Ramsey County Board of Commissioners Meeting - December 2, 2025

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met on December 2, 2025, at 9:03 a.m. in Council Chambers. Commissioners present: Jebens-Singh, McMurtrey, Miller, Moran, Xiong, and Chair Ortega. Commissioner McGuire was excused. Also present: County Manager Ling Becker, Civil Division Director Jada Lewis. The meeting included approval of the agenda and minutes, multiple administrative items, discussion on the creation of the Ramsey County Economic Development Authority, annual procurement authorities for three departments, a budget adjustment for the Sheriff's Office, and a retirement proclamation.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda Approved (motion by Xiong, seconded by Jebens-Singh, passed 6-0).
• Minutes of November 25, 2025 Approved (motion by Miller, seconded by Xiong, passed 6-0).
• Gift Acceptance for Commissioner Travel Expenses: Accepted $5,069.66 for Commissioners McMurtrey and Moran (motion by McMurtrey, seconded by Miller, passed 6-0; Resolution B2025-219).
• Property Tax Abatements: Approved abatements over $10,000 for two properties at 489 and 485 St. Peter Street, Saint Paul (motion by McMurtrey, seconded by Miller, passed 6-0; Resolution B2025-220).
• Agreement with Hennepin County for CEO Next Business Institute and CEO Now Programming: Authorized $95,000 budget for December 2025 through December 2026 (motion by McMurtrey, seconded by Miller, passed 6-0; Resolution B2025-221).
• Appointment to Workforce Innovation Board: Appointed Sharon Blomgren for term ending July 31, 2027 (motion by McMurtrey, seconded by Miller, passed 6-0; Resolution B2025-222).
• Appointments to Library Advisory Board: Appointed Marissa Kirbey-Stofferahn, Kami Miller, and Andrea West for three-year terms beginning January 1, 2026 (motion by McMurtrey, seconded by Miller, passed 6-0; Resolution B2025-223).
• Easements with City of Saint Paul for 402 University Avenue East: Approved perpetual and temporary construction easements and MOU for $35,000 (motion by McMurtrey, seconded by Miller, passed 6-0; Resolution B2025-224).
• Sale of Vacant Lot to Capital Real Estate Inc.: Approved sale of Parcel #363023410006 for $57,510 (motion by McMurtrey, seconded by Miller, passed 6-0; Resolution B2025-225).
• Right of Entry Agreement and Easement with Xcel Energy for Battle Creek Regional Park: Approved for Pig's Eye section, including $66,108 for restoration (motion by McMurtrey, seconded by Miller, passed 6-0; Resolution B2025-226).
• Use of Solid Waste Fund for Yard Waste Sites: Authorized $4,000,000 for capital improvements at seven county-operated sites (motion by McMurtrey, seconded by Miller, passed 6-0; Resolution B2025-227).
• Use of Solid Waste Fund for Capital Equipment: Authorized $2,000,000 for wood processing equipment (motion by McMurtrey, seconded by Miller, passed 6-0; Resolution B2025-228).

Discussion Items

• Creation of Ramsey County Economic Development Authority (EDA): Commissioner Xiong introduced the item, noting it provides crucial tools for business support and intergenerational wealth. Director Olson explained that the board's action is needed to approve the legislative authority before the next legislative session, and that the EDA will allow use of HRA funds for business programming. The board approved unanimously (Resolution B2025-229).
• Annual Authority for Procurement Requests (Items 14, 15, 16): Deputy County Manager Kutza and CFO Alex Kotze presented the rationale for exceptions to competitive bidding for Social Services, Community Corrections, and Financial Assistance Services. These annual authorizations allow the county to remain nimble for time-sensitive services to vulnerable populations, with contracts over $10,000 requiring board approval. Commissioner Xiong requested more information on total dollar amounts and number of contracts, and moved to table the three items to the December 16, 2025 meeting. The motion passed with Commissioner Moran abstaining (Resolutions B2025-240, B2025-239, B2025-244).
• 2025 Budget Adjustment for the Sheriff's Office: Sheriff Bob Fletcher explained the request for $3.9 million total: $1.5 million from the General Contingent Account and $2.4 million from the general fund balance, primarily for increased overtime at the Adult Detention Center due to staffing shortages and the vacancy factor. He noted a staffing study is underway and that additional staff would reduce overtime. County Manager Becker clarified that the vacancy factor is a standard budget tool and that the fund balance is above policy. The board approved the adjustment unanimously (Resolution B2025-230).

Proclamation

• Johanna Berg's Retirement: Commissioner Miller presented a proclamation honoring Deputy County Manager Joanna Berg for over 40 years of public service, including 14 years at Ramsey County. The proclamation highlighted her leadership as the county's first CIO, deputy county manager, and interim county manager. Commissioners and staff expressed gratitude for her mentorship and contributions. The board declared December 2, 2025 as Joanna Berg Day in Ramsey County.

County Connections

• County Manager Becker announced: William Moore received a Shaking Things Up award from the Black and Brown Summit; the Centering Fathers work group was recognized. Also noted the European Market at Union Depot and the tree lighting event on December 7.

Outside Board and Committee Reports

• Commissioner Xiong reported on the 45th annual Hmong American New Year celebration.
• Commissioner Jebens-Singh reported on the Joint Development Authority for Rice Creek Commons and upcoming events in Mounds View.
• Commissioner McMurtrey reported on the Hmong New Year proclamation and a working group on Snelling and University.
• Commissioner Miller reported on attending the Wild game for Native American Heritage Night and events in North St. Paul and Maplewood.
• Commissioner Moran reported on attending a Centering Fathers session and presenting a proclamation for Infant Safe Sleep Week (November 16-23, 2025).
• Chair Ortega highlighted the European Market and tree lighting event, and the Landmark Center workshop on December 14.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar items approved unanimously.
• Creation of Ramsey County Economic Development Authority approved (Resolution B2025-229).
• Items 14, 15, and 16 (annual procurement authorities) tabled to the December 16, 2025 meeting.
• Sheriff's Office budget adjustment approved (Resolution B2025-230).
• Proclamation for Johanna Berg's retirement adopted.
• Meeting adjourned at 10:36 a.m. A closed meeting regarding Kirchman v. Ramsey County followed at 10:45 a.m.