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.
The following items were approved unanimously (4 ayes, 3 excused) without discussion:
The meeting was adjourned at 10:28 a.m.
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.