01-23-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, January 9, 2017 7:00 o'clock p.m. 3. HENNEPIN COUNTY COMMISSIONER JAN CALLISON (continued) In 2008, Hennepin County had 11,000 cases reported, and in 2016, the number is expected to be 22,000 cases, which is a dramatic increase. Callison stated Hennepin County will be adjusting how child protection is addressed in the state since it affects not just how children are treated in Hennepin County but it has also resulted in the need to hire additional employees, which will have a property tax impact as well. The other document pertains to Hennepin County's 2017 legislative priorities. The first five priorities deal with child protection; the METS system, which is the computer system that was put in place to deal with MNSure; Safety Net Health Services; mental and chemical health; and transportation. Callison noted all of these items talk about the need for additional state funding. Hennepin County provides these social services on behalf of the State of Minnesota, and when the state does not compensate Hennepin County for those services, the funds come out of property taxes. Callison stated they are not sure how successful they will be at the legislature to obtain additional funding but that they will continue to raise those issues. In addition, Hennepin County will be asking for money for a new regional medical examiner's facility. The current facility is located downtown by the US Bank Stadium. That facility provides medical examiner services for Scott and Washington Counties in addition to Hennepin County. The current facility is not large enough and is difficult to get to. As a result, Hennepin County is looking to partner with the state on that project. Callison indicated she has talked to Orono Staff about upcoming road projects being undertaken by Orono in 2017. Hennepin County is contemplating a number of projects for this area. In June of 2017, replacement of the Brown Road Bridge will take place over Long Lake Creek, which is located on CSAH 146. Hennepin County will also begin reconstruction of CSAH 112 in 2017, which will take three construction seasons. In addition, a road overlay project is planned for Shoreline Drive from the Arcola Bridge to Hillside Drive in Wayzata. Bids for that project will be opened in April. Two other projects being contemplated in 2020 is work scheduled on CSAH 15/Shadywood Road as well as replacement of the Shoreline Bridge on Tanager's Bay and replacement of the bridge over the Narrows Channel. Hennepin County will be hosting some open houses to discuss those projects sometime in 2017. Council Member Printup thanked Commissioner Callison for her work advocating for Orono and the welfare of the children. Printup noted Orono was able to utilize the Hennepin County youth sports grant for a couple of projects. Mayor Walsh commented County Road 15 has been an issue for a long time and that Orono is looking forward to partnering with Hennepin County on that project. Walsh asked if there is a particular reason for the uptick in child protection. Callison stated part of it likely relates to the increased publicity given to those types of cases and also reflects a change in state standards. Walsh asked if the reports are concentrated to one area. Page 2 of 17