County Board - Regular Meeting

Good afternoon. I'll call to order this meeting of the Hinton County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. It's 1.32 p.m. I'm Irene Fernando, Chair of the Board and District 2 Commissioner. I'm joined by District 1 Commissioner Jeff Lundy, District 4 Commissioner Angela Conley, Vice Chair and District 5 Commissioner Debbie Gotel, District 6 Commissioner Heather Edelson, and District 7 Commissioner Kevin Anderson. Hennepin County acknowledges that the magnificent land and vibrant waterways from which our institutions benefit are located upon the cultural, spiritual, and indigenous homeland of the Dakota Oyate. Hennepin County calls attention to the Dakota people's ongoing connection to this special place. On to the agenda, the first item is the Pledge of Allegiance. Please join me. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation,

with liberty and justice for all.

Next is to approve the agenda. May I have a motion, please? So moved.

Second.

Thank you, Commissioners Gotell and Anderson. All those in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

Opposed? Motion carries. Three is Hennepin Highlights, for which we have none. Four is the minutes of the previous meeting. 4A is August 4, 2026 meeting minutes. May I have a motion, please? So moved.

Second.

Thank you, Commissioners Lundy and Conley. Any notes or corrections? Hearing and seeing none, all those in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

Opposed? Motion carries. Five is referral of correspondence and department communications. Five A through C are correspondence, and five D to five Y are department communications. May I have a motion to accept and refer as recommended?

So moved. Second.

Thank you, Commissioners Goetel and Anderson. All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. Six is commendations, and we do have one today. 6A is recognizing and honoring the public service of Commissioner John Edward Derris III, offered by the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners. I'll move this. May I have a second? Second. Thank you to everyone who seconded. Today we are offering a posthumous commendation for former Hennepin County Commissioner and former Board Chair John Derris, who recently passed away. He served as a county commissioner for nearly 20 years and led the charge on public policies that still impact our communities today. I want to acknowledge members of John D'Arcy's family and community who are present in the audience and who are also watching online. We extend our sincerest condolences and thanks for the family's long tradition of public service and certainly want to acknowledge a council member for being here as well. I'll ask the clerk to read the commendation and then open it up for remarks from the board. Then we will take a photo with the family for those who wish to take a picture and then we'll hear remarks directly from the family. Ms. Rose.

Whereas John Edward Derris III served the residents of Hennepin County with distinction as a member of the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners from 1975 to 1993, including multiple terms as chair. And whereas Commissioner Derris devoted his career to strengthening the civic, cultural, and infrastructural foundations of Hennepin County. championing projects that have become enduring landmarks, including the preservation of the Stone Arch Bridge, the construction of the Hennepin County Suspension Bridge, and the improvements to the riverfront that continue to benefit residents and visitors alike. And whereas Commissioner Darius was an early and tireless advocate for the development of the light rail transit, laying essential groundwork for the regional transit system that serves as a vital connector for communities today. And whereas Commissioner Darius demonstrated a lifelong service beyond elected office through leadership roles in the Minneapolis Aqua Tenuel, the Minnesota 100 Club, and the Association of Minnesota Counties, and through board service that enriched Minnesota's cultural and educational institutions. And whereas Commissioner Darius' dedication to public service was rooted in a broad and meaningful life experience, including service in the Army Reserves, teaching in the Peace Corps, and academic pursuit at St. Cloud State University and Harvard University School of Divinity. And whereas Commissioner Darius embodied the highest ideals of public service through his steadfast commitment to his community, his advocacy for his constituents, and his unwavering efforts to protect and improve the quality of life for residents of Northeast Minneapolis and all of Hennepin County. And whereas Commissioner Daris placed family at the center of his life, demonstrating throughout his love, through his love, support, and example, the same steadfast commitment he brought to public service and inspiring future generations of his family to serve their communities. And whereas Commissioner Daris' legacy lives on through the infrastructure he helped create, the institutions he strengthened, and the countless lives he positively influenced, be it resolved that the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners hereby recognizes John Edward Daris III for his extraordinary public service, expresses its profound gratitude for his decades of leadership, and extends its deepest condolences to his family.

Thank you for the action. Before I open it up to my colleagues, I want to offer my personal thanks to Commissioner Derris and extend condolences to the family. It was really inspiring to look at the decades of service, and I think especially in this moment, the type of risk that Commissioner Derris' leadership represents. Commissioner Derris envisioned a light rail system and transit way back in the 1970s, decades before this region was willing to see it. He was ridiculed for some of his positions publicly and repeatedly. I learned that the Star Tribune even ran cartoons at his expense and that he kept those comics and he kept making the case that he believed in. It's inspiring to me because we are in a moment where elected officials can and should be taking risk on behalf of its residents and the vision. And so I'm just personally very inspired by a leader who was willing to willing to lead in this kind of way. The arguments that Commissioner Derris made about transit, the riverfront, is kind of remarkably similar to today in some ways. And so I was very, again, very moved and inspired by hearing more about his story, although I did not get to serve alongside him. He's talked about elders. He talked about people with disabilities. He talked about people living in poverty. He talked about people who relied on public services. And 50 years later, countless people, including myself, use the system that he envisioned. And it somehow seems fitting that we are honoring him in the same month that this board voted on the largest single investment in public transit in Minnesota history because strong public goods create strong communities. And so to Commissioner Darius, may he rest in peace. Thank you for staying with this fight even when it cost you something. And to the Darius family, thank you for sharing him with all of us. Colleagues, Commissioner Goodell.

Thank you. Thank you very much. And again, my condolences as well. And I'm so glad to see you all here. Thank you for coming. When I look at the past history of this commissioner, I think he was progressive before it was fashionable. I think that's a really cool thing. I think so. That's very inspirational to people like us here up at the dais because it gives us It makes us think about stepping out of our comfort zone. And he was one who did that. And that's a great example to set for all of us. Lots of years of service. And I think he'd be very happy to see how Diligently we are following on with the light rail that he always envisioned and we're gonna keep that in the in the sight lines I just want to let you know. I'm also very impressed by his strong Love and commitment to try to bring people into community. I think we need more of that today And this is a good example We should go back to all the great work that he did to make sure we're carrying it on and doing even more And I just want to say think I know I thank you to you as the family because I know that that he put family first but I also know you sacrificed my family sacrifices for me being here up in the in the public eye there's there's nights and weekends they're not there and we know that we're not there because we're out meeting and so was John and so thank you for letting us have him for the time we had him Commissioner Lundy

Thank you, Madam Chair. I just want to extend my condolences and also my gratitude to the family, because I do believe, like Commissioner Gautel said, that we are on loan and that the families tend to serve alongside us, even though you don't see them. But they're always there, especially when you earn the ire of someone and they decide to publish that somewhere, I know what that's like and sometimes I wear it as a badge of honor and I think Commissioner Darius did too. Because if, guess what, if you're not doing something, you're not making someone mad, no one talks about you. And so if you're doing something, you're usually stirring the pot and you're usually upsetting people. And that's just fine because we're not here to make friends all the time. Sometimes we do have to try to help coerce people. I do think, you know, to Commissioner Fernando's point about the largest investment, we have not stopped fighting for transit. We have not stopped fighting for the system that he envisioned. And I think in true North Sider fashion, we are happy to to lead with open hands, but we don't mind a fist if it takes something to get a project across the line. And we are going to get the Blue Line project done. And if need be, we'll do whatever fighting we have to, because the people, I think, deserve that vision that Commissioner Daris started. And I'm grateful for that, because I'm looking at just filling out one piece. Someone thought of the beginning piece, and that was Commissioner Daris. So thank you.

Commissioner Connolly? Thank you. I feel like anyone who does this job, honestly, is a truly special human being. To give your life to the service of the public is an incredible feat. And it sounded like Commissioner Dares was truly a humanitarian, someone who looked at the human being behind the policy. And that's what he would fight for. That, too, takes a special type of person. So I just want to share in the thanks of sharing him with us, with the county, with the 1.3 million people here that live here today, because truly we are better off for it. Thank you.

Commissioner Edelson.

Well, you guys all got to see the office, which I share. And it has his history and the lures that come with it. I looked up, because I never had the pleasure of meeting John Derris. But I had saw Brian Rice, a friend of mine, had posted this beautiful tribute to him online. And then I reached out to the board. Because so much of the legacy that we live, I mean, 18 years he served in this body. And before that, I think he was in the city council. So much of what we do in these rooms is hidden. No one knows what a county commissioner does. I'm sure that was probably something you guys were really well aware of. It's definitely something a lot of us honestly like. I came from the house. But what I loved in his history was that he worked for Hubert Humphrey. And Hubert Humphrey has my favorite quotes that it's – I'm going to mess it up a little bit here, but go with me because it sounds a lot like your relative and like John – So it's about the goal should not be to march alone, but to march in a way that others wish to join us. And so the idea is to sometimes you are alone when you're trying to get policies passed, but the goal is to bring others along. And that takes time. And so anyways, I just wanted to congratulate you for having this lovely family member that did so much great work on behalf of our state and our county.

Commissioner Anderson.

thank you and you know I I took the opportunity to join you at the at his funeral the other last week and I think the stories that were shared were, I think, really what kind of brings to life, you know, we can list the accomplishments and the achievements. the achievements and the impacts that he had on our community. And behind it all was a person who very, very obviously loved his family, loved the community that he was a part of, and really wanted to see things better for everybody. and was willing to take chances to do that, was willing to throw an elbow to do that, and also to bring along people and make it possible, right? You can't do this work alone. And I really think that John understood that from everything that I've heard from friends and what I heard at the service and I keep coming back to that's what is the best in public service. When we are able to take ourselves and put ourselves into the role that we are occupying at the time and inspire other people to work as hard as needs to happen in order to make some changes happen. And John really, really exemplified that and inspired family to be a part of that. And he made room for other people to carry on a legacy that was bigger than himself. And that's truly a remarkable thing. And so thank you for sharing him. My sincere condolences on the loss of such a wonderful person. Thank you.

Commissioner John Derris' legacy will certainly live on here in Hennepin County. We again extend our condolences and offer our thanks, but we'll invite a photo for anyone in the family who wishes to be in a picture, and then the last word will go to the family for any closing remarks. So colleagues, we'll bring this to a vote, and then we'll invite a member of the family to speak. So all those in favor of the commendation, please say aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. And please.

So my name is Mike Derris. I am one of John's sons. There are four of us. There's my brother, John, Jr., and the fourth, and my sister, Barb, and our brother, Paul. And on behalf of our family, my mom, too, and all of our Extend family, thank you for doing this. We are really taken aback by this, and I know this would mean the world to my dad. He loved this place. He always told us, you owe back to the place that made you, and this place did make him. And he would have just been so humbled by this. So thank you so much. And to your comments about light rail, I remember sitting right in that room in his office, and he was talking to somebody about how This light rail thing will take lifetimes. He said it took that long in Boston and New York and Chicago, and it's going to take that long here. And you guys are continuing that legacy. So we appreciate that. And I also want to thank my mom, who I know my dad would thank if he was here right now, because you did so much for him and allowed him to do so much for this community. So thank you very much. We appreciate it so much.

Next on the agenda are commissioner communications, and the first that we have is an in memoriam for Representative Karen Clark offered by Commissioner Conley. Go ahead, Commissioner.

Thank you, Madam Chair. It is with love and deep gratitude that we honor the life and legacy of former Minnesota State Representative Karen Clark. who passed away on Tuesday, June 30th. Karen was truly a trailblazer, unwavering advocate, and extraordinary public servant who devoted nearly four decades to the people of South Minneapolis and Hennepin County. Karen was first elected to the Minnesota House in 1980 and served from 1981 through 2019, representing successive South Minneapolis districts in Hennepin County. She was a historic civil rights leader. Karen was the first openly lesbian member of the Minnesota legislature and ultimately the longest serving open lesbian state legislator in the entire country. In 1993, she played a critical role in adding sexual orientation protections to the Minnesota Human Rights Act. And in 2013, Karen was the chief house author of Minnesota's marriage equality legislation. Her decades of advocacy helped make marriage equality a reality for all Minnesotans. That same year, President Barack Obama recognized her as a Harvey Milk Champion of Change. Karen's legacy was rooted in social, economic, and environmental justice. She fought for affordable housing, workers' rights, public health, economic opportunity, and protections for communities facing extreme environmental injustices. One of her most important local legacies is East Phillips. In 2016, she introduced legislation to support an indoor year-round urban farm in the East Phillips community of South Minneapolis. And she continued advocating for the project and the community's vision for the Roof Depot site. That vision reflects many of the issues Karen fought for throughout her career, environmental justice, food access, good jobs, community investment, and a healthier future for East Phillips. This work also captures something important about Karen's approach to public service. She understood the power of government and that lasting change begins with the communities themselves. She listened to residents, she brought their concerns to the Capitol, and she kept advocating even when change took years. We honor Karen Clark with gratitude and love for her courage, her persistence, her vision, and her unwavering commitment to the people that she served. May her legacy remind all of us that public service is ultimately about the people, and that meaningful change happens when we have the courage to stand with historically isolated communities and keep showing up over and over again. On September 18th, the Women's Environmental Institute will be hosting a community celebration of life and memorial service to honor Karen. For more information or to share a tribute, please visit their website. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Commissioner. And I want to add one thing. Before Rep. Clark was a legislator, she was a nurse with this county. She worked as a nurse practitioner at the Hennepin County Health Department, so she is a part of the Hennepin family. And so that's twice today that we're honoring people who were told to be patient, and thank goodness for us, they declined. Elected officials, who I find inspiration from, who took bold actions that have absolutely shaped the current condition for people and young people and for generations to come. Rep. Clark absolutely legislated for people she would never meet. People who are in this room, people who have not been born yet, and that is a key aspect of the impact of these positions. And so I just want to extend my gratitude to Rep. Clark and condolences to her family as well. Commissioner Goodell.

Thank you. I ran into Representative Clark when she was passing the equal marriage bill. And the reason is because I was mayor at the time. And Minneapolis was the only one who had a partnership agreement. And they were asking cities to pass a partnership agreement. And I was the second city then after Minneapolis to pass that and helped other cities do this because one of the things that was very clear when I talked to her is that they wanted to know that cities had their back. And so I went from city to city to my mayor friends. I'm sure Commissioner Lundy, you got approached about that as well. I wasn't the one who got to approach you, but several others I did and showed them how to move this forward. And Commissioner Colley and I worked on the Roof Depot project with her. I was there through the whole doggone thing and the mess and the politics and the funding streams and everything. They didn't get the whole property. They got half of it, and they're going to make that work. And I am excited to see her legacy live on in that project.

Commissioner Adelson.

I WAS AT THE LEGISLATURE WHEN I WAS COMING INTO THE MINNESOTA HOUSE, REPRESENTATIVE CLARK WAS JUST RETIRING. BUT HER LEGACY, IT WAS FUNNY, SHE WOULD STILL COME TO THE LEGISLATURE. SHE WAS LIKE, I'M RETIRED AND I'M STILL HERE, WHICH WAS GREAT. AND YOU ALWAYS KNEW WHAT SHE BELIEVED IN. ONE OF THE THINGS THAT REALLY GOT ME INVOLVED WITH POLITICS When I was younger, well, not that much younger, but was marriage equality. And I remember, you know, when I moved to Edina, it was, you know, the vote no campaign, right? And I was like the only vote no. And I remember just how interesting that was to kind of stand up. And then you would see Karen Clark. Just being like, no, always saying what she believed in. But one of the things that I don't think she gets recognized enough for, too, is some of her surrogacy laws in the state of Minnesota are the best for same-sex couples. And Karen Clark worked on that in a way that I think is kind of hidden. And so, yes, on marriage equality. Yes, on all this great work that you highlighted. But we have friends from New Jersey that flew here, a same-sex couple. dan and eric and they come here because our surrogacy laws are some of the best and uh so anyways another just legacy that she will leave for families is just i think caring about community you're right thank you i think we'll move forward to the second commission communication we have today which is the annual national award celebration which i'll speak to

I'm proud to share that this year, Hennepin County won 22 awards from four national organizations. Across the nation, Hennepin County is recognized as a leader, and that recognition is a testament of the great employees we have in this organization and the quality of work that they do every single day. We won 19 achievement awards from the National Association of Counties, as well as awards from the National Association of County Information Officers, the Center for Digital Government, and the National Association of County Intergovernmental Relations Officers. The award-winning projects encompass the work of nearly 250 county staff from 18 departments across all lines of business. Last week, the board, Administrator Wetland, county leadership, and contributors to each award-winning project gathered in person to celebrate the many awards that the county won and recognize the employees who worked on these incredible projects. A huge congratulations to all of the award-winning teams. Your commitment to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement help us serve residents better every single day. Moving forward in the agenda, 8 is the claims register. We have two today. 8A is for the period ending August 7, 2026, and 8B for the period ending August 14, 2026. May I have a motion, please?

So moved.

Thank you, Commissioners Conley and Anderson. All those in favor of the claims register, please say aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. Nine are consent items. These would have passed unanimously out of committee. We have 9A to 9R. May I have a motion for the block? Thank you, Commissioners Cotell and Edelson. Colleagues, any that folks want to highlight before we vote? Looking around, looking around. I will highlight 9Q. So this is just really a continuation of a conversation that we've had in this boardroom around cost sharing, how are we going to join up with other municipalities or partners, and this just further kind of codifies the conversation we've been having for the public. Go ahead, Commissioner Lundy.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Just also want to highlight 9Q. You know, if you look at over the next few weeks, you can hear everybody releasing their preliminary property tax levies. I think it's probably the most biggest indication that we need to find ways to work together at all levels. And what was once the way we did things doesn't mean we have to continue doing things again. And that I think our citizens are looking at property taxes at every level and saying, can't we do some of this stuff differently? And I think the only thing that is is tradition and people's will to do that. And it takes time, but I know that as we try to commit to that, that there are so many things that we can and will be doing better together. Thank you. Absolutely.

Any further? We have the consent agenda before us, 9A to 9R. With a motion and a second before us, all those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. On our agenda, 10 is not consent. These are items that would have passed out of committee, but not unanimously, for which we have none. 11 are progressed items. This means an item that would have progressed from committee to board without a vote, and we have one. 11A is the 2026 Watershed Board Applicants and Appointments for the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District Board. For those following at home, there is a particular way that we vote for these appointments. Today, we have three applicants for two out large spots. We will happily take the support of the clerk to see if we can appoint these positions today. Go ahead, Ms. Rose.

Commissioner Lundy.

Chris Ann Lorne.

Commissioner Conley.

Chris Ann Loria.

Commissioner Guttel.

Chris Ann Loria.

Commissioner Adelson. Chris Ann Loria. Commissioner Anderson.

Chris Ann Loria.

Commissioner Fernando.

Chris Ann Loria, and congratulations to Chris Ann Loria for being appointed. We have one remaining at large spot, and so we will take your support again, Ms. Rose.

Commissioner Conley. Steve Gurney. Commissioner Gotel. Steve Gurney. Commissioner Edelson. Steve Gurney. Commissioner Anderson.

Steve Gurney.

Commissioner Lundy.

Steve Gurney.

Commissioner Fernando.

Steve Gurney. And congratulations to Steve Gurney on being appointed. And thank you to everyone who applies both to this watershed district board and all of our community boards. That moves us on to old business on the agenda. These are items that would have been seen by this board previously and laid over to today, for which we have none. And then 13, which is immediate approvals, and we have several. 13A is to establish a board briefing related to Hennepin Healthcare System Inc. governance transition for September 15, 2026. I'll move this. May I have a second? Second. Thank you, Commissioner Lundy. This seems straightforward, but Ms. Welland, anything else?

Chair Fernando, commissioners, item 13A establishes a briefing here in the boardroom on Tuesday, September 15th, beginning at 930. The intent of this briefing is to update the board on Hennepin Healthcare System governance transition work that was underway.

Thank you. Seeing and hearing no discussion, all those in favor of 13.8, please say aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. 13B, so award an agreement to Donlar Construction Company for the DOCCR Adult Correctional Facility Men's Shower Restoration Project.

I'll move it, Madam Chair.

Thank you for the motion. Commissioners Cotell and Anderson, the amount is $630,000. Ms. Welland.

Chair Fernando, Commissioners, consistent with county purchasing rules, this item awards a bid to Donlar Construction for work restoring the men's shower at the adult correctional facility in Plymouth. Donlar was selected through a best value procurement process. The contract amount is $630,000. Christy Duffy from Facility Services is here if there are any questions.

Questions, colleagues, or comments on this one? Hearing, seeing none. All those in favor of 13B, please say aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. 13C is to negotiate an assignment of agreement with Summit Orthopedics LTD, which is doing business as Minnesota Occupational Health, to Concentra, Inc., with no change to other contract terms. I'll move it. May I have a second? Second. Thank you, Commissioner Lundy. Ms. Wentland.

Chair Fernando, Commissioners, Board Action 26-0291 seeks assignment of a current agreement with Summit Orthopedic LTD doing business as Minnesota Occupational Health to Concentra, Inc. The work performed through this agreement includes occupational medicine as well as drug and alcohol testing services. There are no changes to other terms. Immediate approval is needed to avoid any interruption to these critical safety activities. Michael Tupe from the Workplace Safety Area of Human Resources is here and can provide additional information if you would like.

Colleagues, any discussion or background needed further for 13C? Hearing and seeing none, we'll proceed to vote. All those in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

Opposed? Motion carries. We've reached the last item of business, which is 13D, recognizing Overdose Awareness Day and Recovery Month in Hennepin County offered by Commissioner Conley. Would you like to move it?

I will move it, Madam Chair.

I'll second it. Go ahead.

Thank you so much. Since 1989, Recovery Month has been observed every September to promote and support new treatment and recovery practices. The nation's strong and proud recovery community and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery in all of its forms possible. For the last 25 years, August 31st has been recognized as International Overdose Awareness Day and is dedicated to remembering those that we've lost and taking action to save lives. I'll have the clerk read the commendation and I will have some additional remarks after.

Whereas in 2025, more than 2,100 residents were seen in a hospital for non-fatal overdoses and 246 lives were lost due to overdoses involving opioids. And whereas substance use disorder affects people of all ages, genders, races, and backgrounds and leads to compounded challenges in daily life and employment, housing, and education, as well as impact on family, friends, neighborhoods, and community. And whereas the opioid crisis disproportionately affects American Indian and African American residents, and expanding access to treatment and recovery services aligns with Hennepin County's 2020 declaration of racism as a public health crisis. And whereas by acknowledging recovery month and overdose awareness day, Hennepin County recognizes and celebrates our community members in recovery mourns the lives lost to overdose and reinforces our commitment to fostering a safe and healthy community for all residents. Be it resolved that the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners hereby proclaim September as Recovery Month and August 31st as Overdose Awareness Day to recognize our residents in recovery and to honor our communities and families impacted by substance use disorder.

Thank you so much. Opioid Response coordinated a light-up of the Lowry Bridge and buildings across the Twin Cities in purple on August 31st for Overdose Awareness Day. Opioid Response will also host events and activities in September throughout the month for Recovery Month at county libraries, including book and resource displays and outreach tabling. Opioid Response, Outreach and Community Supports, and the Advisory Council's People with Lived Experience Subcommittee will hold an event on Wednesday, September 23rd at Shiloh Temple to recognize and honor community members on their recovery journey. Thank you.

Further discussion before we vote, colleagues? Yep, Commissioner Lindy.

Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you, Commissioner Connolly, for bringing this forward. Just wanted to highlight that, you know, the success that we've seen needs to be continued, and so much of the challenges, whether it's budget at the state, county, federal level, tends to undercut that success by saying, hey, we're making gains, we can start to pull away, and I actually think that's the opposite of what's happening here. And the last thing I'll just share is, you know, during the legislative session, we were talking about addictive medicine and the role that HCMC plays statewide is there are places in the state where people who are suffering from addiction have nowhere to go. And so the role that we play and Hennepin County continues to play in supporting people from all over the state, it really cries out for changes in how we approach addiction statewide and the role that federal government plays in that work. And the last thing I have to say is just the clear need for us to adopt more modern laws that allow uh medicines to be shipped to people there are people who drive down from duluth every day to receive medicine to help with their addiction and then go back to get to go to work only because they have to come in person and so those kind of things i think cry out for more work and i just wanted to highlight the success we have is is always temporary and that needs to be continued commissioner edelson

I wasn't going to say anything, but I don't know. So I grew up, my mom was an addict growing up. Heroin. Crack. People don't think of me when they think of Edina that way. But, you know, I just, I totally support the recovery month idea. But the reality is, is a lot of people are in addiction, like my mom still to this day. And we know that in child protection, addiction is one of, you know, the top reasons that we are involved. And it just makes me think, that trying to celebrate recovery only. And again, I know that's not your intention. Just know that you're hearing some of my baggage here. But it's complicated. It's complicated. And people, when they are struggling with addiction, It is so complicated and complex that I want to celebrate the people that are trying to also show up in addiction and trying to just be good parents too, because it's hard. It is really hard. So thank you for bringing this. I just had to offer a little bit. Thank you.

Further discussion? I'll just express my gratitude for the comments and for bringing forward this action. Shortly, we'll be voting to proclaim September as Recovery Month and August 31st as Overdose Awareness Day. And in my relatively short time on this board, I am very heartened at the direction of community and this organization to seek more restorative and holistic and less punitive ways of being with one another. There is such a stigma to addiction. There's such a stigma to the topics we're discussing when many of us are connected to people or families who are suffering. And that internal pain manifests in many ways. Hennepin County has sought to have the communities back and peoples back, and we know that this is a difficult time period, and uplifting issues is an important aspect of advancing the conversation. So with that, we'll proceed to vote. All those in favor of the resolution, please say aye.

Aye.

Opposed? Motion carries. And that concludes our published agenda. A motion to adjourn is in order.

So moved.

Thank you, Commissioners Gotell and Conley. All those in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

Opposed? Motion carries, but don't go too far. We have a brief meeting of the Railroad Authority coming up next.