01:26The meeting commenced with a presentation by Cara Griffin, division manager for the family and children’s team, who highlighted the improved processing times for family income maintenance programs, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and healthcare applications. The reorganization within the department, which involved assigning a core group to handle intake, allowed the rest of the team to focus on processing, leading to enhanced customer service and job satisfaction. This strategy resulted in the team exceeding state benchmarks, with a 91% average processing time for SNAP and cash assistance applications, and a 100% timeliness rate for healthcare applications. Griffin also discussed future plans to open bids for an employment services contract, with recommendations expected by the end of the year.

07:52Griffin’s presentation extended to child support metrics, where Crow Wing County’s performance surpassed statewide averages in areas like paternity establishment orders. However, the county narrowly missed its goal for current collections, achieving a 74.69% rate against a 75% target. The discourse also covered the potential impact of a state review on centralized intake for child protection, which Griffin warned could burden local relationships with schools and law enforcement.

19:04The board’s discussion then shifted to the management of the out-of-home placement budget, which was notably $1 million under budget last year. Despite a decrease in the number of children in care, the board addressed the rising costs in foster care driven by staffing expenses. The conversation highlighted family preservation initiatives as crucial in reducing the number of children needing care, thereby impacting costs positively. A particular case of a youth requiring intensive care due to a disrupted international adoption was discussed, raising concerns about sustainability given the high daily costs involved.

27:59Addressing proactive measures, the board discussed systemic family therapy introduced by the social services department. The deployment of a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) to conduct systemic family therapy aims to prevent families from reaching crises that necessitate out-of-home placements. This approach is part of an effort to intervene early, especially with youth involved in criminal activities, to avert costly detentions.

41:08Subsequently, Lieutenant Colonel Steve Hall and Michael Pop provided updates on Camp Ripley. The discussion covered the economic impact of Camp Ripley, which had an $83 million influence on local communities last year. The training center hosted over 558,000 military personnel and 71,000 civilians. Hall emphasized the shift in military training focus to large-scale combat operations and highlighted the unique training opportunities Camp Ripley offers, particularly under winter conditions.

50:15Hall shared plans for infrastructure upgrades, including a new access control point to replace the outdated main gate, projected to begin construction in late 2026. He also mentioned ongoing renovations of barracks to improve soldiers’ living conditions, addressing retention challenges. The Minnesota Military Museum’s construction was noted, with an opening expected in the summer of 2026.

01:07:05The meeting concluded with a project from the highway department on an adapter plate for front-mounted plows to enhance snow removal efficiency. The innovative design allows for interchangeability between trucks and loaders, promising increased operational efficiency during winter. The board discussed financial aspects and potential funding through the Minnesota Local Research Board, with questions raised about the project’s cost implications.