Dakota County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes

Tuesday, December 2, 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 Hamann-Roland

Commissioner Mary Liz Holberg

Absent:

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: 25-562

4.1

Approval of Agenda (Additions/Corrections/Deletions)

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Ayes: 6

Second: Liz Workman

Public Hearing

Resolution No: 25-563

5.1

Public Hearing To Receive Comments On 2026 Off-Sale Intoxicating Liquor

License Applications And Approval Of 2026 Intoxicating Liquor Licenses

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Joe Atkins

The time being 9:03 a.m. and pursuant to public notice, a public hearing was

conducted to receive comments on 2026 off-sale intoxicating liquor license

applications and adoption of 2026 intoxicating liquor licenses. Deputy Director of

Public Services and Revenue Teresa Mitchell 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 9:06 a.m.

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, all interested parties were notified of the date, time and location of

the public hearing on the Simman LLC, dba Castle Rock Bar and Gill, On and

Off-Sale Intoxicating and Sunday Sales license application and the Woody’s

Liquor Box, Inc., Off-Sale Intoxicating license application; and

WHEREAS, on December 2, 2025 at 9:00 a.m., the Dakota County Board of

Commissioners conducted a public hearing on the Simman, LLC, dba Castle

Rock Bar & Grill, and Woody’s Liquor Box, Inc. license applications; and

WHEREAS, a county may not issue or renew a retail license to sell any alcoholic

beverages until the County Board has received a written certification from the

Sheriff and County Attorney that to the best of their knowledge the application is

eligible to be license under Minn. Stat. § 340A.402 and Minn. Rules §

7515.0410; and

WHEREAS, the applications have been approved by the Townships of Douglas,

Marshan, Nininger, Randolph and Ravenna.

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

Commissioners hereby approves the following 2026 intoxicating liquor licenses

and authorizes the Public Services and Revenue Division to issue the licenses

upon payment of the fees:

Douglas Township:

Gopher Hills, Inc.: On-Sale and Sunday Sale

Marshan Township:

Bellwood Oaks, Inc.: On-Sale and Sunday Sale

Little Log House Properties, Inc.: On-Sale and Sunday Sale

Nininger Township:

Emerald Greens Golf, LLC: On-Sale and Sunday Sale

Randolph Township:

Cannon Golf Club, Inc.: On-Sale and Sunday Sale

Woody’s Liquor Box, Inc.: Off-Sale Intoxicating

Ravenna Township:

Almquist Farm, LLC: On-Sale and Sunday Sale

Ayes: 6

Resolution No: 25-564

5.2

Public Hearing To Receive Comments On Eligible Projects For County

Transportation Sales And Use Tax Funds

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: William Droste

The time being 9:09 a.m. and pursuant to public notice, a public hearing was

conducted to receive comments on eligible projects for County Transportation

Sales and Use Tax Funds. Assistant County Engineer Jake Chapek 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

9:12 a.m.

WHEREAS, Minn. Stat. § 297A.993 (the Act) authorizes the Dakota County

Board to levy up to one-half of one percent sales and use tax and an excise tax

of $20 per motor vehicle to fund statutorily defined transportation and transit

projects; and

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 17-364 (June 20, 2017), the Dakota County

Board enacted a quarter-cent sales tax and $20 excise tax on new vehicle sales,

effective October 1, 2017, to fund identified transitway, transit expansion,

regional County highway, trail, and trunk highway transportation projects; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County has identified a proposed updated list of

transportation projects eligible for Transportation Sales and Use Tax funds

based on the needs identified in the Draft 2040 Transportation Plan and through

the development of the 2026-2030 Draft Capital Improvement Program; and

WHEREAS, the Act allows the County Board to dedicate the proceeds of the

Transportation Sales and Use Tax to a new enumerated project by resolution

after a public hearing; and

WHEREAS, the County Board held a public hearing on the date hereof following

the publication of notice as required by the Act.

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

Commissioners dedicates the proceeds of the Dakota County Transportation

Sales and Use Tax to the following projects:

1.Empire Transportation Maintenance Facility in Empire

2.County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 46 Expansion: Trunk Highway (TH)

3 to TH 52 in Rosemount, Coates, and Empire

3.CSAH 46 Reconstruction: 400 feet west of General Sieben Drive to TH

61 in Hastings, Marshan Township, and Nininger Township

4.CSAH 32 Expansion: CSAH 71 to TH 52 in Inver Grove Heights

5.CSAH 42 Management Improvements: Western County line to TH 52 in

Burnsville, Apple Valley, and Rosemount

6.CSAH 86 Reconstruction: Western County line to CSAH 23 in

Greenvale and Eureka Townships

7.CSAH 88 Reconstruction: County Road (CR) 94 to TH 56 in Randolph

Township

8.CSAH 91 Reconstruction: Miesville Trail to TH 61 in Miesville and

Douglas Township

9.CSAH 54 Reconstruction: 18th Street to CSAH 68 in Hastings and

Ravenna Township

10.CSAH 31 Reconstruction: CSAH 74 to CSAH 50 in Farmington

11.CSAH 47 Reconstruction: TH 3 to CSAH 86 in Waterford, Sciota, and

Castle Rock Townships

12.CSAH 47 Reconstruction: CSAH 86 to TH 50 in Castle Rock

Township, Hampton Township, and Hampton

13.CSAH 74 Reconstruction: CSAH 31 to Honeysuckle Lane in

Farmington

14.CSAH 5 Intersection Improvements: at Kenyon Avenue in Lakeville

15.CSAH 28 Pedestrian Underpass: at the Eagan/Inver Grove Heights

Border in Eagan and Inver Grove Heights

16.CSAH 31 Safety and Pedestrian Improvements: 144th Street to

Corporate Center Drive in Apple Valley and Eagan

17.CSAH 38 Retaining Walls: Garden View Drive to Hannover Avenue;

West of Diamond Path in Apple Valley

18.CSAH 50 Roundabout Improvements: at CSAH 60 in Lakeville

19.CR 59 Reconstruction: TH 19 to CSAH 47 in Sciota Township

20.CSAH 60 Intersection Improvements: at Orchard Trail in Lakeville

21.CR 73 Roundabout: at Connemara Trail in Rosemount

22.CR 81 Realignment: CSAH 66 to CSAH 46 in Empire and Vermillion

Township

23.Expansion: CSAH 23/CSAH 60 Intersection East/Southeast to CR

64/Flagstaff Avenue Roundabout in Lakeville and Farmington

24.TH 3 Safety and Mobility Improvements: CSAH 46 to TH 62 in Eagan,

Inver Grove Heights, and Rosemount

25.TH 55 Safety and Mobility Improvements: TH 52 to General Sieben

Drive in Rosemount, Nininger Township, and Hastings

26.I-35/CSAH 50 Interchange in Lakeville

27.I-494 and Future CSAH 63 Interchange in Inver Grove Heights

28.TH 13 Corridor Improvements, Grade Separation at Nicollet Avenue in

Burnsville

29.TH 50 and CSAH 85/Hogan Avenue Intersection Improvements in

New Trier

30.Up to $580,000 Annually for Non-Transitway Transit Service

Expansion Capital and Operating Costs

31.Lake Marion Greenway in Burnsville, Lakeville, and Farmington

32.Lebanon Hills Greenway in Mendota Heights, Inver Grove Heights,

and Eagan

33.Minnesota River Greenway in Burnsville, Eagan, Mendota Heights,

Mendota, and Lilydale

34.Mississippi River Greenway in Hastings, Nininger, Rosemount, Inver

Grove Heights, and South St. Paul

35.North Creek Greenway in Eagan, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Farmington,

and Empire

36.River to River Greenway in Mendota Heights, West St. Paul, and

South St. Paul

37.Rosemount Greenway in Eagan and Rosemount

38.Vermillion Highlands Greenway in Rosemount and Empire

39.Vermillion River Greenway in Farmington, Empire, and Hastings

40.Veterans Memorial Greenway in Eagan and Inver Grove Heights

41.Big Rivers Regional Trail in Eagan, Mendota Heights, Mendota,

and Lilydale

Ayes: 6

Public Hearing To Receive Comments On 2026-2030 Capital Improvement

Program Budget

5.3

The time being 9:14 a.m. and pursuant to public notice, a public hearing was

conducted to receive comments on 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Program

Budget. Physical Development Deputy Director Erin Stwora 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 9:16 a.m.

Information only; no action requested.

CONSENT AGENDA

On a motion by Commissioner Droste, seconded by Commissioner Workman, the Consent

agenda was approved as follows:

County Administration - Approval of Minutes

Resolution No: 25-565

6.1

Approval of Minutes of Meeting Held on November 18, 2025

Motion: William Droste

Ayes: 6

Second: Liz Workman

Central Operations

Resolution No: 25-566

7.1

Authorization To Amend Obligated American Rescue Plan Act Funding To

Reclassify Obligated Costs Between Projects

Motion: William Droste

Second: Liz Workman

WHEREAS, certain projects were completed and did not fully expend the

approved obligated amounts, and other projects exceeded their approved

obligated amount; and

WHEREAS, the guidance for the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act State and

Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) indicates that recipients may reclassify

SLFRF funds from the original activity to another project that would be eligible

under SLFRF program rules; and

WHEREAS, the budgets for these projects have been adjusted as follows to

reflect projected spending based on existing contracts and personnel costs

using the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery

Fund (SLFRF):

Reduce:

Attorney Staffing/Criminal Case Backlog

Time Limited FASII Positions

$22,461

$87,167

Increase:

Emergency Shelter

Mendota Youth Shelter

$83,938

$25,690

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

Commissioners hereby amends the prior obligated amounts to the following

revised obligated amounts:

Attorney Staffing/Criminal Case Backlog

Emergency Shelter

$360,886

$1,115,244

Mendota Youth Shelter

Time Limited FASII Positions

$2,285,620

$902,550

Ayes: 6

Resolution No: 25-567

7.2

Authorization To Execute Contract Extension For Investment Portfolio

Management

Motion: William Droste

Second: Liz Workman

WHEREAS, the prudent management of County public funds is a key Board

objective, requiring adherence to Minn. Stat. § 118A and County Policy 2254;

and

WHEREAS, the County's current external investment management contracts are

set to expire on December 31, 2025, with the option for one-year extensions;

and

WHEREAS, staff recommends consolidating external investment management

responsibilities under a single partner, PTMA Asset Management, LLC, to

streamline oversight, simplify compliance, and secure a more favorable fee

structure; and

WHEREAS, the Deputy County Manager seeks authorization to execute a

one-year contract extension with PTMA Asset Management, LLC to facilitate this

consolidated investment strategy; and

WHEREAS, the cost for this extension is allocated within the County Manager’s

2026 Recommended Budget.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Board hereby

authorizes the Deputy County Manager to execute the option to extend the

contract with PTMA Asset Management, LLC for external investment portfolio

management services for the period of January 1, 2026, through December 31,

2026, with the cost based on the County's portfolio value per PTMA's fee

schedule.

Ayes: 6

Resolution No: 25-568

7.3

Authorization To Extend Contract With AGC Networks, Inc. dba Black Box, Inc.

For Avaya Support

Motion: William Droste

Second: Liz Workman

WHEREAS, Dakota County Information Technology has previously held a

support contract with AGC Networks, Inc; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County will require continued support on the Avaya

telephony environment while County IT begins to transition Community

Corrections, the Sheriff’s Office, and the County Attorney’s Office to a new

phone system in 2026; and

WHEREAS, AGC Networks, Inc. dba as Black Box, Inc. has provided a not to

exceed quote of $132,790 to support the County’s Avaya telephony environment

through December 31, 2026.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Deputy County Manager to extend the

contract with AGC Networks, Inc. dba Black Box, Inc. for Avaya telephony

environment support in the amount not to exceed $132,790 from January 1,

2026, through December 31, 2026, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s

Office as to form.

Ayes: 6

Resolution No: 25-569

7.4

Authorization To Purchase Annual Replacement Network Equipment For Dakota

County Network

Motion: William Droste

Second: Liz Workman

WHEREAS, network equipment are crucial components which connect Dakota

County locations, computers and telephones to the core data network resources

and Internet; and

WHEREAS, replacing networking equipment proactively prevents the need to

replace large sections of Dakota County’s networking environment

simultaneously; and

WHEREAS, Insight Public Sector quoted $562,732.18 for replacement

equipment; and

WHEREAS, Cablecloud LLC, d/b/a Telesystems, Inc. quoted $23,990 for

services to assist in the replacement of the network equipment.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Deputy County Manager to contract with

Insight Public Sector for network replacement equipment; for a total amount not

to exceed $562,732.18, 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 Deputy County Manager to contract with Cablecloud LLC,

d/b/a Telesystems, Inc. to assist in replacing the network equipment for a total

amount not to exceed $23,990 subject to approval by the County Attorney's

Office as to form.

Ayes: 6

Resolution No: 25-570

7.5

Authorization To Execute 2025 Dakota County Domestic Preparedness

Committee Joint Powers Agreement

Motion: William Droste

Second: Liz Workman

WHEREAS, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners supports efforts to

strengthen disaster and emergency preparedness in Dakota County; and

WHEREAS, the Dakota County Domestic Preparedness Committee (DPC)

includes members from the cities of Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan,

Farmington, Hastings, Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville, Rosemount, Mendota

Heights, South St. Paul and West St. Paul and the County of Dakota; and

WHEREAS, the members of the DPC have reviewed and proposed updates to

the JPA to align the operations of the Committee with the language of the

Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the changes to the JPA proposed by the DPC members are shown

below:

· Restrict voting rights to parties to the agreement (4.1.1)

· Clarification of committee duties (6.1)

· Aligning procedural language to reflect current duties and responsibilities

of the SOT Manager (6.2.4)

· Address SOT request for assistance from political subdivisions outside of

Dakota County (10.3 -10.5)

· Clarification of agency compensation (10.10)

· Adds a miscellaneous section (14) that includes language typical of Joint

Powers Agreements (Counterparts, Non-discrimination, Severability, etc.)

· Additional minor edits to job titles and descriptions

· Minor grammar and formatting error corrections

; and

WHEREAS, the Cities of Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Farmington, Hastings,

Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville, Mendota Heights, Rosemount, South St. Paul

and West St. Paul, and the County of Dakota, desire to amend and restate the

Dakota County Domestic Preparedness Committee JPA.

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

Commissioners hereby executes the 2025 Dakota County Domestic

Preparedness Committee Joint Powers Agreement which includes the Cities of

Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Farmington, Hastings, Inver Grove Heights,

Lakeville, Mendota Heights, Rosemount, South St. Paul and West St. Paul and

the County of Dakota, subject to approval by the County Attorney's Office as to

form.

Ayes: 6

County Board/County Administration

Resolution No: 25-571

8.1

Acceptance Of Resignation From Member Of Public Art Committee

Motion: William Droste

Second: Liz Workman

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

accepts the resignation received by Katryna Baune, District 1 representative on

the Public Art Committee and authorizes staff to begin the process to fill the

vacancy.

Ayes: 6

Resolution No: 25-572

8.2

Authorization To Renew Contract With SuccessFactors, Inc., For Web-Based

Performance Management Subscription Service

Motion: William Droste

Second: Liz Workman

WHEREAS, SuccessFactors, Inc., delivers a product providing performance

management capabilities that the County has identified as necessary to achieve

strategic performance management objectives; and

WHEREAS, SuccessFactors, Inc., has been responsive to ongoing requests for

expanded functionality and adaptation of the product to meet Dakota County’s

organizational and user needs; and

WHEREAS, the current contract for subscription service with SuccessFactors,

Inc., expires December 31, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Human Resources has negotiated a new one-year contract for the

period beginning January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2026, subject to

authorization by the County Board of Commissioners.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Human Resources Director to execute a

contract for subscription service with SuccessFactors, Inc., for access to its

web-based performance management subscription service in an amount not to

exceed $101,000 annually for the period of January 1, 2026 through December

31, 2026, subject to approval by the County Attorney's Office as to form.

Ayes: 6

Resolution No: 25-573

8.3

Summary Of Conclusions Of Closed Executive Session To Evaluate

Performance Of County Manager

Motion: William Droste

Second: Liz Workman

WHEREAS, pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 13D.05, subd. 3(a), the County Board held

a closed executive session on November 18, 2025, to evaluate the performance

of the County Manager; and

WHEREAS, Minn. Stat. § 13D.05, Subd. 3(a) requires that the County Board

summarize its conclusions regarding the evaluations.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That based upon a review of the

County Manager’s performance, the Manager’s performance is rated at the level

of Greatly Exceeds Performance Standards.

Ayes: 6

Community Services

Resolution No: 25-574

9.1

Authorization To Execute Contract With Ally Supportive Services For Street

Outreach Services

Motion: William Droste

Second: Liz Workman

WHEREAS, the Social Services Department manages a continuum of housing

services; and

WHEREAS, housing continuum services are funded through an array of levy,

state grants, federal grants, and Affordable Housing Aid (AHA); and

WHEREAS, services are operated through direct service delivery and contracts;

and

WHEREAS, contracted services include street outreach, emergency shelter,

permanent supportive housing, apartment services and services at eviction

court; and

WHEREAS, the service of street outreach includes coordinating with service

providers; outreach to community locations; developing working relationships

with system partners; and facilitating referrals to housing, job training, mental

health and other human services; and

WHEREAS, street outreach serves an estimated 200 people each quarter; and

WHEREAS, earlier in 2025, staff issued an RFP for street outreach services;

and

WHEREAS, a review committee from Social Services reviewed and scored

proposals; and

WHEREAS, based on the RFP review, staff recommends executing a two-year

contract with Ally Supportive Services (Ally) for county levy-funded street

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

in a not to exceed (NTE) amount of $322,000; and

WHEREAS, the following summarizes funding from all sources for street

outreach from the 2024-2025 to the 2026-2027 contract period, including

percent changes in funding sources and amounts:

2024-2025

Levy $202,000

State Grant $231,966

Total $433,966

2026-2027

Levy $322,000 (59 percent increase in levy from 2024-2025)

State Grant $170,000 (27 percent decrease from 2024-2025)

Total $492,000 (13 percent increase from 2024-2025)

; and

WHEREAS, the January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027, NTE for

levy-funded outreach services represents a $120,000 increase in levy funding

over the contract term; and

WHEREAS, the increase in levy funding for this street outreach contract does

not result in an overall increase in Social Services’ budget for levy-funded

housing and homeless services expenditures; and

WHEREAS, the 2026 County Manager’s Recommended Budget includes a

reduction of $556,000 in levy-funded housing services contract expenses; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County has a separate contract with Ally for grant-funded

street outreach services; and

WHEREAS, this street outreach services contract maintains current service

levels; and

WHEREAS, staff anticipates an increased need for homeless outreach due to

local, state and federal cuts to human services.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Community Services Director to execute

a contract with Ally Supportive Services for street outreach services in a not to

exceed amount of $322,000 for the period January 1, 2026 through December

31, 2027; 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: 6

10.

Physical Development

Resolution No: 25-575

10.1

Authorization to Execute Contract With Schad Tracy Signs, Inc. For Greenway

Wayfinding Sign Procurement And Installation On River To River Greenway

Motion: William Droste

Second: Liz Workman

WHEREAS, to provide excellence in public service, Dakota County is

proceeding with the procurement and installation of Dakota County standard

wayfinding signage; and

WHEREAS, the 2023 Greenways Wayfinding Standards Manual outlines the

design and installation specifications of Dakota County standard wayfinding

signage; and

WHEREAS, four businesses were solicited with a request for quote; and

WHEREAS, one bid was received by County staff; and

WHEREAS, the bid of $149,312.48 was the only responsive and responsible bid

received; and

WHEREAS, the Parks Capital Improvement Program budget has sufficient

funds to accommodate the fabrication and installation contract.

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

Commissioners hereby awards the bid and authorizes Parks Director to execute

a contract with Schad Tracy Signs, Inc. to procure and install Dakota County

standard wayfinding in an amount not to exceed $149,312.48, including

reimbursable items, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to

form.

Ayes: 6

Resolution No: 25-576

10.2

Approval Of Contract Amendment Five For UrbanWorks Architecture LLC For

Lebanon Hills Maintenance Facility Professional Services

Motion: William Droste

Second: Liz Workman

WHEREAS, staff was authorized to enter into a contract with UrbanWorks

Architecture LLC for the completion of the Lebanon Hills Maintenance Facility

design by Resolution No. 23-170 (April 11, 2023); and

WHEREAS, the contract with UrbanWorks Architecture LLC was amended

multiple times throughout the project via County Board Resolutions; and

WHEREAS, the current contract with UrbanWorks Architecture LLC includes

construction administration, close-out, and an additional services request

needed to complete the work, which brings the total contract value to $970,905;

and

WHEREAS, the Facilities Capital Improvement Program Adopted Budget has

sufficient funding for Amendment No. 5.

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

Facilities Management Director to execute a contract amendment to the

professional services contract with UrbanWorks Architecture LLC 901 North 3rd

Street, Ste 145, Minneapolis, MN 55401, to increase professional design fees

for the Lebanon Hills Maintenance Facility for a contract amount not to exceed

$970,905, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.

Ayes: 6

Resolution No: 25-577

10.3

Authorization To Amend Contract With Avant Energy, Inc., For Byllesby Dam

Services

Motion: William Droste

Second: Liz Workman

WHEREAS, Dakota County owns the Byllesby Dam and operates the

hydroelectric facility under Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

safety regulations; and

WHEREAS, since 1987, the County has coordinated the dam operations and

maintenance with Neshkoro Power Associates (NPA) through a lease

agreement; and

WHEREAS, the County Board authorized replacing NPA’s lease agreement with

an operating agreement to provide hydropower operation services at Byllesby

Dam by Resolution No. 11-305 (June 21, 20211), beginning May 1, 2011, and

running through March 2021; and

WHEREAS, the March 2021 agreement termination date was selected as it was

also the expiration date of the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between NPA

and Xcel Energy for the Byllesby Dam; and

WHEREAS, the PPA language stipulated that the PPA was to expire on March

2021 or on the date the facility’s existing turbine equipment is shut down as part

of the turbine upgrade project, with no option to renew the existing PPA; and

WHEREAS, with the approaching need for a new agreement for power sales,

County staff has contracted with a local power sales expert to assess the

County’s power sales options once the turbine upgrade project is completed;

and

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 20-295 (June 16, 2020), Dakota County

authorized submittal of an application with the Midcontinent Independent System

Operator (MISO) for sales of energy; and

WHEREAS, a MISO connection would allow the County to sell Byllesby Dam’s

power to other utilities in the Midwest or on the spot energy market; and

WHEREAS, on July 19, 2022, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners

authorized by Resolution No. 22-288 (July 19, 2022) the Physical Development

Director to execute a contract with Avant Energy, Inc., to provide capacity

market services for the sale of power; and

WHEREAS, the contract term was established for five years, with a

not-to-exceed amount of $111,500; and

WHEREAS, the contract was not formally executed until August 1, 2024; and

WHEREAS, the original contract did not account for annual inflationary

escalators tied to the Consumer Price Index; and

WHEREAS, the Byllesby Dam facility can generate additional revenue through

the sale of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) created from power generation

activities; and

WHEREAS, current projections estimate that RECs generated by the Byllesby

Hydroelectric Facility could generate between $25,000 and $100,000 annually,

depending on REC value and power generation.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Environmental Resources Director to

amend the existing contract with Avant Energy, Inc., and to execute Service

Schedule 3 for sale of the County’s Renewable Energy Credits created by the

Byllesby Dam Hydroelectric Facility in the amount not to exceed $180,000,

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

Ayes: 6

Resolution No: 25-578

10.4

Adoption Of 2026-2030 Dakota County Aquatic Invasive Species Plan And

Authorization To Accept State Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Aid

Motion: William Droste

Second: Liz Workman

WHEREAS, in 2014, the Minnesota Legislature passed a tax bill appropriating

annual funding for Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) prevention, which is

distributed to Minnesota counties; and

WHEREAS, the funding must be used to prevent or limit the spread of AIS; and

WHEREAS, annual AIS Prevention Aid allocations are formula-based, with 50

percent based on the number of watercraft trailer launches and 50 percent

based on the number of watercraft trailer launch parking spaces; and

WHEREAS, to become eligible to receive AIS Prevention Aid, a county must

establish, by resolution or through adoption of a plan, guidelines for the use of

the funding; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County’s AIS prevention activities to-date have included AIS

watercraft inspectors at boat launches, early detection waterbody surveys,

purchase and staffing of a mobile watercraft decontamination station at Lake

Byllesby Regional Park, a grant program to support local prevention efforts by

lake associations and local government units within Dakota County,

development and distribution of AIS education and outreach materials, and

support for AIS law enforcement through the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County received $58,052 in 2014, $129,004 in 2015,

$128,471 in 2016, $121,690 in 2017, $120,396 in 2018, $120,177 in 2019,

$119,720 in 2020, $119,521 in 2021, $119,053 in 2022, $118,808 in 2023,

$118,334 in 2024 and $118,194 in 2025 in AIS Prevention Aid; and

WHEREAS, the state budget schedules a 50 percent reduction in AIS

Prevention Aid starting in 2027; and

WHEREAS, funding will remain fully available through 2026; and

WHEREAS, the draft five-year plan outlines having the AIS Advisory Committee

work with division leadership and program partners to prioritize funding or

explore supplemental funding strategies based on future reductions; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County’s existing five-year AIS Plan is set to expire

December 31, 2025; and

WHEREAS, staff has prepared a draft five-year plan in consultation with a broad

stakeholder group for consideration by the Dakota County Board of

Commissioners; and

WHEREAS, if adopted, a copy of the AIS Plan and Resolution will be submitted

to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to satisfy AIS Prevention Aid

eligibility requirements.

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

Commissioners hereby approves and adopts the 2026-2030 Aquatic Invasive

Species Plan and authorizes acceptance of annual Aquatic Invasive Species

Prevention Aid from the State of Minnesota through the duration of the Plan.

Ayes: 6

Resolution No: 25-579

10.5

Authorization To Execute Agreement No. 1060110 With Minnesota Department

Of Transportation For Signal Revisions At Trunk Highway 13 And County State

Aid Highway 28 Through Eagan Project No. 1562

Motion: William Droste

Second: Liz Workman

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

County (County), in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of

Transportation (MnDOT) and the City of Eagan (City), is proceeding with Eagan

project No. 1562; and

WHEREAS, Eagan project No. 1562 is a signal revision project conducting

construction work on four traffic signals within the City; and

WHEREAS, the project has one signal on the County transportation system at

the intersection of CSAH 28 (Yankee Doodle Road) and TH 13, identified as

Signal System “C”; and

WHEREAS, the County portion of the project has been designated as CP 28-72

in the Transportation Capital Improvement Program; and

WHEREAS, the project involves flashing yellow arrow, as well as trail

construction, pedestrian ramp, and pushbutton improvements; and

WHEREAS, the City is the lead agency; and

WHEREAS, Agreement No. 1060110 determines the responsibilities of each

relevant party and their corresponding costs for this project; and

WHEREAS, Agreement No. 1060110 identifies Dakota County responsibilities

as providing minor maintenance for Signal System “C”.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Physical Development Director to execute

Agreement No. 1060110 with the Minnesota Department of Transportation and

City of Eagan, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.

Ayes: 6

Resolution No: 25-580

10.6

Authorization To Amend 2025 Adopted Budget For Construction And

Maintenance Agreement With Canadian Pacific And Union Pacific Railroad For

Railroad Bridge Replacement On County Project 86-34

Motion: William Droste

Second: Liz Workman

WHEREAS, Dakota County is committed to providing a safe and efficient

transportation system for the traveling public; and

WHEREAS, County Project (CP) 86-34 involves the reconstruction of County

State Aid Highway (CSAH) 86, including roadway improvements and the

replacement of a railroad bridge in coordination with Canadian Pacific and Union

Pacific Railroads; and

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 20-523 (October 20, 2020), the County Board

authorized execution of a Construction and Maintenance Agreement between

Dakota County, Canadian, and Union Pacific Railroad Company to support the

replacement of the existing railroad bridge (FRA/DOT #380380F) and

associated rail infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 22-312 (July 19, 2022), the County Board

authorized amending the 2022 Sales and Use Tax and 2022 Transportation CIP

Budgets and execution of a contract with Northland Grading & Excavating for CP

86-34; and

WHEREAS, although construction of CP 86-34 is nearly complete, outstanding

work under the Union Pacific Railroad contract remains, including removal of the

temporary shoofly track, restoration of the mainline to its original alignment,

installation of mainline services, gang labor for flash-butt welding, freight rail

procurement, and final rail welding operations; and

WHEREAS, Union Pacific Railroad has submitted recent invoices totaling

$644,336.68, with additional anticipated billing bringing the total remaining

obligation to approximately $800,000; and

WHEREAS, the 2025 Transportation Capital Improvement Program (CIP)

includes a remaining balance of $40,851.64 for CP 86-34, which is insufficient to

fully fund the remaining contractual obligations with Union Pacific Railroad; and

WHEREAS, a budget amendment of $800,000 is necessary to fully fund the

Union Pacific Railroad contract and ensure completion of all outstanding work

without delay; and

WHEREAS, the funding gap will be covered using County Sales and Use Tax

revenues, with overall project funding including Federal, CSAH, and County

Sales and Use Tax funds.

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

Commissioners authorizes the amendment of the 2025 Transportation Capital

Improvement Program Budget to include additional funds for County Project

86-34 as follows:

Expense

County Project 86-34

$800,000

Total Expense

$800,000

Revenue

County Sales and Use Tax

Total Revenue

$800,000

Ayes: 6

Resolution No: 25-581

10.7

Approval Of Final Plats Recommended By Plat Commission

Motion: William Droste

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:

INVER WOOD GOLF COURSE ADDITION Inver Grove Heights

Ayes: 6

Resolution No: 25-582

10.8

Authorization Of Right Of Way Acquisition And Relocation Assistance For Parcel

Three For Reconstruction Of County State Aid Highway 26 (70th Street)

Between Allen Way And Trunk Highway 52 In City Of Inver Grove Heights,

County Project 26-060

Motion: William Droste

Second: Liz Workman

WHEREAS, to pursue a safe and efficient transportation system, Dakota County

is partnering with the City of Inver Grove Heights (City) on County Project (CP)

26-060; and

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 22-419 (October 4, 2022), the Dakota County

Board of Commissioners adopted the recommendations of the Regional

Roadway System Visioning Study Update, which recommends expanded

facilities on County State Aid Highway (CSAH) between Trunk Highway (TH) 3

and TH 52 in Inver Grove Heights; and

WHEREAS, CP 26-060 includes a full reconstruction of CSAH 26 from Allen

Way to TH 52 in Inver Grove Heights; and

WHEREAS, CP 26-060 is currently programmed in the draft 2026

Transportation Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) budget in 2026; and

WHEREAS, the parcel at 1271 70th St. E. (Cotterman Parcel) requires a total

acquisition to proceed with CP 26-060 under the known project limits; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County has engaged the owner of the Cotterman Parcel in

negotiations to acquire the parcel, and has completed an appraisal for the

property; and

WHEREAS, the property owner is entitled to the appraised value of the property

or a minimum compensation to purchase a comparable property within the

community, whichever is higher; and

WHEREAS, the property owner is entitled to relocation assistance, and the

County is required to provide a written offer for relocation expenses that includes

moving expenses and other benefits as required by law; and

WHEREAS, the draft 2026 Transportation CIP Budget includes sufficient funds

for the anticipated cost of right of way acquisitions for CP 26-060.

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

Commissioners hereby approves the appraised value in accordance with County

policy relocation benefits, as required by law, for the acquisition of 1271 70th

Street East (Cotterman Parcel) for County Project 26-060 and authorizes County

staff, in its discretion, to share the appraisal data with the respective landowner,

including all or portions of the completed appraisal as part of the negotiation

process; and

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

hereby approves the acquisition of the property described below from Paul

Cotterman:

The south two hundred eighty (280) feet of the west one

hundred sixty (160) feet of the east half (E 1/2) of the

southwest quarter (SW 1/4) of section five (5), township

twenty-seven (27) north, range twenty-two (22) west, Dakota

County, Minnesota.

Subject to easements, restrictions, and covenants

; and

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

hereby authorizes payment from the 2026 Transportation Capital Improvement

Program Budget, subject to approval and adoption.

Ayes: 6

Resolution No: 25-583

10.9

Authorization Of Resolution Of Support And Agreement To Sponsor Eureka

Township’s Pursuit Of 2026 Local Road Improvement Program Funding For

System-Wide Gravel Road Improvements

Motion: William Droste

Second: Liz Workman

WHEREAS, Dakota County is committed to providing safe and efficient travel

throughout the County; and

WHEREAS, the Eureka Township improvements include improving

approximately 34 miles of roadway; and

WHEREAS, Eureka Township is pursuing funding for the improvement through

the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s (MnDOT’s) Local Road

Improvement Program (LRIP) solicitation; and

WHEREAS, some of the roadways do not have sufficient gravel to grade and

shape the surface; and

WHEREAS, improvements will enhance access to local businesses and improve

the economic vitality of the community; and

WHEREAS, LRIP is administered by MnDOT and makes available up to

$1,500,000 to apply towards projects on local roads that are regionally

significant, result in safety improvements, address transportation deficiencies,

and contribute to economic development; and

WHEREAS, LRIP requires cities with populations under 5,000 to have a county

sponsor and the support of a County Board; and

WHEREAS, staff recommends authorizing a resolution of support and agreeing

to sponsor the application for the Eureka Township Road Improvements.

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

1. Supports the Eureka Township’s pursuit of Local Road Improvement

Program funds for roadway improvements; and

2. Agrees to sponsor Eureka Township’s Local Road Improvement Program

application to the Minnesota Department of Transportation and act as

fiscal agent for this project.

Ayes: 6

11.

Public Safety

Resolution No: 25-584

11.1

Authorization To Execute Contract With T.W. Vending Inc., dba Turnkey

Corrections For Jail Canteen Services

Motion: William Droste

Second: Liz Workman

WHEREAS, the County previously awarded a contract to T.W. Vending Inc., dba

Turnkey Corrections (Turnkey Corrections) for on-site and off-site video

visitation, video voicemail, inmate secure messaging, and vending services

based on the results of a Request for Proposal issued in 2014; and

WHEREAS, Turnkey Corrections has satisfactorily provided these services at no

cost to Dakota County since that time; and

WHEREAS, commissions received by Dakota County are used to fund jail

programs and supplies for inmates of the Dakota County Jail; and

WHEREAS, the Sheriff wishes to continue this service through T.W. Vending

Inc., d/b/a Turnkey Corrections for the period January 1, 2026, through

December 31, 2030.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Sheriff to enter into a contract with T.W.

Vending Inc., dba Turnkey Corrections to provide on-site and off-site video

visitation, video voicemail, inmate secure messaging, and vending services for

jail inmates for the period January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2030, subject

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

Ayes: 6

Resolution No: 25-585

11.2

Authorization To Execute Contract With T.W. Vending Inc., dba Turnkey

Corrections For Inmate Telephone Services

Motion: William Droste

Second: Liz Workman

WHEREAS, in 2025, Dakota County Sheriff and Dakota County Attorney issued

a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking a vendor to provide telephone services to

inmates of the Dakota County Jail; and

WHEREAS, a careful comparison of the four proposals received during this

process was conducted by Sheriff’s Office staff; and

WHEREAS, T.W. Vending Inc., dba Turnkey Corrections (Turnkey Corrections)

was chosen as the recommended vendor who offered the most desirable

services to Dakota County; and

WHEREAS, the Sheriff wishes to execute this service through Turnkey

Corrections for the period January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2030.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Sheriff to execute a contract with T.W.

Vending Inc., dba Turnkey Corrections for Dakota County Jail inmate telephone

services effective January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2030, subject to

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

Ayes: 6

REGULAR AGENDA

12.

13.

Physical Development

Update On 2025 Transportation Capital Improvement Construction Projects

12.1

Assistant County Engineer Todd Howard briefed this item and responded to

questions.

Information only; no action requested.

Closed Executive Session

Resolution No: 25-586

13.1

Authority To Proceed With Legal Strategy Regarding Court Appointed

Commissioners’ Award In County Of Dakota v. Mortgage Electronic Registration

Systems, Inc., et al. (19HA-CV-21-317) Associated With Dakota County’s

Acquisition Of Certain Property Rights From Falcon Development, LLC Identified

In Dakota County Right Of Way Map No. 471 As Parcel 25, DU 25, TE 25,

Parcel 26, DU 26, TE 26, Parcel 27, DU 27 And TE 27 For County Projects

26-54 And 63-27, And Potential Appeal Thereof

Motion: Joe Atkins

Second: Liz Workman

This item did not go into closed session. The Board approved the resolution

language as presented in the confidential memorandum provided to the Board.

WHEREAS, in 2024, Dakota County (County) completed County Projects (CP)

26-54 and 63-27 in Inver Grove Heights and Eagan to provide a safe and

efficient transportation system; and

WHEREAS, to construct the project, the County acquired certain property rights

by eminent domain proceedings from Falcon Development, LLC (Owner)

identified by Dakota County Right of Way Map No. 471 as Parcel 25, DU 25, TE

25, Parcel 26, DU 26, TE 26, Parcel 27, DU 27 and TE 27; and

WHEREAS, thereafter the County and Owner proceeded to a hearing in front of

the court-appointed condemnation commissioners to determine the amount of

just compensation due the Owner for the property rights acquired, with said

commissioners issuing their award on November 12, 2025; and

WHEREAS, the Dakota County Attorney’s Office provided a confidential

memorandum to the Dakota County Board of Commissioners explaining the

legal strategy regarding the award and potential appeal thereof; and

WHEREAS, after review of the information contained in the confidential

memorandum, the County Board determined a closed session discussion with

the County Attorney's Office was not required prior to providing the requested

authority.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the County Attorney's Office to proceed with

the legal strategy as to the court appointed commissioners’ award in County of

Dakota v. Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., et al.

(19HA-CV-21-317) associated with the Dakota County’s acquisition of certain

property rights from Falcon Development, LLC identified in Dakota County Right

of Way Map No. 471 as Parcel 25, DU 25, TE 25, Parcel 26, DU 26, TE 26,

Parcel 27, DU 27 and TE 27 for County Projects 26-54 and 63-27, and potential

appeal thereof, consistent with the authority requested in the confidential

memorandum to the County Board.

Ayes: 6

14.

Interagency Reports/Commissioner Updates

Interagency reports and Commissioner updates were presented.

15. County Manager's Report

County Manager Heidi Welsch gave the following update:

- referenced Item 10.4 approved on the consent agenda (Environmental Resources -

Adoption of 2026-2030 Dakota County Aquatic Invasive Species Plan and Authorization to

accept State Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Aid). Plan was updated and encourages

commissioners and the public to look at it.

- Community Services Director Marti Fischbach introduced the new Employment and

Economic Assistance Director, Dana DeMaster. Dana previously worked with Ramsey

County.

- an update on the future boardroom remodel (IT equipment upgrades, etc.) was provided

and it was shared that adequate access for the public is a top priority during the process.

16.

Information

16.1

See Attachment for future Board meetings and other activities.

Adjournment

Resolution No: 25-587

17.

17.1

Adjournment

Motion: William Droste

Second: Laurie Halverson

On a motion by Commissioner Droste, seconded by Commissioner Halverson,

the meeting was adjourned at 9:46 a.m.

Ayes: 6

Mike Slavik

Chair

ATTEST

Heidi Welsch

County Manager