DEPARTMENT: Office of the County Manager
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
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Recognition Of 175th Anniversary Of Dakota County
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Recognize the 175th anniversary of the establishment of Dakota County.
SUMMARY
In 2024, Dakota County is celebrating the 175th anniversary of its establishment as one of the Minnesota Territory’s nine original counties. Staff have worked with the Dakota County Historical Society to create materials commemorating this milestone, which will be highlighted at the Dakota County Fair.
RECOMMENDATION
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Staff recommend adoption of the prepared resolution.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, in 1849, Dakota County was established as one of the nine original counties within the Minnesota Territory; and
WHEREAS, Indigenous people have been living in the land of Dakota County from time immemorial, with the lands being important for tribes to make use of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers for sustenance, transportation, and interaction with other tribes across the nation; and
WHEREAS, the land that is now Dakota County served as the original birthplace of the Dakota people, as well as serving as the home of numerous other tribes; and
WHEREAS, the signing of the Treaties of Traverse des Sioux and Mendota, the terms of which were not always honored by the U.S. Government, ceded much of the land that is now Dakota County; and
WHEREAS, this led to an increase in rapid increase in settlement in the region and the establishment of Kaposia, present day South St. Paul, as the initial county seat, which moved to Mendota before settling in Hastings in 1857, where it remains today; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County, in the 175 years of its existence, has increasingly taken on different roles to ensure the wellbeing of its residents, gathering both state and national recognition for its vital services and high-quality programs delivered through the vision of a seven-member Board of Commissioners and the effort of dedicated employees; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County ensures public safety through innovative law enforcement, court and corrections initiatives; helps those in need of housing, food, work and health assistance; and improves the environment by preserving land, protecting groundwater and maintaining healthy air quality; and
WHEREAS, residents value the outdoors and a Dakota County Parks system that has grown over 50 years to seven parks, six active greenways with nearly 50 miles completed on a 200-mile vision and more than 2,000 restored acres of native landscapes, and sees more than 3 million visits annually; and
WHEREAS, the Dakota County Library system over 55 years has grown to 10 locations with 1.2 million in-person visits annually by residents who value the library as a place of learning and community gathering; and
WHEREAS, a successful county relies on building and strengthening partnerships with local municipalities, schools, state and federal partners, and the nonprofit and business communities; and
WHEREAS, these factors have contributed to Dakota County growing to nearly 450,000 residents, making it the third-largest county in the State of Minnesota in its 175th year.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby celebrates and recognizes the 175th anniversary of the 1849 establishment of the County of Dakota, one of nine original counties in the Minnesota Territory, and thanks the residents of Dakota County for their contributions to ensure Dakota County is a premier place in which to live and work.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: None
BOARD GOALS
☐ A Great Place to Live ☐ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Tom Novak
Author: Mary Beth Schubert