[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6090126,"mediaKeyId","2869512-e6a4f2be4fe797088f26ba485bc00da1","parentId",2869512,"title","County staff summarize $28.9 million in ARPA investments; behavioral health center and 800 MHz work among projects under way","audioSeconds",1905,"startMs",4059000,"endMs",5964000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2869512-e6a4f2be4fe797088f26ba485bc00da1&start=4059&end=5964","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2869512-e6a4f2be4fe797088f26ba485bc00da1/thumbnail_4059000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6090126/Scott-County/Minnesota/County-staff-summarize-289-million-in-ARPA-investments-behavioral-health-center-and-800-MHz-work-among-projects-under-way","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6090126-7134b3e8ce8f124ac201c95d569d38c5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770985027&Signature=Goncb~aVTKxR-GHe28bvmJOVS2vv~QCkqKw~uKFdD1ZXbUc318oxO~EpgNYcKAAuxs1UVEDsP0AVVDF2CZXxoMzqsNsZ9S1YJCotGnRdxRlNGeSshD8Y9Vnf3Pa38sEDihOO6mQsCjIR8483frownXTdc198GRlQKJTdJ~u0rwfLbZa7rpYiGoYR4-EXrn1wRcPdKiLASq4FQd2nQlW5d1i0jbPs3J6A1sfD6gU8MN4iBShE8~t9xGhCW4hlYu-F158wpH0oG18M88f40PrMjc7NN6HKezpRmXdI3eknbqiYvbOcsTjMd6crbYC1ikeuo9hNMLPebqgLrDjDz4hfew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Scott County, MN","date","2025-02-18T00:00:00Z","article","Scott County staff presented a summary on Feb. 18 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) investments the county has obligated and implemented, saying the county directed most funds to capital and innovation projects and that $28.9 million was used to deliver programs across behavioral health, housing, parks, public safety radio infrastructure and workforce initiatives.

Leslie Vermillion, who led the presentation, said the county prioritized projects that would have long‑lasting value rather than one‑time expenditures. \"This is, I'm hoping, our final kind of presentation on ARPA and our trip down ARPA and our investments,\" Vermillion said, and later summarized that staff \"took $28.9 M and delivered this.\" She told the board that nearly 80% of the allocations went to capital projects and roughly 10% to operating and 10% to innovation, with mental‑health services and long‑term housing among the primary categories.

Major projects and status cited:
- Behavioral health center: a partnership among county, hospital partners and Open Door Health Center; Vermillion said the project originally estimated at about $5 million \"eventually took closer to $8,000,000 in ARPA funds to deliver on this.\" The project is under construction and will include urgent behavioral‑health services and clinic space.
- 800‑megahertz radio upgrades and tower work: an 800 MHz tower replacement and equipment migration is under construction, including a site sited on the Waspuck water tower to improve system coverage and interoperability.
- Parks and recreation capital: ARPA funded campground infrastructure (four camper cabins at Cleary Lake, shower house, dump station), the Doyle‑Kennefic trail opening, and helped fund Merriam Junction Trail work; the county noted cabin rentals are already high.
- Housing and reentry: funding supported supportive reentry homes run by Damascus Way (men’s and women’s homes), a purchased quadplex being renovated for supportive housing, and a Shepherd of the Lake 14‑unit supportive housing project (land purchase and pre‑construction complete; bids recently returned and construction was expected to begin shortly).
- Family Resource Center expansion and children’s prevention programs: capital renovations and funding for cultural navigators and data systems were included to support prevention and family services.
- Workforce and library access: ARPA supported workforce training pilots and extended library hours operations (software, hardware and a multi‑year operation agreement) through 2026.

Vermillion told the board that staff also pursued outside grants that reduced the net ARPA contribution on several housing projects; Commissioners acknowledged that ARPA funding was supplemented by other state and federal sources in some projects. She thanked staff who managed compliance and reporting, and noted about 84 resolutions were required to document ARPA-related decisions.

Why it matters: The ARPA investments represent an uncommon, discretionary capital opportunity for the county and are intended to leave lasting infrastructure and service improvements across public safety, behavioral health and housing. Board members asked about sustaining activities begun with ARPA when federal funds expire; staff said operating support for some programs will need future funding decisions.

Next steps: Several projects are in construction or nearing construction, and county staff will continue oversight, contract management and grant reporting. Vermillion said staff will provide updates as projects move to completion and as grant match or ongoing operating needs are identified.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Scott County Board of Commissioners February 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Scott County staff reported to the Board on Feb. 18 that nearly $29 million in ARPA funds were allocated to capital and innovation projects, notably a behavioral health center, 800‑megahertz radio upgrades and multiple parks and housing projects.","taxTitle","Scott County , Minnesota","taxId",52800,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6090139,"Metropolitan Mosquito Control District briefs Scott County on season outlook, drones and tire recycling",1087,119000,1206000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2869512-e6a4f2be4fe797088f26ba485bc00da1&start=119&end=1206","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2869512-e6a4f2be4fe797088f26ba485bc00da1/thumbnail_119000.jpg","/articles/6090139/Scott-County/Minnesota/Metropolitan-Mosquito-Control-District-briefs-Scott-County-on-season-outlook-drones-and-tire-recycling","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6090139-bf1e9b3c0f350271fa69ed9807a2ccf5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770985027&Signature=XOhUHO9KeoIcJtpskK-QhSfPxxUV568-y4vWa4xgB9cyY7Ov~~ZvT2uGYi0HB2XOHD4M4pUmLYecCgjJ1WTXEsuFlO7GTIAzsgdF0Pg-kZW1CGmFHpRJ2SdJH~yHOLbP2ZgFMiEzEZm3cdlHCflFXdV~d~TDTdNk811DCDLjd8U2vObvcv9RlOS1K1Hz0E8lV~5fa23BG88hcjF24bLXaNSSPxiKch4jhScHBZS8clZQFedb5XmfEhq0A53MjX9-2wbWEW4rfhiJ-rbttJEAvy1iMTPdTPY3rg4MxTJwFonNVQOpUUFZf-zb9GpjDJ5DayrM0Dew7KVBWvT~dw3~dA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District told the Scott County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 18 that last year’s above‑average rainfall led to a sharp increase in larval inspections and treatments, and that the district has expanded drone use and changed its tire‑recycling process ahead of the 2025 mosquito season.

The briefing, delivered by Daniel Huff, executive director of the District, and Alex Carlson, the district’s public affairs manager, summarized surveillance, treatment methods, disease risks and new operational changes. \"My name is Daniel Huff. I'm the Executive Director of the Metropolitan Miskito Control District. I'm joined here today by our public affairs manager, Alex Carlson, who'll be giving our presentation,\" Huff said at the start of the presentation.

Carlson emphasized the district’s public‑health focus and described last year’s operating picture: more rain generated more larval acres treated and more helicopter and larval work, while drought the previous three years had suppressed some nuisance species. \"The median home in the district pays about $11 per year for all of the services that mosquito control provides, which we think is a pretty great deal,\" Carlson said. He added that the district considers larval control the primary method because larval applications target breeding sites before adult mosquitoes disperse.

Why it matters: Scott County residents rely on the district for surveillance and for rapid response after rain events. The district’s treatment decisions affect where and when helicopters and crews operate, and the board heard changes that may influence local outreach and operational timelines.

Most important details: District staff said they test adult mosquitoes in a Saint Paul lab for West Nile and track other viruses that affect humans (Jamestown Canyon, La Crosse encephalitis) or horses (eastern equine encephalitis). They described integrated pest management practices reviewed annually by a scientific technical advisory board and said that the district uses bacteria‑based larvicides such as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI) attached to corn granules. \"It's a really, amazing product,\" Carlson said, describing BTI’s specificity to mosquito larvae and limited effect on non‑target species.

New operations for 2025 include:
- Expanded drone program: drones will be used at each facility for surveillance and to treat medium‑ and small‑sized wetlands more safely and efficiently than wading with backpack equipment.
- Tire recycling changes: the district will continue to collect tires but will move to dedicated drop‑off days and partner with city recycling events rather than ad‑hoc pickups when staff are strained by weather responses.
- Continued public outreach: expanded educational events (fairs, schools) and interactive online maps totaling roughly 20 years of data so residents can see local mosquito habitat and sign up for email alerts.

Board questions and public‑safety context: Commissioners asked how outreach goals would be measured and how the public would be notified about tire recycling. Commissioner Wolf asked for expected outcomes from increased outreach, and Carlson said the goals were awareness, encouraging resident prevention (reducing standing water), and recruitment for seasonal staff. In response to a question from Commissioner Aldrich about fogger use near lakes, Carlson advised following product labels and recommended the district’s residents guide for specific cautions to avoid harming aquatic life and non‑target insects.

Disease outlook and invasive species: staff said West Nile virus vector species tend to thrive in hot, dry conditions and that 2024’s cooler, wetter season was associated with fewer West Nile cases. They warned of a likely increase in cattail‑breeding mosquitoes this year because those species hatched in the fall and were found at higher than 10‑year average acres last autumn. Conversely, recent extreme cold was expected to reduce last year’s spike in lone star ticks and limit overwintering of the tropical Aedes albopictus.

Closing: District staff urged residents to use the MMCD website for maps, control tips and email alerts and noted that much of control work is triggered by rainfall patterns that create temporary broods. \"We're grateful for these cold temperatures,\" Carlson said earlier in the briefing when explaining their effect on seasonal timing.

The presentation was informational; the board did not take formal action during the session.","The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District told the Scott County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 18 that last year’s above‑average rainfall led to a sharp increase in larval inspections and treatments, and that the district has expanded drone use and changed its tire‑recycling process ahead of the 2025 mosquito season.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6090130,"Board approves 17 consent items including cooperative agreements, plats and liquor licenses",169,3848000,4017000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2869512-e6a4f2be4fe797088f26ba485bc00da1&start=3848&end=4017","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2869512-e6a4f2be4fe797088f26ba485bc00da1/thumbnail_3848000.jpg","/articles/6090130/Scott-County/Minnesota/Board-approves-17-consent-items-including-cooperative-agreements-plats-and-liquor-licenses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6090130-2baf7e8bb377dead1f345be97728875b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770985027&Signature=UenyRPXjfQuGtdhbaFC6V43Y-l1mff-~4a3stqUwouyOyMHGqbI9BUA8ifYivm3LHjFSCRJt8mO4W~4OWgQuG3Jn~sBWOmkjIc1-FL5IQxHtOCpROz1hz5Tmds4pGX6bpfRgOVMLdFyvfeSpuz1eINgliDq78D3hvTVTqhyjajgLsXgKoqTUQ0llaQYjsoFf8et5SGD1wXbzz5LcQDUQRrxodtSqq0LjMg-R9Xndxtqvmo-i5~b6U9-wC8SCW3xZ5SI6zRhwyuqEWcEmO3SNVQq7-xOgSRndy-Cyolb8faOMAuEtVAKb-TFqWO4Otjfmqm8P-9C-0ugDDfiDoDL3RA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Scott County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a 17‑item consent agenda on Feb. 18 that included cooperative agreements, a preliminary plat and conditional use permit, budget amendments and multiple license renewals.

The chair read the consent items aloud and a board member moved approval; another board member seconded the motion. The board approved the consent agenda on a voice vote. No individual roll‑call tallies were recorded in the meeting transcript.

Votes at a glance (consent items approved in one motion):
- Resolution 2025‑1: Cooperative agreement with the Shakopee Public Utilities Commission for County Highway 78 and 79 roundabout (8.1).
- Resolution 2025‑2: Cooperative agreement with the City of Shakopee for County Road 78 and 79 roundabout (8.2).
- Resolution 2025‑32: Direct sale of one vacant remnant parcel along County Highway 17 in the City of Shakopee (8.3).
- Resolution 2025‑36: Agreement with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community for County Highway 82 and Stemmer Ridge Road/Mystic Lake Boulevard traffic signal and access modification (8.4).
- Resolution 2025‑37: Agreement with the City of Prior Lake for County Highway 82 pavement rehabilitation project (8.5).
- Resolution 2025‑38: Accept grant funding, enter agreements with the Metropolitan Council and budget amendment for regional park projects (8.6).
- Resolution 2025‑39: Approve request for a County State Aid Highway Fund advance from Scott County’s 2026 construction allotment (8.7).
- Resolution 2025‑41: Joint powers agreement with the State of Minnesota Department of Corrections for mutual assistance (8.8).
- Resolution 2025‑42: Budget amendment and agreement with Nelson Systems LLC for a 911 audio logger and maintenance (8.9).
- Resolution 2025‑46: Approve preliminary plat and conditional use permit for Demcon HZI Bioenergy LLC (8.10).
- Resolution 2025‑48: Approve appointment of Jeffrey Smotish as personnel director effective 03/10/2025 (8.11).
- Appointments and reappointments to advisory committees (8.12).
- Renewal application for 32% malt liquor license — Union Hill Baseball Association, Belle Plaine Township (8.13).
- Renewal application for Scott County wine license — Union Hill Baseball Association, Belle Plaine Township (8.14).
- One‑ to four‑day temporary on‑sale liquor license — Jordan Lions Club, Spring Lake Township (8.15).
- Approve record of disbursements and claims (8.16).
- Approve payroll processing and personnel actions (8.17).

Motion and vote: A board member moved approval and another seconded; the chair called for all in favor and the board answered \"Aye,\" and the chair declared the motion passed. The transcript records no dissent and no roll‑call breakdown; the approval was recorded as a single consent motion.

Provenance: The consent items were read into the record and approved during the consent portion of the Feb. 18 meeting. No further discussion on these items was recorded in the meeting minutes.","The Scott County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a 17‑item consent agenda on Feb. 18 that included highway cooperative agreements, a land sale, grant acceptance, licensing renewals and several appointments.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6090134,"Scott County honors longtime quality improvement manager Chris Harder at retirement ceremony",1033,2381000,3414000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2869512-e6a4f2be4fe797088f26ba485bc00da1&start=2381&end=3414","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2869512-e6a4f2be4fe797088f26ba485bc00da1/thumbnail_2381000.jpg","/articles/6090134/Scott-County/Minnesota/Scott-County-honors-longtime-quality-improvement-manager-Chris-Harder-at-retirement-ceremony","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6090134-2c90e4005e756515853c2874dd2de790/orig.mp4?Expires=1770985027&Signature=G-NZ1Omfe0vr~o8gY9uK~rCAMQ5luHf4iH42jWKC-q16C39oV20YMIxFVcNoZP6UvDKxOOC4YKaT2pTndEzhkiAs9UIuFSZSaSgNOIVEkjhccBAfcDZ6YiAsEVACViCCP1AWLvEd2Ayzzyef-ewi1UwBR6sIJfBXAUvfsqQAxpc3mh7ErdOJncOeSqQcVI0cqoyQA6CRxwXJiP~CPQJxEuBrls0pMx1cIAx6LqvcZrNETrNPMWttpeRq6pdijSQZzIzUfhRcQC9LZFXH6Wsd3z7yuOaqoo88pg7-~lCfrYUfkPX76DwOvaTvLXWA0jlABlY302PkfleE4WdARZbuDw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Scott County commissioners and colleagues honored Christina “Chris” Harder on Feb. 18 at a retirement recognition during the Board meeting, lauding her role as the county’s first quality improvement manager and her decades in child protection and continuous improvement work.

Leslie Vermillion, who presented the recognition, summarized Harder’s career and highlighted her role creating the county’s annual report, Commissioner's weekly data report and work on continuous quality improvement. \"She has transformed Scott delivers from business data to major initiatives our communities should care about,\" Vermillion said.

Harder joined Scott County on Jan. 6, 2014, after a career in Anoka County and at the state level. Vermillion outlined earlier positions — child protection worker, family services supervisor and a state child welfare quality assurance role — and described Harder’s move to countywide quality improvement in 2018. Presenters said Harder led data strategy that supported pandemic response and helped coordinate ARPA reporting and program tracking.

Colleagues described Harder as a facilitator, collaborator and steady presence. Remarks at the podium recalled her focus on outcomes, long hours on difficult projects and an upbeat approach. A fellow staff member said personal support during a life event illustrated Harder’s collegial style.

Harder accepted the recognition and thanked mentors and colleagues by name, including Pam Selvig and Suzanne Arntzen, and credited county leadership and division‑director peers for challenging and improving her work. The board presented a plaque recognizing Harder’s service from Jan. 6, 2014, to March 7, 2025.

The recognition concluded with photos and a brief recess; the board then resumed its regular agenda.","Scott County recognized Christina (Chris) Harder for more than four decades in human services, including work as the county’s quality improvement manager since 2018. Colleagues praised her leadership, data work and organizational contributions; county presenters traced her career from child protection to countywide continuous improvement.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6090137,"State DHS honors Scott County for coordinated response to mental‑health crises",397,1269000,1666000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2869512-e6a4f2be4fe797088f26ba485bc00da1&start=1269&end=1666","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2869512-e6a4f2be4fe797088f26ba485bc00da1/thumbnail_1269000.jpg","/articles/6090137/Scott-County/Minnesota/State-DHS-honors-Scott-County-for-coordinated-response-to-mentalhealth-crises","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6090137-9fa4ce4559ded14cbe19d30105a3a199/orig.mp4?Expires=1770985027&Signature=Q9ApO~44sgK2irI~UOl8M3CwotibPwjMG5ZbIBSrazr-uv-~pm5cycQMZpv-l1OLZK9JzbGrl3JxbiFj5z8ZcoFer78LOLmHw57CYLBORhwyePLVFw3nSs56~eWaY-q-u092Y3rvbeIX4GFFPBTsgmDK3ZSu~TsoNlUiDV2GzOallou3BR79XipqdPKgt8DQH77AfTPtYyWtjxuYmoiyeCKt3nCRSbXj8DZZExYCd4PGxQgUvV3AQ0QyTuFUPk-eQvzm5QM6CNEbldwIn589hDV5XWepxKWp8XWBywEM1Fu-ptdyhQ73N2cXAT6HSkNlH8x49kiN6sytvXNiAsVXHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Minnesota Department of Human Services presented Scott County a Circle of Excellence award on Feb. 18 for its Coordinated Response program, a law‑enforcement‑partnered model that embeds social workers to respond to and follow up on mental‑health referrals.

Barb Bridal, (Scott County Health and Human Services) described the program’s goals and results, saying officials aimed \"to resolve community crisis, connect residents with necessary services, and reduce the need for jail time while fostering strong partnerships with law enforcement.\" The county launched the program in 2023 with social workers trained in engagement, de‑escalation and resource connection, working with the sheriff’s office and the cities of Savage and Shakopee.

Why it matters: The program aims to reduce repeated police contacts for residents with behavioral‑health needs by directing social‑service interventions rather than repeated arrests or jail stays. County officials said the program aligns with long‑term strategic goals to de‑criminalize mental illness and reduce the county jail population.

Program results cited: Deputy Commissioner Nikki Farago of the Minnesota Department of Human Services said the program has engaged 68% of individuals referred by law enforcement and reported \"100 percent engagement in the county jail due to self referrals.\" County presenters said one public example of impact was a person who called law enforcement 85 times in 2023 and had that number fall to four calls in 2024 after service engagement. County presenters also noted that the county’s average daily jail population declined to a recent low of 56 individuals with jail involvement.

Structure and partners: Scott County Health and Human Services leads the program in partnership with the sheriff’s office and police departments in Savage and Shakopee. Social workers perform outreach after referrals, coordinate services for those exiting the county jail and connect participants to case management, workforce training, financial eligibility screening and health care.

Board recognition: County officials and state leaders praised the program’s collaborative model and invited further expansion. \"This type of partnership not only improves immediate outcomes for residents but also builds trust,\" Deputy Commissioner Farago said while presenting the award. The board accepted the award and held a brief recognition photo and reception.

Next steps and context: County staff and presenters said the program’s vision includes expanding to additional police departments and continuing data collection to measure outcomes over time. The award recognizes the county’s work to link public safety, public health and social services in an effort to reduce repeat crisis calls and jail involvement.","The Minnesota Department of Human Services presented Scott County its Circle of Excellence award for the county’s Coordinated Response program, a partnership that pairs social workers with law enforcement to reduce jail contacts and connect people in crisis to services. County and state officials cited reduced law‑enforcement calls and engagement","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County staff summarize $28.9 million in ARPA investments; behavioral health center and 800 MHz work among projects under way

Metropolitan Mosquito Control District briefs Scott County on season outlook, drones and tire recycling

Board approves 17 consent items including cooperative agreements, plats and liquor licenses

Scott County honors longtime quality improvement manager Chris Harder at retirement ceremony

State DHS honors Scott County for coordinated response to mental‑health crises