Richard Langlois

The meeting agenda covered several areas, beginning with the approval of the February 17, 2026, Board minutes under consent items. Key discussions included an update from the Sheriff on the 2026 Vehicle Orders and Sales and warranty expirations for ballistic plates and helmets. The County Engineer's items involved the MNDOT Agreement 106123 for CSAH 22 and awarding the 2026 Street Sweeping Quote. The Director of Property Records scheduled a Public Hearing regarding the Housing Incentive Program and Property Tax Abatements for the City of East Grand Forks, followed by a resolution considering these proposed abatements. The Director of Environmental Services was set to discuss updates on the MPCA Co-collected Organics & Compost Grant and the Robot Tariffs related to the Co-collected SSOM & ASP Project Grant. Finally, the County Administrator planned to address the Tax Forfeit Demolition Proposal for the Erskine Project.

The meeting addressed several key operational and administrative matters. The Board approved the agenda and consent items, which included approving prior board minutes from January 20, 2026, approving Auditor Warrants, authorizing payment for Serco Loader Maintenance, and formally accepting financial donations for Polk County Coordinated Victim Services via Resolution 2026-09. In committee/forum discussions, a commissioner was appointed to the Judicial Ditch #60 Committee, and updates were provided on various meetings attended by commissioners. The Environmental Services Administrator presented updates on 2024 Grant Projects, approved Change Order #4 for an organics/compost grant, and set the 2026 Single Stream Recycling Tip Fee at $150.00/ton. The Highway department secured approvals for initiating redeterminations of benefits for numerous county ditches, approved Certificates of Performance and Final Acceptance for a roundabout project, approved sending a letter of support for a BUILD Grant Application, approved filling a Highway Maintenance II vacancy, and adopted resolutions (2026-07 and 2026-08) designating specific County State Aid Highways (CSAH 19 and CSAH 8) as Ten Ton routes, along with approving the 2026 Road Restriction Map. The Finance Director received approval for the 2026 Ditch Levy requests and the 2026 Services Agreement with Abdo Financial Solutions. The Facilities Director received approval for the disposition of surplus county materials. Finally, the Board granted a Conditional Use Permit (Resolution 2026-06) to Ryan Grinde for hooking a new septic system to a new accessory structure on his property, subject to ten specified conditions.

The meeting commenced with the review and approval of the agenda, including a correction to the minutes regarding the appointment of extension committee members (Judy Meyer and Lori Capistran). Discussion covered performance metrics, including PDM payments totaling $169,953 for the month, and juvenile center utilization. Several programs, including 'sentence to service' and 'chore service programs,' have been ended. There were updates on staffing levels, with the jail and juvenile center near full staff capacity. The recent radio board meeting confirmed the reelection of officers, including the chair and vice chair from Pennington and Kitson Counties, respectively. A substantial forfeiture fund balance of up to $21,582 was noted from the Prairie Drug Task Force, including funds from shared arrests and an auction sale. East Grand Forks City Council appointed a new member to the board, replacing the mayor, and funds were spent from the forfeiture fund on vehicle purchases. Commissioner updates included discussions on the Tri-Valley meeting focusing on daycare programs, and notes from the Laurel meeting concerning facility transitions and fundraising achievements. Further discussions involved navigating state budget cuts impacting DHS long-term services, reviewing mentor/mentee program feedback, and reviewing the comprehensive inner-county audit committee policies. Relationship building with tribal communities regarding public health initiatives was a key focus. The sheriff's report for December detailed service statistics, including transports (totaling 72,195), high volumes of calls for service (604 total), and specific incidents such as assaults (five) and domestic violence calls (six, with five being violent). The report also highlighted significant drug-related issues, including methamphetamine use, and DWI incidents. Updates were provided on grant requests, notably a large Head Start request for $3,716,867 and HUD domestic violence funding for temporary housing. Finally, approval was granted for the execution of agreements for Angus and Liberty pit leases.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Discussions included the review and approval of the agenda, which involved adding one item to the County Commissioners form. The consent items were approved. Key discussions focused on judicial ditch matters, specifically appointing a third member to the Judicial Ditch 60 committee, with Gary being appointed to cover the area in his district, following a discussion on required member counts for joint ditches (JD60, JD64, JD71). There were updates on external organizational matters, including the West Central board meeting regarding a court date set for April 17th in Clay County related to a matter involving notifications to 19,500 people and associated costs to the central budget. Further updates covered the MBO finance committee's review of legal updates due to retirements and funding issues related to separation pay, noting the process is generally a month behind schedule. Reports were given on the AMC board of directors, where one representative transitioned roles, and discussions on legislative priorities, software automation, and the upcoming MAPA program implementation date of January 1, 2027. Board training for Inner County focused on financial management and dealing with nonprofits, accompanied by a report indicating a clean audit. A MAFA workforce meeting addressed the increased time and staffing requirements under the MAFA CWDA, especially concerning child protection units experiencing high burnout rates, with discussions on retention and making the field more appealing. The AMC long-term service and support meeting focused on legislative priorities and potential savings from service changes, leading to frustration regarding perceived unnecessary service levels being provided. Updates were also provided on alternative productions concerning organizational safety for workers and clients, especially regarding predictability for clients with specific needs. The TZD committee discussed strategic planning goals, focusing on seat belt usage (noting issues with youth and men in agriculture) and the impact of substance use, distraction, and speed in crashes, with a slight decrease in crash incidents noted for 2025 compared to 2024 in Polk County. The Public Health meeting involved reappointing the medical consultant and attorney, with the speaker reelected as chair and Gary as vice chair. A recent full MAFA meeting concluded with the interim report submission to legislators, highlighting areas for potential legislative change in the law. Finally, there was a mention of the West Central Regional Water District Group presenting to the Kirkland City Council's Ways and Means Committee seeking support.

The regular session agenda included the approval of the current agenda and consent items, such as approving commissioner warrants across various funds and payments for procurement card purchases. Under County Board Member Issues, commissioners reported on recent meetings attended, including the Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Lake Agassiz Regional Library, and various task force and advisory committee meetings. A motion was adopted to change the date of a special board meeting scheduled for September 16, 2026, to September 14, 2026. In Highway matters, the Board authorized the County Board Chair, County Administrator, and County Attorney to sign land lease agreements for Angus and Liberty Townships. The Sheriff reported on the December 2025 Monthly Sheriff's Report, 2025 Calls for Service Highlights, and approved the Chair to sign the Fifth Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement for the Pine to Prairie Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force. Social Services approved a Transportation Contract with Tri-Valley Opportunity Council. Public Health approved contracts for Opioid Settlement Funds with Riverview Recovery Center and Care and Share of Crookston, Inc., approved 2026 Opioid Settlement Advisory Council Appointments, approved a Restated Professional Services Agreement with Altru Health Systems, and approved hiring an Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator. Management Information Systems approved the 3-year Microsoft contract renewal. Property Records set the canvassing date for the 2026 General Special Election.