Ramsey County Board of Commissioners Meeting – October 7, 2025
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Ramsey County Board of Commissioners Meeting – October 7, 2025
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 9:00 a.m. on October 7, 2025, in Council Chambers. Commissioners McGuire, McMurtrey, Miller, and Chair Ortega were present; Commissioners Jebens-Singh, Moran, and Xiong were excused. County Manager Ling Becker and Civil Division Director Jada Lewis also attended. The meeting included a proclamation, employee achievement awards, approval of administrative items, discussion of bonding priorities, and a presentation on Minnesota Paid Family Medical Leave implementation.
Recognition
- Proclamation: National Disability Employment Awareness Month – Commissioner McMurtrey presented the proclamation recognizing October 2025 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, celebrating the contributions of people with disabilities in the workplace. Several employees spoke in support.
- Employee Achievement Awards – Three employees received awards for excellent job performance: Tobias Lynum (Financial Worker Specialist), David Triplett (Deputy Director, Property Tax, Records and Election Services), and Tracy Jones (Social Worker). Each award was presented by a commissioner and supported by remarks from supervisors and colleagues.
Consent Calendar
The following items were approved unanimously (4 ayes, 3 excused) without discussion:
- Approval of the October 7, 2025, agenda (Item 1).
- Approval of the September 23, 2025, minutes (Item 2).
- Agreement with inBYLT, LLC for a guaranteed energy savings project across multiple county facilities, authorizing an initial loan of up to $8,450,000 from the general fund (Resolution B2025-182).
- Project budget and financing plan for the East Kellogg Building furniture and fixture disposition project, up to $240,000 from proceeds of the Ramsey County Care Center sale (Resolution B2025-183).
- Sole source agreement with CorVel Healthcare Corporation for workers’ compensation managed care services from October 21, 2025, through May 31, 2027 (Resolution B2025-184).
- Settlement agreement in Daeshon Tucker v. Dwight Fontae Smith, et al., totaling $100,000 (Resolution B2025-185).
Discussion Items
- Bonding Project Prioritization (Item 10) – The board approved a resolution supporting two 2026 state bonding requests: Park at RiversEdge ($20 million) and Aldrich Arena & Community Event Center ($6.6 million). Director Josh Olson explained that Rice Creek Commons remains a top county priority but is being funded through transportation sales tax dollars, so it was not included on the state bonding list. Commissioner McMurtrey asked about the selection process; County Manager Becker noted these projects had existing momentum and legislative support. The resolution passed 4-0 (Resolution B2025-186).
- Minnesota Paid Family Medical Leave Implementation (Item 12) – Jessica Mumford, Leaves and Accommodations Manager, presented an overview of the new state law effective January 1, 2026. She outlined two compliance options: the state plan (0.88% of wages in 2026) or a private plan through MetLife (0.79% with a two-year rate guarantee). The private plan is projected to save over $1.3 million in 2026–2027 compared to projected state rates. County Manager Becker noted that most metro counties are choosing private plans. The board will consider a resolution (RBA) at the next meeting to authorize opting out of the state plan and contracting with MetLife. The state opt-out deadline is November 10, 2025.
Key Outcomes
- Resolutions B2025-182 through B2025-186 were approved unanimously by the four commissioners present.
- The board directed staff to bring an RBA to the October 14 meeting to authorize a private plan with MetLife for paid family medical leave.
- County Manager Becker provided updates: the new county website (ramseycounty.gov) is live; a measles outbreak in the metro has 13 confirmed cases (one in Ramsey County) with no unusual response required; the federal government shutdown is being monitored with no immediate disruptions to county services.
- Commissioner updates highlighted community events, including a tribal flag installation at the Juvenile and Family Justice Center, a groundbreaking for 11 deeply affordable housing units, and the upcoming Indigenous Peoples’ Day events.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:28 a.m.
Meeting Transcript
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 of a better life, and some have lived on this land since time immemorial. Truth and acknowledgement are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference. We are standing on the ancestral lands of the Dakota people. Please take a moment to consider the treaties made by the tribal nations that entitle non-native people to live and work on traditional native lands. Consider the many legacies of violence, displacement, migration, and settlement that bring us together here today. And please join us in uncovering such truths at any and all public events. Thank you, Commissioner. Thank you. I'll entertain a motion on the agenda of October 7th, 2025. So moved. Second. McGuire. Aye. McMurchy. Aye. Miller. Aye. Aye. I'll entertain a motion on the minutes of September 23rd, 2025. So moved. Second. Hearing no discussion, roll call. McGuire. Aye. McMurtry. Aye. Miller. Aye. Moran Zhong and Jembin Singh are excused. Ortega. Aye. Commissioner McMurtry proclamation. Employment awareness month. Yes, and I want to invite any guests, employees that want to come up as well to commemorate this month. Feel free to make your way to the days. So today we um are dedicated today is dedicated to honor the invaluable skills, perspectives, and talents of people with disabilities in Ramsey County. Contributions that not only strengthen workplaces but also enrich communities, spark innovation, and build stronger teams. This proclamation recognizes October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the and the dedication and leadership of people with disabilities and to recognize the vital role they play in creating workplaces and communities that are inclusive, dynamic, and thriving. Inclusive workplaces matter. They ensure that every employee can share their gifts, contribute their unique strengths, and fully participate in shaping the success of Ramsey County. Ramsey County is committed to uh continue removing barriers, providing accommodations, and fostering belonging so that all employees have dignity, independence, and meaningful opportunity. Finally, the Board of Commissioners stand with employers across Ramsey County to express gratitude for the outstanding service, creativity, and leadership that people with disabilities bring to government business education in every sector of our community. And so I am excited to present this proclamation. I'll read the proclamation and then if anyone wants to come up to give remarks, feel free. But whereas people with disabilities in Ramsey County bring invaluable skills, perspectives, and talents that strengthen workplaces and enrich communities, spark innovation, strengthen morale, and whereas National Disability Employment Awareness Month honors the achievements, dedication, and leadership of people with disabilities, and recognizes the vital role they play in creating workplaces and communities that are inclusive, dynamic, and thriving, and whereas inclusive workplaces and equitable opportunities ensure that all employees can share their gifts, contribute their unique strengths, make a meaningful impact, and fully participate in shaping the success of Ramsey County. And whereas every employee contributes perspectives, creativity, and leadership that falls that foster collaboration, drive progress, and enhance the social, cultural, and economic vitality of the community, and whereas supporting employees by removing barriers, providing accommodations, and fostering belonging ensures dignity, independence, and meaningful opportunity for all. And whereas recognizing and celebrating the talents, accomplishments, and contributions of employees affirms Ramsey County's commitment to inclusion, equity, and building a stronger, connected, and thriving community. And be it further proclaimed the Ramsay County Board of Commissioners joins with employers throughout the county to recon who recognize the contributions of people with disabilities and thank them for the outstanding service to government, business, academics, and many other agencies and organizations.
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