21:02A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to updates from the behavioral health task force. A task force member described the group’s collaborative efforts since its inception in 2016, involving representatives from law enforcement, social services, and other local organizations. The task force aims to improve the response to individuals experiencing mental health crises, reducing the cycle of these individuals being moved between jails, emergency rooms, and group homes without resolution. One highlight was the Prime West Center’s funding, which emerged from legislative attention spurred by task force efforts.

26:15The task force has also introduced initiatives like the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program, providing comprehensive support to individuals with mental health challenges. This program offers therapy, medication management, and housing assistance, illustrating a community-focused approach to mental health. However, the evolving landscape of mental health needs, particularly among youth, was a concern. Legal changes prevent youth under 13 from being charged with delinquent behaviors, complicating where they will receive services. The task force member stressed the importance of securing alternative funding sources due to anticipated state funding limitations.

02:54In parallel, the meeting covered the Department of Corrections’ update on probation and supervised release services in Beltrami and Clearwater counties. Trish Hansen from the Minnesota Department of Corrections presented data indicating a rise in felony pre-sentence investigations due to backlogs from the COVID-19 pandemic. Her report detailed the division’s focus on investigations and supervision, highlighting the high volume of drug offenses and domestic assaults among adult clients.

11:16Hansen emphasized the need for understanding discharge outcomes and discussed the collaborative projects with local stakeholders, such as specialty courts and a housing grant program for high-risk individuals. The proposed budget for the field services division was around $380,000, offset by rental income from leased properties. This financial detail underscored the department’s effort to manage resources effectively while maintaining service quality.

40:05The allocation of opioid settlement funds was another topic. Amy Bulls, the public health director, outlined plans to distribute up to $70,500 of the funds through a request for proposals. The funds, with a balance of $731,568 as of May 1, aim to support local community agencies addressing the opioid crisis. This initiative sparked discussion about the fairness and transparency of the fund distribution process. Concerns were raised regarding the disparity in funding among applicants and whether the county could directly benefit from the funds due to its financial challenges.

01:19:18Property ownership and the sale of land within the county were also debated. A proposal to sell county-owned land to neighboring landowners highlighted the complexities of historical land transactions and the need for accurate legal processes. Issues arose regarding the fairness of charging current market prices for properties that should have been transferred years ago. The board considered opening the sale to both the landowner and the township, weighing the potential disadvantages in a bidding scenario.

01:05:46The board discussed ongoing infrastructure projects, including highway project grants aimed at improving access to recreational areas and completing a critical transportation link with a bike trail project. A $42,000 overage in a road project budget was a focal point, with options to cover the additional costs, cut items from the bid, or abandon the project altogether.