Dakota County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

1. Call to Order and Roll Call

9:00 AM

Boardroom, Administration Center,

Hastings, MN

Commissioner Mike Slavik

Present:

Commissioner Joe Atkins

Commissioner Laurie Halverson

Commissioner William Droste

Commissioner Liz Workman

Commissioner Mary Liz Holberg

Commissioner Mary Hamann-Roland

Also in attendance were Heidi Welsch, County Manager; Kathryn M. Keena, County Attorney;

Tom Donely, First Assistant County Attorney; and Jeni Reynolds, Sr. Administrative

Coordinator to the Board.

Pledge of Allegiance

The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Chair Slavik who welcomed everyone and

opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Audience

Chair Slavik noted that all public comments can be sent to CountyAdmin@co.dakota.mn.us

No comments were received for this agenda.

Agenda

Resolution No: 25-345

4.1

Approval of Agenda (Additions/Corrections/Deletions)

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Ayes: 7

Second: William Droste

CONSENT AGENDA

On a motion by Commissioner Workman, seconded by Commissioner Hamann-Roland, the

Consent agenda was approved as follows:

County Administration - Approval of Minutes

Resolution No: 25-346

5.1

Approval of Minutes of Meeting Held on July 8, 2025

Motion: Liz Workman

Ayes: 7

Second: Mary Hamann-Roland

Items Recommended by Board Committee*

Resolution No: 25-347

Review And Approval Of Disability Advisory Council Priorities

6.1

Motion: Liz Workman

Second: Mary Hamann-Roland

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 24-038 (January 23, 2024), the Dakota County

Board of Commissioners authorized the formation of the Dakota County

Disability Advisory Council (Council); and

WHEREAS, the purpose of the Council is:

· Providing technical expertise on issues that affect people with disabilities.

· Acting as an independent sounding board for issues, ideas, and policy

matters impacting disabled individuals.

· Seeking advice from members and the public in the county

decision-making processes.

· Reflect the diverse interests of county clientele and residents.

· Meet requirements of state law.

· Providing annual recommendations to the County Board of

Commissioners

; and

WHEREAS, the Council convened for the first time in September 2024, and over

the past several months, members have worked collaboratively to identify key

focus areas to guide their efforts in advocating for people with disabilities in the

county; and

WHEREAS, on May 14, 2025, the Council formally adopted the following four

priorities, listed in order of importance as determined by the group:

· Priority 1: Improve Access to Disability Support Services

o Identify challenges navigating services and other essential benefits

available to residents with disabilities and disabled residents.

§ Examples: benefits programs, affordable housing, employment

opportunities, public health and safety, etc.

o Advocate to ensure these services are accessible, adequately funded,

and effectively communicated to those in need.

· Priority 2: Improve Transportation Accessibility and Safety for

Individuals with Disabilities and Disabled Individuals

o Identify barriers to accessible public and private transportation options

§ Advocate for expanded transportation options that are affordable,

reliable, and meet the diverse and intersecting needs of individuals

with disabilities and disabled individuals.

o Promote inclusive design standards for streets, sidewalks, crosswalks,

roundabouts, and transit stops to enhance mobility and safety.

§ Collaborate with county departments to identify and eliminate

obstacles.

o Encourage community input to ensure that the voices of individuals with

disabilities and disabled individuals are considered in transportation

planning and decision-making.

§ Include individuals with disabilities and disabled individuals in

follow-up evaluations of projects to ensure accessibility.

· Priority 3: Support Public Outreach and Awareness of County

Disability Initiatives

o Provide recommendations on effective outreach methods to inform

residents about disability-related services and initiatives.

o Advocate for the use of diverse communications channels to reach all

segments of the community and recommend strategies to engage diverse

and underrepresented disability communities.

o Promote awareness of county disability programs: Act as ambassadors

by sharing information with community organizations, businesses, and

other stakeholders.

o Assist in identifying community stories and testimonials that show the

impact of county programs and services.

o Recommend improvements based on public feedback to enhance the

effectiveness of county outreach efforts.

· Priority 4: Promote Inclusive and Equitable County Services and

Facilities

o Support the enhancement of county services and facilities to improve

accessibility across physical, auditory, sensory, cognitive, technological,

and communication needs, including support for service animals and

interpretation services.

o Identify barriers and recommend solutions to promote access to all

disabled individuals and individuals with disabilities, apparent and

non-apparent, allowing every person to contribute, productively engage,

and have positive experiences in all facets of the community.

; and

WHEREAS, the Council will utilize these priorities to develop its work plan,

which will be presented to the Dakota County Board later in 2025.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board

approves the Disability Advisory Council priorities.

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 25-348

6.2

Authorization To Execute Contract For Community Resource Center

Coordinating Agency Services

Motion: Liz Workman

Second: Mary Hamann-Roland

WHEREAS, county staff and community partners have been exploring the

potential to develop Community Resource Centers (CRC), previously referred to

as One-Stop Shops, in Dakota County for several years; and

WHEREAS, these centers would offer a comprehensive array of services and

supports to meet people’s needs in community settings, with the goal of

promoting family well-being and preventing involvement in child protection and

other deep-end services; and

WHEREAS, the services and supports would be provided by a constellation of

community organizations, hosted by community partners, with structural support

from a Coordinating Agency; and

WHEREAS, the Sauer Family Foundation offered a grant application that was

intended to support the county and community partners in implementing CRCs

in Dakota County; and

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 24-212 (April 23, 2024), the Dakota County

Board of Commissioners authorized submission of an application for a Sauer

Family Foundation Grant in the amount up to $525,000 for the period of July 1,

2024 through June 30, 2026, and execution of the grant agreement; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County was awarded $370,000 and an extension through

June 30, 2027, from the Sauer Family Foundation; and

WHEREAS, the County plans to pair these monies with existing Community

Service monies to fund the CRC Coordinating Agency services, including dollars

to fund community navigation and to support a community advisory council; and

WHEREAS, this contract will not exceed $582,620 over a two-year period; and

WHEREAS, a Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued for CRC Coordinating

Agency services on May 1, 2025, and two responses were received; and

WHEREAS, after a panel review and discussion, a joint proposal from Residents

of Color Collective (ROCC) and The Improve Group Cooperative was selected

to provide this service; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County will contract with The Improve Group Cooperative,

as the Agency Coordinator, and subcontract with ROCC to provide the Program

Coordinator Services; and

WHEREAS, staff recommends authorization to execute a contract with The

Improve Group Cooperative (who will subcontract with ROCC) to provide CRC

Coordinating Agency services in the amount up to $582,620 for the period of

execution date through June 30, 2027.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Community Services Director to execute

a contract with The Improve Group Cooperative in an amount not to exceed

$582,620 for the period of execution date through June 30, 2027, subject to

approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Community Services Director is hereby

authorized to amend said contract, consistent with the amount budgeted, to alter

the contract amount and the contract term up to one year after initial expiration

date, consistent with County contracting policies, subject to approval by the

County Attorney’s Office as to form; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the contract shall contain a provision that

allows the County to immediately terminate the contract in the event sufficient

funds from county, state, or federal sources are not appropriated at a level

sufficient to allow payment of the amount due.

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 25-349

6.3

Update On Sunsetting Of Adult Probation Fees And Approval Of Plan To

Minnesota Department Of Corrections

Motion: Liz Workman

Second: Mary Hamann-Roland

WHEREAS, the state legislature increased funding for Community Corrections

and, through the 2023 Public Safety Bill, ended the ability of counties to assess

probation supervision fees starting August 1, 2029; and

WHEREAS, each county is required to send the State of Minnesota Department

of Corrections its plan by August 1, 2025, for eliminating probation fees; and

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 23-369 (August 29, 2023), the Dakota County

Board of Commissioners approved acceptance of increased funding from the

2023 Public Safety Bill and amended the Community Corrections Budget; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County Community Corrections plans to continue to assess

fees until the statute no longer allows it.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Community Corrections Director to submit

the plan letter to the Minnesota Department of Corrections.

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 25-350

6.4

Approval Of Schematic Design For Miesville Ravine Park Reserve Site

Improvement Project

Motion: Liz Workman

Second: Mary Hamann-Roland

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 23-444 (September 26, 2023), the 2024 Parks

Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Adopted Budget includes a project to

design and construct site developments making Miesville Ravine Park Reserve

(MRPR) a better place to serve the adjacent communities; and

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 24-091 (February 27, 2024), the Dakota County

Board of Commissioners authorized the MRPR Master Plan, which outlines the

site improvement plans; and

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 24-545 (November 12, 2024), the Board

approved to select HKGi to provide professional design services; and

WHEREAS, since December 2024, staff have worked with HKGi to progress the

design and related review process; and

WHEREAS, staff reviewed the initial concept with tribal partners virtually on

February 6, 2025; and

WHEREAS, a public open house was held in person on February 6, 2025, and

project materials were published online for public comments; and

WHEREAS, public and private stakeholder workshops were held in person on

February 7, 2025; and

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 25-242 (May 20, 2025), the Dakota County

Board of Commissioners authorized to amend the contract with HKGi for

unforeseen complexity of the site; and

WHEREAS, schematic design was developed, incorporating the result of

wetland delineation; and

WHEREAS, staff recommends that the County Board approve the schematic

design for the MRPR Site Improvement project as presented by County staff on

July 22, 2025.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of

Commissioners hereby approves the schematic design for the Miesville Ravine

Park Reserve Site Improvement project as presented at the Physical

Development Committee of the Whole on July 22, 2025.

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 25-351

6.5

Adoption Of 2050 Parks, Greenways, And Natural Systems Vision Plan

Motion: Liz Workman

Second: Mary Hamann-Roland

WHEREAS, the Dakota County Parks Department has been updating the

previous 2030 Parks System Plan with the 2050 Parks, Greenways, and Natural

Systems Vision Plan (Vision Plan); and

WHEREAS, the plan frames future work and investment in Dakota County’s

parks, greenways, and natural systems for the next 25 years; and

WHEREAS, the updated vision is “Nature Protected, Community Reflected, All

Are Connected”; and

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 25-196 (April 22, 2025), the Dakota County

Board of Commissioners (County Board) authorized the Vision Plan to be

released for public review April 22 - May 20, 2025; and

WHEREAS, for the most part, feedback was supportive; and

WHEREAS, the plan document has been revised to reflect public comment; and

WHEREAS, on June 26, 2025, the Dakota County Planning Commission

recommended adoption of the Vision Plan.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of

Commissioners hereby adopts the 2050 Parks, Greenways, and Natural

Systems Vision Plan.

Ayes: 7

Central Operations

Report On Invoices Paid In June 2025

Information only; no action requested.

7.1

County Board/County Administration

Resolution No: 25-352

8.1

Appointment To Planning Commission

Motion: Liz Workman

Second: Mary Hamann-Roland

BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby

appoints the following individual to the Planning Commission to fill a one-year

term ending January 6, 2026:

District 5, Andrea Vaubel

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 25-353

8.2

Authorization To Amend 2025 County Board/Committee Of The Whole Meeting

Schedule

Motion: Liz Workman

Second: Mary Hamann-Roland

BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby

cancels the August 19, 2025 Physical Development Committee of the Whole

and Community Services Committee of the Whole meetings; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners

hereby schedules a budget workshop for August 19, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.,

Administration Center, conference room 3A, Hastings.

Ayes: 7

Community Services

Resolution No: 25-354

9.1

Authorization To Discontinue Board Appointed Opioid Response Advisory

Committee And Amend Dakota County Policy No. 1015 - Advisory Committees

Motion: Liz Workman

Second: Mary Hamann-Roland

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 23-277 (June 20, 2023), the Dakota County

Board of Commissioners authorized the formation of a County Board appointed

Opioid Response Advisory Committee (ORAC); and

WHEREAS, the ORAC commenced in October 2023, to support the

development of a comprehensive and effective countywide response to the

opioid crisis; and

WHEREAS, since its inception, ORAC has provided recommendations to the

County Board on the use of opioid settlement funds for external projects and

initiatives; and

WHEREAS, from December 2024 through March 2025, the ORAC engaged in a

facilitated strategic planning process, which resulted in the development of a

two-year plan that aligns with County Board goals; and

WHEREAS, staff presented this plan at the Community Services Committee of

the Whole (CSC) meeting on April 15, 2025, and by Resolution No. 25-200 (April

22, 2025), the Board approved the adoption of the strategic plan; and

WHEREAS, at the April CSC meeting, the County Board gave direction to end

the ORAC; and

WHEREAS, given this directive and in accordance with County Policy No. 1015,

staff is recommending formal authorization to discontinue the Board appointed

ORAC as of December 31, 2025.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of

Commissioners hereby authorizes the discontinuation of a County Board

appointed Opioid Response Advisory Committee effective December 31, 2025;

and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners

hereby amends Dakota County Policy No. 1015 - Advisory Committees, to

remove the Board Appointed Opioid Response Advisory Committee effective

December 31, 2025.

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 25-355

9.2

Authorization To Execute 2025 Federal Transit Administration Annual List Of

Certifications And Assurances

Motion: Liz Workman

Second: Mary Hamann-Roland

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 23-305 (July 18, 2023), the Dakota County Board

of Commissioners authorized the County Manager to execute a Section 5310

Elderly and Disabled Assistance grant with the Minnesota Department of

Transportation to improve access to transportation service and public

transportation alternatives to seniors, persons with disabilities and individuals

who are system involved and transportation dependent; and

WHEREAS, before the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) may award federal

assistance for public transportation in the form of a federal grant, cooperative

agreement, loan, line of credit, or loan guarantee, it requires applicants to

complete certain pre-award certifications and assurances (“Certifications and

Assurances”), including affirmations from the applicant’s attorney that the

applicant has the authority under the applicable law to make and comply with

those Certifications and Assurances, and that in the attorney’s opinion, the

County authorized representative has legally made those Certifications and

Assurances which are legal and binding obligations on the County; and

WHEREAS, the Certifications and Assurances are required annually,

encompassing a wide range of funding programs overseen by the FTA; and

WHEREAS, the Community Services Division Contracts Unit staff have

reviewed and determined that Dakota County is capable of following applicable

federal guidance, and complying with the Certifications and Assurances as

applicable to each application an authorized County representative makes to the

FTA in the federal fiscal year, as set forth in the 2025 FTA Certifications and

Assurances; and

WHEREAS, additionally, as required by the FTA, the County Attorney’s Office,

as legal counsel to the County, will be required to affirm to the FTA that the

County has the authority under state or local law to make and comply with those

Certifications and Assurances, and that the County can legally make those

Certifications and Assurances, which once signed will constitute legal and

binding obligations on the County.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Community Services Director to execute

the 2025 Annual List of Certifications and Assurances for Federal Transit

Administration Grants and Cooperative Agreements in connection with federally

funded projects and grants, upon the advice of the Community Services

Director, subject to affirmation by the County Attorney’s Office as to Dakota

County’s legal authority to make and comply with those Certifications and

Assurances.

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 25-356

9.3

Authorization To Execute Joint Powers Agreement With City Of South St. Paul

for Transportation Project

Motion: Liz Workman

Second: Mary Hamann-Roland

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 24-572 (December 3, 2024), the County Board

authorized Dakota County to accept Workforce Shortage grant funding through

the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) to provide funding for its

Communities for All initiative; and

WHEREAS, Communities for All issued a Letter of Interest (LOI) and selected

the Lets Go Places program through the City of South St. Paul; and

WHEREAS, through its Communities for All initiative, grant funding will be

provided to the City of South St. Paul to implement the Let’s Go Places program;

and

WHEREAS, the Let’s Go Places funding will be utilized for coordination and

transportation through DARTS; and

WHEREAS, Let’s Go Places will gather a group of South St. Paul residents with

disabilities to develop a community calendar of inclusive events and activities,

known as the resident council; and

WHEREAS, a key component of this program is to remove barriers and provide

accessible transportation to ensure that all residents can participate in

programming and foster a sense of community belonging and inclusion; and

WHEREAS, DARTS, under a contract with the City of South St. Paul, will

provide Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant round trip transportation

to residents identified as needing this service; and

WHEREAS, this service is wheelchair accessible and has customized pick-up

times; and

WHEREAS, the inclusive transportation service is estimated at $125 per hour;

and

WHEREAS, staff is requesting authorization to execute a JPA with the City of

South St. Paul from the date of execution through June 30, 2026, in an amount

not to exceed $10,000.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Community Services Director to execute

a joint powers agreement with the City of South St. Paul from the date of

execution through June 30, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $10,000, subject

to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form...end

Ayes: 7

10.

Physical Development

Resolution No: 25-357

10.1

Authorization To Execute Third Contract Amendment With Schreiber Mullaney

Construction Company, Inc., For Crisis And Recovery Center

Motion: Liz Workman

Second: Mary Hamann-Roland

WHEREAS, the 2023 Capital Improvement Program Adopted Budget as

amended for the Crisis and Recovery Center project is a total of $14,100,000;

and

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 23-380 (August 29, 2023), the County Board

approved the original contract with Schreiber Mullaney Construction Company,

Inc., in the sum of $11,516,890; and

WHEREAS, with the original contract authorization, staff was also authorized to

execute up to $250,000 worth of post-award changes; and

WHEREAS, in June 2024, staff executed one contract amendment totaling

$199,728.82 to amend the work scope and to extend the substantial completion

date by 15 working days; and

WHEREAS, a second contract amendment was executed through Resolution

No. 24-564 (December 3, 2024) to increase the contract by an additional

$363,943.55 and to extend the substantial completion date by 10 working days;

and

WHEREAS, upon construction completion, a third contract amendment is being

requested to increase the contract by $280,711.57 and to extend the substantial

completion date by 37 working days; and

WHEREAS, the total authorized contract amendments to this contract would

then be $844,383.94 for reimbursement of known construction change orders on

the project; and

WHEREAS, the new substantial completion date of the construction contract will

be February 7, 2025; and

WHEREAS, there are sufficient funds within the approved project budget for this

amendment.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Facilities Management Director to

execute a contract amendment with Schreiber Mullaney Construction Company,

Inc., 1286 Hudson Road, St. Paul, MN 55106, in an amount not to exceed

$280,711.57 and to add 37 working days to the schedule, for a maximum

contract total not to exceed $12,361,273.94, subject to approval by the County

Attorney’s office as to form.

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 25-358

10.2

Authorization To Execute Contract With Allied Waste Services Of North

America, LLC dba Republic Services Inc. For Recycling And Mixed Municipal

Solid Waste Management Services At The Recycling Zone

Motion: Liz Workman

Second: Mary Hamann-Roland

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 18-493 (September 18, 2018), the Dakota

County Board of Commissioners approved the 2018 - 2038 Dakota County Solid

Waste Master Plan (Master Plan); and

WHEREAS, as part of the Master Plan, the Dakota County Board of

Commissioners encourages residents and businesses to properly manage

hazardous wastes and recyclables; and

WHEREAS, collected recyclables and generated mixed municipal solid waste

from operations require comprehensive transportation and management

services; and

WHEREAS, the current contract for recycling and mixed municipal solid waste

management services at The Recycling Zone is held by Gopher Resource, LLC;

and

WHEREAS, Dakota County will now oversee all contracted operations, including

direct oversight of all waste management contractors encompassing mixed

municipal solid waste, recycling, scrap metal, hazardous waste, and problem

materials; and

WHEREAS, future programming includes the Recycling Zone Plus, and it is

anticipated that this contract would be amended to include this facility; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County staff issued a request for proposals on June 2,

2025, seeking a vendor to provide comprehensive recycling and solid waste

hauling services at The Recycling Zone; and

WHEREAS, three potential vendors submitted proposals, which were evaluated

by staff; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County requests services for a three-year contract term,

with a two-year extension option; and

WHEREAS, Allied Waste Services of North America, LLC, dba Republic

Services Inc. (Republic), currently provides recycling and mixed municipal solid

waste management services at The Recycling Zone, has a demonstrated

excellent service record, and provided the lowest cost bid; and

WHEREAS, the $50,000 annual contract cost is included in the household

hazardous waste annual budget; and

WHEREAS, staff recommends execution of a contract with Republic for

recycling and mixed municipal solid waste management services at The

Recycling Zone.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Environmental Resources Director to

execute a contract with Allied Waste Services of North America, LLC, dba

Republic Services Inc. for a term from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2028,

with a two-year extension option, in an amount not to exceed $50,000 annually,

subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form and subject to

approval by the County’s Risk and Homeland Security Manager.

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 25-359

10.3

Authorization To Execute Contract With RES Great Lakes, LLC For Natural

Resource Restoration Of Caponi Art Park In City Of Eagan

Motion: Liz Workman

Second: Mary Hamann-Roland

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 20-568 (November 17, 2020), the County Board

adopted the Land Conservation Plan (LC Plan) to prioritize and improve County

coordination and collaboration with other agencies and organizations regarding

land protection and long-term natural resource management; and

WHEREAS, the County initiated the City-County Conservation Collaborative

(Collaborative) in 2021 as an innovative and strategic LC Plan initiative to assist

and provide incentives for cities to increase natural resource management on

important city-owned property, as well as establish the recommended cost share

split of 80-85 percent from County and 15-20 percent from City; and

WHEREAS, the County received $6.2 million of Outdoor Heritage (OH) funds

appropriated by the 2022 Minnesota Legislature (ML22) for land protection and

restoration to assist in implementing the LC Plan; and

WHEREAS, the County worked with the cities to develop guidelines and criteria

for implementing the Collaborative, and the cities were then asked to submit

potential natural resource restoration projects; and

WHEREAS, the City of Eagan (City) submitted a proposal for restoring 40 acres

of Caponi Art Park (Park); and

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 24-627 (December 17, 2024) the Dakota County

Board of Commissioners authorized the execution of a joint powers agreement

with the City of Eagan to expend up to $275,960 from a combination of state

grant funds, County funds and City funds to implement natural resource

enhancement and restoration of Caponi Art Park located within the City of

Eagan; and

WHEREAS, a Request for Bids was released on July 3, 2025, and five bids

were received on July 18, 2025; and

WHEREAS, the lowest responsible bid was submitted by RES Great Lakes, LLC

in the amount of $274,890.80.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Parks Department Director, or designee,

to execute a contract with RES Great Lakes, LLC for the amount of $274,890.80

for the Caponi Art Park Ecological Restoration Phase I project.

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 25-360

10.4

Authorization To Release Draft Mississippi River Greenway Natural Resource

Management Plan For Public Review

Motion: Liz Workman

Second: Mary Hamann-Roland

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 17-274 (May 23, 2017), the County Board

adopted the Dakota County Natural Resources Management System Plan

(NRMP) which demonstrates a need to develop NRMPs for all County Parks,

Greenways, and Conservation Easements; and

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 20-568 (November 17, 2020), the County Board

adopted the Land Conservation Plan, which aims to improve County

coordination and collaboration with other agencies and organizations regarding

land protection and long-term natural resource management; and

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 20-519 (October 20, 2020), the County Board

adopted the River to River Greenway, and established precedent for a County

and Landowner partnership; and

WHEREAS, Friends of the Mississippi River was hired to develop an NRMP for

the Mississippi River Greenway, which runs for 28 miles along the river, from St.

Paul to Hastings; and

WHEREAS, the public lands along the corridor are owned by Dakota County,

the Cities of South St. Paul, Inver Grove Heights and Hastings, and Independent

School District 199; and

WHEREAS, the NRMP addresses the natural resource inventory, future

vegetative cover goals, and recommended projects developed in cooperation

with landowner partners; and

WHEREAS, an estimated $2,389,000 in projects were identified in the plan; and

WHEREAS, $589,000 has been secured from an Environment and Natural

Resource Trust Fund Grant and a Rebuilding American Infrastructure with

Sustainability and Equity grant to begin implementing the recommendations in

the plan; and

WHEREAS, project implementation will be subject to additional grant funding

and the establishment of partnership agreements; and

WHEREAS, the NRMP was presented to the Dakota County Planning

Commission on June 26, 2025, at which time the Commission passed a

resolution to recommend to the Dakota County Board that the draft plan be

released for public review and comment; and

WHEREAS, upon County Board approval of Draft release, a website for

providing comment on the NRMP will be made available for the 30-day

community review period; and

WHEREAS, after public comments are addressed and incorporated, the final

plan will be considered for adoption at future meetings of the Planning

Commission and the Dakota County Board of Commissioners.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of

Commissioners hereby authorizes the release of the draft Mississippi River

Greenway Natural Resource Management Plan for a 30-day public review and

comment period.

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 25-361

10.5

Authorization to Execute Contract With Alliant Engineering, Incorporated, For

Professional Design Services And Amend 2025 Transportation Capital

Improvement Program Budget For County State Aid Highway 42 Trail Gap In

Burnsville, County Project 42-167

Motion: Liz Workman

Second: Mary Hamann-Roland

WHEREAS, to provide a safe and efficient transportation system, Dakota

County is proceeding with County Project (CP) 42-167; and

WHEREAS, County Project 42-167 is the final engineering design of a trail gap

project on the north side of County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 42 from CSAH 5

to Nicollet Avenue, County Project (CP) 42-167 in Burnsville; and

WHEREAS, the Transportation Department sent a Request for Proposal (RFP)

to three qualified professional consultants; and

WHEREAS, the proposals received were evaluated by County and City staff;

and

WHEREAS, the proposal from Alliant Engineering, Incorporated, provided the

most complete response to the RFP, including project details and the most

comprehensive cost for all the services needed; and

WHEREAS, the staff recommends execution of a contract with Alliant

Engineering, Incorporated, for engineering consulting services for CP 42-167 for

actual costs not to exceed $299,250; and

WHEREAS, the City’s staff concurs with this recommendation; and

WHEREAS, the cost participation for the final design engineering will be in

accordance with the adopted Cost Share Policy F.1, Replacement and

Modernization - Trails; and

WHEREAS, the County’s cost share is 85 percent of the consultant contract.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Physical Development Director to execute

a contract with Alliant Engineering, Incorporated, to perform engineering

consulting services for County Project 42-167 in an amount not to exceed

$299,250, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the 2025 Transportation Capital

Improvement Program Adopted Budget is hereby amended as follow:

Expense

CP 42-167

$44,888

Total Expense

$44,888

Revenue

City of Burnsville

Total Revenue

($44,888)

$44,888

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 25-362

10.6

Authorization To Execute Joint Powers Agreement With City Of Rosemount For

Roundabout Intersection Improvement At County State Aid Highway 73 And

Connemara Trail Intersection In Rosemount, County Project 73-038

Motion: Liz Workman

Second: Mary Hamann-Roland

WHEREAS, to provide a safe and efficient transportation system, Dakota

County and the City of Rosemount are jointly partnering on County Project (CP)

73-038 for design, right of way, construction, construction administration, and

cost participation; and

WHEREAS, County Project 73-038 is the construction of a single-lane

roundabout at the intersection of County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 73 and

Connemara Trail in the City of Rosemount; and

WHEREAS, County staff monitors all intersections along County roads for safety

and efficiency and considers surrounding development growth impacts to assess

intersection needs; and

WHEREAS, existing traffic conditions and the rate of development growth in

Rosemount factored into the recommendation for a single-lane roundabout

intersection conversion as the necessary long-term remedy; and

WHEREAS, the City of Rosemount and the County are jointly participating in the

project with Rosemount leading the design, right of way acquisition,

construction, and construction administration phases; and

WHEREAS, under Minn. Stat § 162.17, subd. 1 and 471.59, subd. 1, two

governmental units may enter into an agreement to cooperatively exercise any

power common to the contracting parties, and one of the participating

governmental units may exercise one of its powers on behalf of the other

governmental units; and

WHEREAS, staff recommends execution of a joint powers agreement with the

City of Rosemount to memorialize roles, responsibilities, and cost share for CP

73-038; and

WHEREAS, cost share for CP 73-038 will adhere to Dakota County’s

Transportation Plan (July 2021) cost share policy.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Physical Development Director to enter

into a joint powers agreement between Dakota County and the City of

Rosemount for the design, right of way acquisition, construction and

maintenance for the County State Aid Highway 73 and Connemara Trail

roundabout intersection improvement project, County Project 73-038.

Ayes: 7

REGULAR AGENDA

11.

12.

Presentation

11.1 Dakota County Agricultural Society Update on the County Fair

Dakota County Fair President Pete Storlie provided an update and responded to

questions.

Closed Executive Session

Resolution No: 25-363

12.1

Settlement Authority For Acquisition Of Certain Property Rights Necessary For

County Project 91-030

Motion: Joe Atkins

Second: Laurie Halverson

This item did not go into closed session and was approved per recommendation

provided by the County Attorney's Office.

WHEREAS, Dakota County (the County) is proceeding with County Project (CP)

91-030 in Douglas Township to provide a safe and efficient transportation

system; and

WHEREAS, CP 91-030 consists of the reconstruction of the roadway of County

State Aid Highway (CSAH) 91 (Nicolai Avenue) to modern standards and will

include new culverts, improved drainage, treatment of storm runoff, widened

shoulders, and new turn lanes; and

WHEREAS, the Project requires acquisition of right-of-way from 29

privately-owned parcels of real property, including Parcels 31, 32, and 33 owned

by Elmegca Farm, as identified by Dakota County Right of Way Map No. 509;

and

WHEREAS, Parcels 31, 32, and 33 are subject to ongoing eminent domain

proceedings by the County; and

WHEREAS, on July 22, 2025, the Dakota County Attorney's Office (CAO)

provided a confidential memorandum to the Dakota County Board of

Commissioners explaining the legal strategy for accomplishing the County's

acquisition of the property rights identified in Dakota County Right of Way Map

No. 509 as Parcels 31, 32, and 33; and

WHEREAS, after review of the information contained in the confidential

memorandum the County Board determined a closed session discussion with

the CAO was not required prior to providing the requested authority.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of

Commissioners hereby approves the full and final settlement with Elmegca Farm

for the acquisition of property rights identified by Dakota County Right of Way

Map No. 509 as Parcels 31, 32, and 33 for a total amount of $241,500 as being

in the best interest of the County, and authorizes the County Attorney to arrange

for final payment of the acquisition amount and to effectuate final settlement of

the acquisition.

Ayes: 7

13.

Interagency Reports/Commissioner Updates

Interagency reports and Commissioner updates were presented.

14. County Manager's Report

The following updates were provided:

National Association of Counties Awards will be presented at the August 12, 2025 County

Board meeting.

The Dakota County Libraries received the Minnesota Best Libraries award. Congratulations to

Library Director Margaret Stone and staff. The County thanks Margaret and wishes her well as

she moves into retirement next month.

Dakota County Task Force 1 has been assisting people in Kerr County Texas after

devastating flooding.

Dakota County Fair update. The fair runs from August 4-10, 2025. This year the government

building is showcasing Dakota County Veteran Services. The theme is "Salute to Service,"

and its all about honoring the work our staff do every day to support veterans and their

families.

In April 2024, the Board authorized staff to submit four applications to the Legislative-Citizen

Committee on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). Three of the four applications were

recommended and were adopted for funding:

- Thompson County Park: Natural Resources Restoration and Accessibility improvements.

- Lake Byllesby Regional Park: lake and trailhead improvements.

- Cannon River Preservation and Access: bridge, parking, river access, as well as other

natural area restoration.

Staff recognitions:

Recognition of Trish Bremer in Capital Projects who worked to ensure we collected the Dept.

of Human Services and State dollars totaling almost $9.5 million for the Crisis and Recovery

Center.

Recognition of Visitor Services Manager Beth Landahl who received the Professional Fellow

Award from the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials. A short video

was shown.

Recognition of Dakota County being the recipient of the Minnesota Recreation and Park

Association Award of Excellence for the wildlife tunnel component of the County State Aid