IN THE COUNTY DOES NOT HAVE RECORD.

THEY HAVE TO DO A CERTIFIED COPY STATING THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE RECORD OF IT.

UM ADDED FEES FOR MARRIAGE LICENSE AMENDMENTS AND REISSUE WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF $25.

AND REMOVE THE DITCH LEVEE MAINTENANCE ADMIN FEE.

AND THIS WAS SOMETHING THAT HAS NOT BEEN CHARGED FOR MANY YEARS.

ONCE THE COUNTY STARTED CHARGING INTEREST ON THE DITCH LEVEES, THIS CHARGE WENT AWAY.

AND SO IT'S JUST A ADMINISTRATIVE CLEANUP ON THE FEE SCHEDULE WITHIN THE RECORDER ADDED THE FEE FOR A PASSPORT PHOTO, WHICH IS NOT NEW, HOWEVER, THAT IT'S BEEN CHARGED AND JUST NOT ON THE FEE SCHEDULE, AND THEN REMOVE THE FEES LISTED WITHIN THE FEE SCHEDULE.

THOSE ARE DETERMINED BY PASSPORT SERVICES, NOT THE COUNTY, SO WE WANTED TO AVOID ANY CONFUSION WITH THAT.

AND THEN WITHIN THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE, INCREASE THE DRUG TESTING FEE FROM 20 TO $25, INCREASING THE BOARDING FEE FOR INMATES FROM 60 TO $75, AND THEN CLARIFIED THE CERTIFICATE OF REDEMPTION IS NONREFUNDABLE.

FOLLOWING THE CLOSURE OF THE PUBLIC HEARING, I WILL BE ASKING THE BOARD TO CONSIDER THE ATTACHED RESOLUTION APPROVING THE AMENDMENTS AND THE PROPOSED FEE SCHEDULE, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 2024.

AT THIS TIME, I WILL ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE CONCERNING THE AMENDMENTS.

ANY QUESTIONS FOR THE ADMINISTRATOR, PLEASE? CLARIFICATION ON THE SHERIFF'S THING IF WE COULD DIAL DOWN TO THAT ONE AGAIN.

BOARDING FEE THAT WE CHARGE, CORRECT? CORRECT. SO THAT $60 FEE HAS BEEN SOMETHING THAT'S BEEN CHARGED TO US IN OTHER COUNTIES.

LE SUEUR, BLUE EARTH I CAN THINK OF.

ARE THEY ADJUSTING THEIRS AS WELL? I BELIEVE THIS HAS BEEN A REGIONAL CONVERSATION.

SHERIFF HAS DISAPPEARED.

BUT I BELIEVE IT'S A REGIONAL CONVERSATION THAT ALL COUNTIES HAVE HAD WITH THE INCREASE FROM $60 TO $75, I SEE.

THANK YOU FOR THAT.

WITH RESPECT TO THE MARRIAGE BUSINESS, UM, REISSUING, CERTIFYING.

I DON'T KNOW IF JACKIE CAN TALK TO US ABOUT THAT.

YOU HAVE A MARRIAGE LICENSE AMENDMENT, A MARRIAGE LICENSE REISSUE.

THESE ARE ADDITIONS, ALSO CERTIFIED MARRIAGE RECORD ADDITIONS AND SOMETHING CALLED CREDENTIALS.

[00:40:09]

UM, OUR CREDENTIALS ARE GOING UP TO $50.

AND WHAT CREDENTIALS ARE, IS THE ABILITY TO, UM, FOR, UM, GETTING ORDAINED FOR MARRIAGES SO YOU CAN ORDAIN A, UH, A SERVICE FOR MARRIAGE.

UM, WITH THE FACT THAT ANYBODY NOW CAN GET CREDENTIALS TO MARRY ANYBODY.

UH, WE'VE TALKED ABOUT AT OUR DISTRICT MEETINGS, AND WE ARE WANT TO BE UNISON ON HOW WE CHARGE FOR THOSE, BECAUSE YOU CAN GO ANYWHERE TO GET THOSE.

SO WE HAVE COME TO A CONCLUSION THAT EVERYBODY IN THE AREA IS GOING UP TO THE $50 MARK TO.

SO THIS IS THE MATCH BOOK, MINISTER.

YES. OKAY.

YEAH. UM, AS FOR THE THE NEW FEE FOR RECORD NOT FOUND, WE'RE FINDING THAT AGENCIES ARE REQUESTING THAT MORE AND MORE SAYING THAT.

DO YOU HAVE RECORD OF A MARRIAGE? DO YOU HAVE RECORD OF A DEATH? DO YOU HAVE RECORD OF A BIRTH INSTEAD OF JUST SAYING, NO, WE DON'T.

THEY WANT THAT IN CERTIFICATION.

SO TO GO ALONG WITH OTHER COUNTIES AS WELL, THEIR COUNTIES NOW CHARGE FOR THAT CERTIFICATION AS WELL.

UM, AS FOR THE PASSPORT PHOTO WE'VE ALWAYS CHARGED, IT JUST NEVER REALLY LANDED ON OUR PASSPORT OR ON OUR FEE SCHEDULE.

AND WE DID REMOVE THE PASSPORT, UM, FEES, BECAUSE THOSE ARE REALLY, UH, DETERMINED BY THE, THE FEDS.

AND SO IT'S NOT COUNTY BOARD APPROVAL OF THOSE FEES.

SO WE DID REMOVE THOSE TO CLEAN THAT UP.

VERY GOOD. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? I'M CURIOUS ABOUT THE REISSUING OF THE MARRIAGE LICENSE WITHIN SIX MONTHS.

CORRECT. SO THAT IS ANOTHER ONE TOO, THOUGH, TO MATCH OTHER COUNTIES AROUND US.

SO, UM, A.

WHEN PEOPLE GET A MARRIAGE LICENSE AND THEY NEED TO HAVE IT REISSUED AGAIN, WE WERE NOT CHARGING FOR IT, BUT TO MATCH OTHER COUNTIES AROUND US.

THEY CAN WE CAN REISSUE THAT AND IN CHARGE FOR THAT IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS.

WHY THEY WOULD WANT TO.

IT KIND OF FELT TO ME, COMMISSIONER THAT SOME GUY PROPOSED MARRIAGE AND SOME WOMAN SAID, I DON'T KNOW IF I LIKE THIS IDEA. AND THEN HE GOT BACK TO IT AGAIN.

I DON'T KNOW IF THAT WAS EVEN CLOSE TO HOW IT HAPPENED.

CORRECT. THERE'S A TIME LIMIT ON MARRIAGE LICENSES.

AND SO, UM, THEY DON'T ALL HAPPEN.

I SEE IN A TIMELY MANNER.

ALL RIGHT. WE APPRECIATE YOUR PROVIDING THIS INFORMATION.

OTHER QUESTIONS ON OTHER ITEMS IN THIS REPORT.

DO YOU HAVE A RESOLUTION FOR US? YES I DO. RESOLUTION FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE 2024 NICOLLET COUNTY FEE SCHEDULE.

WHEREAS PURSUANT TO MINNESOTA STATUTE 373.41, THE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MAY CHARGE FEES FOR SERVICES PROVIDED BY ANY COUNTY OFFICE, OFFICIAL, DEPARTMENT, COURT, OR EMPLOYEE.

AND WHEREAS THE NICOLLET COUNTY DEPARTMENT HEADS HAVE REVIEWED ALL OF THEIR FEES AND PRESENTED RECOMMENDED CHANGES ALONG WITH THE COMPLETE PROPOSED FEE SCHEDULE IN A PUBLIC HEARING ON DECEMBER 12TH, 2023.

AND WHEREAS, THE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REVIEWED THE PROPOSED FEE SCHEDULE AND CHANGES.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE NICOLLET COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS THAT THE 2024 NICOLLET COUNTY FEE SCHEDULE AS PRESENTED HAS BEEN APPROVED AND ADOPTED EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1ST, 2024.

DATED THE 12TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2023.

YOU HAVE HEARD AND READ THE RESOLUTION, ARE WE? ARE WE FEELING THAT WE ARE OKAY WITH THIS IDEA OF MOVING FORWARD? IF WE ARE? I WOULD ACCEPT A MOTION TO PROCEED.

SO MOVED. COMMISSIONER DEHEN HAS MOVED.

IS THERE A SECOND? SECOND. WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.

ANY OTHER COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS TO THE RESOLUTION AND THE FEE SCHEDULE MOVING 2024.

MR. CHAIR, THIS IS A PUBLIC HEARING.

IF THERE'S AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ANY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO COMMENT CONCERNING THE CHANGES.

YES. THANK YOU AGAIN.

ANYONE HERE WOULD LIKE TO PROVIDE ANY INPUT ON OUR FEE SCHEDULE FOR 2024? ANY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO PRESENT THEIR IDEAS ON OUR FEE SCHEDULE FOR 2024? ANYBODY WISHING TO TAKE PART IN THIS DISCUSSION.

HEARING AND SEEING NONE.

SARAH, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.

[00:45:11]

MOVING FORWARD FOR FINANCE, PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE 2024-2028 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT.

[Finance]

WE ARE ADJOURNED FOR FIVE MINUTES.

24 THROUGH 2028, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN, A RESOLUTION AND A PLAN ADOPTION.

HEATHER, GOOD MORNING.

GOOD MORNING, MR. CHAIR, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD.

AS MR. CHAIR HAS COMMENTED, THIS AGENDA ITEM IS TO PRESENT THE 2024-2028 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING.

DURING THE PRESENTATION, I WILL REFER TO THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN AS CIP AT TIMES.

FOLLOWING MINNESOTA STATUTE 373.40, NICOLLET COUNTY WILL CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING FOR THEIR FIVE YEAR CIP PLAN.

THE PURPOSE OF THE PUBLIC HEARING IS TO REVIEW, DISCUSS AND APPROVE THE PROPOSED 2024 THROUGH 2028 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR NICOLLET COUNTY.

THE PLAN IDENTIFIES ESTIMATED CAPITAL EXPENDITURES AND FUNDING SOURCES FOR THIS FIVE YEAR PERIOD.

HAVING A CAP WILL ALLOW COUNTY BOARD, ADMINISTRATION AND DEPARTMENT HEADS MAKE BETTER FINANCIAL DECISIONS ON THE COUNTY'S CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT NEEDS.

FOLLOWING THE PUBLIC HEARING REQUEST IS APPROVAL OF THE RESOLUTION AND ADOPTION OF THE CIP PLAN.

AN INTRO TO THE SIP.

THE BEGINNING OF THE PACKET PROVIDES A COPY OF THE MISSION, VISION AND COUNTY AND CORE VALUES OF NICOLLET COUNTY, ALONG WITH THE ORG CHART FOR REFERENCE.

NEXT, THE TABLE OF CONTENTS WILL PROVIDE A REFERENCE POINT TO SUBJECT AREAS AND APPENDIXES THROUGHOUT THE CIP.

SO NOW I WILL GO TO PAGE ONE IN THE PACKET.

PAGES ONE THROUGH THREE OF THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN PROVIDE THE GENERAL AND REQUIRED INFORMATION REGARDING CIP AND FOLLOWING THE MINNESOTA STATUTE 3.73.40. A SIP MUST SET FORTH THE ESTIMATED SCHEDULED TIMING AND DETAILS OF SPECIFIC CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS.

ESTIMATED COST OF THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS IDENTIFIED, THE NEED FOR THE IMPROVEMENTS AND THE SOURCES OF REVENUES NEEDED TO PAY FOR THE IMPROVEMENTS.

IN GENERAL, I'D LIKE TO NOTE THIS FIVE YEAR CIP IS A PLAN.

IT IS NOT APPROVED TO COMPLETE PROJECTS OR ISSUE ANY DEBT.

IT IS A PLAN.

DURING THE BUDGET PROCESS.

THE FIRST YEAR OF THE CIP IS DISCUSSED IN DETAIL AND APPROVED THROUGH THAT PROCESS.

THE ONE AREA THAT IS ONGOING FOR APPROVALS IS ROAD AND BRIDGE PROJECTS.

WITHIN THIS SECTION. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO NOTE OR HIGHLIGHT THAT NICOLLET COUNTY CURRENT DEBT.

THE COUNTY HAS ANNUAL DEBT PAYMENT OF $2,009,405.

THE DEBT LIMIT, WHICH IS BASED ON MARKET VALUE OF PROPERTY IN NICOLLET COUNTY, IS WOULD BE AT $8,527,898. SO THAT PROVIDES A REFERENCE THAT WE ARE WELL BELOW, WELL UNDER OUR LIMIT.

NOW I WILL GO TO APPENDIX A, WHICH IS PAGE FOUR.

THIS PAGE PROVIDES A SNAPSHOT OF THE FIVE YEARS SHOWING ON THE TOP PROJECT PURCHASE TYPE BY YEAR, AND THEN UNDER THE THE UNDER THAT SCHEDULE THE FUNDING SOURCES BY YEAR.

THE TOTAL YEAR WILL FLUCTUATE AND LARGE SWINGS MAY OCCUR MAINLY FROM PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS OR BUILDING PROJECTS.

FOR DECISIONS ON BONDING.

THE COUNTY'S GOAL IS TO KEEP THE BONDING LEVY FLAT FROM YEAR TO YEAR, SO THE TAXPAYER DOES NOT SEE LARGE SWINGS.

THIS WILL PREVENT A WHIPSAW TO THE TAXPAYER.

PROJECTED NEW DEBT IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS WOULD INCLUDE POTENTIAL PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY AND THE COUNTY ROAD 16 ROAD PROJECT, AND ON THE SCHEDULE TO NOTE THE PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT PLAN.

YEAR IS THE YEAR THAT CONSTRUCTION WOULD BEGIN.

NOW WE WILL GO TO APPENDIX B, WHICH IS ON PAGE FIVE AND SIX OF YOUR PACKET.

APPENDIX B POINT ONE STARTS WITH A TWO PAGE SUMMARY SHOWING THE FIVE YEARS OF PROJECTS BY DEPARTMENT.

THIS WILL PROVIDE INFORMATION BEHIND EACH YEAR OF THE APPENDIX A.

AS NOTED, THE FIRST YEAR OF THE CIP IS DISCUSSED IN DETAIL AT THE BUDGET PROCESS.

[00:50:01]

PUBLIC WORKS WILL BRING PROJECTS BEFORE THE BOARD.

AND THEN FOLLOWING THIS WE HAVE PAGES SEVEN THROUGH 33, APPENDIX B POINT TWO, WHICH PROVIDE THE PROJECT FORM SUBMITTED BY ALL COUNTY DEPARTMENT HEADS.

SO THERE WILL BE SEVERAL PAGES THERE.

SO THE NEXT SECTION WE WILL GO TO IS APPENDIX C WHICH IS PAGE STARTS ON PAGE 34.

THIS SECTION PROVIDES CONSTRUCTION PLANS FOR THE FIVE YEARS.

APPENDIX C POINT ONE, AS WELL AS A LIST OF EQUIPMENT INVESTMENTS, WHICH IS APPENDIX C POINT TWO.

THE NEXT SECTION IS APPENDIX D, WHICH BEGINS ON PAGE 40.

THE SCHEDULE PROVIDES INFORMATION REGARDING BOND TAX LEVY.

GRAB THAT PAGE.

IT WILL PROVIDE INFORMATION BY ON THE YEAR OF LEVY, THE YEAR OF COLLECTION AND THEN THE YEAR OF PAYMENT, WHICH IS REFERENCED ON THE RIGHT SIDE.

AGAIN, THE COUNTY'S GOAL IS TO KEEP KEEP THE BONDING LEVY RELATIVELY FLAT YEAR TO YEAR.

THE COUNTY WILL USE THIS AS A GUIDE WHEN CONSIDERING TIMING OF FUTURE PROJECTS.

THE NEXT SECTION IS APPENDIX E ON PAGE 41.

THE SCHEDULE PROVIDES INFORMATION ON THE COUNTY'S UNRESTRICTED FUND BALANCE.

UH, FOR THE LAST COMPLETED AUDIT YEAR, WHICH IS, UH, 2022.

IT ALSO PROVIDES METRICS OF STATE AUDITOR RECOMMENDED THRESHOLDS, AND IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON RESTRICTED FUND BALANCES RELATED TO THE SALES AND VILLAGE TAX. FOR REFERENCE, THESE TWO FUND BALANCES HAVE STARTED TO BE USED FOR THE 15 PROJECTS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED AND FINISHED IN 2024.

THE NEXT APPENDIX IS APPENDIX F, WHICH IS FOR PAGE 42 THROUGH 44, WHICH WILL LIST THE 20 YEAR ROAD PROJECT.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT LISTS.

UH, GOING INTO THAT APPENDIX, THIS IS THE ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT LIST, ALONG WITH A MAP THAT WAS APPROVED AT THE TIME THE SALES TAX WAS APPROVED FOR NICOLLET COUNTY. THE SCHEDULE WILL SHOW PROJECTS THAT THE SALES TAX FUNDS CAN BE USED ON.

THAT CONCLUDES THE OVERVIEW OF THE PACKET.

AT THIS TIME I WOULD OFFER.

OFFER ANY.

UH, ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS OR ARE WE READY TO OPEN FOR PUBLIC HEARING? WE WILL OPEN. THANK YOU.

HEATHER. WE WILL OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING AT THIS TIME FOR ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO MAKE THEIR FEELINGS KNOWN TOWARD OUR PLAN FOR THE 2024 THROUGH 2028 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS HERE IN NICOLLET COUNTY.

THIS IS A PUBLIC HEARING TO DISCUSS THE PLAN.

IS THERE ANYONE HERE THAT WOULD LIKE TO REGISTER THEIR OPINION TOWARD THE PLAN FOR OUR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS? I'LL TURN NOW TO COUNTY BOARD MEMBERS, WHO WISHED TO, UH, GIVE THEIR IDEAS MOVING FORWARD.

MISS DRANTTEL.

I SAW YOU HIT YOUR MICROPHONE.

I FORGET TO TURN IT ON AND I GET FUNNY LOOKS THEN.

BUT AGAIN, TO REITERATE WHAT HEATHER SAID, IT IS A PLAN.

IT IS NOT CHISELED IN STONE, BUT IT IS A A GUIDE.

CORRECT. OTHER MEMBERS WISHING TO MAKE COMMENTS ABOUT THE CIP MOVING FORWARD.

MOVE TO ADOPT THE CIP.

GOING FORWARD, WE HAVE A MOTION.

IS THERE A SECOND? SECOND. DISCUSSION AMONG BOARD MEMBERS BEFORE WE VOTE ON THE CIP PLAN.

WE, UH, NEED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE WE DO THAT, OBVIOUSLY.

SO I WILL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AND BRING IT BACK TO THE BOARD TO DISCUSS THE MOTION THAT'S IN FRONT OF US.

COMMENTS BY MEMBERS.

I WOULD JUST COMMENT TO THANK YOU TO THE STAFF FOR PUTTING TOGETHER A REASONABLE PLAN AND, UH, RECOGNIZING THAT IT IS THAT WE WILL REACT AS THINGS CHANGE.

THANK YOU COMMISSIONER. ANY OTHER COMMENTS? QUESTIONS? HEARING AND SEEING NONE, WE THANK YOU FOR THE REPORT.

[00:55:06]

ANY OTHER ITEMS TO COME BEFORE THE COUNTY BOARD? ANY OTHER ITEMS COME BEFORE THE COUNTY BOARD HEARING AND SEEING NONE.

WE ARE ADJOURNED UNTIL WE COME TO THE DRAINAGE AUTHORITY IN ABOUT 20 MINUTES FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGENDA FOR THE DRAINAGE AUTHORITY TODAY.

[Adjourn Board of Commissioners Meeting]

[Call Drainage Authority Meeting to Order: Chair]

ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.

AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, IT CARRIES.

CHAIR WOULD REQUEST AN APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA.

IS THERE A MOTION? SO MOVED. SECOND.

WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.

ANY DISCUSSION.

ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

THOSE OPPOSED, IT CARRIES.

PUBLIC APPEARANCES.

ARE THERE ANYONE? IS THERE ANYONE PRESENT THAT WOULD LIKE TO MAKE AN APPEARANCE BEFORE THE DRAINAGE AUTHORITY AT THIS TIME? ANY PUBLIC APPEARANCES? MR. CHAIR, I WOULD SIMPLY NOTE THAT AT 10:45, WE WILL BE GOING INTO A CLOSED MEETING.

YES, SIR. ANY PUBLIC APPEARANCES FOR THE DRAINAGE AUTHORITY MEETING ? I'M LOOKING TO THE ATTORNEY.

IT LOOKS LIKE WE CAN ADJOURN UNTIL 10:45.

AND WE ARE ADJOURNED.

MINNESOTA OPEN MEETING LAW.

MINNESOTA STATUTES, CHAPTER 13.05, CLOSED MEETINGS TO DISCUSS LITIGATION AND LEGAL STRATEGY REGARDING MEDIATION INVOLVING NICOLLET COUNTY DITCH.

THIS IS AD6 CORRECT? IT'S A68A.

SO CHAIR WILL ASK FOR A MOTION AND A SECOND TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION.

IS THERE A MOTION? SO MOVED. WE HAVE A MOTION.

IS THERE A SECOND.

SECOND. MOTION AND A SECOND.

ANY DISCUSSION? HEARING NONE. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

AYE. OPPOSED.

IT IS CARRIED INTO THE OPEN MEETING.

WE WILL ANNOUNCE THE INDIVIDUALS IN ATTENDANCE OF THE CLOSED MEETING FOR THE RECORD.

ATTORNEY ROGER JUSTIN.

ATTORNEY MICHELLE ZEHNDER FISCHER.

JACKIE KOPET, MANDY LANDKAMER, NATE HENRY, SETH GREENWOOD, AND COMMISSIONERS KURT ZINS, MARK DEHEN, TERRY MORROW, MARIE DRANTTEL, AND JACK KOLARS.

WE ARE ADJOURNED.

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.