Dakota County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

1. Call to Order and Roll Call

9:00 AM

Boardroom, Administration Center,

Hastings, MN

Commissioner Mike Slavik

Present:

Commissioner Joe Atkins

Commissioner Laurie Halverson

Commissioner William Droste

Commissioner Liz Workman

Commissioner Mary Liz Holberg

Commissioner Mary Hamann-Roland

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

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

Coordinator to the Board.

Pledge of Allegiance with Dakota County Sheriff's Honor Guard

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

everyone and opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. The Dakota County Sheriff's

Honor Guard presented the colors for the Pledge of Allegiance. Honor Guard members were:

Sergeant Smidt, Detective Jaskowiak, Deputy Blehm, Deputy Chandler and Deputy Meaden.

Election of 2026 Officers

Resolution No: 26-001

3.1

Election of 2026 County Board Chair

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Joe Atkins

Commissioner Slavik began the election of County Board officers for 2026 by

calling for nominations for the office of County Board Chair. Commissioner

Hamann-Roland placed the name of Commissioner Halverson in nomination. No

additional nominations were given.

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

closes nominations and casts a unanimous ballot to elect Commissioner Laurie

Halverson as County Board Chair for 2026.

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 26-002

3.2

Election of 2026 County Board Vice-Chair

Motion: Liz Workman

Second: Mike Slavik

Commissioner Halverson assumed the duties of Chair. Chair Halverson thanked

her colleagues for electing her as Chair and highlighted goals for 2026.

At this time, Chair Halverson called for nominations for the office of County

Board Vice-Chair. Commissioner Atkins placed the name of Bill Droste in

nomination. The Chair called for additional nominations. No additional

nominations were placed in nomination.

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

close nominations and casts a unanimous ballot to elect Commissioner Bill

Droste as County Board Vice-Chair for 2026.

Ayes: 7

Audience

Chair Halverson noted that all public comments can be sent to

CountyAdmin@co.dakota.mn.us

No comments were received for this agenda.

Agenda

Resolution No: 26-003

5.1

Approval of Agenda (Additions/Corrections/Deletions)

Motion: Liz Workman

Ayes: 7

Second: Joe Atkins

CONSENT AGENDA

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

Consent agenda was approved as follows:

County Administration - Approval of Minutes

Resolution No: 26-004

6.1

Approval of Minutes of Meetings Held on December 16, 2025

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Ayes: 7

Second: Joe Atkins

Central Operations

Resolution No: 26-005

7.1

Authorization To Execute Contract With Motorola Solutions To Provide

Post-Warranty Support Services For Dakota County 800 MHz Subsystem

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Joe Atkins

WHEREAS, Motorola Solutions currently provides post-warranty support for the

Dakota County 800 MHz Radio Subsystem; and

WHEREAS, County staff have negotiated a new contract and terms with

Motorola Solutions; and

WHEREAS, Motorola Solutions will provide the post-warranty support services

at approximately 7% increase the first year, and 12.5% each of the two following

years, as compared to the current contract with the execution of a five-year

agreement; and

WHEREAS, costs for services under the contract are based on the current state

contract for post-warranty support.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Deputy County Manager to execute a

contract with Motorola Solutions for post-warranty support of the Dakota County

800 MHz Radio Subsystem, in an amount not to exceed $534,542 for the period

January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028, subject to approval of the County

Attorney’s Office as to form.

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 26-006

7.2

Authorization To Execute Contract For Purchase Of Esri, Inc., Enterprise

Geographic Information Services Software Licenses

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Joe Atkins

WHEREAS, Esri, Inc., has been the provider of GIS software licensing and

support for Dakota County staff since the inception of the GIS Program; and

WHEREAS, an extension of the County’s Enterprise GIS Software Licenses with

Esri, Inc., is necessary to continue the County’s GIS Program; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County participates in the Minnesota Cooperative

Purchasing Venture (CPV), which allows it to purchase goods from contracts

established by the Materials Management Division for Minnesota state agencies;

and

WHEREAS, participation in the CPV allows Dakota County to purchase at

competitive pricing without having to undertake a competitive procurement

process itself; and

WHEREAS, staff recommends the purchase of the following items from Esri,

Inc., pursuant to State Contract No. 156692 from February 11, 2026, to

February 10, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $123,328:

· Server based licensing: $31,276

· Online (mobile and web applications licensing): $53,863

· Desktop application licensing: $38,189

; and

WHEREAS, funding for this purchase has been authorized in the 2026

Information Technology budget.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Deputy County Manager to execute a

contract to purchase Enterprise GIS Software Licenses from Esri, Inc., pursuant

to State Contract No. 156692, in an amount not to exceed $123,328, subject to

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

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 26-007

7.3

Authorization To Execute A Contract With The State Of Minnesota MN.IT

Whole-Of-State Cybersecurity Plan

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Joe Atkins

WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota has partnered with the Minnesota

Cybersecurity Task Force to develop a Whole-of-State Cybersecurity Plan and

present a strong, unified front against cybersecurity threats; and

WHEREAS, the Whole-of-State Plan focuses on collaboration between

government partners to improve visibility of threats and augmentation of security

teams by providing round the clock monitoring; and

WHEREAS, through participating, Dakota County Information Technology staff

will have access to a centralized platform where threat analysis leverages AI to

track events from start to eradication without having to move between

environments; and

WHEREAS, the total cost of the contract is $186,000 in year one and $198,000

in year two for a total not to exceed amount of $384,000 over two years; and

WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota will manage existing grants for this program

on our behalf providing up to an additional $56,000 in 2026 and $35,000 in 2027

to help offset costs; and

WHEREAS, funding for this purchase has been authorized in the 2026

Information Technology budget.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Deputy County Manager to execute a

contract for a two-year term, with the State of Minnesota MN.IT Whole-of-State

Cybersecurity Program in an amount not to exceed $384,000, subject to

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

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 26-008

7.4

Authorization To Execute Contract With Oracle America, Inc. For Enterprise

Resource Planning Software Licenses

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Joe Atkins

WHEREAS, on June 26, 2020, Dakota County staff issued a Request for

Proposal (RFP) for an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Solution with

implementation services; and

WHEREAS, by July 24, 2020, 16 proposals were received by the County in

response to the RFP; and

WHEREAS, the proposal submitted by Sierra-Cedar, LLC for the Oracle

Enterprise Resource Planning, Human Capital Management and Enterprise

Performance Management Cloud applications was found to be the best solution

to meet or exceed Dakota County’s requirements as specified in the RFP and

provide the best value to the County; and

WHEREAS, the County entered into a Master Services Agreement and

Statement of Work with Sierra-Cedar, LLC to provide the implementation,

training and support services required; and

WHEREAS, the County contracted with TD Synex/DLT for program licensing;

and

WHEREAS, the County went live with the new system on January 3, 2023; and

WHEREAS, the County has worked with Oracle America, Inc. to provide an

estimate of $2,561,750 for the new licenses to cover the next three years; and

WHEREAS, funding for this purchase is included in the 2026 Information

Technology budget.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Deputy County Manager to execute a

contract with Oracle America, Inc for a three-year total contract from February 2,

2026 to January 31, 2029 amount not to exceed $2,561,750 for Enterprise

Resource Planning software licenses, subject to approval by the County

Attorney’s Office as to form.

Ayes: 7

County Board/County Administration

Official County Newspaper And Public Notices

Information only, no action requested.

8.1

Resolution No: 26-009

8.2

Appointment Of County Board Members To Boards/Committees For 2026

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Joe Atkins

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

appoints, as recommended by the County Board Chair, County Board members

to serve on interagency boards, in-County boards, and as liaison

Commissioners for 2026, as follows:

Board Committees of the Whole -

General Government and Policy Committee:

All Commissioners

Workman (Chair)

Community Services Committee:

All Commissioners

Slavik (Chair)

Physical Development Committee:

All Commissioners

Holberg (Chair)

Metropolitan Inter-Agency Appointments -

Association of MN Counties:

Board of Directors Member - Hamann-Roland, Droste (Alternate)

District X - Hamann-Roland, Droste (Alternate)

General Government Policy Committee - Slavik

Environment & Natural Resources Policy Committee - Workman,

Hamann-Roland

Health & Human Services Policy Committee - Halverson

Public Safety Policy Committee - Atkins

Transportation & Infrastructure Policy Committee - Holberg, Droste

Cannon River One Watershed One Plan:

Slavik, Droste (Alternate)

Dakota 911 Board of Directors:

Slavik

Droste (Alternate)

Facility Operations Advisory Committee for Thompson Park Centers:

Atkins

Halverson

Greater MSP (appointed by Dakota County Community Development Agency)

Greater Metropolitan Workforce Council:

Hamann-Roland

I-35W Solutions Alliance Board:

Workman (Chair)

Holberg

Metropolitan Emergency Services Board (MESB):

Atkins

Droste

Hamann-Roland (Alternate)

MESB Executive Committee:

Droste

Metropolitan Library Service Agency Board (MELSA):

Halverson

Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (MMCD):

Workman

Hamann-Roland

Halverson

MMCD Executive Committee:

Workman

Minnesota Inter-County Association Board (MICA):

Halverson

Droste

Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA):

Hamann-Roland

Regional Solid Waste Hauler Licensing Board:

Workman

State Community Health Services Advisory Committee:

Halverson

Transportation Advisory Board-Metropolitan Council:

Holberg

Droste (Alternate)

Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board:

Slavik

Hamann-Roland

Droste (Alternate)

In-County Appointments -

Dakota County Board/Court Policy Committee:

Holberg

Atkins

Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA) Board

reappointment(s):

Atkins (2-year term)

Droste (3-year term)

Workman (3-year term)

Holberg (3-year term)

Dakota County Law Library Board:

Holberg

Dakota County Regional Railroad Authority:

All Commissioners

Hamann-Roland (Chair)

Droste (Vice-Chair)

Halverson (Secretary/Treasurer)

Liaison Commissioner Appointments -

Dakota-Scott Workforce Development Board:

Hamann-Roland

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 26-010

8.3

Ratification Of Appointment Of Chairs Of Committees Of The Whole For 2026

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Joe Atkins

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

ratifies the County Board Chair’s recommendation and appoints the following

County Board members to serve as Chairs for the Committees of the Whole for

2026:

General Government and Policy Committee of the Whole Chair Workman

Community Services Committee of the Whole Chair

Physical Development Committee of the Whole Chair

; and

Slavik

Holberg

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

hereby endorses the County Board Chair’s following recommendation for Chair

of the Dakota County Regional Railroad Authority for 2026, and refers the

appointments to the Dakota County Regional Railroad Authority:

Regional Railroad Authority Chair

Hamann-Roland

Droste

Regional Railroad Vice-Chair

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 26-011

8.4

Designation Of 2026 Official Voting Delegates For Association Of Minnesota

Counties

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Joe Atkins

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

designates the following County officials as official voting delegates to represent

Dakota County at the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) Annual

Conference and during the year 2026:

Commissioner Mike Slavik

Commissioner Joe Atkins

Commissioner Laurie Halverson

Commissioner William Droste

Commissioner Liz Workman

Commissioner Mary Liz Holberg

Commissioner Mary Hamann-Roland

County Manager

Deputy County Manager

Public Services and Revenue Director

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 26-012

8.5

Appointments To Metropolitan Emergency Services Board Radio Technical

Operations Committee And 911 Technical Operations Committee

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Joe Atkins

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Emergency Services Board (MESB) bylaws

provide for each member to appoint one representative to the Radio Technical

Operations Committee with the option of one alternate; and

WHEREAS, the MESB bylaws also provide for each member to appoint one

representative to the 911 Technical Operations Committee with the option of

one alternate; and

WHEREAS, the Office of Risk Management, and the Dakota 911 Executive

Director recommend the continuation of the existing committee members for

2026.

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

Commissioners hereby continue the appointment of the following individuals to

the Radio Technical Operations Committee of the Metropolitan Emergency

Services Board for 2026:

Representative: Ron Jansen, Radio Systems Coordinator, Office of Risk

Management

Alternate:

; and

Kelly Miller, Dakota County Emergency Manager

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

hereby

continue the appointment of the following individuals to the 911 Technical

Operations Committee of the Metropolitan Emergency Services Board for 2026:

Representative:

Brent Anderson, Operations Manager, Dakota 911

Alternate:

Heidi Hieserich, Executive Director, Dakota 911 or successor

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 26-013

8.6

Appointment To Rosemount Research And Outreach Center Advisory

Committee

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Joe Atkins

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

recommends to the University of Minnesota the reappointment of Physical

Development Director, Georg Fischer to the Rosemount Research and Outreach

Center at UMORE Park Advisory Committee for 2026.

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 26-014

8.7

Appointment To Airlake Airport Advisory Commission

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Joe Atkins

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Airports Commission requests that Dakota County

reappoint representative(s) to serve a two-year term on the Airlake Airport

Advisory Commission; and

WHEREAS, Airlake Airport is adjacent to County State Aid Highway 23 (Cedar

Avenue), and its operations may impact the highway operations; and

WHEREAS, this advisory commission is intended to share information

concerning airport operations.

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

Commissioners hereby reappoints Erin Laberee as the primary representative to

the Commission and Kurt Chatfield as the alternate representative for a two-year

term, January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2027.

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 26-015

8.8

Appointments To Extension Committee

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Joe Atkins

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

reappoints the following individual to the Extension Committee for a two-year

term ending December 31, 2027:

District 2 - Cynthia Gehrig

District 3 - Alison Johnson

District 4 - Barrett Voight

District 7 - Mary Beth Kufrin

; and

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

hereby by appoints the following individual to the Extension Committee for a

one-year term ending September 30, 2026:

At-large Youth - Elijah Daniel

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 26-016

8.9

Appointments To Library Advisory Committee

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Joe Atkins

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

appoints/reappoints the following individuals to the Library Advisory Committee

to a two-year term ending December 31, 2027:

District 1, MaryJanice Alongi

District 3, Robin Cerio

; and

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

hereby appoints/reappoints the following individuals to the Library Advisory

Committee to a one-year term ending December 31, 2026:

At-large Youth, Olivia Tri

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 26-017

8.10

Appointments To Personnel Board Of Appeals

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Joe Atkins

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

reappoints the following individual to the Personnel Board of Appeals for a

three-year term ending December 31, 2028:

At-large, Randall Kins

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 26-018

8.11

Appointments To Planning Commission

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Joe Atkins

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

appoints/reappoints the following individuals to the Planning Commission for

one-year terms ending January 5, 2027:

District 1, Dennis Peine

District 1, Jerry Rich

District 2, Amy Hunting

District 2, Lori Hansen

District 3, Jill Smith

District 4, Paul Nasvik

District 4, Barry Graham

District 5, Abdinasir Ibrahim

District 5, Andrea Vaubel

District 6, Stephen Shurts

District 6, James Guttmann

District 7, Anthony Nelson

District 7, Kelly Kausel

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 26-019

8.12

Appointments To Public Art Advisory Committee

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Joe Atkins

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

appoints/reappoints the following individuals to the Public Art Advisory

Committee for a two-year term ending December 31, 2027:

District 2, Michael Todoro

District 6, Robert Erickson

At-large, Allen Tsai

At-large, Cynthia Gehrig

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 26-020

8.13

Appointments To Special Board Of Appeals And Equalization

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Joe Atkins

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

appoints/reappoints the following individuals to the Special Board of Appeal and

Equalization for a two-year term ending December 31, 2027:

District 1, John Moes

District 5, Christopher Baddeley

District 6, Patricia Zuzek

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 26-021

8.14

Appointment Of At-Large Commissioner To Dakota County Community

Development Agency Board

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Joe Atkins

WHEREAS, a special law codified as Minn. Stat. § 383D.41, defines the

membership of the Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA)

Board of Commissioners and membership consists of seven commissioners

representing each of the seven Dakota County Board of Commissioner’s

districts; and

WHEREAS, Title 24, Part 964, Subpart E of the Code of Federal Regulations

directs that the governing body of a public housing agency with the

characteristics of the Dakota County CDA, must contain at least one public

housing eligible resident board member; and

WHEREAS, during the 2016 Legislative Session, the Minnesota Legislature

enacted an amendment to Minn. Stat. § 383D.41, subd. 5, authorizing the CDA

Board to add an eighth At-large Commissioner to the CDA Board to be filled by

an eligible resident board member as defined by federal regulations; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County CDA Board Officers have a recommendation for the

At-large Commissioner appointment to the CDA Board.

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

Commissioners hereby reappoints Muralidharan Velikolangara to the At-large

Commissioner position for a term of three years, as provided in the Community

Development Agency Bylaws.

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 26-022

8.15

Approval Of Revisions To Policies 3200 Pay Practices And 3380 Separation

From Employment

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Joe Atkins

WHEREAS, the Employee Relations Department periodically reviews and

recommends revisions to policies to maintain and enhance the effective and

responsive provision of human resource services in the County; and

WHEREAS, the revisions are summarized below:

3200 Pay Practices

· Add definition for “Employee Resource Groups”

· Revise Meal and Rest Breaks to align with recent changes in the law

· Add Employee Resource Group Chair Pay

· Add “Paid Time Off Usage” provision

· Update clarify language regarding workplace closures and disruptions

3380 Separation From Employment

· Update and clarify language under Layoff procedures

· Other non-substantive administrative changes

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

Commissioners hereby adopts the proposed revisions to Policy 3200 Pay

Practices and 3380 Separation from Employment and authorizes the Human

Resources Director to modify said policy accordingly.

Ayes: 7

Community Services

Resolution No: 26-023

9.1

Authorization To Execute Grant Agreement With Legal Assistance Of Dakota

County, Ltd.

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Joe Atkins

WHEREAS, Legal Assistance of Dakota County, Ltd., (LADC) is a non-profit

agency that provides legal assistance services using both staff and volunteer

attorneys; and

WHEREAS, the target population for these services is income-eligible adult

residents of Dakota County who are unable to afford representation in non-fee

generating civil legal issues; and

WHEREAS, the services support Dakota County residents with appropriate use

of the legal system to maintain or improve stability in their lives; and

WHEREAS, legal services provided focus on family law problems, including, but

not limited to, divorce, domestic abuse, establishing or defending child custody

or visitation rights, and assistance with child support; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County has consistently funded these services since 2007;

and

WHEREAS, in 2015, a 50 percent reduction to the contract amount occurred;

and

WHEREAS, since then, minor inflationary adjustments have been periodically

applied to this contract, averaging 1.0 percent annually over that 10-year period;

and

WHEREAS, while the County is not mandated to provide or fund these services,

funding of these services helps prevent the need for more costly services and

improves access to existing services; and

WHEREAS, appropriating County funds to a non-profit to provide legal

assistance to persons who are unable to afford private legal counsel is

authorized by Minn. Stat. § 375.167.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Community Services Director to execute

a grant agreement with Legal Assistance of Dakota County, Ltd., in an amount

not to exceed $70,995 for the period of January 1, 2026 through December 31,

2026, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the grant agreement shall contain a

provision that allows the County to immediately terminate the grant agreement 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: 26-024

10.1

Authorization To Purchase Fleet Vehicles And Equipment

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Joe Atkins

WHEREAS, to provide an efficient, effective, and responsive fleet, replacement

of major equipment is programmed in the Fleet Capital Equipment Program

(Fleet CEP); and

WHEREAS, outdated vehicles and equipment are replaced in accordance with

the Fleet CEP replacement criteria; and

WHEREAS, the additional units recommended are needed to support approved

programs; and

WHEREAS, vehicles and equipment recommended for purchase meet the

points replacement criteria; and

WHEREAS, the purchase of the proposed units is necessary to meet service

demands, reduce excessive downtime, reduce emissions, and reduce repair

costs; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County holds cooperative purchasing agreements with the

State of Minnesota (State) and Sourcewell that allow the County to purchase

from these contracts; and

WHEREAS, the cooperative purchasing agreements result in reduced workload,

provide competitive pricing, and enable the County to take advantage of the time

spent by the State and Sourcewell to perform the competitive bidding process.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Physical Development Deputy Director to

utilize cooperative purchasing agreements with the State of Minnesota and

Sourcewell to purchase the following unit’s contingent on the approved budget

and following approved County Policies:

· One signal truck

· Four pickups

· Two motor graders

· One sign truck

· Three police utility hybrids

· Three sport utility vehicles

· One van

· One front-end loader

· Two forklifts

· Up to 50 units of small equipment, attachments, trailers, and work zone

safety equipment units

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 26-025

10.2

Authorization To Amend Contract With Gilbert Mechanical Contractors, LLC, For

2025 Building Automation Services

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Joe Atkins

WHEREAS, Dakota County uses five contracted vendors to provide as-needed

building automation services for the HVAC systems across the portfolio; and

WHEREAS, these contracts, due to their maintenance nature, are executed

administratively for $99,000 per vendor each year; and

WHEREAS, due to the specialties of each of the vendors and specific systems,

multiple contracts are executed to most efficiently perform the services; and

WHEREAS, Gilbert Mechanical Contractors, LLC, is one of the five contractors

for 2025 and historically performs the majority of these services; and

WHEREAS, in late 2025, staff realized during budget and contract management

that, due to the timing of invoice processing and reporting, an amendment is

necessary that requires County Board approval; and

WHEREAS, a contract amendment of $11,000 is necessary to pay one

outstanding invoice that will increase the total contract amount to $110,000; and

WHEREAS, staff recommends that the County Board authorize execution of a

contract amendment of $11,000 to Gilbert Mechanical Contractors, LLC, for

as-needed building automation services, increasing the total contract amount to

$110,000.

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

execution of a contract amendment of $11,000 to Gilbert Mechanical

Contractors, LLC, 2780 Snelling Avenue, N, Suite 101, Roseville, MN 55113, for

as-needed building automation services, increasing the total contract amount to

$110,000, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 26-026

10.3

Authorization To Execute Minnesota Board Of Water And Soil Resources

Natural Resources Block Grant Program Agreement

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Joe Atkins

WHEREAS, the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources’ (BWSR) Natural

Resources Block Grant (NRBG) is a composite of allocations available to

counties to implement programs that protect and improve water resources; and

WHEREAS, within the NRBG are four core programs funded through the state’s

general fund: Local Water Management (LWM), Wetland Conservation Act

(WCA), Shoreland, and Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS); and

WHEREAS, the LWM, WCA, and Shoreland programs are funded through an

annual appropriation to BWSR; and

WHEREAS, the SSTS program is funded through an interagency agreement

between the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and BWSR and may include

multiple allocations in a given state fiscal year; and

WHEREAS, the Grant Agreement requires the County to transfer WCA funding

directly to the Soil and Water Conservation District; and

WHEREAS, the LWM and Shoreland funding is used for staffing, and the SSTS

funding is used for staffing and to provide cost-share grants to low-income

homeowners for repairing or replacing failing septic systems; and

WHEREAS, the following is a summary of the program allocations in the Grant

Agreement:

Allocation

Amount

$8,094

$52,804

$2,615

$65,117

$8,094

$52,804

$2,615

FY 2026 LWM

FY 2026 WCA

FY 2026 Shoreland

FY 2026 SSTS

FY 2027 LWM

FY 2027 WCA

FY 2027 Shoreland

Total

$192,143

; and

WHEREAS, the Grant Agreement effective date begins once BWSR executes

the agreement after obtaining County approval and signature; and

WHEREAS, the Grant Agreement expires on December 31, 2028, or when all

agreement obligations have been fulfilled, whichever comes first.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Environmental Resources Department

Director to execute the Grant Agreement with the Minnesota Board of Water and

Soil Resources for the state fiscal year 2026 and 2027 Natural Resources Block

Grant Program.

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 26-027

10.4

Authorization To Execute Joint Powers Agreement With City Of Rosemount For

Natural Resource Restoration On McMenomy Permanent Natural Area

Conservation Easement

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Joe Atkins

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 22-280 (June 21, 2022), the Dakota County

Board of Commissioners approved the acquisition of natural area conservation

and greenway easements on the former McMenomy property; and

WHEREAS, the City of Rosemount (City) immediately purchased the fee title of

the former McMenomy property after the County acquired the easements; and

WHEREAS, a Natural Resource Management Plan was completed for the

McMenomy permanent natural area conservation easement (Easement) that

includes restoration management strategies, work plans, and cost estimates;

and

WHEREAS, the County and the City agree to work in partnership to conduct

restoration activities on the combined properties; and

WHEREAS, the initial total estimated project cost will not exceed $490,000 over

the next three years; and

WHEREAS, the County will contribute up to a total of $490,000 toward

restoration costs, using available Outdoor Heritage Fund grant money from the

Minnesota Law 2019 grant awarded by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage

Council, with a funding deadline of May 12, 2028, for only the McMenomy

Easement area; and

WHEREAS, the City will provide a temporary access easement through a parcel

it owns to the west of the Easement property, over which the Minnesota

Department of Natural Resources holds a separate conservation easement, and

provided the required approval for the temporary access; and

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

describing roles, responsibilities, and associated costs is required.

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 Rosemount for temporary access to

and for the costs associated with the initial restoration of the land restricted by a

County-held permanent natural area conservation easement, formerly owned by

the McMenomy family, now owned by the City of Rosemount; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That following expenditure of Outdoor Heritage

Fund grant money from the Minnesota Laws 2019 grant awarded by the

Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council as appropriated by the Minnesota

Legislature, County staff will request reimbursement from the Minnesota

Department of Natural Resources (grant administrator) and return the

reimbursed funds to the Parks Capital Improvement Program.

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 26-028

10.5

Authorization To Award And Execute Consultant Contract With Kimley-Horn And

Associates, Inc. For Alignment Analysis Services For Vermillion Highlands

Greenway In Cities Of Rosemount And Empire, And Amend Budget To Move

Funding For New Project, Project #2000642

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Joe Atkins

WHEREAS, to provide a great place to live, Dakota County is proceeding with

portions of the Vermillion Highlands Greenway Project (2000642) for feasibility

study; and

WHEREAS, County staff sent a Request for Proposal to seven qualified

professional consultants; and

WHEREAS, four proposals were received and evaluated by County staff; and

WHEREAS, the proposal from Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. had the

best-value costs for alignment design and provides all the services needed; and

WHEREAS, the County Parks Director recommends executing a contract with

Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for engineering consulting services for the

Vermillion Highlands Greenway for actual costs not to exceed $182,330.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Parks Director to execute a contract with

Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., 14800 Galaxie Ave, Suite 200, Apple Valley,

MN 55124 to perform alignment study design consulting services for the

Vermillion Highlands Greenway Project (2000642) in an amount not to exceed

$182,330, which includes one optional task for 3D visualization if budget allows.,

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

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the 2026 Parks Capital Improvement

Program budget is hereby amended as follows:

Expense

Vermillion Highlands GW - Rosemount (2000234)

Vermillion Highlands GW - CSAH 46 (2000642)

Total Expense

($182,330)

$182,330

Revenue

Vermillion Highlands GW - Rosemount - Sales & Use Tax

Vermillion Highlands GW - CSAH 46 - Sales & Use Tax

Total Revenue

($182,330)

$182,330

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 26-029

10.6

Authorization To Award Direct Purchase Of Signal Steel From Millerbernd

Manufacturing Company, LLC, For County State Aid Highway 42 (145th Street)

At Trunk Highway 52 Interchange In Rosemount, County Project 42-174

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Joe Atkins

WHEREAS, Dakota County, in partnership with the City of Rosemount and the

Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), is leading County Project

(CP) 42-174 to improve the interchange at County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 42

(145th Street) and Trunk Highway (TH) 52 in Rosemount; and

WHEREAS, CP 42-174 is programmed in the 2026-2030 Transportation Capital

Improvement Program (CIP) for construction in 2026, with planned

improvements including signalization of the TH 52 and CSAH 42 ramps, turn

lane additions, and geometric modifications; and

WHEREAS, to reduce the risk of construction delays due to long lead times for

steel signal materials, Dakota County proposes to directly procure the steel

components in advance of the construction contract award; and

WHEREAS, current steel lead times are estimated at 14 to 16 weeks, and direct

procurement is expected to save two to three months on the project schedule,

helping ensure completion during the 2026 construction season; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County staff requested a quote from Millerbernd

Manufacturing Company, LLC, under MnDOT Contract 223993, which permits

direct procurement through the State Cooperative Purchasing Venture; and

WHEREAS, on November 14, 2025, Millerbernd Manufacturing Company, LLC,

provided a quote of $318,323.00 for the required steel signal materials; and

WHEREAS, the 2026-2030 Transportation CIP includes an additional

$5,400,000 in funding from the City of Rosemount, MnDOT, and Transportation

Sales and Use Tax and $750,000 in prior years funding, bringing the total

project budget to $6,150,000.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Transportation Director to execute a

contract with Millerbernd Manufacturing Company, LLC, for the direct purchase

of traffic signal steel in the amount of $318,323.00 for County Project 42-174.

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 26-030

10.7

Authorization To Award Direct Purchase Of Steel From Millerbernd

Manufacturing Company, For County State Aid Highway 42 (150th Street W)

Signal Replacements At Garrett Avenue And Pilot Knob Road (County State Aid

Highway 31), And Garrett Avenue Roadway Improvements In City Of Apple

Valley, County Project 42-177

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Joe Atkins

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

County is partnering with the City of Apple Valley on CP 42-177, which is a

preliminary and final design project to develop plans and associated services for

signal replacements on County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 42 (150th Street W)

at Garrett Avenue, a City street, and at CSAH 31 (Pilot Knob Road), and Garrett

Avenue roadway improvements for construction beginning in Spring 2026; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County is the lead agency for CP 42-177 to pre-order

necessary steel for the two signal systems for construction to begin in the spring

of 2026; and

WHEREAS, to reduce the risk of construction delays due to long lead times for

steel signal materials, Dakota County proposes to directly procure the steel

components in advance of the construction contract award; and

WHEREAS, current steel lead times are estimated at 14 to 16 weeks, and direct

procurement is expected to save two to three months on the project schedule,

helping ensure completion during the 2026 construction season; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County staff requested a quote from Millerbernd

Manufacturing Company, LLC, for direct procurement through the State

Cooperative Purchasing Venture; and

WHEREAS, on November 20, 2025, Millerbernd Manufacturing Company, LLC,

provided a quote of $228,245 for the required steel signal materials; and

WHEREAS, funding for this procurement is available within the current project

budget for CP 42-177, which includes $3,752,682 in previously approved

Transportation Capital Improvement Program (CIP) funds from City, County, and

CSAH funds.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Transportation Director, or their designee,

to execute a contract with Millerbernd Manufacturing Company, LLC, for the

direct purchase of traffic signal steel in the amount of $228,245 for County

Project 42-177.

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 26-031

10.8

Authorization To Execute Contracts With Xcel Energy And Dakota Electric

Association For Installation Of Street Lighting For Two Roundabouts Along

County State Aid Highway 86 (280th Street W) At Trunk Highway 3 And Trunk

Highway 56, County Projects 86-043 And 86-044

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Joe Atkins

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

County is proceeding with County Project (CP) 86-043 and CP 86-044; and

WHEREAS, the purpose and need for the projects is to improve safety,

multi-modal mobility, and traffic operations on county State Aid Highway (CSAH)

86 at Trunk Highway (TH) 3 and TH 56 intersections; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County is the lead agency for CP 86-043 and CP 86-044,

with right of way acquisition necessary in 2025 for construction to begin in the

spring of 2026; and

WHEREAS, the project includes street lighting at the CSAH 86 and TH 56

roundabout, CP 86-43; and

WHEREAS, Dakota Electric Association (DEA) has provided an estimate of

$96,498.00 for the installation of 14 lights at the roundabout, CP 86-43; and

WHEREAS, the project includes street lighting at the CSAH 86 and TH 3

roundabout, CP 86-44; and

WHEREAS, Xcel Energy has provided an estimate of $122,176.25 for the

installation of 14 lights at the roundabout, CP 86-44; and

WHEREAS, the cost participation for the lighting associated with CP 86-43 and

CP 86-44 will be in accordance with the adopted Cost Share Policy F.1 Cost

Participation; and

WHEREAS, the lighting power costs and maintenance responsibilities with the

new system are consistent with the County’s 2040 Transportation Plan adopted

Cost Share Policy F.17, which assigns the maintenance responsibility for the

lighting to the County; and

WHEREAS, County staff recommends executing a contract with Xcel Energy for

installation of street lighting along CSAH 86 and TH 56 for CP 86-43; and

WHEREAS, County staff recommends executing a contract with DEA for

installation of street lighting along CSAH 86 and TH 3 for CP 86-4.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Transportation Director, or their designee

to execute a contract with Dakota Electric Association in the amount not to

exceed $96,498.00 for installation of street lighting along County State Aid

Highway 86 and Trunk Highway 56, County Project 86-43, 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 Transportation Director, or their designee to execute a

contract with Xcel Energy in the amount not to exceed $122,176.25 for

installation of street lighting along County State Aid Highway 86 and Trunk

Highway 3, County Project 86-44, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s

Office as to form.

Ayes: 7

Resolution No: 26-032

10.9

Authorization To Execute Contract With Dakota Electric Association For

Installation Of Street Lighting Along County State Aid Highway 31 (Pilot Knob

Road) At Upper 147th Street In City Of Apple Valley, County Project 31-118

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Joe Atkins

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

County is partnering with the City of Apple Valley on County Project (CP)

31-118, which is a preliminary and final design project to develop plans and

associated services for converting the intersection of County State Aid Highway

(CSAH) 31 (Pilot Knob Road) and Upper 147th Street into a restricted

three-quarter access intersection in the City of Apple Valley; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County is the lead agency for CP 31-118, with streetlight

installation necessary to enhance the intersection safety for construction to

begin in the spring of 2026; and

WHEREAS, the project includes three street lights at the CSAH 31 (Pilot Knob

Road) and Upper 147th Street, CP 31-118; and

WHEREAS, Dakota Electric Association (DEA) has provided an estimate of

$20,200 for the installation of three street lights, CP 31-118; and

WHEREAS, the cost participation for the lighting associated with CP 31-118 will

be in accordance with the adopted Cost Share Policy F.1 Cost Participation; and

WHEREAS, the street lighting power costs and maintenance responsibilities

with the new system are consistent with the County’s 2040 Transportation Plan

adopted Cost Share Policy F.17, which assigns the maintenance responsibility

for the lighting to Dakota County; and

WHEREAS, County staff recommends executing a contract with DEA for

installation of street lighting along CSAH 31 (Pilot Knob Road) and Upper 147th

Street for CP 31-118.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Transportation Director, or their designee

to execute a contract with Dakota Electric Association in the amount not to

exceed $20,200 for installation of street lighting along County State Aid Highway

31 and Upper 147th Street, County Project 31-118, subject to approval by the

County Attorney’s Office as to form.

Ayes: 7

REGULAR AGENDA

11.

Community Services

Resolution No: 26-033

11.1

Authorization To Apply To Minnesota Department Of Children, Youth, And

Families Request For Proposals To Implement And Expand Family First

Prevention Services, Accept Grant Funds, Execute Grant Agreement And

Related Contracts, And Amend 2026 Social Services Budget

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Joe Atkins

Nikki Conway, Director of Social Services for Children and Family, briefed this

item and responded to questions.

WHEREAS, Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) gives counties, Tribal

Nations, and community-based organizations in Minnesota the opportunity to

use state funding to support prevention of child welfare system involvement and

foster care within their communities; and

WHEREAS, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is

seeking proposals to implement or expand prevention services; and

WHEREAS, a prevention service is defined as service provided to families

intended to prevent child welfare involvement and/or avoid out-of-home

placement of a child or children and the service must fit under one of the

following three service categories, as defined by title IV-E Prevention Services

Clearinghouse:

· Mental Health Prevention Programs and Services,

· Substance Use Prevention Services, and/or

· In-Home Parent Skill-Based Programs and Services

; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County would propose to expand the Parent Support

Outreach Program and offer the Kinship Navigator Program in community sites

throughout Dakota County; and

WHEREAS, the Parent Support Outreach Program is a voluntary prevention

program that focuses on a family’s strengths and needs so young children and

their parents can thrive; and

WHEREAS, the Kinship Navigator Program supports relatives and close family

friends who are supporting children that aren’t their own; and

WHEREAS, both programs are evidence-informed, lead to more equitable

outcomes, provide early supports to keep kids safe and well with their families,

are endorsed by families who have experience in our system, and have funding

streams available beyond the grant term; and

WHEREAS, Dakota County is exploring the opportunity to partner with local

community organizations for this proposal; and

WHEREAS, the proposals for the FFPSA grant are due January 23, 2026, and

Dakota County will apply for a total of $800,000 for the period of March 1, 2026

through June 30, 2028.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Community Services Director to apply for

the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) funds from the Minnesota

Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYP) in the amount of $800,000

for the period of March 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That, if awarded, The Dakota County Board of

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Community Services Director to accept

the funds in an amount up to $800,000 for the period of March 1, 2026 through

June 30, 2028, and execute the grant agreement and related contracts; 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 contracts amount and the contracts 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 amounts due; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That, if awarded, the 2026 Social Services

Budget is hereby amended as follows:

Expense

Social Services Budget

Total Expense

$800,000

Revenue

DCYP FFPSA Grant

Total Revenue

$800,000

Ayes: 7

Transportation

Resolution No: 26-034

12.

12.1

Authorization To Execute Contract With Collins Electrical Construction Co. For

Temporary Signal Construction At County State Aid Highway 46 And Trunk

Highway 52 And Execute Cooperative Agreement 1061519 With Minnesota

Department Of Transportation, County Project 46-67

Motion: Mike Slavik

Second: William Droste

Tyler Krage, Traffic Engineer, briefed this item and responded to questions.

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

County and the Minnesota Department of Transportation are partnering on

County Project (CP) 46-67; and

WHEREAS, the project will occur at County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 46 and

interchange intersections of Trunk Highway (TH) 52; and

WHEREAS, CP 46-67 will install temporary traffic signals and corresponding

flashing yellow arrow indications, lighting, and other associated improvements at

the intersections of CSAH 46 and TH 52; and

WHEREAS, the temporary signals are anticipated to be in effect until 2029 or

the completion of construction of the roundabouts at the interchange

intersections; and

WHEREAS, the project was advertised, and six bids were received and

tabulated on Thursday, December 18, 2025; and

WHEREAS, the bid from Collins Electrical Construction Co. in the amount of

$281,875.27, was the lowest responsible bid received; and

WHEREAS, staff recommends awarding the bid to Collins Electrical

Construction Co.; and

WHEREAS, the County is the lead agency, and construction will occur in early

2026; and

WHEREAS, Agreement No. 1061519 determines the responsibilities of each

relevant party and their corresponding costs for this project; and

WHEREAS, under Agreement No. 1061519, Dakota County will be responsible

for the full project costs.

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

Commissioners hereby authorizes the Transportation Director to execute a

contract with Collins Electrical Construction Co. for County Project 46-67 and

authorizes the Physical Development Director to execute Agreement No.

1061519 with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, subject to approval

by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.

Ayes: 7

13.

Interagency Reports/Commissioner Updates

Interagency reports and Commissioner updates were presented.

A moment of silence was observed to honor the service of Pastor Jim Bzoskie of Hastings.

Pastor Jim served as senior chaplain for the Dakota County Sheriff's Office for 47 years.

Pastor Jim passed away suddenly on December 19, 2025. He will be greatly missed.

14.

County Manager's Report

County Manager Heidi Welsch provided the following:

- the 2024 Financial Audit is completed. The audit includes a financial audit on programs that

receive state and federal funding.

- thank you to all staff across the County for all that was accomplished in 2025!

15.

16.

Information

15.1

See Attachment for future Board meetings and other activities.

Adjournment

Resolution No: 26-035

16.1

Adjournment

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

Second: Mike Slavik

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

Slavik, the meeting was adjourned at 10:11 a.m.

Ayes: 7