The board addressed the approval of a draft contract for a restorative practices initiatives grant, which is designed to expand youth engagement and community services. Initially, the county had sought $500,000 but was awarded $230,000. This funding is set to support a part-time employee and contribute to the salary of an existing employee, Lucas. The remaining funds will be allocated for grants or contracts with external facilitators to broaden the program’s reach. Board members expressed optimism about the program, emphasizing its long-standing success and the importance of community engagement.

The grant aims to enhance restorative justice efforts over an 18-month period, with a focus on youth engagement in both school and community settings. A part-time facilitator is proposed to support the existing full-time coordinator in managing the increasing number of cases and referrals. The initiative also includes provisions for training and professional development, with collaborations established with a professor from the University of North Dakota to evaluate program effectiveness. Regular quarterly meetings of an advisory council are planned to ensure ongoing input and adherence to grant requirements.

In addition to the restorative practices grant, the board discussed the allocation and management of $129,540 in public health funds, which is part of a fine imposed on Bush Agriculture Resources for exceeding permitted particulate matter emissions. The public health department is tasked with convening community meetings to gather input on how to utilize these funds. The community health board, rather than the commissioners, will make the final decision on fund allocation. The department has a one-year timeline to determine and implement the community’s preferred use of the funds.

The conversation around public health funds highlighted the need for community engagement to yield diverse ideas, with suggestions for environmentally friendly initiatives, such as recycling programs. The complexities of engaging a large community like Moorhead in this process were acknowledged, especially since there had been no known adverse effects from the violations.

The board also deliberated on a facility connected to prior environmental issues, noting that the facility had been fined. There was speculation about the potential sale of the property and its desirability, particularly with ongoing developments in the area. Concerns were expressed about whether the building’s presence could pose environmental risks for future developers, potentially complicating development plans.

In other business, the board moved to approve the signing of a 30-day timeline waiver for a public hearing about the proposed establishment of a tax increment financing district for Creative Rentals. This multifamily housing project, intended for development on property purchased by the economic development board six years ago, faced various challenges, including the need to acquire additional land and vacate a right-of-way. The developer requested tax increment financing to support the project, which includes income limits for a percentage of the units to ensure affordability. The developer aims to secure a building permit in July, with a completion date projected for May 2026.

Additionally, committee reports were shared. Updates included a meeting regarding the positive community norms grant within the DGF school district, which has impacted substance use reduction among students. The group reviewed past successes and planned for the final year of the grant, with a potential submission for a drug-free community grant. Discussions also covered veteran outreach and welcoming a new representative from the school district.

The board received reports on the Clay Soil and Water Conservation District and the Buffalo Red River Watershed District. A significant stream bank restoration project near Glendon was highlighted, with costs approximately $170,000. Bids for projects were coming in lower than estimated, allowing for more work to be completed with available funds.

Discussions also touched on paid family medical leave options, with a focus on evaluating state plans versus private alternatives. The board acknowledged that many questions remained unanswered, making it a “wait and see” situation as discussions would continue toward the end of the year. A positive note was the decrease in insurance claims, which is expected to influence the upcoming renewal period favorably, leading to competitive bids when the Request for Proposals is issued.