Dakota County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes

Tuesday, November 4, 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.

Commissioner Atkins attended the meeting remotely via interactive technology.

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: 25-517

4.1

Approval of Agenda (Additions/Corrections/Deletions)

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: William Droste

The agenda was amended to remove Item 8.1 - Authorization To Amend 2025

County Board/Committee Of The Whole Meeting Schedule.

Ayes: 7

Public Hearing

Resolution No: 25-518

5.1

Public Hearing To Receive Comments And Adoption Of Dakota County 2026

Fee Schedules

Motion: Laurie Halverson

Second: William Droste

The time being 9:10 a.m. and pursuant to public notice, a public hearing was

conducted to receive comments and Adoption of Dakota County 2026 fee

schedules. Finance Audit Manager Lucas Chase briefed this item and the public

hearing was opened. No one came forward with comments and no comments

were received via email. The Public Hearing was closed at 9:11 a.m.

WHEREAS, Minn. Stat. § 373.41 authorizes the Dakota County Board to

establish fees for various services provided to the public after holding a public

hearing; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County desires to recover costs for services, except where

an increase would adversely affect the use of a program or service; and

WHEREAS, notice of a public hearing on the recommended 2026 fee schedules

was published from October 7, 2025, to November 4, 2025, on the Dakota

County external website under Public Notices; and

WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on November 4, 2025, to receive

comments on the 2026 Fee Schedules.

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

Commissioners hereby adopts the Dakota County 2026 fee schedules, as

attached to this Board item.

Ayes: 7

CONSENT AGENDA

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

Consent agenda was approved as follows:

County Administration - Approval of Minutes

Resolution No: 25-519

6.1

Approval of Minutes of Meeting Held on October 21, 2025

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Ayes: 7

Second: Liz Workman

Central Operations

Resolution No: 25-520

7.1

Approval Of 2025 Dakota County Emergency Operations Plan And Authorization

To Execute Plan Approval Page

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Liz Workman

WHEREAS, the Dakota County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) provides a

comprehensive framework that outlines a coordinated response to emergencies

and disasters within the County; and

WHEREAS, the EOP outlines an all-hazards approach providing the structure

for emergency management operations, and describes the responsibilities,

capabilities, and requirements across county departments, the cities and

townships, response agencies, and partner organizations; and

WHEREAS, County Board approval of the EOP is required by HSEM once every

four years to meet requirements within the Emergency Management

Preparedness Grant (EMPG) program; and

WHEREAS, the County Board must also authorize the County Board Chair,

County Manager, and County Emergency Manager to sign the Plan Approval

page; and

WHEREAS, staff has completed an update of the 2025 Dakota County

Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) in accordance with the Minnesota

Department of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency

Management (HSEM), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency

guidelines.

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

Commissioners hereby approves the 2025 Dakota County Emergency

Operations Plan; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the County Board Chair, the Sheriff, and the

County Manager are hereby authorized to sign the plan approval page.

Ayes: 7

County Board/County Administration

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

Schedule

8.1

This item was removed from the agenda. No action was taken.

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

schedules a Regional Railroad Authority meeting on November 18, 2025, 9:30

a.m. (or following County Board), Boardroom, Administration Center, 1590

Highway 55, Hastings, MN; and

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

hereby schedules a General Government and Policy Committee of the Whole

meeting on November 18, 2025, 10:00 a.m. (or following the Regional Railroad

Authority meeting), Conference Room 3A, Administration Center, 1590 Highway

55, Hastings, MN; and

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

hereby schedules a Budget Workshop on November 18, 2025, 10:30 a.m. (or

following the General Government and Policy Committee of the Whole),

Conference Room 3A, Administration Center, 1590 Highway 55, Hastings, MN.

Resolution No: 25-521

8.2

Adoption Of 2026 Legislative Priorities And Updated Platform

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Liz Workman

WHEREAS, the Minnesota Legislature will convene its 2026 session on

February 17, 2026; and

WHEREAS, the interests of Dakota County and its citizens will be directly

affected by the decisions of the 2026; and

WHEREAS, the General Government and Policy Committee of the Whole

reviewed items for inclusion in Dakota County’s 2026 Legislative Priorities.

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

Commissioners hereby adopts the following legislative priorities:

Policy Priorities:

· Human services modernization

o Solve immediate issues created by new federal requirements, reduce

errors and fight fraud.

o Get on track to replace outdated, disparate systems with a modern

system with centralized core functions.

· Human services cost shifts

o The State of Minnesota should absorb SNAP federal cost shifts.

· Housing support operations management allocation

o Allow provider agencies, including counties, to set aside a portion of

Housing Support funds to pay for their administrative work.

· Crisis mental health services.

o The legislature should create a long-term funding plan to ensure

sustainability of the mental health system in Minnesota.

o While a long-term funding is being developed, the legislature should

provide a direct appropriation to Dakota County to support and expand

its existing, critical services.

Capital Priorities:

· County Road 50 and Interstate 35 interchange

o County Road 50 safety and pedestrian improvements

o Transportation improvements for construction detour

· Lebanon Hills and Lake Byllesby campground buildings and beach house

replacement

· County Road 46 expansion from Trunk Highway 3 to Trunk Highway 52

; and

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

hereby adopts the updated Legislative Platform.

Ayes: 7

Community Services

Resolution No: 25-522

9.1

Authorization To Execute Contract With Minnesota Labs For Community-Based

Drug Testing Services

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Liz Workman

WHEREAS, the work of Children and Family Services requires access to

community-based services for children, youth, and families, whether in

addressing child protection issues, children’s mental health needs, truancy, or

youth transitioning from the foster care system; and

WHEREAS, the Minnesota Comprehensive Children’s Mental Health Act,

specifically Minn. Stat. § 245.4874, subd. 1, requires county boards to develop a

system of affordable and locally available children’s mental health services

based on a local service delivery system detailed in Minn. Stat. § 245.4875,

subd. 2; and

WHEREAS, the juvenile protection provisions of the Juvenile Court Act, Minn.

Stat. § 260C, reference child protection case plan services and the need for

county social services agencies to provide support and services to prevent

out-of-home placement, and to assist in family reunification following children

being in out-of-home placement; and

WHEREAS, Children and Family Services contracts for supportive services that

address the needs of children, youth, and families based on the concerns that

brought them to Social Services; and

WHEREAS, Social Services requires research-supported testing for exposure to

alcohol and other drugs on children, youth, and adults; and

WHEREAS, on September 2, 2025, staff issued a request for proposals for

Community-Based Drug Testing Services; and

WHEREAS, a review committee from the Social Services team reviewed and

scored the proposals; and

WHEREAS, staff recommends executing a contract with Minnesota Labs for

Community-Based Drug Testing Services for the term and the amount listed

below:

· Term of contract: date of execution through December 31, 2026

· Not to exceed (NTE) amount: $200,000 (NTE amount is the same as

previous contract period)

· Funding source: County Levy

· In 2024, 429 clients were referred for testing.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Community Services Director to execute a

contract with Minnesota Labs for Community-Based Drug Testing services in a

not to exceed amount of $200,000 from the date of execution through December

31, 2026, 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: 25-523

9.2

Authorization To Execute Joint Powers Agreement With Dakota County

Community Development Agency For Family Voucher Administration Services

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Liz Workman

WHEREAS, in 2019, the Community Development Agency (CDA) established a

pilot Levy Rent Assistance Program for families, a program designed to address

system flow for residents at Dakota Woodlands by providing temporary

tenant-based rental assistance to eligible households until they transition to the

Housing Choice Voucher Program; and

WHEREAS, the CDA program sunset in June 2022 and due to the success of

the pilot program, long waitlists for shelter and stagnation in flow out of shelter,

Dakota County Social Services proposed utilizing the new Local Affordable

Housing Aid (LAHA) funding to relaunch a Family Housing Voucher Program;

and

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 23-574 (December 19, 2023), the County Board

authorized restarting the Family Voucher Program, formerly known as the CDA

Levy Rent Assistance Program with funding from LAHA; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County Social Services has previously contracted with the

CDA to act as the rental assistance administrator for the program; and

WHEREAS, the CDA has succeeded as a vendor in this capacity; and

WHEREAS, under Minn. Stat. §471.59, subd.1, two or more 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 is requesting to enter into a joint powers agreement (JPA) with

Dakota County CDA for family voucher administrative services in an amount not

to exceed $1,225,000 for the period January 1, 2026 through December 31,

2027; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County CDA served 29 households in 2025 and plans to

increase households served to 34 per year in the next contract period; and

WHEREAS, this is a 22 percent increase in the amount of $225,000 additional

dollars in the two-year contract period.

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 Dakota County Community Development Agency

for family voucher administration services in a not to exceed amount of

$1,225,000 for the period of January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027,

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

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 25-524

9.3

Authorization To Execute A Grant Amendment With Minnesota Department Of

Employment And Economic Development And Contract Amendments For State

Dislocated Worker Program Services

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Liz Workman

WHEREAS, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) requires

each Workforce Development Area (WDA) to submit an annual plan describing

how employment and training services will be provided to eligible program

participants; and

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 25-299 (June 24, 2025), the Dakota County

Board of Commissioners authorized execution of grant agreement with DEED to

provide State Dislocated Worker Program services in the amount of $662,657

and execution of contracts with DEED Job Service and HIRED in an amount not

to exceed $100,000 for each contract for the period July 1, 2025 through June

30, 2026; and

WHEREAS, on October 24, 2025, the Dakota-Scott Workforce Development

Board approved the execution of the grant amendment with DEED to add an

additional amount of $738,230 ($559,578 Dakota County; $178,652 Scott

County) for a new not to exceed total of $1,400,887; and

WHEREAS, this allocation is a decrease of 0.4% from last year’s grant

allocation; and

WHEREAS, staff recommends authorization to execute a grant amendment with

DEED to add $738,230 to the current grant agreement of $662,657 for a new

not to exceed amount of $1,400,877 and execute contract amendments with

DEED Job Service and HIRED to add an additional $100,000 to each contract

for a new not to exceed amount of $200,000 for each contract for the period of

July 1, 2025 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 grant amendment with DEED to add $738,230 for a new not to exceed grant

amount of $1,400,877 for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027,

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

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

hereby authorizes the Community Services Director to execute a contract

amendment with DEED Job Service in an amount not to exceed $200,000 and

with HIRED in an amount not to exceed $200,000 for the period of July 1, 2025

through June 30, 2027, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to

form; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That unless the grant program requirements

change, the Community Services Director is hereby authorized to amend the

grant to extend the grant term up to two years after initial expiration date, accept

additional grant funds, and continue grant-funded full-time equivalents,

consistent with County contracting policies, and inclusion of grant funds in future

yearly Recommended and Approved Budgets, 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 contracts, 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 contracts shall contain a provision that

allows the County to immediately terminate the contracts 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: 25-525

9.4

Authorization To Submit Biennial Service Agreement, Accept Funds For

Minnesota Family Investment Program With Minnesota Department Of Children,

Youth, And Families, And Execute Contract With Avivo For Employment

Services

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Liz Workman

WHEREAS, Minn. Stat. §142G.76, subd.4, requires counties to have an

approved biennial service agreement (BSA) with the Minnesota Department of

Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to receive consolidated funds; and

WHEREAS, the primary purpose of this service agreement is to assess

statewide efforts toward the goal of “economic stability for low-income families”

under Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP); and

WHEREAS, the agreement assesses the ongoing needs of families and children

within program areas, the resources available to address these needs,

budgeting of allocated resources, and community participation and review in the

planning and development of the service agreement; and

WHEREAS, the 2026-2027 BSA builds upon existing efforts by counties to serve

the needs of families and children, and to assess how well current efforts are

leading to better outcomes for Minnesota families; and

WHEREAS, counties use the MFIP Consolidated Fund to administer MFIP

financial assistance, the Diversionary Work Program (DWP), deliver MFIP and

DWP employment services, and provide emergency assistance; and

WHEREAS, as required by law, Employment and Economic Assistance

provided an opportunity for public comment through an online public posting on

Dakota County’s website, available for comment for thirty days prior to the

submission of the agreement to DCYF; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County did not receive any public comments as a result and

the announcement closed for comments on October 30, 2025; and

WHEREAS, staff recommends authorization to submit the BSA for the period of

January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027, and accept funds for a total not to

exceed amount of $8,812,654 ($4,406,327 for each year); and

WHEREAS, this is a decrease of $232,796 (-2.6%) from the funding received in

the prior biennium; and

WHEREAS, staff recommends authorization to execute a contract with Avivo for

MFIP employment services in a not to exceed amount of $1,390,406 for the

period of January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026; and

WHEREAS, this is an increase of $190,406 (15.9%) from the prior year and is

increasing as individuals previously enrolled in DWP will now be moving to the

MFIP program.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes Dakota County to submit the Biennial Service

Agreement for the period of January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027,

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

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

authorizes the Community Services Director to accept funds from the Minnesota

Family Investment Program with the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth,

and Families (DCYF) in an amount not to exceed $8,812,654 for the period of

January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That unless the grant program requirements

change, the Community Services Director is hereby authorized to amend the

grant to extend the grant term up to two years after initial expiration date, accept

additional grant funds, and continue grant-funded full-time equivalents,

consistent with County contracting policies, and inclusion of grant funds in future

yearly Recommended and Approved Budgets, subject to approval by the County

Attorney’s Office as to form; and

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

hereby authorizes the Community Services Director to execute a contract with

Avivo for Minnesota Family Investment Program employment services in a not to

exceed amount of $1,390,406 for the period of January 1, 2026 through

December 31, 2026; 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

10.

Physical Development

Resolution No: 25-526

10.1

Authorization To Execute Joint Powers Agreement With City Of Lakeville For

Greenway And Trail Segment Maintenance

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Liz Workman

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 11-517 (October 11, 2011), the Dakota County

Board of Commissioners adopted the North Creek Greenway Master Plan; and

WHEREAS, the City of Lakeville and Dakota County have constructed or

reconstructed about 1.75 miles of the North Creek Greenway to Dakota County

Greenway standards in 2024 and 2025; and

WHEREAS, it is mutually agreeable for the City of Lakeville and Dakota County

to execute a maintenance agreement to define routine, deferred, and

replacement responsibilities of the County’s Greenway, site amenities and

furnishings, vegetation, utilities, and structural infrastructure like bridges or

tunnels; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County will reimburse the City of Lakeville annually for

routine maintenance activities at an agreed-upon rate per mile of Greenway; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County will continue to perform routine trail inspections,

graffiti removal, and routine, deferred, and replacement maintenance of

Greenway infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, sufficient funds are available in the Asset Preservation set-aside

and project.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Physical Development Director, or their

designee, to execute a Maintenance Agreement, as substantially presented, with

the City of Lakeville for the North Creek Greenway that require routine and

deferred maintenance, or replacement of Greenway Regional trail infrastructure

according to the County’s existing maintenance service standards, subject to

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

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 25-527

10.2

Authorization To Execute Joint Powers Agreement With City Of Hastings For

Greenway And Trail Segment Maintenance

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Liz Workman

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 99-526 (September 21, 1999), the Dakota

County Board of Commissioners adopted the Mississippi River Greenway

Master Plan; and

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 19-767 (October 29, 2019), the Dakota County

Board of Commissioners adopted the Vermillion River Greenway Master Plan;

and

WHEREAS, Dakota County has constructed or reconstructed about 4.4 miles of

the Mississippi River Greenway to Dakota County Greenway standards in 2020

and 2021 and constructed or reconstructed about 2.1 miles of the Vermillion

River Greenway in 2024 and 2025; and

WHEREAS, it is mutually agreeable for the City of Hastings and Dakota County

to execute a maintenance agreement to define the routine, deferred, and

replacement responsibilities of the County’s Greenway, site amenities and

furnishings, vegetation, utilities, and structural infrastructure like bridges or

tunnels; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County will reimburse the City of Hastings annually for

routine maintenance activities at an agreed-upon rate per mile of Greenway; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County will continue to perform routine trail inspections,

graffiti removal, and routine, deferred, and replacement maintenance of

Greenway infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, sufficient funds are available in the Asset Preservation Set-aside

project.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Physical Development Director, or their

designee, to execute a Maintenance Agreement, as substantially presented, with

the City of Hastings for the Mississippi River Greenway and Vermillion River

Greenway that require routine and deferred maintenance, or replacement of

Greenway Regional trail infrastructure according to the County’s existing

maintenance service standards, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s

Office as to form.

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 25-528

10.3

Authorization To Execute Joint Powers Agreement With City Of Farmington For

Greenway And Trail Segment Maintenance

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Liz Workman

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 11-517 (October 11, 2011), the Dakota County

Board of Commissioners adopted the North Creek Greenway Master Plan; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County has constructed or reconstructed about 1.2 miles of

the North Creek Greenway to Dakota County Greenway standards in 2024 and

2025; and

WHEREAS, it is mutually agreeable for the City of Farmington and Dakota

County to execute a maintenance agreement to define the routine, deferred, and

replacement responsibilities of the County’s Greenway, site amenities and

furnishings, vegetation, utilities, and structural infrastructure like bridges or

tunnels; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County will reimburse the City of Farmington annually for

routine maintenance activities at an agreed-upon rate per mile of Greenway; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County will continue to perform routine trail inspections,

graffiti removal, and routine, deferred, and replacement maintenance of

Greenway infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, sufficient funds are available in the Asset Preservation Set-aside

project.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Physical Development Director, or their

designee, to execute a Maintenance Agreement, as substantially presented, with

the City of Farmington for the North Creek Greenway that require routine and

deferred maintenance, or replacement of Greenway Regional trail infrastructure

according to the County’s existing maintenance service standards, subject to

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

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 25-529

10.4

Authorization To Execute Consultant Contract With SRF Consulting Group, Inc.,

For Professional Services, And Amend 2025 Adopted Budget For County State

Aid Highway 56 And 28 In City Of Inver Grove Heights, County Projects 56-14,

And 28-69

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Liz Workman

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

County and the City of Inver Grove Heights are advancing County Project (CP)

56-14 and CP 28-69; and

WHEREAS, CP 56-14 includes intersection, pedestrian crossing, and

accessibility improvements along County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 56 from

Chestnut Street in South St. Paul to Coffman Path in Inver Grove Heights; and

WHEREAS, CP 28-69 includes construction of a multi-use trail and crossing

improvements along CSAH 28 from 500 feet east of Cahill Avenue to CSAH 56;

and

WHEREAS, Dakota County is the lead agency for both projects; and

WHEREAS, by Resolution Nos. 22-354 (August 23, 2022), 23-149 (April 11,

2023), and 23-485 (October 24, 2024), the County Board authorized a contract

and subsequent amendments with SRF Consulting Group, Inc. for design

services related to CP 56-14 and CP 28-69; and

WHEREAS, the previous contract with SRF Consulting Group, Inc. expired on

December 31, 2024, and a new contract is required to complete the projects;

and

WHEREAS, the expired contract had a remaining balance of $11,525.71, which

may be used to help fund the new contract; and

WHEREAS, staff negotiated additional scope of services in the amount of

$175,376 with SRF Consulting Group, Inc., and recommend a new contract not

to exceed $186,902 to account for additional coordination and design needs;

and

WHEREAS, a budget amendment is needed to execute the new contract.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Physical Development Director to execute

a contract with SRF Consulting Group, Inc. for engineering consulting services

for County Projects 56-14 and 28-69, in an amount not to exceed $186,902,

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

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the 2025 Capital Improvement Program

budget is hereby amended as follows:

Expense

CP 56-14

CP 28-69

Total Expense

$ 80,145

$ 95,231

$175,376

Revenue

CP 56-14 (Sales and Use Tax)

CP28-69 (Wheelage Tax)

CP28-69 (City)

$ 80,145

$ 17,927

$ 77,304

$175,376

Total Revenue

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 25-530

10.5

Authorization To Execute Joint Powers Agreement With City Of Saint Paul

Board Of Water Commissioners For City Utility Improvement Incorporation Into

2026 Preservation Projects On County State Aid Highway 73 In City Of West St.

Paul, County Projects 73-044 And 73-045

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Liz Workman

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

County is proceeding with the 2026 Preservation of Paved Highway Surfaces;

and

WHEREAS, included in the County’s preservation work is an opportunity for

coordination with city stakeholders to partner on any necessary utility repairs

within the road segments being included; and

WHEREAS, Saint Paul Regional Water Services desires to incorporate water

main repairs as part of County Projects 73-044 and 73-045; and

WHEREAS, County Project 73-044 is the mill and overlay of County State Aid

Highway 73 from 980’ North of County State Aid Highway 14 to County State Aid

Highway 8 in Saint Paul; and

WHEREAS, County Project 73-045 is the mill and overlay of County State Aid

Highway 73 from County Road 4 to Annapolis Street East in Saint Paul; and

WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul Board of Water Commissioners is the

governing body of Saint Paul Regional Water Services; and

WHEREAS, a joint powers agreement between the County and the City of Saint

Paul Board of Water Commissioners is necessary to outline roles,

responsibilities, and cost participation; and

WHEREAS, the cost share for adjustments to city utilities needed for the County

to perform pavement preservation work is 100 percent County in accordance

with the cost share policies outlined in the 2040 Dakota County Transportation

Plan; and

WHEREAS, the cost share for water main maintenance/improvements/repairs

beyond what is needed for pavement preservation is 100 percent Saint Paul

Regional Water Services; and

WHEREAS, the Draft 2026 Transportation Capital Improvement Program

Budget includes sufficient funds to proceed with the 2026 Preservation of Paved

Highway Surfaces, including the County’s cost share for utility adjustments.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Physical Development Director to execute

a joint powers agreement between Dakota County and the City of Saint Paul

Board of Water Commissioners for utility repair work associated with County

Projects 73-044 and 73-045, which are included in the 2026 Preservation of

Paved Highway Surfaces.

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 25-531

10.6

Authorization To Execute Contract With Bolton And Menk, Inc., And Execute

Joint Powers Agreement With City Of Burnsville For Design Of Roundabout At

County State Aid Highway 32 And Interstate 35W East Frontage Road In

Burnsville, County Project 32-113

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Liz Workman

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

County, in partnership with the City of Burnsville, is proceeding with County

Project (CP) 32-113; and

WHEREAS, CP 32-113 includes the preliminary and final engineering design of

a roundabout at County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 32 and Interstate 35 West

(I-35W) East Frontage Road in Burnsville; and

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

to five qualified professional consultants; and

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

and

WHEREAS, the proposal from Bolton and Menk, Inc. (BMI) provided the best

value costs with the most complete response to the RFP, including project

details, and the most comprehensive cost for all the services needed; and

WHEREAS, the Adopted 2025-2029 Transportation Capital Improvement

Program Budget includes sufficient funding for CP 32-113 engineering

consulting services; and

WHEREAS, the County Engineer recommends execution of a contract with BMI

for engineering consulting services for CP 32-113 for actual costs not to exceed

$418,518; and

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

WHEREAS, a joint powers agreement with the City of Burnsville is necessary to

establish project responsibilities and cost share.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Transportation Director to execute a

contract with Bolton and Menk, Inc., to perform engineering consulting services

for County Project 32-113 in an amount not to exceed $418,518, subject to

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

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

hereby authorizes the Physical Development Director to execute a joint powers

agreement with the City of Burnsville, subject to approval by the County

Attorney’s Office as to form.

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 25-532

10.7

Authorization To Execute Second Contract Amendment With Kimley-Horn And

Associates, Inc., To Provide Final Design Engineering Services And Amend

2025 Capital Improvement Program Budget For Improvements To County State

Aid Highway 42 In City Of Apple Valley, County Project 42-163

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Liz Workman

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

County is proceeding with County Project (CP) 42-163; and

WHEREAS, CP 42-163 is the preliminary and final engineering design of

improvements to County State Aid Highway 42 in the city of Apple Valley from

Redwood Drive to 147th Street and vicinity; and

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 23-602 (December 19, 2023), the Dakota County

Board of Commissioners authorized the execution of a design services contract

with consultant Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. (Kimley-Horn) to perform

preliminary and final design engineering services for a total contract amount not

to exceed $959,920; and

WHEREAS, the scope and scale of CP 42-163 have increased based on the

need for total reconstruction, including significant underground work and

coordination of the County’s roadway project with the City of Apple Valley’s

(City) additional elements, including water and sewer utility work and anticipated

City lighting preferences, to be led by the City; and

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 25-048 (January 21, 2025), the Dakota County

Board of Commissioners authorized the execution of Contract Amendment No. 1

for additional preliminary engineering services to be performed by Kimley-Horn,

adding $619,285 to the contract, resulting in a contract amount not to exceed

$1,579,205; and

WHEREAS, the cost of the additional out-of-scope and expanded work tasks,

primarily for expanded final engineering design services, significant support to

right of way work, and environmental professional services specified for

Amendment No. 2 as work to be performed by Kimley-Horn is $598,485,

resulting in a new contract amount not to exceed $2,177,690; and

WHEREAS, the County Engineer recommends executing the second contract

amendment with Kimley-Horn for Contract Number DCA20482 for preliminary

and final engineering of CP 42-163; and

WHEREAS, a project budget amendment is now needed to reconcile changes

to the consulting services portion of the current 2025 project budget, including

Contract Number DCA20482 Amendments 1 and 2, plus $262,310 for services

under seven contracts in real estate title research, appraisals, cultural resources,

and specialty survey.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Physical Development Director to amend

the not-to-exceed contract value of $1,579,205 for Contract Number DCA20482

with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., for County Project 42-163 to a total

contract amount not to exceed $2,177,690, including reimbursables; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the 2025 Transportation Capital

Improvement Program is hereby amended as follows:

Expense

Project 42-163

$1,480,080

Total Expense

$1,480,080

Revenue

City of Apple Valley

Transportation Sales Tax

Total Revenue

$ 222,012

$1,258,068

$1,480,080

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 25-533

10.8

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

For Design, Right Of Way Acquisition, And Construction Of Multi-Use Trail Along

County State Aid Highway 8, County Project 08-035

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Liz Workman

WHEREAS, to promote a safe and efficient multi-modal transportation system,

the County is partnering with the City of West St. Paul to conduct preliminary

engineering, final design engineering, right-of-way acquisition and of a multi-use

trail along County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 8 (Wentworth Avenue) between

Robert Street and CSAH 73 (Oakdale Avenue), County Project 08-035; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County and the City of West St. Paul identified this trail gap

as a priority for improving safety and access for pedestrians and bicyclists to

destinations such as housing, retail, and transit; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County and the City of West St. Paul completed a feasibility

study and preliminary design in 2025 to establish project parameters, costs, and

right of way needs; and

WHEREAS, costs of final design, right of way acquisition, and construction will

be shared 85 percent County funds and 15 percent City funds in accordance

with adopted County Policy; and

WHEREAS, funding for final design and right of way acquisition services in 2025

and 2026 have been allocated to the project through the Transportation Trail

Gap Set-aside fund; and

WHEREAS, the City of West St. Paul will be the lead agency for preliminary

engineering, final design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction for the

project; and

WHEREAS, a joint powers agreement with the City of West St. Paul is required

to define responsibilities and cost share obligations through the construction of

the project.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Physical Development Director to execute

a joint powers agreement with the City of West St. Paul to identify costs and

responsibilities for final design, right of way acquisition, and construction in

accordance with County policy for a multi-use trail along County State Aid

Highway 8 in the City of West St. Paul, subject to approval by the County

Attorney's Office as to form.

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 25-534

10.9

Approval Of Final Plats Recommended By Plat Commission

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Liz Workman

WHEREAS, new subdivisions adjoining County highways are reviewed under

the Dakota County Contiguous Plat Ordinance No. 108; and

WHEREAS, the Plat Commission examines plats prior to County Board

approval; and

WHEREAS, the Plat Commission has reviewed and recommends approval of

the final plats by the County Board; and

WHEREAS, the final plat approval by the County Board is subject to the

conditions established by the Plat Commission review; and

WHEREAS, the following plats below require approval by their respective City

Council prior to the recording of the plats.

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

Commissioners hereby approves the following final plats:

KYLA CROSSING 2ND ADDITION

Ayes: 7

Public Services and Revenue

Resolution No: 25-535

Lakeville

11.

11.1

Scheduling Of Public Hearing To Receive Comments On 2026 Off Sale

Intoxicating Liquor License Applications

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Liz Workman

WHEREAS, a public hearing is required for the purpose of receiving comments

and informing the public on applications for off sale intoxicating liquor licenses;

and

WHEREAS, a Notice of the public hearing will be given to all interested parties,

Castle Rock Township Clerk, Randolph Township Clerk, and published in the

County’s Official Newspaper on November 20, 2025.

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

Commissioners hereby schedules a public hearing at 9:00 a.m. on December 2,

2025, in the Boardroom of the Administration Center, 1590 Highway 55,

Hastings, Minnesota, to receive comments on all 2026 off sale intoxicating liquor

license applications; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Public Service and

Revenue Division is hereby directed to publish in the Official County Newspaper,

notice of the public hearing and give notice to all interested parties and to any

city located within three miles of the premises proposed to be licensed.

Ayes: 7

REGULAR AGENDA

12.

Community Services

Resolution No: 25-536

12.1

Proclamation Of Operation Green Light For Veterans Week In Dakota County

November 4-11, 2025

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: William Droste

Director of Veteran Services Lisa Thomas briefed this item and responded to

questions.

WHEREAS, Dakota County Veterans Services has a long and proud history of

serving our nation’s service members, veterans, and their families, whose

contributions and sacrifices, including placing themselves in harm’s way, have

been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens;

and

WHEREAS, this legacy continues to this day as staff work with federal, state,

and local partners to ensure that service members, veterans, and their families

have access to the resources they need to thrive; and

WHEREAS, Operation Green Light for Veterans is an initiative that was started

by a collaboration of public agencies in New York State to show support for

those who have served their nation and connect them with benefits; and

WHEREAS, approximately 200,000 service members transition to civilian

communities annually; and

WHEREAS, studies indicate that 44-72 percent of service members experience

high levels of stress during transition from military to civilian life, and active

military service members transitioning from military service are at a high risk for

suicide during their first year after military service; and

WHEREAS, lighting up homes, businesses, and government buildings in green,

the color that stands for “go” and symbolizes hope, renewal, and well-being, is a

way to visibly show that the community honors the service and sacrifice of

veterans, active military, and their families, and encourages veterans to reach

out to their county veteran service officers; and

WHEREAS, while many veterans simply blend in with ordinary society when not

in uniform, making it more difficult to honor those who served, Dakota County

wants them to know their sacrifice and that of their families is appreciated and

believes specific recognition should be granted; and

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 23-495 (October 24, 2023), the Dakota County

Board of Commissioners proclaimed the week of November 6-12, 2023, as

Operation Green Light for Veterans week and lit up County service centers to

celebrate all veterans; and

WHEREAS, again, this year, the National Association of Counties (NACo) has

embraced Operation Green Light nationally and is inviting counties across the

United States to join Operation Green Light; and

WHEREAS, staff requests that the week of November 4-11, 2025, which

includes the Veterans Day holiday, be proclaimed Operation Green Light week

in Dakota County; and

WHEREAS, in observance of this proclamation, the Northern Service Center,

Western Service Center, and Administration Center buildings will be lit up in

green during this week; and

WHEREAS, staff will use inexpensive green filters with the building’s existing

lights to create the green light; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County residents and businesses are also encouraged to

shine a green light, to let the military community know that they are seen,

appreciated, and supported and their service to our nation is always present.

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

Commissioners proclaims November 4-11, 2025, as Operation Green Light for

Veterans Week, a time to salute and honor the service and sacrifice of those

who have served, are currently serving, and their families; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That in observance of Operation Green Light, the

Dakota County Northern Service Center, Western Service Center, and

Administration Center will be lit in green from November 4-11, 2025, and

residents and businesses are encouraged to also shine a green light to let the

military community know that they are seen, appreciated, supported and their

service to our nation is always present.

Ayes: 7

13.

Central Operations

Resolution No: 25-537

13.1

Authorization To Execute Metropolitan Council Contract With Dakota County For

Geospatial Data Formatting To Continue Dakota County Participation In

MetroGIS

Motion: William Droste

Second: Mary Hamann-Roland

GIS Manager Joe Sapletal briefed this item and responded to questions.

WHEREAS, Minn. Stat. § 471.59 authorizes local governmental units to jointly or

cooperatively exercise any power common to the contracting parties; and

WHEREAS, through the MetroGIS initiative, established in 1996, the seven

metropolitan counties (hereafter “counties”), the Metropolitan Council (hereafter

“Council”), and other interests have been working on regional and collaborative

solutions to create, maintain, and distribute commonly needed geospatial (GIS)

data; and

WHEREAS, in 1999, the MetroGIS Policy Board (hereafter “Board”) directed

MetroGIS staff to develop a Business Plan to provide direction for future

collaborations necessary to realize the MetroGIS vision; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council Board accepted a Business Plan for

MetroGIS on June 14, 2000; and

WHEREAS, the Business Plan identified the need for the Council and the

counties to collaborate to build regional GIS datasets for distribution to public

sector stakeholders, such as state agencies, municipalities and watershed

districts; and

WHEREAS, the counties subsequently entered into agreements with the Council

to build regional GIS data sets; and

WHEREAS, in August 2020, the County entered into the current such

agreement with the Council; and

WHEREAS, that agreement expires on December 31, 2025; and

WHEREAS, the new agreement shall commence on January 1, 2026, and

remain in effect until December 31, 2028, with an option to be extended for a

single, two-year term; and

WHEREAS, the County wishes to continue to participate in the MetroGIS

collaborative; and

WHEREAS, under this agreement, the Metropolitan Council will provide $4,000

per year to help cover costs of performing tasks defined in the agreement.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Deputy County Manager to execute the

Metropolitan Council Contract with Dakota County for Geospatial Data

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

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That $4,000 per year received from the

Metropolitan Council under this agreement be deposited in the GIS Enterprise

Fund.

Ayes: 7

14.

Interagency Reports/Commissioner Updates

Interagency reports and Commissioner updates were presented. Chair Slavik shared

condolences to the family of Pete Zajec, the 15-year veteran and school resource officer with

the Farmington Police Department that recently passed by suicide.

15.

County Manager's Report

County Manager Heidi Welsch gave a brief update on the following:

- Thank you to Community Services staff for providing stability to those living in Dakota

County during the Federal shutdown.

- The 2026 Dakota County Emergency Operations Plan was approved today on the consent

agenda.

- On a recent tour of the Empire Transportation facility, let it be noted that the snow plow

trucks are ready for this season!

16.

Information

16.1

See Attachment for future Board meetings and other activities.

Adjournment

Resolution No: 25-538

17.

17.1

Adjournment

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: William Droste

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

Droste, the meeting was adjourned at 9:35 a.m.

Ayes: 7

Mike Slavik

Chair

ATTEST

Heidi Welsch

County Manager