Ramsey County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting - June 2, 2026

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met on June 2, 2026, at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers. All seven commissioners were present (Jebens-Singh, McGuire, McMurtrey, Miller, Moran, Xiong, and Chair Ortega), along with County Manager Ling Becker and Assistant County Attorney Stacey D'Andrea. The meeting included unanimous approval of the consent agenda, a presentation on aging and disability services, and reports from the county manager and commissioners. The board also held a closed meeting following the regular session.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda and Minutes: Approved the June 2, 2026 agenda and the May 26, 2026 minutes unanimously.
• Personnel Review Board Appointments: Appointed Estelle Wright and incumbent Beth Bell Isle to four-year terms ending August 1, 2030 (Resolution B2026-070).
• Corrections Advisory Board Appointments: Appointed eight individuals (Alexander Cleaveland, Ofir Germanic, Maria Mitchell, Gail Moerke, Robert Lokhorst, Cory Tennison, Dan Wolff, Tierre Caldwell) for terms June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2028 (Resolution B2026-071).
• Community Health Services Advisory Committee Appointments: Appointed five individuals (Abdulkadir Mohamed, Krista Hutchinson, Kayla Nance, Alicia House, Katherine Mejicano) for terms June 23, 2026 to June 27, 2028 (Resolution B2026-072).
• Parks and Recreation Commission Appointments: Appointed incumbents Reier Erickson (District 4), Christine England (District 5), and Mike Sachi (District 1) for terms June 4, 2026 to June 5, 2029 (Resolution B2026-073).

Presentation: Aging and Disability Services Update

Deputy Director Katy Molinare presented an update on the aging and disability services division, focusing on the impact of the 80 additional full-time equivalent (FTE) positions approved by the board on March 18, 2025. She reported that the division had moved from a state of crisis to operational stability:

• Hiring and Retention: Four cohorts were hired (three in 2025, one in January 2026), including seven employees from Detox. New staff completed an eight-week onboarding program. The retention rate is 91% (only seven left, one via promotion).
• Backlog Reduction: The initial assessment backlog peaked at approximately 2,500 residents in October 2025. As of May 2026, the backlog had dropped to just over 500, with wait times for residents under 65 and over 65 both reduced to within 20 working days (statutory requirement). The goal for 2027 was 700 backlog assessments, already exceeded. The developmental disability (QDDP) assessment backlog remains, with wait times around seven months. A focused effort using 15–20 volunteer assessors will target this backlog over the summer.
• Operational Improvements: All reassessments are now completed timely each month, overtime has been eliminated, and initial assessments have resumed. The division is on track to end the initial assessment backlog by end of 2026. A pilot with mental health and financial assistance services expedites assessments for residents exiting state-operated facilities.
• Vendor and Case Management: The division uses contracted case management to supplement capacity. Vendor support includes weekly consults, monthly training, grievance processes, and annual case file reviews. Commissioner Miller raised concerns about case manager turnover and consistency, noting that a state rate study and working group are addressing these issues. The board requested a deeper discussion on vendor/case management capacity at the September workshop.
• Commissioner Comments: Commissioners praised the team's work and acknowledged the remaining challenge with QDDP assessments. Commissioner Jebens-Singh highlighted the importance of addressing all backlogs due to impacts on quality of life, families, and providers. Commissioner Xiong asked about grievance process accessibility—confirmed it can be submitted verbally or in writing.

County Connections

County Manager Ling Becker reported on the successful relocation of public health clinical services from 555 Cedar to 1850 Beam Avenue in Maplewood, which opened June 1. Services at the new location include Clinic 555, immunization clinic, TB clinic, and public health lab. House calls and sexual violence services moved to other county sites; syringe services remain downtown. Becker also recognized the chief clerk's office for supporting board processes and noted that board materials are posted by Thursday afternoon for the following Tuesday. Property Management Director Gene Kruger promoted Train Days at Union Depot (June 6–7), celebrating the depot's 100th anniversary. Expected attendance of 10,000 per day. The depot surpassed one million annual visitors for the first time since reopening.

Outside Board and Committee Reports & Board Chair Update

Commissioners provided updates on community events, board meetings, and collaborative efforts:

• Commissioner Jebens-Singh: Attended Small Sums breakfast, White Bear Lake CNA pinning ceremony, Wakantipe Center opening, Flint Hills Family Festival, and Waterfest. Reported that Rice Creek Commons JDA approved a hybrid RFP approach; MOU with Army for TGRS system is in place. Announced that the Twin Cities received the JFK Profile in Courage Award for defending immigrant neighbors during Operation Metro Surge.
• Commissioner Xiong: Volunteered at Zion Community Commons, met with International Institute of Minnesota and Payne Phelan Community District Council, attended Flint Hills Family Festival. Promoted a blood drive on June 3 at the courthouse.
• Commissioner Miller: Attended Workforce Investment Board executive committee, Joint Powers Board (becoming vice chair), Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy Board (approved budget, learned about odor monitoring with a "Nasal Ranger" olfactometer), and ISD 622 state of the district.
• Commissioner Moran: Met with women from Campford Memorial United Methodist Church about behavioral health; participated in St. Paul Children Collaborative strategic planning; re-elected chair of Heading Home Ramsey County Governing Board; attended Flint Hills Family Festival and Dave Winfield statue unveiling and banquet.
• Commissioner Ortega: Attended St. Anthony and Little Canada city council meetings; noted Little Canada's new council member Nick Schwabach and senior housing development. Met with former colleague Nicole Fretham (now in county attorney's office) about restorative justice. Mentioned the Nasal Ranger olfactometer and the countywide food scrap collection rollout by end of 2026. Attended Active Living Ramsey Communities meeting and highlighted Roseville Area School District as first Green Step school district in the state.
• Chair Ortega (via reports): Attended Regions Hospital board meeting; noted innovation and financial health of Regions; discussed potential for Ramsey County to foster employee innovation.

Key Outcomes

• All consent agenda items (resolutions B2026-070 through B2026-073) were approved unanimously by roll call vote (7-0).
• The Aging and Disability Services update was received for information; a more in-depth workshop is planned for September 2026.
• The board held a closed meeting at 10:36 AM (adjourned at 11:41 AM) pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 13D.05, subd. 3(b) to discuss the Wilson v. Ramsey County matter. The board authorized staff to proceed as discussed via Resolution B2026-074 (motion by Jebens-Singh, seconded by Moran; passed).
• Upcoming events: Lunch and Learn on Purchasing and Contracting (12:00 PM), Board Workshop on Ramsey County Girls Report (1:30 PM). Next regular board meetings: June 9 and June 16, 2026.