OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Ramsey County Board of Commissioners Meeting – September 16, 2025

Board of Commissioners & Authorities — Tuesday, September 16, 2025
BodyRamsey County, Minnesota
SessionBoard of Commissioners & Authorities
DateTuesday, September 16, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
2:41

Jebin Singh?

2:42

Here.

2:42

McGuire.

2:43

Here.

2:44

McMurtry.

2:45

Here.

2:45

Miller.

2:46

Here.

2:47

Moran.

2:47

Here.

2:48

Jean.

2:49

Here.

2:49

And Ortega.

2:50

Hi.

2:51

Do we stand for the pledge of the lead?

2:54

I pledge the news to the fire of the United States of America.

2:59

And to the Republic for which it stands.

3:01

One nation under God.

3:04

Indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

3:08

Justice Morocc.

3:15

Thank you, Mr.

3:16

Chair.

3:16

Uh, every community owes his existence and vitality to generations from around the world who contributed their hopes, dreams, and energy to making the history that led to this moment.

3:26

Some were brought here against their will.

3:28

Some were drawn to leave their distant homes in hope for a better life.

3:33

And some have lived in this land on this land since time immemorial.

3:37

Truth and acknowledgment are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference.

4:37

So uh I'll entertain a motions for items one.

4:42

Items four through thirteen.

5:00

Aye, Singh.

5:01

Aye, McGuire.

5:02

Aye, and Ortega.

5:04

Aye.

5:06

Let's do the proclamation.

5:08

Yes.

5:11

Go.

5:20

Thank you, Mr.

5:21

Chair.

5:21

It's my honor to present the workforce of development month proclamation.

5:25

So I ask members who are here for this to please come forward.

5:30

You can all come.

5:34

Thank you.

5:36

Thank you.

5:41

Thank you so much.

5:42

Thank you so much for being here.

5:45

This is Workforce Development Month, and it is an honor to present this proclamation declaring September 2025 as Workforce Development Month in Ramsey County.

5:56

This is an opportunity to recognize and reaffirm the county's commitment to a strong local workforce system and a thriving economy, and to celebrate the professionals who are essential to that effort.

6:08

The dedicated team from Workforce Solutions is here today, along with some of the career force partners from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and members of the Workforce Innovation Board of Ramsey County.

6:21

These are the people who bring the spirit of this proclamation to life every day in their work in service to the community, and we thank you for all of that.

6:30

And with that, Mr.

6:32

Chair, I'm going to read the proclamation.

6:36

Whereas investment in the education, training, and career advancement of Ramsey County's workforce is crucial to the ability of the county and state to compete in the global economy and achieve economic equity.

6:51

And whereas Ramsey County employers need more workers with in-demand skills to meet the needs of their businesses and communities.

7:01

And whereas welcoming all residents into the labor force in a meaningful way is critical to the strength of Ramsey County's employers and workers.

7:13

And whereas Ramsey County and its workforce development partners help job seekers identify their interests and skills and assist them in developing effective job search strategies that lead to fulfilling employment.

7:29

And whereas Ramsey County Workforce Solutions plays central roles in connecting job seekers to opportunities, advancing strategies that prepare workers for the future of work, and building strong partnerships with employers to strengthen the local economy.

7:48

And whereas the staff of workforce solutions and its partners demonstrate extraordinary dedication and professionalism in serving residents and employers, bringing the workforce development month theme connect, advance, innovate to life by building trust and linking residents to resources, supporting families and individuals to advance toward and achieve their goals, and innovating with compassion, creativity, and collaboration to meet the needs of communities.

8:24

Now, therefore, be it proclaimed the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners declares the month of September 2025 as Workforce Development Month in Ramsey County.

8:35

And be it further proclaimed, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners expresses appreciation for the workforce solutions team and for the more than 54,624 people employed in the public sector in Ramsey County whose dedication and service strengthen communities and contribute daily to the prosperity and well-being of all residents.

9:01

Thank you.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Community Engagement█████████████████████████████████████████41%
Homelessness█████████9%
Public Engagement████████8%
Workforce Development███████7%
Procedural██████6%
Procurement██████6%
Budget Equity Analysis████4%
Parks and Recreation███3%
Transportation Safety███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Ramsey County Board of Commissioners Meeting – September 16, 2025

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met on September 16, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in Council Chambers (Room 300) of the Courthouse. All seven commissioners (Jebens-Singh, McGuire, McMurtrey, Miller, Moran, Xiong, and Chair Ortega) were present, along with County Manager Ling Becker and other staff. The meeting began with a land acknowledgement by Commissioner McMurtrey, approval of the agenda (with an amendment to table item 14), and approval of the September 2, 2025, minutes. A proclamation declaring September 2025 as Workforce Development Month was presented, followed by administrative items, discussion of a warming center grant, board reports, and adjournment at 10:19 a.m. A closed meeting for labor negotiations was held from 10:39 a.m. to 11:57 a.m.

Consent Calendar

  • Agenda Approval (2025-346): Motion by McMurtrey, seconded by Xiong, to amend the agenda by tabling Item 14 (Guaranteed Energy Savings Project). Motion passed 7-0.
  • Minutes Approval (2025-347): Motion by Miller, seconded by McMurtrey, to approve the September 2, 2025, minutes. Passed 7-0.
  • Proclamation: Workforce Development Month (2025-310): Commended Ramsey County Workforce Solutions and its partners, citing over 54,624 public sector employees in the county.
  • Items 4-6, 8-13 (Administrative Items): Approved in a single 7-0 vote (motion by McMurtrey, seconded by Miller):
    • Item 4: Purdue Pharma L.P. settlement participation and release form.
    • Item 5: Minnesota Department of Public Safety grant of $200,000 for Ramsey County Youth Support Services (through August 30, 2026).
    • Item 6: Minnesota Department of Public Safety grant of $347,314 for sexual assault services (through September 30, 2026).
    • Item 8: HUD Continuum of Care Planning Grant of $438,075 (November 1, 2026 – October 31, 2027).
    • Item 9: HUD Heading Home Ramsey Continuum of Care Planning Grant of $171,420 (through August 31, 2026).
    • Item 10: Agreement with Jorgenson Construction, Inc. for Judicial Chambers Room 12D Remodel, not-to-exceed $247,100 (September 16, 2025 – September 15, 2026).
    • Item 11: First Amendment to MOU with Minnesota Second Judicial District for facility services.
    • Item 12: Lease with New Brighton Area Historical Society at Long Lake Regional Park for $1 per annum (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2035, with three 10-year renewal options).
    • Item 13: Resolution to hold a closed meeting for labor negotiation strategy.
  • Item 7 (see Discussion Items) was pulled from the consent calendar and voted separately. Item 14 was tabled.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • No public comment period was held. The public did not address the board during the meeting.

Discussion Items

  • Item 7: Grant Award from Minnesota Department of Human Services for Emergency Services Program Grant (2025-345): Sponsor: Housing Stability. Naly Yang (Interim Director, Housing Stability) presented. The grant totals $3,585,290, with $1,400,000 from the Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program (September 16, 2025 – June 30, 2027). Discussion focused on challenges in securing vendors for warming centers. Commissioner McMurtrey asked about insufficient responses in prior solicitations. Yang explained that short seasons and operational difficulties have limited interest. This year, a shortened two-week solicitation (mimicking a letter of interest) was posted to attract providers. If no responses are received, the county may amend an existing contract with a current provider for single adult men. Commissioner Moran inquired about long-term contracts and incentives; Yang noted a five-year contract was used last year but one contract was not renewed due to inadequate performance. County Manager Becker added that leadership is working with other cities, the sheriff's office, and faith communities to secure spaces and services. Commissioners expressed support and urged strategic collaboration. After discussion, a motion by McMurtrey, seconded by Miller, passed 7-0 to ratify the application, accept the grant, and authorize necessary agreements.
  • Item 14: Guaranteed Energy Savings Project with inBYLT, LLC (2025-377): This policy item was for information and discussion only. On a motion by McMurtrey, seconded by Xiong, the board voted 7-0 to table the item. No further details were discussed.

Key Outcomes

  • Agenda and Minutes: Approved as amended (7-0).
  • Consent Items (excluding Item 7): Approved 7-0.
  • Item 7 (Emergency Services Program Grant): Approved 7-0 (Resolution B2025-174).
  • Item 14 (Guaranteed Energy Savings Project): Tabled 7-0.
  • Closed Meeting: The board held a closed session from 10:39 a.m. to 11:57 a.m. under Minnesota Statutes Section 13D.03 to discuss labor negotiation strategy related to the proposed 2026-27 budget and potential position eliminations. Present were all commissioners, County Manager, Deputy County Manager, Civil Division Director, Chief Human Resources Officer, Benefits Manager, Labor Relations Specialist, Chief Finance Officer, Senior Assistant County Attorney, Manager of Policy and Planning, Chief Compliance and Ethics Officer, and Chief Clerk.
  • Board Reports: Commissioners provided updates on district events, AMC policy conference (highlighting state funding shifts and solid waste issues), Rice Creek Commons JDA (RFI for developers planned), and the Landmark Center gala (November 7, 2025). Chair Ortega condemned recent divisive remarks from a temporary county employee and called for unity and tolerance.

Meeting Transcript

Jebin Singh? Here. McGuire. Here. McMurtry. Here. Miller. Here. Moran. Here. Jean. Here. And Ortega. Hi. Do we stand for the pledge of the lead? I pledge the news to the fire of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God. Indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Justice Morocc. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, every community owes his existence and vitality to generations from around the world who contributed their hopes, dreams, and energy to making the history that led to this moment. Some were brought here against their will. Some were drawn to leave their distant homes in hope for a better life. And some have lived in this land on this land since time immemorial. Truth and acknowledgment are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference. So uh I'll entertain a motions for items one. Items four through thirteen. Aye, Singh. Aye, McGuire. Aye, and Ortega. Aye. Let's do the proclamation. Yes. Go. Thank you, Mr. Chair. It's my honor to present the workforce of development month proclamation. So I ask members who are here for this to please come forward. You can all come. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you so much for being here. This is Workforce Development Month, and it is an honor to present this proclamation declaring September 2025 as Workforce Development Month in Ramsey County. This is an opportunity to recognize and reaffirm the county's commitment to a strong local workforce system and a thriving economy, and to celebrate the professionals who are essential to that effort. The dedicated team from Workforce Solutions is here today, along with some of the career force partners from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and members of the Workforce Innovation Board of Ramsey County. These are the people who bring the spirit of this proclamation to life every day in their work in service to the community, and we thank you for all of that. And with that, Mr.

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