Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

At this time, I'd like to call the meeting to order. Lene, any additions or corrections?

Mr. Chair, we do have a couple additions for the county coordinator. He's bringing a position analysis questionnaire for approval, and under Tim Erickson's items, a resolution has been added supporting safe streets for all, a planning grant application. We are starting with Resolution 26-44 today. Thank you. Board?

I'll make a motion to approve the agenda. I second.

Thanks, Tim. Thanks, Jeff. Any other discussion? Lene, please.

Rapp.

Yes.

Way. Yes. Meyer. Yes. Schmidt.

Yes.

Kalina. Yes. Motion carries.

Anything on the minutes? Anybody got anything? Any corrections or additions?

I make a motion to approve the matter.

Second. Thanks, Jeff. Thanks, Jerry. Any further discussion? Lene, please.

Way.

Yeah.

Meyer.

Yes.

Schmidt.

Yes.

Kalina.

Yes.

Rapp. Yes. Motion carries.

Thank you. At this time, we'll call up Lee Katzmarek, our county coordinator.

Morning, Mr. Chair, commissioners. Morning. Good morning. Just looking for a permission to submit a position analysis questionnaire to David Drown and Associates. As you're probably aware, when we have a position, especially this one, which is newly created, we need to kind of find out where it fits in our class and comp structure. And so I worked with Dave Rush and we've created, and Brenda, and we've created a, the job description for this compliance technician that we feel the county may find very useful and would like to figure out what we should pay that position. So I'm asking permission to take that and have it evaluated. It costs, I think it's $200.

I'll make a motion to approve the position analyst questionnaire.

Second. Thanks, Jerry. Thanks, Tim. Any further discussion? May I please?

Kalina?

Yes. Rapp? Yes. Way?

Yes. Meyer? Yes. Schmidt?

Yes.

Motion carries.

Thank you. Thanks, Lee. Tim Erickson, come on up. Public Works Director.

Just a few items on the agenda today. First one is actually a fun one. So we have a contract final for CP23-006. That's our Chippewa Park bridge. If you guys have not had the chance to get out there and take a look at that timber bridge that's out there at Chippewa Park, it turned out very, very well. Corby Contracting was our contractor on that. They're out of Fergus Falls. They did a great job. We underran that contract and I will point out the reason we underran that. There's a bituminous lift that goes over the bridge. It helps it shed water because we were late in the year and there's approach grading that was fresh and we knew it was gonna settle. We figured let's put that asphalt lift on later. So that's why there's that underrun on that. But like I said, everything turned out very well. I'll make that recommendation that you accept the completed project, authorize file and payment in the amount of $5,805.55 to Corby Contracting.

I'll make a motion to approve Resolution 2644 to pay the final contract for CP23-006. Second. Thanks, Jerry. Any questions? Lenay, please.

Meyer? Yes. Schmidt?

Yes.

Kalina?

Yes.

Rapp?

Yes.

Way?

Yes.

Motion carries.

Thank you very much. Next item I have, Brad, I think is back there. And we've got somebody from the Lake Association with him.

Good morning, commissioners. I'm Jay Sealing with the Douglas County Lakes Association. I've met all of you before. It's my privilege to come before you this morning, as I mentioned in material I sent in your packet. TO TALK ABOUT STEWARDSHIP. THE MINNESOTA LAKES AND RIVERS ADVOCATES HAS STARTED UP A LAKE STEWARD PROGRAM THAT GOES STATEWIDE AND DOUGLAS COUNTY LAKES ASSOCIATION IS IN THE MIDST OF IMPLEMENTING THAT HERE IN DOUGLAS COUNTY LAKE BY LAKE AND WE WANT TO MAKE IT VERY VERY PUBLIC THAT WE ARE GOING TO BE AWARDING lake steward status to Douglas County Parks. I've gone through and walked the several parks that have lakeshore. They fit the the criteria of maintaining natural shorelines which do the best job of reducing runoff and improving water quality and so to make that official, we want to be able to award lake steward signs to our Douglas County Parks, specifically Brophy Landing, Brophy County Park, Pilgrim Point, and Lake Chippewa. The way that those parks are being managed and designed and the master plans with those fit with the Lake Steward Program. And so we want to use this as a very public kickoff and a congratulations to the attention that Douglas County gives to our area lakes. So Brad, there is our first sign for the Lake Steward Program.

Yeah, Mr. Chair. So, Jay, is there any focus on buffers on our lakes? Because we talked to DNR recently this morning, and that was one of the things that we asked if they would get involved in to promote that, because sometimes if it comes from a higher power, people tend to listen more, maybe. Anyway, I think the buffers are a big thing, and we need to focus on that.

That's a huge key of it. We're also asking people not to fertilize within 75 feet of the lake shore, which is an MPCA best management practice. But the idea of buffers, something like this, the Lake Steward Program is a social program. Most of our lawns, we keep up to keep up with our neighbors. So what our neighbors do, we tend to try and follow. So what we're trying to do is give recognition to buffers and those near-shore best management practices and say, this is what we want lakeshores to look like. This is what... not only aesthetically what it looks like, but how it performs in reducing phosphorus runoff, helps with managing AIS and other things. Those buffers are very, very important. And so we want to make this a social pressure basically to say, how many lake stewards can we get on each lake? So Lake Miltona is in the process of implementing this as well. Lake Latoka has a couple volunteers that are also implementing it. We awarded our very first sign in Douglas County a year ago to an individual on the island on Lake Chippewa. And so To me, it made sense to publicly acknowledge what Douglas County, as a county, is doing, particularly through the Parks Department, and how those parks that are jewels of our community are managed when it comes to Lakeshore, using buffers, using native plantings, rain gardens. All of that now can be a showcase and people can see what this means. And so awarding Lake Steward to the county. Thank you. Yep. Great.

And I'd like to comment to say, Brad, thank you for what you've been doing. And I've also seen it personally driving out there and seeing what you've been doing. And I think you're doing a good job with the stewardship of our lakes. So keep it up.

Thank you. Thank you. Yep. Thank you. Thank you, Jay. Yeah, I was going to say, don't run around. Yeah, Brad, you get to stay. Next item that we have is a property use permit for an event out at Lake Ida Park.

So I have Brittany here from the Historical Society. And so Brittany has completed all of our steps that we require for event permitting. And the reason we're here is because her event is going to be over, has the potential to be over 500 people. So that requires a board action. So Brittany's here to answer any questions you have about her history 250 day that will be at Pilgrim Point.

I can start with a quick summary, just what we're looking at for that day. So June 6th, we will have first shuttling from Carlos Creek in order to handle any additional parking traffic overflow, that sort of thing. We have secured rope-making, blacksmithing. We're looking at having vintage We will have Jack Norton from NPR's old-timey radio hour to provide some live music during the event. June 6th happened to fall as on the anniversary of D-Day as well, so we should have at least one World War II vehicle there, as well as our portable exhibits on World War II. Weather permitting, not too much wind. We will also have boat rides with the 1907 launch Stella in the water there on Lake Ida, which would be very exciting. AGAIN, THAT'S ALL WEATHER PERMITTING AND THEN ADDITIONAL OF OUR PORTABLE EXHIBITS AS WELL.

ANY QUESTIONS? THAT TIME IS COMING QUICK.

AFTER THIS MEETING I HAVE EVERYTHING READY TO PRESS SEND ON ADVERTISEMENTS. OUR BROCHURES ARE RIGHT HERE.

Mr. Chair, I'll make a motion to approve property use permit for History Day Minnesota event at Pilgrim Point.

I'll second that.

I'll second.

Thanks, Tim. Thanks, Jerry. Any questions? We're all good. Lene, please.

Kalina.

Yes.

Rapp. Yes. Way. Yeah. Meyer. Yes. Schmidt.

Yes.

Motion carries.

There you go. Hit the press. Thank you. We'll get them. Thanks.

Thank you.

Thank you, Brad. Thank you, Brittany. Next item I have is a County Ditch 416 drainage request. I've got Shane coming up right behind me, and he'll tell you a little bit about this one.

Yeah, good morning. So just we had a request for a ditch clean out on County Ditch 416, Branch 1, just to the east of County Road 12 there. I went out there and looked at it. It is holding back a little bit of water. kind of to the east of that highlighted section there. It's full of sediment and cattails, so it'll benefit to have that cleaned out. So an estimated 620 feet of clean out, estimated repair costs, $1,863. The account balance looks pretty good. There's just some scheduled work on that this year as well. So yeah, that's pretty much it on that one.

Mr.

Chair, I got a question.

Go ahead. So underneath, once you get under 12, going to the west, the ditch is fine there?

Yeah, there's a, excuse me, there's a culvert that runs underneath the road, and there's a little bit of flow going through there, but there's a little bit of buildup on the other side of the culvert that's holding back the water.

So basically, once you clean this out, there shouldn't be any problems downstream?

Yeah, I think so. I think it's a good start.

Okay. Well, I'll make the motion to approve County Ditch 416 drainage request.

I second.

Thanks, Tim. Thanks, Jeff. Any further discussion? Lene, please.

Rapp.

Yes.

Way. Yes. Meyer. Yes. Schmidt.

Yes.

Kalina.

Yes.

Motion carries.

Thank you. Thank you, Shane. Last item that I have is a resolution supporting Safe Streets for all planning grant application. We've gone after this one the last couple of years. We've not been successful, so we're hoping third time's a charm. Use red ink next time.

I'll make a motion to support Resolution 2645 for Safe Streets grant. Second. Thanks, Jerry. Any discussion? Lene, please.

Way. Yes. Meyer. Yes. Schmidt.

Yes.

Kalina.

Yes.

Rapp.

Yes.

Motion carries.

Thank you very much. Thanks, Tim. David Rush.

I still can't believe that's all you have today. Well, if you count extension, then you could... Yes, I have one item. So my item for you today is three landscaper excavator licenses. We recommend approval of those licenses.

I make a motion to approve the licenses. Second.

Thanks Jeff, thanks Charlie. Any further discussion? Lene, please.

Meyer. Yes. Schmidt.

Yes.

Kalina.

Yes.

Rapp.

Yes.

Way.

Yes.

Motion carries.

And I'll get out of the way for more important things. This time I'll call up Cecilia, Regional Director for Extension. Drove all the way up from Morris. Morehead. Morehead? Morehead.

You got the M right.

I got the M right. Thank you.

So which is it?

Morehead.

Morehead, that's it.

She came from Morehead, yeah.

You can't get to Morris from here. You got 28 Altora. Oh, I heard that. From Starbucks to Morris.

There is plenty of chairs up here if you want more. We're good?

We'll switch up, yeah. Good morning, commissioners. Cecilia Amadou, serve as a regional director for University of Minnesota Extension. And today we're here with our general department update, informational, hoping to share some impact that we're making in Douglas County. So we'll start out with just introduction. Like I said, I'm Cecilia Amadou.

I'm Jackie Cocat. I'm one of the extension educators here in Douglas County.

I'm Sarah Trostle and I'm an Office Support Specialist for the Extension Office.

Jody Hinson, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development.

Robin Trott, I am Extension Educator, Horticulture, Agriculture, Small Farms, Local Foods.

Master Gardeners, All Defense. Kim Tabern, Support Staff. I'm Melana Tiber and I'm one of the 4-H'ers.

All right, so we'll just go into our presentation here. Just as you know, we have a goal to build community-driven work through general support from our communities, which is done through a general county extension committee group here in Douglas County that helps support the work that we do with a partnership. It's a three-year agreement that we typically negotiate between Douglas County and University of Minnesota. We're currently in our second term of that three-year agreement, and that really supports all the educators in the positions, but also general support that may come from statewide or also regional staff. All the funding that is locally funded programs are all supported through Douglas County. The funding is allocated and recommended by the County Extension Committee and then brought forth to the county commissioners for full approval. We are grateful to have the individuals on your screen here serving on that county extension committee. We two county commissioners, Commissioner Jeff Way and Commissioner Shane Smith serving in that committee. And generally they provide some updates to us as far as any impacts that may support or hinder our programming and we have an opportunity to consult with them before they come to the full commission. So we're grateful for that partnership in that way. We have obviously Dave Rush, Vicki, county staff supported the committee as well. And then we have Barb Ergens, we have Polly Perkins, Jessica Clement. Pat Kalina, who serve as the chair, and then Karen Bartleman and Jean Rossesman. We are really grateful for those individuals on the committee providing programmatic consults or whatever they may see that the program may need. They do that very well and we're grateful for Pat's leadership on that committee.

I'd like to comment on that too. That's a good board and Pat does a good job running the meeting. Yes. He does.

Yeah, we can't do the work we do without, any recommendation that we bring to the county commissioners is going through that committee before we bring it up. So we're diligent in making sure that community voices are heard, whether it's programming or financial resources. And on your screen here, you're just seeing some of the support that we provide, whether it's local programming, but also regional and statewide partnership. When the county of Douglas County stands an MOU with the university, they're not only getting their support from local staff that you may see here, but also people that are behind them, supporting them, whether it's your supervisors or just regional staff. When you are participating in regional leadership programming, are facilitated by our regional educators. And the county doesn't necessarily pay anything for those support that comes in. So there's really a wide benefit for counties in going into partnership with the university. You may see local staff, but just know that statewide and regionally there's support that comes through that as well. And in Douglas County, obviously these are all electoral options that counties can select, but in Douglas County we have robbing, serving, and that agricultural and natural resources, supporting local farmers, local food, whatever the need may be. And then we have the youth development option. And then counties can opt into getting support with family health and well-being or community development. While that may be a county-driven program, we also have regional educators in those positions that can support counties in deeper thought if that's needed. So now I'll pass it on to Robin to kind of share how she supports the local educators and Sarah, of course. I don't know who's starting, Sarah or Kim.

So yeah, so the administrative support, Sarah and I are the support staff, so we work really close with the local educators. And as Cecilia said, when regional educators come, we work with them and their support staff. So we get to know the families really well and support them and all of the volunteers. And it is really fun for us, you know, when we get to work with the regional educators and put the residents here in touch with those resources. We've had nursing homes, church groups reach out to us and I've been able to reach out to regional staff and they put together some really cool things for them to use that they're always very appreciative. The university has the farm information line that we're able to send people, residents to, to get a lot of ag-related questions answered. Often we can find those resources on the website, but sometimes they need to get in touch with a regional educator. And then the answer line is another great resource. Home economists answer those calls. So right now, people are planning graduation parties. So we could transfer somebody to the answer line and they could say, I have X amount of people coming to my party, help me plan out how much food I need. Or maybe they're putting their dock and their lift in and realize that their canopy is full of mold, how do I get that cleaned? So those are really good resources that's available to people. And then, yeah, the next slide, we just kinda pointed out some of the key responsibilities that we have. And I do spend a lot of time in the 4-H online and fair entry databases. They have anything from enrollment to all of our events, pulling data that they need for their programs. And then at the end of a program, just going in and doing all the final reporting. And that's how you get a lot of the statistics at Extension Committee. kind of that last extension committee of the year or in January. Let's see, fair entry, of course, the two programs are connected. Fair entry has everything fair related. So that's where they'll go in and sign up for all their projects. And then, you know, we're pulling all that data around fair and then keeping track of awards and financials, that kind of thing. And then I work a lot with the promotion and communications, posting things on the extension website. It's fun to work with the newspapers, radio, putting things on the county screens, community calendars, that kind of thing. And then just ordering supplies, monitoring the budget, kind of keeping an eye on where those supplies are at, reaching out to Dave and Cecilia as needed, so. That's what I got.

Yeah, and I take over and do some other things. I manage donations from donors within our community. We have very, very, so many donors and we are so grateful for the community that we get to live in and provide so many opportunities for the youth here. I also oversee tracking and communication of 4-H ear tags. We switched ear tags and everybody has to have an RFID tag in their ear. It just helps tracking a little bit easier and stuff, so I'm working on that currently. And then broad support. Anybody within our extension office, if they need something, they come to me. If they want to vent and just need somebody to listen, I listen. They need somebody to get down to the nitty gritty, I'm their person. So I just help fill all the gaps for everybody. And then there's a new thing that we don't have much information on, the spiny water fleas. We, Kim and I, are gonna be going through, is it like a couple little trainings on how to take care of these kits. I have had a couple conversations with a couple people and they said that they haven't been found in Douglas County lakes. But this is just something where people within the community can come to our office and check out a kit and take it to a lake and do their investigating type things. And Kim and I will just get training on how to care for the kits and how to track the kits and things like that. So once we have more information, we can share that.

What are you gonna do with them?

What do we do with them?

Yeah.

The kits or the?

Yeah, what do they do?

We're not really sure. We don't have too much information on them.

I was like reading that they like, I don't know, it's like a screen that they put in the lake and they kind of move it around and then they collect stuff and then they're checking. I think it's a detector checking for these spiny water fleas.

And then they got to send the information in. Yeah.

It's recording. Yep.

Thank you. All right.

Okay, it's me next. So each year, Extension educators engage in the process to set local programming goals, growth goals, and retention goals. And part of this process, we very carefully review what our community needs are and what the opportunities are We look at our local programming that we're already doing and checking our participation and retention on that. We look at the, oops, go back. We look at the county demographics and then we also evaluate our responses from evaluations that are collected. So people's comments so that we can learn from that. So this year, our growth goal was to increase our enrollment with the 4-H membership by 5%. So that would be about 18 youth through our after school programs, our county events and programs that we have in our in-school programs. This goal was chosen because of our community needs and the participation in the 4-H program. The following strategies have been identified through achieving our goals and will be implemented this year. So part of how we will be showing that is through posters, pictures that have shown some of the events that we've done. They'll be showcased at the county fair and partnerships with new programs. We were, I don't know, it was really nice. We actually had a new program that is starting this summer reach out to us. It's the Alexandria Community Christian School, so they're starting a summer program. They contacted Jody and I and asked if we could bring 4-H into their summer program. So we will be looking at, I don't know, I think they've got 30 to 40 kids in there that I will be going into them this summer, along with the Compass Program, Brandon, and Osakis summer programs. We have day camps that will... go for kindergarten through second grade. We have outdoor adventure and overnight camps that are directed for third through fifth grade. We have content workshops that are for sixth through eighth grade and ninth and up. And then we have leadership opportunities for sixth grade and up.

I'm gonna talk a little bit about retention. One thing is we are above the state average for Minnesota 4-H. They have an average and we are actually above that average in keeping our 4-H members. So we wanna maintain that at least, hopefully increase. And we have some strategies for that. We've been really working with our community clubs to strengthen the activities and make them a little bit more engaging and educational. to provide tools for our club leaders to make our meetings fun and educational. And there again, continuing to work with our existing partners to expand programming within our current staffing capacity. We were fortunate, we have a summer intern that is funded by the MOA and our county federation is, we are hiring a high school assistant this year for the first time, because there's just things that we just can't get done and we know that there's a need for that, so we're excited about that. And then to really concentrate on the grades three through five and six and up to get more data on their retention, how long they're staying, and really target programs for that age group. So one of the things that Jackie mentioned was youth leadership opportunities, of which we have a lot of. But that's a rate where 4-H members have lots of opportunities out in the world working things at school, church, etc. So we really want to make sure we give them opportunities to learn and lead. So we're having Elena Tavern, who has served as a camp counselor for day camps, worked at our annual PJ party, and serves as our leader's council treasurer. She's going to talk a little bit about her journey to a youth leader.

Good morning. My name is Elena Tavern. I'm 16 years old, and I've been in 4-H for 11 years since kindergarten, which is the youngest age you can join. So basically, I've been doing 4-H since I was five. I didn't really have much of a say in it at that age, but I will say my mom made a pretty good decision. I didn't join 4-H because I knew exactly what I wanted to gain from it. When I was younger, it was just something I did, something I tagged along to, whether it was meeting for 4-H club or just meetings. My mom always found something for me to be involved in, but looking back now, I can see how much it shaped who I am. 4-H didn't just teach me how to complete projects, speak in front of people, it taught me how to show up even when I'm nervous. It taught me how to take responsibility, not because I have to, but because other people are counting on me. Over the years, I've had the opportunities to be involved in a lot of different things. One of the biggest things for me has been being a camp councillor and helping out at day camps and PJ parties for younger kids. Those experiences have meant more to me than I ever expected. I remember one time at a day camp, there was a younger kid who didn't really want to participate. They were quiet, kind of off to the side, and you could tell they were nervous. I sat with them for a little bit, talked to them, and helped them get involved in one of the activities. By the end of the day, they were laughing, running around, and didn't want to leave. That moment stuck with me because it showed me how much a small effort can actually matter to someone. When you're working with younger kids, they're watching everything you do. I know I definitely did when I was younger. They look up to you whether you realize it or not, and that pushes you to be patient, to be kind, and to lead by example. It's not always easy, and there are definitely chaotic moments, but it's worth it when you see those kids having fun, learning something new, or just feeling like they belong. And that's something 4-H really creates, a place where people feel like they belong and have a purpose. I've also had the chance to serve as an officer at both county and club level, which has been a completely different kind of learning experience. Right now, I'm serving as the treasurer for my county and the secretary for my club. Those roles have taught me a lot about organization, communication, and accountability. Being treasurer isn't just about numbers, it's about trust and making sure everything is handled responsibly and that people can rely on you. And being secretary has taught me how to listen carefully, stay organized, and make sure everyone's voice is heard and respected. These are skills that go way beyond 4-H. I've already seen them show up in parts of my life, whether that's school, group projects, or just everyday situations where I need to step up and take responsibility. But I think one of the most important things 4-H has given me is confidence. Not the kind where you're never nervous, but the kind where you do things even though they are nervous. Standing up here right now is a good example of that. If you would have told a younger version of me that I'd be speaking in front of the Board of Commissioners, I probably wouldn't have believed you. But 4-H has given me so many opportunities to practice speaking and leading and putting myself out that it doesn't feel like a challenge anymore. It still feels a little scary, but I know that there are so many more opportunities coming my way, and I'm ready to face them head on. I think that's what makes 4-H so important. It gives young people the chance to grow into themselves. It gives us real experiences, real responsibilities, and real chances to lead. It's not just about projects or fairs or meetings, it's about building skills that stay with us for the rest of our lives. Skills like leadership, responsibility, communication, and competence. Skills that turn into actions, and actions that turn into impact, not just within 4-H, but our schools, our communities, and our future. I'm really grateful for everything 4-H has given me, and I'm proud to be a part of it. Thank you for your time.

Laina, job well done. When you get age qualified, you can run for County Commissioner.

There you go. Exactly, she do a great job.

You did a good job.

Thank you.

So a big list.

Robin, before we get started, we're on a time limit.

I'm kidding. So a few of the important things I'm working on this summer. Garden Buzz is a virtual Q&A once a month for those people in the winter who attended Gardening from the Ground Up, which was a winter workshop series. We have 1,700 that... statewide that signed up for this. So they come and garden buzz and ask their questions. I'm also working with Colourful Seasons. I am there on a Saturday morning to talk to the people. I was there on Mother's Day. Boy, was that fun. And I am also working with the Ag Business Management team right now with Extension because they're working on that, you know, that Minnesota paid leave grant and how that impacts agriculture. employers and farms. So we're doing that. Highlights from last quarter, we went to the Books and Blooms United Way fundraiser. The Master Gardeners hosted a table there and we had 125 people making wildflower balls to go home and plant. And it was so much fun that they've asked us to come back year after year because they thought they always do a book and a gardening kind of theme and the Master Gardeners fit right in. The senior center workshop series is still going strong. I've had a lot of out of county requests so that I make my colleagues, I put them in touch with their senior centers. But it's really important. My focus for the senior center workshops is to have it old school, hands on, and community building. A lot of these people were gardeners, had big gardens, and now they live in an apartment and they miss it. And they miss the connection with people sometimes. So we come, meet for two hours, I talk about the theme for the day that they get to pick, and then we do an activity. This Friday we're gonna be making native bee houses and garden tags, and the fun thing is when we do the opportunity, we sit and we talk, and we build community, we learn about each other, and we share what we know about the garden. So I end up not necessarily being the expert in the room, I just facilitate the conversation, which I think is so important. So that's a lot of fun. It expands the practical research-based education, brings it down to the individuals in our community, strengthens those community connections, and you all go on the internet. I know you do. If you ask a question of Google, how many answers does it give you, and how do you know that they're valid answers? I get people calling all the time and saying, well, if I put this on that, will that work? No, that's a myth. So, that trusted information and having that resource in Douglas County is so appreciated by our community and other communities are seeing it and valuing it as well. And I love being able to reinforce Extension's role as that reliable, responsive, and regional resource. So you've got me here in Douglas, that is where I focus my jobs, my work and my outreach, but I also get questions regionally as well. With the cut flowers in particular, I am like the cut flower expert, because I've done that for 17 years personally, and that's grown along with my extension position. So my goals this year are to expand that educational programming, do a lot more of the hands-on stuff, get out and really focus on the Gardening Road Show, taking it on the road to all the small communities in Douglas. Let me know if there's a place that you think I should show up. I would really like your input. Because developing those new audiences, engaging new community groups is really important to me. And then, of course, strengthening that stakeholder engagement. The clubs and the businesses and partnering with the people of Douglas County who can help me make a difference in the county. I love what I do. I enjoy being out there talking to people. You know that. You warned me to keep on time. So it's just something that's very valuable to me and I think really speaks well of you to support the programming that I do. Now I've got to show and tell. Because I have been writing a news column for 17 years. And I have been sending that column to morning ag clips all that time. In the past two years, they carry me every week, and now they have a column called Daily Dirt, which is a different online newsletter that comes out. And if you listen to NPR, you know who Kathy Werzer is, and she contacted me in April and asked me to come on and be interviewed. Five-minute interview, but she found me through the morning eclipse. Well, you know NPR and Morning Edition goes nationwide. And the next week, I got a call from Martha Stewart Living and the New York Times. And they interviewed me, they mentioned my name, and then I got a call from the Old Farmer's Almanac and the New York Times again. But this time, okay, so the Sal is an independent journalist. This was for Good Housekeeping magazine. So now I'm in good housekeeping. I am in, I just got another email from Martha Stewart, and it's just kind of cool and exciting because these came out of the blue. I didn't seek these out. They are seeking me out. And I'm being recognized as an expert, not just in Douglas County, but in Minnesota and beyond. And I think that really is kudos to you giving me the opportunity to do this work that I'm passionate about and really making a name, not just for me, but for the Douglas County commissioners who have supported this work for 17 years. So I just wanna thank you because to me, this is so exciting. That's what the show and tell is. And, but being on, I have listened to Kathy Werzer forever and having her contact me out of the blue and saying, hey, you wanna be on my show? What am I gonna say no to that? Not likely. So it's just exploding and really given me even more of a passion for the writing. So thank you for all you do to support the work that we do. And you're not going to get rid of me for a long time. I'm here for the long haul.

Thank you for all you do. But I do want to comment, too. Every Saturday morning, I don't know why, when I'm in the garage, I find myself turning it on KXRA, and I get to listen to you and Alexia talk about Master Gardening and everything. And I hope you had a great show last time you were out at Colorful Seasons. And people, did they come see you? Yeah. Because you said you were going to be out there. I bet you were busy.

Oh, it was so busy. So I was at Colorful Seasons for two Saturday mornings, the Saturday after the show that we did live. And we've been trying to get live because they're the sponsor, one of the major sponsors of that show. So I want to continue that relationship with Lynelle and her staff. But I love being out at Colorful because I tell people online or on the radio what I'm going to be wearing. And I say, look for the crazy lady in the white shirt in the garden center. I can't guarantee it's still going to be white. And they came up, especially Mother's Day. I had so many people who came to Colorful just to talk to me. But of course, if you come to the garden center and you're a gardener, you're not leaving without buying something. So it's a good...

One more thing I wanted to ask you on some Saturday, you should talk about bat houses. You talk about bees, let's talk about bats. How good they are for your, okay, thank you.

Mr. Chair, Robert, any forecast on 10 caterpillars?

I have no forecast on caterpillars. What I can tell you is they run in cycles. So they, when there are not a lot of predators for them, they get big and then the predators increase and eat them all and then they disappear and the predators go away. So how were they here last year?

Good, we didn't hardly have any.

Okay, so hopefully this year it'll be the same, but I know we haven't had, 10 years ago, oh boy, were they awful, so.

Okay, thanks.

Before we go, we do have, this is such a milestone event today. Is it okay if we approach and just get a picture of the group while we transition?

Yes, most definitely. Julie loves having pictures as well.

While they're getting up here.

You want us to come down there? Or you just want.

Oh, we'll come to you. That's fine. Okay.

Mr. Chair, while they're getting organized for their pictures and everything, I just want to make a comment. How much I appreciate the attention office and what the work that they do. And my kids were involved in 4-H and being involved with them. I see the young people that graduated. Oh, you're fine. And, uh, They're coming back home to be involved in the community. And so thank you for all you do. David, come on up here. Thanks, Jeff.

Robin, do you want to?

You want to get these two guys to come over? Or you want to stand up?

Perfect. No, Dave?

I'm going to take a couple because that is what I do.

Thank you.

I counted three. Thank you. Thank you. Yep. Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Good to see you again.

Vicki Doling. Where is she? Oh, there she is. Come on up, Vicki.

Thank you.

All right, one quick little item here. I have a resolution. United Way Lakes and Prairie is seeking to perform a raffle at Geneva Golf Course on June 8th of this year.

Make a motion to approve resolution 2646.

I'll second it. Thanks, Charlie. Any discussion? Lene, please.

Kalina.

Yes.

Rapp.

Yes.

Way.

Yes.

Meyer. Yes. Schmidt.

Yes.

Motion carries.

Thanks, Vicki. At this time, I'd like to call up Holly Houston, VP of Finance for St. Paul Port Authority. We finally got to you, sorry. Oh, no. You're all good? I'm good. Good.

Mr. Chair, thank you for having me. Thank you, commissioners. No, I was a 4-H member as well, so that was a great presentation. Very reminiscent. It was a good experience for myself as well. But today I am here before you as the program administrator for the Property Assessed Clean Energy Program. I am seeking approval for the RUNE to remove their current PACE assessment and replace it with a new PACE assessment. To provide you some context, in 2024, the state legislature changed the PACE law allowing for 30% of the property's value to be financed for energy improvements. It also changed the term to a 30-year term was now eligible. In addition, it also made resiliency projects accessible. So it really made PACE more flexible. And so with that change, we are seeing some PACE projects So they're utilizing, it used to be 20% of the property's assessed value could be, a loan could be taken out against, now it's up to 30. So this request is to remove the current assessment and then replace it with a new one starting next year. And this is contingent on, they will pay off the current assessment, they'll pay all assessments that are currently due to the county, and then the new assessment would start next year.

Question. Does someone follow up and make sure all this stuff is happening that's listed in here?

Absolutely.

Okay, so it does get checked?

Mr. Chair, correct. So this is very contingent on making sure that it follows state law and state statute. I would not, that is my integrity and my role. And so I'll follow up with staff once this gets complete and to make sure that the next steps happen. Mr.

Chair, in there, it says that everything was supposed to have been done by May 15th. Was it all done?

Mr. Chair and Commissioner Meyer, that, I did see that. And my understanding is that it was not made. The payment was not made. The payment will be made as soon as the new loan is closed on. So they're utilizing the, the 13 million to pay back taxes. And so it's kind of the cart before the horse. And so that's one of the nuances of PACE is just timing is sometimes an issue. So I would, if there's a process to say contingent on that the payment is paid by the end of the month, perhaps there's an option to add that in. add that in or make a change at the table, I'm not sure.

I think it's a wonderful program and good for them and everything else. We need to get that project done. Yes. Well, it needs to be, but I mean, the loan, which is a wonderful opportunity, but on the savings of energy is a great way to do it, and I understand that. I was just wondering, when you go through it about the deadlines, He has a hell of a time with deadlines, I guess. I shouldn't say it that way. It's still out there.

Commissioner, correct. And so there will be, unfortunately, those consequences that they're in the situation that they're willing to pay the penalties and interest due to the county.

You're just asking us to make a motion and approve that Pate is going to take care of all this?

with the county? Correct. So I'm asking you to approve a new PACE assessment starting in 2027 based on that they will pay back taxes and assessments.

You keep them current? Keep them current.

For the 30 years? That I cannot attest for.

Okay.

I can attest for that, as I've mentioned, they're subject to the rules of property taxes with the assessment and penalties and interest are a deterrent to keep them current.

Becoming a 3% partner of the loan and so on and so forth, are you also underwriting the entire program?

Commissioner, I am underwriting the program and then the The lender is underwriting the property owner. So they have their own agreement. You and I have our own agreement through our joint powers agreement. There's capital providers that are getting the capital behind them to fund them. I can tell you that we have different PACE loans with this property owner and they have been successful they've also paid off early in some cases once they stabilize the building and get it get it rented out so i know that there's some openings today and it's it is moving forward and so there is yeah there's a distillery opening today mr chair i'll make a motion we approve thank you

Jerry? I'll second it, but I got a question. Go ahead. So follow up on Chair Schmidt's question as far as we had approved some, I believe it was in the heating and cooling end of it, that was supposed to be done before the project is finished. Have you followed up on all of that from the beginning?

Have I followed up on that all of the energy improvements?

That it was done according to the, you might say, plans and specs?

Mr. Chair and Commissioner Rapp, correct. So the new assessment went back and did another energy audit. And so I have an energy audit to do. look at all of the equipment and yes, verify that.

Thank you.

Mr. Chair, that will make everything current as far as assessments and everything.

Any further discussion? Thanks, Charlie. Thanks, Jerry. Lene, please.

Rapp.

Yes.

Way.

Yes.

Meyer. Yes. Schmidt.

Yes.

Kalina.

Yes.

Motion carries.

There you go. Thank you. Thank you. And let's do some more because it's the only project. So this is a really great program and I'm happy to. You should talk to her. You know, it's good for small businesses. So keep us in mind.

Great idea. Thank you. Jill, please.

Talk to your son.

I guess. You got one. I see that you two got one. Morning, Jill.

Good morning. I just have one item today, just looking for a motion to approve bills totaling $1,364,875.69. Motion to pay the bills. Second. Thanks, Jerry. Thanks, Jeff. Any further discussion? Lene, please.

Way?

Yes.

Meyer? Yes. Schmidt?

Yes.

Kalina? Yes. Rapp? Yes. Motion carries.

Thank you. At this time, I'll ask for any items from the floor. Any items from the floor? Any items from the floor? At this time, I'll take a motion to adjourn.

Motion to adjourn. Second.

Thanks, Jeff. Thanks, Jerry. Any further discussion? An A, please.

Schmidt.

Yes.

Kalina.

Yes.

Rapp.

Yes.

Way.

Yes.

Meyer. Yes. Motion carries.

Thank you. We're going to move into a work session.