Meet the Candidates for 2016 AMC Office

SECOND VICE PRESIDENT CANDIDATESusan MorrisIsanti County [email protected]

Commissioner Susan Morris grew up on the farm that her great-great grandparents homesteaded in 1876, and she still lives on that farm. She and husband Karl Morris have been married for 29 years, and have five children. Susan's college background is business management. She was a stay-at-home mom for several years, during which time she started her catering business. First elected to office in 2006, she deeply cares about veterans and their families, and architected one of most successful Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organizations in the state. Commissioner Morris has been active at the State level in the Health and Human Services Policy Committee (currently Chair), Minnesota Futures, the AMC Board of Directors and the AMC Conference Planning Committee. She has served for 8 years on the State Community Health Services Advisory Committee (SCHSAC), and has served on many workgroups, including the Local Public Health BluePrint Workgroup, the SHIP Workgroup and the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Workgroup (currently Chair). Susan was behind the creation of the Health and Human Services Partnership Council (working with DHS and our Local Heath and Human Services to build better communication and true partnership), which is in its third year.

Please share your understanding of AMC’s mission:AMC unites Minnesota counties and its leaders so we can provide better government to our fellow citizens. We do this through training new commissioners and continuing to provide educational opportunities for the more seasoned commissioners. We also work together to lobby the Legislature to provide more effective government with better results.

Q. Which subject areas/issues in county government most interest you?

A. Serving our veterans and their families is important to me because of the great sacrifices they make for us and it is our responsibility to take care of them in their time of need. The safety and welfare of children and the needs of the elderly and public safety are my highest priorities.

Q. What do you think should be the most important priority for AMC?

A. Implementing the strategic plan we have been working on this year because we have an opportunity to grow as an organization and be more effective in providing better government to our fellow Minnesotans. For example, goal number one of the strategic plan is to leverage and embrace the diverse strengths of our membership because there is much more that unites us than divides us.

Q. Why are you interested in serving on the AMC Executive Committee?

A. I have been very involved with AMC for several years and I know how important this organization has been for my success as a commissioner. I want to give back to an organization that has helped me grow as a leader.

Q. What do you find to be the most valuable parts of your AMC membership?

A. The education I've received at conferences and as part of the FUTURES task force has helped me be an effective, proactive commissioner in Isanti County. The networking has been invaluable, because often one can glean insight from a fellow commissioner struggling with the same issue. Collaboration on legislative issues has brought much success.

Q. What do you consider the greatest challenge currently facing counties and how do you think AMC can work with counties to address the issue?

A. Funding transportation is the greatest challenge. We can bring together all the diverse perspectives and work through the dividing issues and come up with a winning strategy to present to the Legislature.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2015 COMMIT. COMMUNICATE. COLLABORATE. CONNECT VOLUME 59, ISSUE 6

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Meet the Candidates for 2016 AMC OfficeEach year, we ask declared candidates for AMC Officer positions to answer a questionnaire and share their views on AMC and county government with AMC members before the election at the

AMC Annual Conference in December. Screening by the nominating committee and the election itself takes place at the 2015 Annual Conference in St. Cloud.

SECRETARY/TREASURER CANDIDATEMary Jo McGuireRamsey County [email protected]

Commissioner Mary Jo McGuire was elected to the Ramsey County Board in 2012 to represent the six communities of District 2. She currently serves as Chair of the County’s Legislative Committee, Co-Chair of Active Living Ramsey Communities Coalition, the Vice-Chair of the AMC Public Safety Policy Committee, and Vice Chair of the NACo Justice & Public Safety - Law Enforcement subcommittee.Commissioner McGuire is also honored to serve on a number of boards and committees including the Suburban Ramsey Family Collaborative, Ramsey County League Of Local Governments, St. Paul Children’s Collaborative, and the Transportation Advisory Board. She is a lifelong resident of Ramsey County, currently residing in Roseville. Commissioner McGuire has a BA in Business Administration from the College of St. Catherine, a JD from Hamline University School of Law, and an MA in Public Administration from the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government. From 1989 - 2002, she served as a member in the Minnesota House representing the cities of: Roseville, St. Anthony Village, Lauderdale and Falcon Heights, stepping down in 2002 due to redistricting. In 2011, Commissioner McGuire was elected to the Minnesota Senate in a special election.

Please share your understanding of AMC’s mission:

My understanding is that AMC serves as a way to bring together county leaders from across the state to discuss was that we can serve our communities in a more effective way. This includes facilitating conversations and best practice sharing, along with many other resources.

Q. Which subject areas/issues in county government most interest you?

A. I am interested in public safety programs - especially those that are working to divert people from jail and also those that offer support to the families of those who are incarcerated. I am also currently working with my colleagues and other stakeholders to look at the continuum of care that we are providing our youngest residents and their families. Investments in children ages 0 - 3 will help make sure that kids are getting the help they need to succeed long term. Doing this involves communication between many partners, including nonprofits, local governments, and our schools.

Across the board, how we are handling individuals facing mental health issues is an important area of discussion. This issue impacts many aspects of our counties and our communities, and having a fact-based discussion is imperative.

CANDIDATE PROFILES, Continued on Page 7.

2 MINNESOTA COUNTIES NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2015

125 Charles AvenueSt. Paul, MN 55103-2108

Main Line: 651-224-3344, Fax: 651-224-6540www.mncounties.org

Board of DirectorsOFFICERSPresident ......................................Christopher Shoff, DC (Freeborn)First Vice President .................... Jack Swanson (Roseau)Second Vice President.................Gary Hendrickx (Swift)Secretary/Treasurer ....................Linda Higgins (Hennepin)Past President ..............................Toni Carter (Ramsey)

DIRECTORSDistrict I .......................................Kevin Adee (Koochiching)District II ...................................... Joe Vene (Beltrami)District III .................................... Joe Bouvette (Kittson)District IV .....................................Larry Lindor (Pope)District V ......................................DeWayne Mareck (Stearns)District VI .....................................Todd Patzer (Lac qui Parle)District VII .................................. Jack Kolars (Nicollet)District VIII ..................................Bob Moline (Murray)District IX .....................................Marcia Ward (Winona) District X ..................................... Julie Braastad (Anoka)........................................................ Jim Ische (Carver)........................................................Liz Workman (Dakota)........................................................ Jeff Johnson (Hennepin)........................................................Rafael Ortega (Ramsey)........................................................Barbara Marschall (Scott)........................................................Karla Bigham (Washington)

POLICY COMMITTEE CHAIRSEnvironment & Natural Resources .. Rich Sve (Lake)General Government & Taxes .......... Tom Warmka (Faribault)Health & Human Services ................. Susan Morris (Isanti)Public Safety ........................................ Will Purvis (Blue Earth)Transportation & Infrastructure....... John Okeson (Becker)

NACo REPRESENTATIVESNACo Past President ...................Randy Johnson (Hennepin)NACo Delegate ............................ Jim McDonough (Ramsey)100% Membership State ............Nancy Schouweiler (Dakota)Top 12 Membership State ...........Paul Wilson (Olmsted)

AT-LARGE MEMBERS........................................................Randy Maluchnik (Car ver) ........................................................Duane Bakke (Fillmore)

AMC Office StaffADMINISTRATIONExecutive Director ................... Julie Ring ....................651-789-4330Accountant ...............................Sue Bowman ...............651-789-4338Administrative Assistant ........Donna Haupert ..........651-789-4356Receptionist ..............................Ralph Wright ..............651-789-4320

MEMBER SERVICES & COMMUNICATIONSDeputy Director .......................Laurie Klupacs ...........651-789-4329Communications Coordinator/ Webmaster ........................Becky Pizinger............651-789-4332Education Director ..................Toni Smith ..................651-789-4335Research Analyst .....................Jill Suurmeyer .............651-789-4357Member Services Assistant ....Suzanne LaPalm ........651-789-4333

INTERGOVERNMENTAL SERVICES (IGS)Legislative Coordinator .......... Anne Kilzer ................651-789-4323Environment & Natural Resources

Policy Analyst .................. Jennifer Berquam ......651-789-4322General Government & Taxes

Policy Analyst .................. Matt Hilgart ...............651-789-4343Health & Human Services

Policy Analyst .................. Rochelle Westlund ....651-789-4325Public Safety

Policy Analyst .................. Ryan Erdmann ..........651-789-4345Transportation & Infrastructure

Policy Analyst .................. Vacant .........................651-789-4339IGS Assistant ............................ Ben Baglio ..................651-789-4321

CONTRACT SERVICESLOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION (LPHA)Director .................................. Lorna Schmidt ..............651-789-4354

MINNESOTA ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS ACT COUNTIES (MACCAC)Director .........................................Ryan Erdmann ...................651-789-4345

MINNESOTA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTY SOCIAL SERVICE ADMINISTRATORS (MACSSA)Director .........................................Eric Ratzmann ...................651-789-4340

MINNESOTA WORKFORCE COUNCIL ASSOCIATION (MWCA)Director .................................. Anne Kilzer ...................651-789-4323

STATE JUVENILE DETENTION ALTERNATIVE INITIATIVES (JDAI)Coordinator ........................... Curtis Shanklin ............651-789-4336

To Subscribe: Send $31.95 to the Association of Minnesota Counties with a note requesting a subscription to the newspaper. Delivery begins upon receipt of payment for a one-year subscription (six issues).

To Advertise: CLASSIFIED ADS: Member counties may place classified ads on the AMC web site at no charge. Please send your ads to Becky Pizinger at fax# (651) 224-6540 or e-mail [email protected].

DISPLAY ADS: Companies interested in advertising in Minnesota Counties should e-mail [email protected].

To Contribute: Story ideas, articles and photographs are welcome. Please send to: Association of Minnesota Counties, 125 Charles Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55103-2108, fax (651) 224-6540, or e-mail [email protected].

Proudly Serving Counties Since 1909.

President’s Notes By Christopher N. Shoff, DC, AMC President & Freeborn County Commissioner

Director’s Notes By Julie Ring, AMC Executive Director

County Program Aid Formula Change Receives Support Statewide

A new County Program Aid (CPA) funding formula is receiving strong support from counties across Minnesota. The new formula was approved unanimously by a work group of county commissioners, administrators, and coordinators after more than a year of work. The proposal was then adopted by the AMC Board of Directors. During the past month, every single AMC district selected the new formula proposal as a top legislative priority for 2016.

This process demonstrates that working together, through AMC, counties are willing and able to find solutions to difficult problems. Throughout the process, I was impressed by the willingness of commissioners and staff to listen to different perspectives, debate respectfully, suggest creative solutions, compromise, and move forward.

The next step is to advocate at the state level for the changes outlined below. Counties are already beginning to adopt resolutions in support of this proposal. We will all need to work together to achieve this change in the coming legislative session.

What is County Program Aid?Minnesota has a tradition of state-mandated, county-administered programming that requires counties to deliver essential

services in public safety, human services, transportation, and other vital program areas on the state’s behalf. To help defray the cost of providing these services and reduce the burden on property taxes, the state distributes funding to counties via County Program Aid (CPA).

Problems with the Current CPA FormulaThe total appropriation counties receive in state aid has fluctuated drastically over the past twenty years, and is significantly

depressed in real dollar value. The 2014 CPA allocation appears almost equal to 1996’s amount, but after accounting for inflation, the 2014 allocation is actually $70.2 million less.

The CPA formula is broken into three parts: need aid, tax base equalization aid (TBEA), and transition aid. The state appropriates approximately equal amounts into need aid and TBEA where the funds are distributed to counties based on the following county characteristics:

Need Aid Tax Base Equalization Aid (TBEA) Transition Aid• 40% distributed to each county based

on the county’s share of the state’s population over 65 years of age.

• 40% distributed to each county based on the county’s share of the state’s population receiving food stamps.

• 20% distributed to each county based on the county’s share of the number of Part I crimes reported in the state.

• N x ($185 x county population - 9.45% of the county’s adjusted net tax capacity)

• N = factor determined by the county’s population (smaller population receives a higher number)

• Seven counties receive a fixed amount at one-third of the allocation they received in 2005 to compensate for a reduced CPA distribution after the program’s inaugural year.

DIRECTOR'S NOTES, Continued on Page 7.

Good, better, best. Never let it rest. 'Til your good is better and your better is best.

Thank You For Making AMC a Better, Stronger, and More Respected Organization Because of Your Hard Work in 2015

I would like to thank everyone for their support and hard work on behalf of the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) this past year. It has been an honor and privilege to have served as the 2015 Association of Minnesota Counties’ President. I want to especially thank the AMC staff, the executive committee, and the Board of Directors for their work and support this past year.

Several years ago at the Annual Conference I shared a saying that was used while I was on the University of Minnesota football team. Before and after every practice we would all gather and say in unison, “Good, better, best. Never let it rest. 'Til your good is better and your better is best!” As this mantra echoes, I believe unequivocally that AMC is a better, stronger, and more respected organization with every passing day. This is a testament to the AMC staff and the people involved in AMC from all across Minnesota.

Clean Air and Clean WaterA surprising, unexpected and recurring theme this past year was clean air and clean water. My first role as AMC President

was to sign a letter on behalf of Minnesota counties, especially our counties to the north, to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning air quality classification of a northern Minnesota tribal nation. All throughout the year we dealt with the EPA's Waters of the US (WOTUS) ruling. Our relationship and involvement in the National Association of Counties (NACo) proved invaluable in dealing with this issue. This issue, while on hold currently due to the federal court system, will remain an issue in future years. While counties and other local governments weighed in on buffer discussions early in the legislative session, as final agreements were made in the last few hours of regular session, counties had no opportunity to provide additional significant input on the final buffer legislation that passed. We are currently working with the administration to determine what responsibilities and options counties have for implementation of the buffer initiative.

PRESIDENT'S NOTES, Continued on Page 7.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2015 MINNESOTA COUNTIES 3

Association of Minnesota Counties Associate Membership

AMCAM 2015

Thanks to all of our AMCAM members for their support of Minnesota Counties!

For a complete listing of company information, please visit

www.mncounties.org/AMCAM.

PLATINUMBlue Cross and Blue Shield of MN and Blue Plus

Coast2Coast Rx CardEhlers

Eide BaillyGalliard Capital Management

MAGIC Fund - PFM Asset Management, LLCMinnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust

(MCIT)Nationwide Retirement Solutions Inc./NRS

NorthwoodsNovel Energy Solutions

PreferredOneThomson Reuters

GOLDContegrity Group Construction Management

SILVERNorthland Securities, Inc.

ProAct Inc.Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney, P.A.

Springsted IncorporatedWenck

Wold Architects and EngineersXEROX

BRONZEArvig

Bolton & Menk, Inc.

CenterPoint Energy

CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

Concrete Paving Association of Minnesota

CTS Group

David Drown Associates

Dorsey & Whitney LLP

GLTArchitects

Hamline University School of Business

INSPEC, INC.

Institute for Environmental Assessment

ITC Midwest

Kraus-Anderson Construction Company

Minnesota Counties Computer Cooperative (MCCC)

Minnesota Service Cooperatives

Minnesota State Industries

MTM/MNET Minnesota Non-Emergency Transportation

National Joint Powers Alliance

NFP Corporate Services MN

NORESCO

Ochs, Inc.

Public Financial Management, Inc. (PFM)

Purple Wave Auction

Richardson, Richter & Associates, Inc.

RtVision, Inc.

S E H (Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc.)

Sand Creek Group, Ltd.

Sicora Consulting

Stoel Rives LLP

AMC Meeting & Event Calendar

December2 MACSSA Committees

3 MACSSA General Meeting

MWCA Winter Meeting

4 MSSA Board of Directors

6-8 AMC ANNUAL CONFERENCE, St. Cloud

6 AMC Board of Directors

MRCC Board of Directors

7 MACA Executive Board

MCIT Annual Meeting

MCIT Board of Directors

10 MCCC Board of Directors

16 LPHA Legislative Committee

LPHA Executive Committee

17 AMC Executive Planning Session

24 CHRISTMAS EVE (AMC Office Closed P.M.)

25 CHRISTMAS DAY (AMC Office Closed)

31 NEW YEAR'S EVE (AMC Office Closed P.M.)

January1 NEW YEAR'S DAY (AMC Office Closed)

4 MRCC Board of Directors

6-8 NACo Association Directors and Presidents Conference, Washington, D.C.

11 AMC Executive Committee

15 AMC Board of Directors

18 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY (AMC Office Closed)


The Federal Perspective By Dennis McGrann, AMC Federal Liaison Lockridge Grindal Nauen

This fall has been particularly busy thus far on Capitol Hill with various events including the House electing a new Speaker, passage of a bipartisan two-year budget agreement, and continued work on a long-term transportation reauthorization. On Thursday, October 29, Congressman Paul Ryan (R-WI) was elected Speaker of the House and replaced John Boehner (R-OH), who had filled the role for nearly six years. The vote to elect Paul Ryan as Speaker of the House ended a month’s worth of uncertainty regarding Majority Leadership, placing the policy-oriented Ryan into a role he originally turned down. Boehner’s final accomplishment was working with the Administration on a broad budget agreement that raises federal discretionary spending caps over the next two years while also extending the federal debt ceiling until March, 2017. In order to fill the vacancy created by Ryan’s ascension to Speaker, the House voted Congressman Kevin Brady (R-TX) as the new Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. The House will be on recess the week of November 9; however, the Senate will remain in session throughout the week with the exception of November 11 in observance of Veteran’s Day.

Budget/Debt Ceiling DealAfter hours of debate and a vote that occurred in the early hours of October 30, the

Senate passed the two-year budget agreement on a vote of 63-35 and was subsequently signed by the President. The bill passed the House on Wednesday, October 28 by a 266-167 vote. The deal raises discretionary spending levels evenly between defense and non-defense programs while also extending the national debt ceiling until March, 2017. Federal spending caps will be raised by $50 billion in FY2016 and $30 billion in FY2017 and is paid for by various methods that include selling some of the National Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) and reallocating certain Social Security funds. Although the bill marks a major agreement between the Administration and Congress and significantly lowers the chances of any government shutdowns over the next two years, the threat of a shutdown still exists because Congress will need to pass an omnibus appropriations bill before the current December 11 continuing resolution (CR) expires. According to House Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers (R-KY), his staff and their Senate counterparts are working on an omnibus bill that they plan on unveiling within the next 1-2 weeks. Recently elected Speaker of the House Paul Ryan criticized the secretive negotiating process that went into crafting the bill; however, eventually voted in favor of the bill.

House Passes Long-term Transportation BillThe House overwhelmingly passed a six-year, $325 billion highway funding bill

on Thursday, November 5 by a vote of 363-64. The long-term transportation bill is being considered by many as the first major victory since taking the gavel for newly elected Speaker of the House Paul Ryan. The bill will now go to conference between the House and Senate where Lawmakers will have to race to get a bill out of conference and passed by both Chambers before the current extension of MAP-21 highway funding ends on November 20. While the House’s original bill included no funding provisions to make up for the highway funding shortfall, the final bill is technically an amendment to the Senate-passed DRIVE Act, enabling Lawmakers to take the bill to reconciliation, where the bill would only need 51 votes to pass the Senate. If the six-year highway funding deal is passed and sent to the President for signature, it will be the first long-term transportation bill to go before a President since 2005.

When the House returns to business the week of November 17, Lawmakers from both Chambers will go into conference to work out additional changes to the bill. Speaker Paul Ryan has named 28 conferees so far, while Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has named 12 Lawmakers to the conference. In addition to debate over the finer points of the bill during the conference, it’s possible that Lawmakers would attempt to modify provisions in the bill that would re-authorize the Export-Import Bank. However, doing so would trigger a procedural rule and require 60 votes in the Senate for the bill to pass. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman James Inhofe (R-OK) and Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune (R-SD) have both stated that they are optimistic that the bill will be finished before the November 20 deadline.

Positive Train Control Deadline ExtendedOn October 28, an extension to the deadline for full implementation of positive

train control (PTC) technology passed Congress. Included in a three-week extension of the current highway authorization law, the measure pushes back the deadline for railroads to roll out PTC from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018. The measure requires railroads to submit new implementation plans for PTC and allows the Department of Transportation to impose civil penalties on railroads that fail to abide by the plans. However, the measure also allows for the new deadline to be extended for up to two years for individual railroads that demonstrate the technology on working trains and meet several other requirements. Senator John Thune (R-SD) highlighted that if the deadline hadn’t been extended, rail service across the country would be disrupted and cause damage to the economy across the country.

Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), who vigorously opposed extending the deadline, decided not to block the bill’s advance in return for a confirmation vote for Sarah Feinberg, the nominee for Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration.

US Court Grants Stay for WOTUS ImplementationOn Friday, October 9, the Sixth District U.S. Court of Appeals issued a nationwide

stay against the implementation of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule recently proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The divided court voted 2-1 to halt the implementation of the new WOTUS rules until the court determines whether or not it holds the jurisdiction to rule on the challenge that has been brought forward by 18 states. This decision comes after a previous ruling on August 27 from a federal judge who granted a stay for the 13 states that had filed a lawsuit against the WOTUS rule. The WOTUS rule is also being brought up in Congress, where legislation that would nullify the rule has passed the House and is currently pending in the Senate. Lawmakers have also added language in both the House and Senate appropriations bills that would prevent the implementation of the WOTUS rule as well as threatened to add language repealing the rule into a FY2016 omnibus bill.

Letter on ACA Reinsurance Reimbursement ProgramOn October 20, House Education and Workforce Committee Chairman John

Kline (R-MN-2) and 21 additional Members in both houses sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requesting changes to the reinsurance reimbursement program established by the Affordable Care Act. The letter requests that the temporary program, which finances partial reimbursement of some insurers of high-cost individuals for claims in the $90,000-$250,000 range with a fee on certain health plans, not be extended beyond 2016. Responding to a June 17 memo that increased the 2014 reimbursement rate from 80% to 100%, the signatories also asked in the letter that the 2015 plan year reinsurance program reimbursement rate be set at 50% and that self-insured, multi-employer health plans be excluded from the reinsurance fee in 2016.

The reinsurance issue resurfaced earlier this year when Congressman Pat Tiberi (R-OH) introduced H.R. 1886, which would remove entirely the funding mechanism for the program. The bill currently has 36 co-sponsors. If passed, insurers would no longer be required to charge an additional fee for each “covered life” under their health plans. Current law requires a fee of $44 per life in 2015 and $27 per life in 2016.

Updates on AMC Legislative Areas of InterestAs an omnibus bill is being worked out by Congress, the details of exactly how the

newly approved $50 billion will be distributed in FY2016 are still unknown other than the fact that the increased funds are evenly split between defense and non-defense programs. This $25 billion increase in non-defense spending levels will likely lift sequestration spending caps for various grant programs ranging from health and human services to law enforcement. More details will emerge in the coming weeks as to what the renewed spending bills for Housing and Urban Development; Agriculture; and Labor, Health and Human Services will look like.

LOCKRIDGE GRINDAL NAUEN Federal Relations Group will continue to work diligently on behalf of the Association of Minnesota Counties and with the Members of the Minnesota Delegation on the aforementioned issues and continuously report back with updates. Please do not hesitate to contact us at (202) 544-9840 if you have any questions or if there are any areas of interest you would like an update on that were not discussed in this article.

If Your County Currently Shops at The Home Depot, Don't Miss This Opportunity to Earn a Rebate for 2015 Purchases

The Home Depot contract with U.S. Communities provides agencies the opportunity to earn a rebate on their annual spend for online and in-store purchases. If you have purchased from The Home Depot during the year and are not currently using the U.S. Communities contract, creating your Pro Xtra account now would provide a rebate that your agency is not currently signed up to receive.

The Home Depot is providing agencies that are not currently enrolled in their Pro Xtra program an opportunity to save. Register your county in The Home Depot Pro Xtra program and receive credit for any Home Depot transactions associated with registered payment types retroactive to January 1, 2015.

The cut-off for rebate calculations is December 31. Now is the time to register with Pro Xtra so you can earn a rebate for your 2015 spend. If you need assistance, please contact The Home Depot directly at 866-333-3551 or [email protected].

For details on the rebate program or to register, visit www.uscommunities.org/homedepot.


The Best Ideas Come From the People of MinnesotaBy Steve Simon, Minnesota Secretary of State

When I first took to these pages in January, I said that the work of the Office of the Secretary of State doesn’t happen at a desk in St. Paul. It happens in Beltrami County, and Benton County, and Blue Earth County.

Today, I want to add to that statement.

Not only does the work of my office take place in every corner of this state, but the best ideas come from there too.

In November, I will wrap up my statewide, 87-county tour.

I’ve heard from many of you and other county officials about local elections issues, including replacing aging election equipment.

I’ve heard from Chambers of Commerce and businesses of all sizes about issues affecting local business communities, such as streamlining services so it’s as easy as possible to set up and run a business.

And I’ve heard from organizations partnering with the Secretary of State’s Safe at Home address confidentiality program – a program which helps protect thousands of Minnesotans who fear for their safety, including victims of domestic violence – who want to increase awareness about the life-saving services the program provides.

More importantly, though, I end my first year more committed than ever before to strengthening my office’s partnerships with all 87 counties. Next year we will have another statewide election and only with these strong partnerships can we continue to make Minnesota the envy of the nation.

One of the issues I hear about most from counties while on the road is Minnesota’s aging election equipment. I’m committed to working with all of you, the legislature, and other partners to help figure out how to pay for new equipment.

As many of you know, the 2002 Help America Vote Act (HAVA) provided one-time federal funds to purchase election equipment. That election equipment, which in some cases was purchased more than a decade ago, is aging and new equipment will be needed in the next few years.

Unfortunately, most counties have used the HAVA funds available to them and the federal government has indicated that it does not intend to provide any additional funds. In order to address this looming issue, I have put together a formal working group of county leaders and election officials from across the state to develop possible solutions to bring to the legislature. I look forward to continuing this discussion and will report back with more in the months to come.

Minnesota is a big state with a lot of unique voices. My goal is to be a Secretary of State for all Minnesotans and I am working hard toward that goal.

Thank you for all of your hard work. Have a safe holiday season and a Happy New Year, and I’ll see you on the road in 2016.

MACO/MOMS Completes Online Marriage Application, Enters Final Stages of Military Veteran Service Project By Kay Wrucke, Chair of MN Official Multiple System (MOMS), and Martin County Recorder

The term slick comes to mind for the 22 counties that have started using the new MACO/MOMS (Minnesota Official Multiple System) online marriage application. There are 30

additional counties testing the program using that same slick word.

The term was first used by marriage applicants as they were filling out the form. The county staff quickly picked up on how seamlessly the application process works for them and

that made the term slick stick.

Making Marriage Application Process Slick

Applicants are completing the marriage application on mobile devices, laptops, home computers and by coming into the county offices to use a public computer. The county staff

prints the application, marriage license and preliminary marriage certificate for the applicant to review and sign. The process is complete and counties may return the marriage package

to the couple to take with them. The time span is reduced by half or more and it doesn’t cost

the county additional funds to use the MOMS online application.

Why does this work so well? The answer is collaboration in county government. In 2008,

MACO/MOMS was created by all 87 counties to design a marriage index for the county

offices and the public. It is funded by the counties. Developing an online marriage application

and related certificates was a key component to streamlining the marriage licensing process

for the counties. Counties are now seeing how beneficial it is for marriage applicants as they

have saved time filling out forms and multiple trips to county courthouses. Thus, the term

slick has gotten a lot of use.

Helping Veterans Get The Benefits They Have Earned

With the online marriage application process completed, the MACO/MOMS Core Team,

with representatives from all corners of Minnesota, had other work to complete with the

Minnesota Veterans Service Record Index.

The index is used for searching the DD214 military discharge documents of our state’s

360,000 veterans. It is a secure, private site for veteran service offices only. Work was halted

a year ago to have the state Legislature address some potentially ambiguous language in

state statutes. A “clean up” bill was passed in this year’s session with little discussion. The

Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and MACO/MOMS re-approved the

final technical specifications that were completed in 2014. The MACO/MOMS service

provider, Olmsted County ITS, has finalized the scope of work and the index data will be

imported into the system in the fourth quarter of 2015. The index will be ready for use by

the end of 2015 or early 2016.

The MACO/MOMS system is a success because of the participation of Minnesota counties

and the county offices that maintain the marriage records and the military discharge

documents of our veterans. The work being done by the county offices, the MOMS-contracted

Olmsted County ITS and the joint efforts of the MDVA and MDVA IT resources, have

produced a model for collaboration of multiple units for government and provides benefit

for the citizens of Minnesota and others who use the county services.


Profiles of Excellence in County LeadershipMeet Patty O'Connor, Blue Earth County Director of Taxpayer Services

With more than 37 years of county work experience, Patty O’Connor is the epitome of a dedicated public servant. On her path to her current job as Director of Taxpayer Services, Patty has had the opportunity to work in several county capacities, including licensing, land records, passports, assessing and election administration. Today, Patty leads the Taxpayer Services Department, a rarity among county ranks, which encompasses the duties of the traditional elected positions of auditor, treasurer and recorder. Aside from her Blue Earth County duties, Patty is actively engaged at the local, state and national levels serving in leadership positions through her professional associations, as well as being a highly involved member of the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) and the National Association of Counties (NACo). She resides in Mankato with her husband Bob and enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and reading.

Q. How did you get into county governance?

A. Upon completing a general clerical program at South Central College, I started working for Blue Earth County and have spent my entire 37-year career with the organization. My first position with Blue Earth County was at the front counter of the license center and since then I have received many promotions. In 1991, I became a department head when Vital Statistics moved to the License Center. In 2002, I was named Taxpayer Services Director when Land Records and the License Center merged. County Government is my passion and I have enjoyed my work, especially in the area of election administration and getting involved with related associations, committees and boards within the Minnesota Association of Counties (AMC); Minnesota Association of County Officers (MACO); National Association of Clerks, Recorders and Election Officials (NACRC) and the National Association of Counties (NACo).

Q. Was there anything or anyone that influenced where you are today?

A. There have been many people throughout my tenure in County Government that have both influenced and impacted my journey ranging from staff to elected officials. Notably, former Commissioner Colleen Landkamer probably had the most influence in getting me connected in State and Federal arenas. She illustrated to me the importance of being connected and that no matter how large or small of a County you come from – you can make a difference and influence legislation and processes to ultimately enhance services to the public and create greater efficiencies. Also, Dave Twa and Dennis McCoy were two former County Administrators that I worked extensively with and learned a great deal from.

Q. How would you describe Blue Earth County?

A. Beautiful - the lakes, the valleys, the farms, the small towns all make Blue Earth County such a unique place. Also, we are the only county in the nation named Blue Earth after our rich, clay-like soils that have a blue tint.

Q. Is there a particular hardship you’ve faced which has molded your leadership style?

A. I have worked my way through the ranks over the last 37 years, which has contributed a great deal to molding my leadership style. Prior to becoming a supervisor/department head – I was heavily involved with the union as a steward for many years. Having this experience has helped me be a better manager, better relate to staff and shape my leadership style into one that I believe is more approachable and down to earth.

Q. What is the most important trait that makes a successful county employee?

A. It’s hard to narrow this question down to one trait. In general, successful employees should embody passion for their work, empathy for others, dedication and integrity. If forced to narrow it down, I believe the biggest asset a county employee can have is being customer service oriented. That trait will help them be successful with working not only with the public, but with their fellow colleagues.

Q. Has county governance changed in the time you’ve worked at Blue Earth County? If so, how?

A. It’s amazing how much County government has changed in 37 years. Not only in the evolution of department responsibilities, but to the degree that we rely on technology and the expertise of specialized staff. Hands down technology has been the biggest element of change since I’ve been at Blue Earth County.

Q. What other leadership roles have you held outside your job at the county?

A. I have been fortunate throughout my career, especially in recent years to be involved in leadership positions within the Minnesota Association of County Officers (MACO), Minnesota Association of County Auditors, Treasurers and Financial Officers, Association of Minnesota Counties, National Association of Clerks, Recorders, and Election Officials (NACRC), and National Association of Counties (NACo)

Q. What do you see as current challenges and potential opportunities for counties today and into the future?

A. I see technology as a current challenge with trying to ensure counties have the resources needed to utilize it for enhancing efficiency and better serving needs of the public. Technology is also the opportunity for counties to launch forward into the future with new best practices…the sky is the limit.

Q. Do you have any motivational quotes that mean something for you and the work you do?

A. Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. - John F. Kennedy This particularly rings true to the question about what has changed in County Government during my tenure. Most everything has!

Q. Why is AMC valuable to your county?

A. The Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) is incredibly valuable to Blue Earth County because it helps connect our elected officials and staff with other counties across the state and serves as a vehicle for us to work together on issues, bring forward legislation and learn from each other’s best practices. Blue Earth County is fortunate to have a number of staff and commissioners involved on committees, boards and initiatives and actively take part in AMC functions.

Q. When Patty isn’t working laboriously in the Blue County Government Center, you’ll find her...

A. Enjoying summers with at my family lake cabin, spending time with my husband Bob, two sons, daughter-in-law, grandson, granddaughter, siblings and friends, or traveling to Ireland to pay homage to my Irish heritage!

Q. Care to impart some advice to staff or commissioners who have just begun their public service?

A. Get involved as much as you can with your respective associations and network, network, network. So much of success in work and life is all about relationships. Profiles of Excellence in County Leadership is a feature that focuses on identifying leaders and innovators among county staff. If you have a person in mind for this column, please email Matt Hilgart at [email protected].

Blue Earth County Profile Population: Approximately 65,000

Levy: $31 million

Interesting Fact: Blue Earth County is situated in the heart of the Minnesota River Valley in the south central part of the state and has a diverse landscape including rich agricultural land, the most miles of river in the State of Minnesota and a number of recreational lakes. Mankato is the County Seat and serves as a regional hub for industry, retail, education and health care.


Details of the New CPA FormulaThe work group had three goals in updating the formula:

• Reduce volatility from year to year so that counties can appropriately include CPA in their annual budgets.

• Find a way to change the formula without reducing any counties allocations below current levels.• Create sustainability in the formula so that adjustments are not needed in the near future.The following is summary of the changes recommended by the work group:

• A funding increase of $40 million; • The creation of a funding floor that guarantees each county $350,000 in TBEA;• Formula revisions to slow down counties’ loss of TBEA funding, including: an increase of the

per capita factor to $190 and a decrease of the county adjusted net tax capacity (ANTC) factor to 9 percent;

• The elimination of special funds and transition aid; and• The creation of a 5% cap on annual CPA losses; ensuring no county will lose more than 5% of its

funding each year.In an age when counties are forced to do more with less, while still providing quality services and

maintaining low property tax burdens, CPA remains an important tool in providing counties with the resources to fund transportation, human services, public safety, and many other programs of statewide importance. The proposed formula change will ensure that all counties continue to benefit from CPA into the future.

Transportation: Our Broken Roads are Broke!Transportation is the tie that binds. Transportation should transcend political parties and ideologies.

Transportation should transcend election cycles. Transportation has been a priority for us for the past several years with little to no action at the state level. For the past several years, in every AMC district across the state, transportation continues to be one of our key legislative priorities. We have increased the dialogue and illustrated our needs through an April State Capitol press conference as well as the statewide opinion editorial “Our Broken Roads are Broke!” Counties are poised to lead this dialogue, highlighting the transportation needs in all areas across the state----urban, suburban, and rural. Counties are poised to lead this dialogue, staying above the political rhetoric in order to solve the transportation issues for the Minnesotans we represent. Counties should remain in the forefront to ensure that Minnesota has a transportation package that is comprehensive, balanced, sustainable, and dedicated.

At the state level, we will continue showing the dire need of maintaining the system that is our responsibility, balancing the needs of all the road authorities across Minnesota, and continuing to build on the groundwork and dialogue of years past.

Looking Toward the FutureDuring the State of the Counties speech at the Legislative Conference in St Paul, I stated that I would

rather not have a vision of the past or present but rather have a vision of the future. I would rather not talk about what we are doing or what we have done...but what we can do. That day I challenged the group to think about our messaging. We have made a determined effort in reaching out to media, sending out press releases, conducting interviews and releasing opinion pieces that have been published all across the state. We have laid the groundwork to be the trusted and definitive voice of county government. I am confident that AMC will build on this work with 2016 President Jack Swanson's communications background and skills.

We also embarked this past year on a Strategic Planning Process. Many people have been involved over the past year and the groundwork has been completed. This is a process where we looked at where we have been, where we are, but more importantly where we are going. This is a process because we are looking not only where we will be in the next couple of years but more importantly where we will be in the next five, ten, and fifteen years. The leadership of Commissioner Jack Swanson and Commissioner Gary Hendrickx will continue to build this process.

Thank you once again for allowing me to serve as 2015 AMC President. I look forward to continue to serve the Association of Minnesota Counties and look forward to how this organization will grow in the future.

PRESIDENT'S NOTES, Continued from Page 2.

Q. What do you think should be the most important priority for AMC?A. An important priority for AMC is to lead on advocacy at the State and Federal level of government

to make sure that policies that are being considered are not strains on county resources. In addition, AMC is an incredible resource for sharing information and facilitating communication.

Q. Why are you interested in serving on the AMC Executive Committee?A. As a former legislator, I bring a unique perspective to my current role as a county commissioner,

which I also think will benefit the AMC Executive Committee. I am also knowledgeable about many issues that impact local governments regardless of size, so can work with county officials across the state.

Q. What do you find to be the most valuable parts of your AMC membership?A. I enjoy the opportunities to connect with county officials across the state (and nationally) to share

what we are doing locally and discuss best practices and learn ways we can collaborate on behalf of our residents. I always look forward to attending the Legislative and Annual Meetings of AMC and also working with AMC staff on issues I am working on in Ramsey County.

Q. What do you consider the greatest challenge currently facing counties and how do you think AMC can work with counties to address the issue?

A. The greatest issue facing counties currently is the increasing strain our budgets to provide services mandated by the State and Federal governments. It is important that those levels of government provide adequate funding so that counties do not have to rely on levy funds to fill the gap.

SECRETARY/TREASURER CANDIDATE - MARY JO McGUIRE, Continued from Page 1.

DIRECTOR'S NOTES, Continued from Page 2.


Child Protection in Minnesota: Insuring Child Safety on a Daily BasisBy Christine Davis, LGSW, Child Protection/Child Welfare Unit Supervisor, Freeborn County DHS

Filtering through police reports and child maltreatment reports begins a typical day for me and my team in Child Protection Services. When child maltreatment reports come into the Child Protection System (CPS), the reports must be screened to determine if there is enough information to meet statutory requirements authorizing the agency to respond. Best practice is for a multi-disciplinary team comprised of social workers, county attorney, and law enforcement to collaborate in making screening decisions. Bringing this team together can be a challenge as each stakeholder operates under separate practice requirements and standards. Managing these boundaries and establishing protocols to respond to the new screening guidelines and provisions set forth by the Governor’s Task Force recommendations are paramount in my daily practice.

If information in the report does not meet statutory criteria it is screened out for alternative options (offer of services such as Parent Support Outreach Program or Child Welfare services, refer to current workgroups if applicable, or no response necessary.) If the information is screened in for a response the team must decide if a Family Investigation, Family Assessment, or Facility Investigation is the most appropriate response - this is also referred to as track assignment. As a child protection supervisor I need to be familiar with the intricacies of the screening guidelines, track responses, and implications for timelines to support my team in making decisions. This is also critical knowledge as the supervisors are held accountable for the decisions and practice of their team of frontline staff. As most maltreatment reports do not perfectly fit into categories for allegations of neglect or abuse, there are frequently interpretation decisions made by the screening team. Follow-up calls for clarification with the reporter (if known) can assist in making these decisions or contact with collateral mandated reporters may be an option, but the team must weigh the need for more information against the child’s right to privacy. It has been found that some children are disproportionately represented in child maltreatment reports and team members must be mindful of their reasoning for making collateral contacts.

Once screening decisions have been made case assignments must be handed out. Depending on the type of maltreatment alleged in the report, assessment workers need to structure their day to respond to the immediacy of beginning the fact finding process. Another next step after screening team is documenting the track decisions and case assignments in the Social Services Information System (SSIS). Maintaining accurate and timely records is critical for tracking decisions and services, initiating funding sources, and collecting information for casework.

Typically by mid-morning reports have been screened, assignments given and next steps initiated. My day then moves to focusing on staff needs for support, direction and supervision. Child protection supervisors are responsible for the oversight of frontline workers’ implementation of practice guidelines set forth by the state and must insure that federal and state statutes are followed. Reading, interpreting, implementing and reviewing the child protection statutes must be an on-going practice for child protection supervisors to adhere to the laws with fidelity.

Through individual and group supervision meetings I process case decisions with workers, discuss practice concerns and talk about funding needs. I review and approve Minnesota Assessment of Parenting of Children and Youth (MAPCY) tools which determine payments for foster parents under the Northstar Program which was introduced this past January. The implementation of this payment structures was intended to facilitate permanency for children by removing barriers, mainly financial, by equalizing payments between foster care, kinship care, and adoption subsidies. The Northstar Program significantly redefined payment policies and has had a ripple effect on county-specific policies such as child care reimbursement to foster parents, respite care rates, and emergency care rates. Monitoring compliance for timeline and documentation requirements and supporting workers in meeting best practice are key focuses for my position as a supervisor.

Afternoons, when not tending to emergent staff and client needs, I frequently attend community meetings. Networking with child protection supervisors from nearby agencies and regional counties has provided me with support and has proven necessary for triaging difficult cases that cross county lines and/or collaborating on situations where there are conflicts of interest. Growing community resources and tending to policy changes as they impact the agency are on-going efforts. These goals require a juggling act of knowing which meetings to prioritize and diligently responding timely to emails and requests internally and externally from the agency.

Reviewing SSIS time reports, screening worker case documentation, responding to request for records or social service background checks, and approving payment requests must be prioritized daily. Court reports are reviewed prior to submission to the courts, most recently checking for compliance with changes to the Child In Need of Protection and/or Service (CHIPS) court rules for separating confidential information from filed documents. This is in preparation for the electronic filing of court documents which is coming in 2016. Preparing for staff trainings on policy changes (such as for our after-hours on-call system, court procedures, maltreatment report intake process, technology usage, and worker resiliency) must also be fit into my schedule. Towards the end of the workday, there is one last check of maltreatment reports that have come in throughout the day to see if anything has been missed needing immediate attention. I check in with workers, respond to emails and phone calls, and prepare for the next day’s duties.

During this time of critical assessment and overhaul of the Minnesota Child Protection System, county-based supervisors and workers are responding adeptly and passionately to the challenge of insuring child safety, well-being, and permanency. I consider myself privileged to work alongside these dedicated professionals and our community partners in education, the court system, medical and mental health facilities and law enforcement. Protecting Minnesota’s children requires all systems to engage and support families for the best possible outcomes in our community’s future.


Youth to Compete in Second Annual 4-H Science of Agriculture ChallengeBy Bev Durgan, Dean, University of Minnesota Extension

In Extension, we have long understood that agriculture is vital to Minnesota communities, and that won’t change as baby boomers retire and young people grow into their future.

One of the challenges communities face is a shortage in the professional agricultural workforce. The U.S. Department of Agriculture projects 57,900 annual job openings for graduates in ag-related areas, but there are only 35,400 graduates in these areas each year.

I’m excited to tell you that the 4-H Science of Agriculture Challenge that launched in 2015 is back for a second year of opportunities for youth. Several teams have already registered, committing to agricultural topics in the areas of animals, technology, environment and lifestyle. New this year, regional events will take place in north, south and central Minnesota, all leading up to the June 21-23 State Challenge event on the University’s St. Paul campus.

The teams work for several months with mentors to tackle tough issues, and then spend three days on campus for the State Challenge event, which includes a college and career fair. Judges and sponsors include Minnesota agricultural leaders. The 2015 winners presented research on loss of feed in livestock feeders (Meeker County), insects as food sources (Washington County) and biofuels (Le Sueur County).

Each year, thousands of youth complete agriculture-related projects as a part of their 4-H experience. The 4-H Science of Agriculture Challenge honors that tradition by fostering highly focused learning opportunities and rewarding youth with college scholarships.

Counties invest in Extension’s 4-H youth development because young people raised in 4-H give back and often become leaders. In this sense, all 4-H participants are winners. Minnesota communities win too, because our future is in good hands when 4-H continues to be a part of the journey of growing up and finding where one can best contribute.

To watch videos and learn more, visit z.umn.edu/4HScienceofAg.

Shining a light on Extension’s work in Greater MinnesotaThis fall, the University of Minnesota launched a statewide Driven to Discover campaign. Extension’s faculty and Master Gardener program were included, shining a light on their

great work and their drive to improve lives. Extension’s Dr. Jeff Coulter, agronomist; Dr. Matt Russell, forest resources specialist; and Dr. Dan Larkin, aquatic invasive species specialist, as well as the Master Gardeners, are featured on billboards across Greater Minnesota and on the U’s website. They joined faculty and students from the University’s Crookston, Duluth, Morris, Rochester and Twin Cities campuses in the billboard campaign that runs November and December and again in the spring. You can see the campaign and read their stories at driven-to-discover.umn.edu.

Collaboration Key to Promoting Mental HealthBy Bonnie Brueshoff, Dakota County Public Health Director, and Renee Frauendienst, Stearns County Public Health Division Director LPHA Legislative Committee Co-Chairs:

The World Health Organization defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”1 Emerging evidence shows positive mental health is associated with improved health outcomes,2 but it is estimated that only about 17% of U.S adults are considered to be in a state of optimal mental health.3

Community Health Assessments recently completed by Minnesota local health departments identified mental health as major health concern throughout the state. In response, public health staff are leading efforts focused on mental health promotion, including trainings that use evidenced-based programs like Make It OK, Psychological First Aid, and Mental Health First Aid. These programs are building community capacity by teaching participants how to talk about mental health and helping them respond to the needs of others. This is especially important when it comes to addressing mental health in our correctional system.

According to the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), more than 80% of state prisoners, 72% of federal prisoners and 82% of jail inmates meet criteria for having either a mental health or substance use issue; and a 2015 NACo survey of county jails found addressing the mental health needs of inmates to be their most common concern. Nearly three-quarters of responding county jails prioritize ways to reduce the number of people with mental illnesses in jail, and almost half face challenges in coordinating mental health treatment for inmates. A recent discussion about jails and mental health at AMC’s September policy meeting reiterated the numerous challenges Minnesota counties are facing and highlighted issues which pose obstacles to addressing these concerns, such as operating with limited resources and the need for better coordination of services.

The mountainous hurdles to addressing the mental health needs of inmates require coordinated, innovative, cross-sector and cross-jurisdiction work. Earlier this year, NACo, the Council of State Governments Justice Center and the American Psychiatric Association Foundation launched Stepping Up: A National Initiative to Reduce the Number of People with Mental Illnesses in Jails. More than 125 counties, including many Minnesota counties, have since passed resolutions in support of the initiative and pledged to take action. Collaboration between the county justice system, county health system and other community-based organizations is crucial to this initiative.

According to NACo, counties strive to effectively provide the criminal justice population with greater access to healthcare and treatment. The delivery of coordinated care and service to this population can lead to greater individual well-being, reduce recidivism and improve health. These and many other innovative programs are working to not only address treatment of mental illness but also to prevent it by promoting mental health. Making a difference is possible, but it will take hard work, innovation and collaboration.

For more information and resources, see:

Stepping Up: www.naco.org/stepping-initiative.

Make it OK (MIO): http://www.makeitok.org. MIO is a program aimed at increasing public awareness of positive mental health practices. The MIO campaign is designed to encourage people to talk more openly about mental illness and ask for help.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA): http://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/cs. MHFA is an in-person training that teaches individuals how to assist people who are in crisis or who are at risk of developing mental illness.

Psychological First Aid (PFA): www.health.state.mn.us/oep/responsesystems/pfa.html. PFA is an evidence-informed approach used by first-responder personnel and individuals to assist children and adults experiencing immediate mental trauma as the result of a traumatic event, public health emergency or other disaster.

References

1. World Health Organization. Strengthening Mental Health Promotion. Geneva, World Health Organization (Fact sheet no. 220), 2001.

2. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General. Rockville, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health, 1999.

3. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/basics.htm.

http://www.naco.org/stepping-initiative

http://www.makeitok.org

http://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/cs

http://www.health.state.mn.us/oep/responsesystems/pfa.html

http://www.health.state.mn.us/oep/responsesystems/pfa.html

http://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/basics.htm


MINNESOTA COUNTIES INTERGOVERNMENTAL TRUST

MCIT Board Members to Be Elected at Annual Meeting

Each year, members' voting delegates have the opportunity to elect their representative(s) to the MCIT Board of Directors. MCIT’s nine-member board consists of county commissioners, county auditors/auditor-treasurers and a county coordinator/administrator. Eight of the nine seats are voted upon by member counties at MCIT’s Annual Meeting. County commissioners, county auditors and county auditor-treasurers are eligible to run for these positions. The ninth seat is filled by a county administrator or county coordinator who is recommended by the Minnesota Association of County Administrators. The recommendation is subject to approval by the MCIT Board.

Board members are elected at large and serve staggered four-year terms. This year three seats are open for election at the meeting.

Incumbent WATONWAN COUNTY COMMISSIONER SCOTT SANDERS is seeking re-election to a four-year term (expires Dec. 31, 2019). Sanders was appointed to the board in January 2005 to fill an unexpired term. Since joining the board, Sanders has served on the Claims Committee (2007-2015), Personnel Committee (2011-2015), Audit Committee (2014-2015) and the Governance Committee (2006-2010). He served as Secretary-Treasurer in 2011 and 2012. He was elected chair in 2013 and continues to serve in the position.

Incumbent SHERBURNE COUNTY COMMISSIONER FELIX SCHMIESING is seeking re-election to a four-year term (expires Dec. 31, 2019). Schmiesing began his service on the board in January 2007. During his tenure, he has been a member of the Claims Committee (2009-2015), Personnel Committee (2008, 2013-2015), Audit Committee (2014-2015) and the Governance Committee (2012). His colleagues on the board elected him vice chair in May 2013, and he continues in that role. He previously served as MCIT secretary-treasurer from January-May 2013.

Incumbent STEARNS COUNTY AUDITOR-TREASURER RANDY SCHREIFELS was appointed to an unexpired term in June 2013. At the annual meeting in 2013, members voted to approve his appointment. The term expires the end of 2015. He is seeking election to serve a four-year term (expires Dec. 31, 2019). Schreifels was appointed to the Audit Committee in 2014 and continues to serve on that committee.

County commissioners, auditors and auditor-treasurers who want to serve on the MCIT Board are required to submit a letter of interest along with their qualifications to this year’s nominating committee. The committee reviews all applications and conducts interviews of candidates when appropriate.

2015 MCIT Annual Meeting December 7How Time Flies When You’re Having Fun

Unlike a family that measures the passage of time with events such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and weddings, MCIT must rely on the calendar. As we turned the page from September to October and November, deadlines for the 2015 annual membership meeting dominate the upcoming weeks.

On December 7, MCIT will convene the annual meeting of its membership. As is tradition, the meeting will be held in conjunction with the AMC Conference at the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud. MCIT’s official meeting announcement and agenda were mailed to members in mid-October. Members are encouraged to attend to meet with colleagues and hear about the performance of MCIT during 2015.

Highlights of the meeting include:

• Financial report for the year ending Dec. 31, 2014.

• Election of officers.

• Announcement of 2015 MCIT Award winners.

• A report about MCIT’s future.

Registration for the annual meeting begins at 3:30 p.m., and the meeting convenes at 4 p.m. Come early and enjoy refreshments with other MCIT members, the MCIT Board and staff.

MCIT Sponsors AMC Conference Keynote Speaker: It’s OK to Unplug

Fellow Commissioners and County Staff:

MCIT is proud to again sponsor a speaker at the AMC Annual Conference. This year’s message by Thom Singer is different from those of past years, which focused on managing technology risks that expose our organizations to loss. Singer’s message is not filled with demonstrations and horror stories of things gone wrong in the cyber world. Rather it offers his unique perspective on the unintended consequences of having social media replace human contact and conversation.

The subject of technology and social media looms large in our lives today. As commissioners and staff, we are cautioned about what we text, type and post, and to whom we send our messages. Data practices, the Open Meeting Law and litigation holds are terms we must now consider every time we hit the send button. In our personal lives, technology is an integral part of maintaining the family’s schedule, keeping track of the kids, dealing with our finances and communicating news to our friends.

There is constant pressure to have the newest equipment and increase our presence in the cyber world. The suggestion that we personally or professionally unplug raises eyebrows from some and whining from others, and we may be painted as dinosaurs or obstructionists to suggest such a thing.

I first heard Thom Singer’s message while attending a national conference of trust/pool directors earlier this year. His message resonated with me and other MCIT Board members. While he acknowledges the value of technology for living in today’s world, he points out how it is replacing human contacts at the office, in the car and even the dinner table.

Singer offers a fresh perspective on the merit of unplugging and the pleasure of conversation, connecting with another human being—an art that is disappearing in the workplace and in our homes.

As commissioners and county staff we struggle with difficult situations, decisions and people every day. Singer’s message gave me pause to consider how these struggles might be lessened with more personal contact and conversation versus a text, tweet or e-mail message.

Please join me and the other MCIT Board members at the opening session of the 2015 AMC Conference Dec. 7 at 10:30 a.m. at the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud when Thom Singer will give us permission to unplug and reconnect with our colleagues, staff, friends and family.

- Scott Sanders, MCIT Chair

Sanders

Schmiesing

Schreifels


Request for Public Comments on Sulfate Standard That Protects Wild Rice

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking comments and information that may be useful in re-evaluating a sulfate standard to protect wild rice and identifying the wild rice waters being protected. A Request for Comments was published in the October 26, 2015 State Register and comments will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on December 18, 2015. Because the Request is only the first step in the rulemaking process, rule language is not being proposed at this time. The request:

• Asks the public for comments and information about the sulfate standard to protect wild rice and the waters being protected.

• Gives advance notice about what the MPCA is considering.

• Encourages people to register with GovDelivery to be kept informed of the next steps for the rulemaking.

If you are not already registered to receive GovDelivery notices about this rulemaking, you are encouraged register at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNPCA/subscriber/new?topic_id=MNPCA_56.

For the past several years the MPCA has studied the effect of sulfate/sulfide levels on wild rice and collected information about where wild rice grows or has grown. As a result of this work, the MPCA developed a draft proposal that includes:

• An equation to determine water body-specific levels of sulfate protective of wild rice.

• A list of rivers, lakes, and streams where the wild rice sulfate standard will apply.

More information about this rulemaking is available at Sulfate Standard to Protect Wild Rice and a draft proposal is available for review at http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/water/water-permits-and-rules/water-rulemaking/minnesotas-sulfate-standard-to-protect-wild-rice.html.

Submit your comments in writing (either email or mailed) by 4:30 p.m. on December 18, 2015, to: Carol Nankivel, MPCA/RMAD, 520 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155 or [email protected].

Notify MPCA Early When Pursuing Straight-Pipe Enforcement Actions

Locating and correcting straight-pipe discharges of septic waste is a priority for local units of government (LGUs) as well as the MPCA. The straight pipe law (Minn. Stat. 115.55 Subd. 11) provides an additional tool for LGUs to use in correcting straight-pipe discharges within their jurisdictions by facilitating a cooperative local-state enforcement process.

The law states that an inspector who discovers the existence of a straight-pipe system shall issue a noncompliance notice to the owner of the straight-pipe system and forward a copy of the notice to the Agency. The notice must state that the owner needs to replace or discontinue the use of the straight-pipe system within 10 months of receiving the notice.

The notice should include a specific date by which compliance should occur. If the owner does not replace or discontinue the use of the straight-pipe system within 10 months, the owner of the straight-pipe system shall be subject to an administrative penalty of $500 per month of noncompliance beyond the 10-month period.

If the system owner fails to replace or discontinue the straight-pipe discharge by the due date, the LGU may refer the case to the MPCA. Referrals should be made to the MPCA by filling out the SSTS Enforcement Referrals from Local Programs form.

At month 10 plus one day, the MPCA will initiate the Administrative Penalty Order (APO) process. The MPCA will issue subsequent combined APOs until the system owner has completely satisfied all the required items.

The MPCA encourages LGUs to contact their assigned SSTS field staff early in the process. MPCA staff can provide technical assistance regarding what documentation the MPCA needs from the LGU to be able to accept the referral after the initial 10-month period.

Comment Period Begins Soon For Chapter 7081 Rule Change On Calculating Campground Septic Flow Rates

Legislation was passed this past session that affects how campgrounds and resorts calculate septic flow rates for determining whether or not they need a State Disposal System (SDS) permit.

Currently, the higher of estimated or measured flow must be used. The new law requires the MPCA to adopt rules, using the expedited rulemaking process, to eliminate the need for existing campgrounds and resorts that are open for 180 days or less per year to estimate wastewater flow rates. Instead, they will use monitored flow rates. The law contains specifics on the acceptable means of flow measurement and the frequency, time period and duration of measurements.

The change is contained in Chapter 4, Article 4, Section 144 of the first special session of the 2015 Legislative session. To more easily find Section 144 in this lengthy law, once you have navigated to the "2015 Minnesota Session Laws, Chapter 4" document on the Web, search for the word "campground" using the "Find" function under the "Edit" menu in top left hand corner of your browser.

The notice of intent to adopt this rule change will be published in early November in the State Register. A 30-day comment period will begin on the date of publication in the State Register.

Comments received during the public comment period will be provided to an administrative law judge who determines the legality of the proposed rule amendments. The MPCA's authority to make changes in response to comments must be consistent with the provisions set forth in the law.

USDA Broadband Investment Increases Community Economic Development Opportunities in Northeastern MinnesotaBy Colleen Landkamer, USDA State Director

It’s been over four years since the first shovel broke ground on a high-speed broadband project to extend service to underserved rural communities across eight counties in northeastern Minnesota.

Approximately, 915 miles of fiber optic cable and multiple partnerships later, Northeast Service Cooperative and residents of the Iron Range region celebrated the completion of the $43.5 million project in September of 2015.

Covering nearly 24,000 square miles (27 percent of the state), this eight-county region consisting of approximately 29 percent of Minnesota’s rural population (355,593) boasts a tremendous amount of geographic and economic diversity. As a result, high-speed broadband access has long been desired for many of the rural communities located throughout this region.

Understanding the opportunities that can be created where high-speed broadband access is available, Northeast Service Cooperative (NESC) decided to take initiative and look for a way that it could address this longstanding challenge on a wider scale.

NESC provides a variety of community economic development services to members throughout the region, from data analysis for educational institutions to professional development, so developing the necessary partnerships needed to support such a large project wasn’t difficult.

National and local contractors installed fiber optics necessary to complete the project. This created hundreds of seasonal construction work for local residents.

Local service providers contract with NESC to expand last-mile connectivity for its members, who were among the first to enjoy access to the high-speed network.

The “Middle-Mile Fiber Project” now connects approximately 320 critical service sites to high-speed broadband access including: Tribal Nations; colleges and universities; k-12 independent school districts; health care facilities; community libraries; and city, county, and state facilities.

While broadband access was the ultimate goal, increased opportunity for community economic development was the outcome. School districts have increased high-speed broadband connectivity by 10 times creating the opportunity to provide 1:1 initiatives using iPads with students. Libraries have increased capacity for computer users. Health care facilities are able to provide telemedicine services. Counties are now able to quickly and securely transmit and receive electronic records and data files.

Thanks to the $43.5 million loan/grant combination by the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and USDA Rural Development’s Broadband Investment Initiative program (BIP), NESC was able to provide the same access to faster service as those in larger cities, making these rural communities more competitive.

A.T. Group, LLC

ActivStyle

Adolfson & Peterson Construction

American Lung Association in Minnesota

Amramp

Apex Efficiency Solutions

Arvig

AXA

Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP

BKV Group

Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN and Blue Plus

Bolton & Menk, Inc.

Buetow 2 Architects, Inc.

CenterPoint Energy

CenturyLink

CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

Coast2Coast Rx Card

Community Involvement Programs

Compass Consultants, Inc.

Concrete Paving Association of Minnesota

Contegrity Group, Inc.

Council of Regional Public Library System Administrators (CRPLSA)

CTS Group

Cummings Mobility Conversion & Supply, Inc.

DataBank IMX

David Drown Associates

DLR Group

Ehlers

Enbridge Energy

Gallagher Benefit Services

Galliard Capital Management

GLTArchitects

GovDeals, Inc.

Hamline School of Business

HealthPartners

Heartland Business Systems

Houston Engineering, Inc.

IEA, Inc.

Information Systems Corporation

Inspec, Inc.

ISG

ITC Midwest LLC

Keystone & Burkwood Treatment Centers

KidsPeace Mesabi Academy

Klein McCarthy Architects

Kraus-Anderson Construction Company

Leo A Daly

LHB

LOGIS

MAGIC Fund/PFM Asset Management

MCCC (Minnesota Counties Computer Cooperative)

MCIT (Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust)

Medica

Meridian Services, Inc.

Miller Architecture, Inc.

MINNCOR Industries

Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge

Minnesota Association of County Surveyors (MACS)

Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers (MACVSO)

Minnesota Association of Development Organizations (MADO)

Minnesota Association of Resource Conservation & Development Councils

Minnesota Department of Corrections

Minnesota Department of Health

Minnesota Department of Health - State Community Health Services Advisory Committee

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Emergency Communication Networks

Minnesota Service Cooperative

Minnesota State Industries

MNET owned and operated by MTM

National Association of Counties (NACo)

National Joint Powers Alliance

Nationwide Retirement Solutions

Nexben

Next Chapter Technology

NFP

North Star Energy Forum

Northland Securities

Northwoods

Novel Energy Solutions, LLC

Ochs, Inc.

Partners in Excellence

Prairie Lakes Youth Programs

PreferredOne

PrimeWest Health

Project Turnabout

Pro-West & Associates

Public Financial Management, Inc.

Red House Media

Revize Government Websites

Rinke Noonan Law Firm

RtVision, Inc.

Senior LinkAge Line® Organization of the Minnesota Board on Aging

Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc.

Shred-N-Go, Inc.

Sicora Consulting

Springsted Incorporated

The Gordian Group

The Sand Creek Group

Tierney

Tony Doom Supply

University of Minnesota Extension

Value Payment Systems

Veit & Company, Inc.

Vinland National Center

Wenck

Wendland Sellers Bromeland, PA

Widseth Smith Nolting

Wold Architects and Engineers

WSB

Xcel Energy

Xerox

2015 AMC Annual Conference Exhibitors

Special Thanks to the Following Event Sponsors!

OPENING SESSION KEYNOTE SPEAKERMinnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust

(MCIT)

CONFERENCE APP AND MONDAY'S LUNCH IN THE EXHIBIT HALL

National Association of Counties (NACo)/US Communities

MONDAY SOCIAL HOUR AND AWARDS BANQUET

Eide Bailly LLPEnbridge Energy

WIFI ACCESSCentury Link

SURPRIZE DRAWING GIFTKronos

We'll See You in St. Cloud!

Documents

Meet the Candidates for 2016 AMC Office