Roger Gunderson

The Ramsey County Commission meeting included discussions and decisions on several key areas. The commission approved minutes with a correction, approved bills, and treasury checks. They also discussed and approved the agenda. The Water Resource District Board provided an update on their activities, including a drain tile permit request and discussions regarding culvert sizing. The commission approved payments for construction invoices related to the apron and salt shed, as well as gravel stockpiles. They also discussed and approved a hydraulic study for a crossing on 96th Avenue and the Edmore, and approved the purchase of a snow pusher. Additionally, the commission addressed maintenance certifications for county federal aid projects, salt orders, and the hiring of new drivers, noting the success of radio advertisements in attracting applicants.

The meeting included several substantive discussions and actions. Key items involved the approval of bills and treasurer tracks, and the approval of the agenda. Several motions were passed to authorize regular bill payments, to establish spending limits for equipment and supplies without commission approval, and to designate specific banks as official depositories for county funds. The commission authorized the Ramsey County Treasurer to invest county funds and report on those investments quarterly. A motion was approved authorizing $5,000 for county fixed assets. There was also a motion to purchase a new V-plow (model 890 FS) from RDO for $15,700 to replace equipment in the Starkweather district. Discussions included updates on equipment maintenance, involving a wing truck and a sander truck that were down over the Christmas break, and concerns raised by a township regarding the use of trucks on township roads. Furthermore, a motion was passed to direct funds collected from the surplus sale of county vehicles in 2026 to be used as payment for two Dodge Ram pickups received from the sheriff's department. Finally, the commission approved an order for culverts totaling $49,132.80 for yard inventory stocking. Updates were provided regarding potential water flow issues on 96th Avenue and future discussions with the water board concerning water pressure alleviation.

Key discussions during the meeting included an overview of County Financing Options for borrowing funds related to a possible new jail, and review of the associated general obligation correction center bonds resolutions. The Highway Superintendent reported on several items: approving an amendment to the Engineer-Owner Agreement with KLJ Engineering LLC extending service time until March 1, 2031; updates on Project PCN 24671, a shared use path project funded through the Transportation Alternatives Program; selection of Bridge 36-101-20.0 for removal with plans for Preliminary Engineering; review of a KLJ invoice for a hydraulic study; updates on finalizing county line agreements; and repair status of plow trucks. The Commission approved payments for truck repairs and the purchase of a 2025 Ford F-150. The Sheriff discussed the Fallen Deputy Memorial Highway and Courthouse Security. The Commission approved the designation of the Rudolph Howell mile marker. Furthermore, the application for a beer/liquor license for Wallys Bad Ass Bar & Famous Food was denied based on the States Attorney's recommendations. The Homestead Credit for tax year 2025 was approved, and Commissioner Brown was assigned the Extension Portfolio.

The meeting addressed the approval of bills, which included discussions regarding rent for the TF building (identified as the Lake Region task force) and vehicle listings for Devil's Lake cars, as well as the combined sheriff department credit card amount. Following the bill approval, treasurer checks were approved. The agenda was then approved after a discussion to include the financial matter raised earlier. Following a moment of silence for Officer Smith, a follow-up presentation was given on 2026 assessment ALAND values, leading to a motion to decrease values by 4% to maintain compliance tolerance, which passed. The commission also considered and approved the transfer of ownership of a 2020 Dodge Durango, which was out of service, to the Lake Region Ambulance for use by their community paramedic program. Finally, there was a discussion regarding the selection of evidence tracking software, with a preference indicated for PMI over Axon.

The meeting included reports from the County Highway Superintendent. New business items addressed the Home Rule Charter Resolution and the approval of the township fund balance certification sheet.