Ramsey County Board of Commissioners Meeting - July 14, 2026

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on July 14, 2026 at 9:01 a.m. in Council Chambers. All seven commissioners were present: Jebens-Singh, McGuire, McMurtrey, Miller, Moran, Xiong, and Chair Ortega. The meeting included a proclamation, approval of consent items, discussion of the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant Master Plan amendment and two community crime prevention grants, and reports from the County Manager and commissioners. The open session adjourned at 10:03 a.m., followed by a closed meeting regarding elections.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda of July 14, 2026 – Approved unanimously (7-0).
• Minutes from July 7, 2026 – Approved unanimously (7-0).
• Grant Agreement with MN Department of Health for Medical Examiner’s Illicit Drug Toxicology Testing and Surveillance – Accepted a $125,000 grant (July 14, 2026 – August 31, 2028) and authorized execution. (Resolution B2026-087, unanimous).
• Proposed Changes and Additions to Public Health Fees – Approved additions/change for telehealth and vaccine fees. (Resolution B2026-088, unanimous).
• Joint Powers Agreement with MN Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for Criminal Justice Data Network – Approved $261,600 agreement for five years and court data subscriber amendment. (Resolution B2026-089, unanimous).
• Proposed Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office Fee Schedule Update – Approved updated fees for security and civil process services. (Resolution B2026-090, unanimous).

Proclamation: Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week

• Commissioner McMurtrey presented a proclamation declaring July 19–25, 2026 as Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week in Ramsey County, honoring the 450+ community corrections professionals. Liz Reitz, Deputy Director of Field Services, and several staff members spoke about the department’s work, particularly during Operation Metro Surge, and their commitment to evidence-based practices, reducing recidivism, and supporting clients. Multiple commissioners expressed strong support and gratitude for the department’s role in justice transformation and public safety.

Discussion Items

• Amendment to Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant Master Plan (Item 5) – Commissioner Xiong moved approval, noting the modifications were vetted at Joint Development Authority meetings and approved by the City of Arden Hills. The amendment supports continued design, site preparation, and construction. The motion passed unanimously (7-0, Resolution B2026-091).
• Grant Agreements with MN Department of Public Safety for Community Crime Intervention and Prevention Programs (Item 7) – Undersheriff Kyle Mestad and Inspector Daryl Gullette presented two grants: $250,000 for community-based programming for communities most impacted by violence, and $425,000 for community outreach (both through December 31, 2027). The grants are new revenue, funding two existing FTE positions that remain vacant until grant funds are available. Commissioners asked about outcomes, community partnerships (e.g., KOM, Urban Village), cultural responsiveness, and evaluation. Staff confirmed that evaluation is conducted in-house and through state oversight. The grants will support youth programming, including fishing, school supplies, and relationship-building. The motion passed unanimously (7-0, Resolution B2026-092).

County Connections

• County Manager Ling Becker reported on the city’s decision to close encampments, stating Ramsey County is fully engaged in supporting residents through the Community Wellness and Response Initiative, providing outreach, wound care, food, water, and connections to housing and services. She also noted the activation of the heat team ahead of a heat wave (heat index 101°F on July 14, 97°F on July 17) and cooling spaces available at county facilities and community locations. Commissioners expressed support and asked about coordination with the city for future closures and cooling locations.
• Commissioner Reports – Commissioners highlighted events: Lauderdale Day in the Park (celebration of Eustace Street development), Little Canada 35E groundbreaking, a poverty simulation event, Beacon Interfaith supportive housing updates, NAMI Ramsey County strategy session, District 1 picnic, Art from the Inside meeting, MESB board meeting, Battle Creek Waterworks grand reopening (over 1,400 visitors on opening day), and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament promoting mental health. Commissioner Moran reminded about the Disability Pride Festival on July 16 at the Capitol.

Key Outcomes

• All votes on agenda items were unanimous (7-0).
• Resolutions adopted: B2026-087 (Medical Examiner grant), B2026-088 (Public Health fees), B2026-089 (Criminal Justice Data Network), B2026-090 (Sheriff fee schedule), B2026-091 (TCAAP Master Plan amendment), B2026-092 (Community Crime Intervention grants).
• The closed meeting (10:25–11:58 a.m.) under Minnesota Statutes 13D.05, subd. 3(b) regarding elections resulted in a motion (McMurtrey, seconded by Miller) to authorize staff to proceed as discussed, passed 7-0 (Resolution B2026-093).
• The County Manager will continue to provide updates on encampment closures and heat response.