Matthew Alstad

This Comprehensive Land Use Plan for Itasca County serves as a policy framework to guide land use activities, updated in 2007. It outlines goals for a twenty-year period ending in 2020, focusing on balancing development with environmental commitment. Key strategic areas include fostering cooperation, promoting sustainable use of natural resources, providing guidelines for housing and settlement patterns, encouraging agriculture, supporting commercial and industrial growth, developing an integrated recreation system, and maintaining an enhanced transportation network. The plan aims to preserve the county's natural beauty and resources while supporting economic diversity and community well-being.

The meeting included the election of officers, updates on Public Health initiatives such as the Kindness, Courage, and Respect Retreats, wellness newsletters, emergency preparedness training, flu clinics, and the rollout of the WINNIE program. Discussions also covered the transition to Community First Services and Supports (CFSS), staff changes in Public Health, and collaboration on opioid use concerns. IMCare provided an update on the CARMA legislative initiative. Legislative priorities from MACSSA were reviewed, including the African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act, SSIS Modernization, the Children's Mental Health Initiative, and streamlining MNCHOICES reassessments. Subcommittee reports were given by AMHAC and ICCOA, and provider updates were shared by Northland Counseling and Elder Circle. There were discussions regarding cannabis regulations and restrictions.

The committee discussed public health updates, including Home Community Based Services (HCBS) positions, opioid work, funding for chronic conditions and disease prevention, new nurses and social workers in the Family Health and Disability Divisions, and updates on the SHIP grant. IMCare updates were shared, focusing on the County-Administered Rural Medical Assistance (CARMA) proposal, a delay of the MA Dental Carve-out, the MA Pharmacy Benefit Carve-out, and a trend reduction of MA managed care rates. A legislative update was provided, covering the Minnesota Association of County Social Service Administrators (MACSSA) handouts and discussions around county cost shifts. Subcommittee reports included updates from ICCOA on the AARP Tax Aide program. Provider updates were given by Elder Circle, highlighting federal funding and a Volunteer Engagement event.

The meeting included updates on Public Health, such as the disbursement of Opioid Settlement Funds, new staff onboarding, and innovative funds received for disease prevention and control work. IMCare discussed potential budget cuts and the CARMA bill. Legislative updates covered proposed cost shifts for Developmental Disability waiver costs and the MN Sex Offender Program. The state's February economic forecast and the Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act were reviewed. Subcommittee reports were given by AMHAC and ICCOA. Provider updates included information from Elder Circle regarding guardianship changes, programs, and volunteer recruitment. The county election for District 4 and the Nashwauk Ambulance PSA were also discussed.

The meeting focused on two main agenda items. The first involved scheduling a public comment period for selected jail project concepts, including the suggestion of holding open house events and using a survey tool for feedback. The second item concerned payment options for the jail project, with information provided on various funding methods such as bonds and sales tax.