Ramsey County Board of Commissioners Meeting: July 7, 2026
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Ramsey County Board of Commissioners Meeting: July 7, 2026
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners convened on July 7, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in Council Chambers (Room 300) at 15 West Kellogg Blvd., Saint Paul. All commissioners were present: Jebens-Singh, McGuire, McMurtrey, Miller, Moran, Xiong, and Chair Ortega. County Manager Ling Becker and Civil Division Director Jada Lewis also attended. The meeting included approval of consent items, a discussion on the County Manager's performance evaluation and salary increase, a presentation on the expansion of food scrap collection, and updates from commissioners. Key votes were unanimous.
Consent Calendar
- Agenda Approval (2026-236): Approved unanimously.
- Minutes Approval (2026-237): Minutes from June 23, 2026, approved unanimously.
- Release of Storm Sewer Easement (2026-242): Approved the release of an easement at 1644 Larpenteur Avenue West, Falcon Heights. Resolution B2026-083.
- First Amendment to Joint Powers Agreement (2026-244): Approved an amendment with the City of Saint Paul for administration of the Byrne Grant for the Familiar Faces Program through May 31, 2027. Resolution B2026-084.
- Gift Acceptance from Minnesota State Fair (2026-241): Accepted a $28,000 gift (1,400 tickets) to the Social Services Department. Resolution B2026-085.
Discussion Items
- County Manager Performance Evaluation and Second Amendment to Employment Agreement (2026-260): Commissioners spoke in support of County Manager Ling Becker, citing her leadership through challenges, strategic vision, operational excellence, and community engagement. The approved amendment increases her annual salary to $283,550 effective August 1, 2026, reflecting a standard cost-of-living adjustment plus 3% performance pay, and is benchmarked to comparable counties. Resolution B2026-086 passed unanimously.
- Presentation: Recycling & Energy – Food Scrap Collection Rollout: Trista Martinson, Executive Director of Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy, presented the next phase of food scrap collection. The program uses green bags that residents place in their regular trash. New communities include Arden Hills, Gem Lake, Little Canada, Moundsview, New Brighton, North Oaks, Shoreview, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake, and White Bear Township. To date, 347 tons of food waste have been diverted from landfill. Participation has risen from 10% to 13% in active areas. Roseville and Falcon Heights are expected to join by December 2026 (construction dependent), with Saint Paul following in early 2027 (February/March). Over 500 residents have already ordered bags. The program includes multi-unit coordination and multilingual education.
- County Manager’s Update (County Connections): County Manager Ling Becker thanked the board for their trust, acknowledged staff, and highlighted upcoming events, including a mental health basketball tournament at Jimmy Lee Rec Center. She also introduced Jolie Wood as the new Director of Government Relations, along with new specialists Betelehem Ibrahim, Matt Freeman, and Rick Varco (starting August 4).
- Outside Board and Committee Reports & Board Chair Update: Commissioners reported on community events, meetings, and committee work. Highlights included: Commissioner Jebens-Singh reported on progress at Rice Creek Commons (site prep in late September 2026) and the upcoming district picnic. Commissioner Xiong noted the 10th anniversary of Philando Castile’s death and related community events. Commissioner Moran discussed the Black Men Healing Conference and meetings with Heading Home Ramsey County. Commissioner Zhang reported on the impact of federal HR1 legislation and a letter to Congress urging a two-year delay, estimating a $13.6 million annual fiscal impact on Ramsey County if implemented. Chair Ortega reported a productive meeting with the Sheriff on overtime costs and the detention report, with plans to establish a baseline and bring an RFP.
Key Outcomes
- Unanimous approval of all consent items and Resolution B2026-086 for County Manager salary increase.
- County Manager salary set at $283,550 effective August 1, 2026.
- Food scrap program expansion: 347 tons diverted; new communities added; Saint Paul rollout expected early 2027.
- HR1/SNAP fiscal impact analysis: $13.6 million annual impact on Ramsey County (3.5% levy) if no state or federal action; board directed government relations to seek a two-year delay.
- Detention overtime: Chair Ortega and County Manager Becker will share a draft report with the board within two weeks; Sheriff agreed to bring an RFP to address overtime costs.
- Future meetings: Board workshop on Minnesota Resource Management following adjournment; afternoon workshop on Opioid Response Initiative. Next regular board meeting July 14, 2026.
Meeting Transcript
Call to order the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners. Roll call, please. Jabin Singh. Mick Murtry. Miller. Here. Moran. And Ortega. And the Republican stands. One nation under God. Commissioner Moran, then every community owns this assistance in 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 live their distance home 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 connections across all barriers of heritage and difference. We are standing on the ancestral lands of the Dakota people. So we want to acknowledge the Ojibwe, the whole chunk, and the other nations of people who also call this place home. We pay respect to their elders, past and present. 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 balance, displacement, and migration, and settlements that bring us together here today. And please join us in uncovering such truth at any and all public events. Thank you. I'll entertain a motion on the agenda of July 7, 2026. Some move second. See no discussion roll call. Moran. Aye. Zhang? Chubbin Singh? Aye. McGuire. Aye. McMurtry. Aye. Miller. Aye. And Ortega. I'll entertain a motion on the minutes of June 23rd, 2026 as presented. Second. See no discussion roll call. Moran. Aye. Zhang. Aye. Chubbin Singh. Aye. McGuire. Aye. McMurtry. Aye.
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