Observer Corps Report - 12/20/2018 Dakota County Planning Commission Meeting

Observer Corps reports are submitted by LWV Dakota County members that volunteer their time to observe and take notes at government meetings of interest to Dakota County residents. While we strive for accuracy, these observations may be incomplete or inaccurate in some respects.

Meeting Minutes (not yet available)

Meeting Materials

Meeting Summary: This was the end-of-year meeting with the much awaited pedestrian/bike study. There was a very meaty presentation with study background, community engagement analysis, and a review of study benefits and connections to the County's comprehensive plan. Continued clarification and input regarding safety concerns was addressed by the members. Gaps in safety were recognized and challenging terrain was an issue brought up by several Commissioners. Commissioners wanted to know where they fit into the policy and decision making criteria. There were also presentations regarding the Thompson County Master Plan, 2018 Planning Commission Work Update, County action plans, upcoming meetings, and topics for the meeting on January 24, 2019.

Upcoming Better Angels Workshops

Interested in working to unite those of different political viewpoints and depolarize America? Better Angels is an organization seeking to do just that and they have several workshops coming up in Dakota County. Red/Blue Workshops bring together an equal number of conservative-leaning and progressive-leaning participants for moderated activities and discussions that clarify disagreements, reduce stereotyped thinking, and begin building the relationships needed to find common ground. Skills Workshops teach practical skills for having better conversations with friends and family members with whom you have strong political disagreements.

For more information, see their Minnesota website. Membership is not required for any of the workshops listed below. To register please contact Heather Stephenson, Dakota County Library Adult Services Manager, at heather.stephenson@co.dakota.mn.us or 651-450-2965.

Red/Blue Workshops:

Sat., Jan. 26, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Inver Glen Library (Inver Grove Heights)

Sun., Feb. 24, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., at Wescott Library (Eagan)

Sun., Mar. 3, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., at Burnhaven Library (Burnsville)

Sat., Apr. 27, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., at Galaxie Library (Apple Valley)

Sat., May 18, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Wentworth Library (West St. Paul)

Skills Workshops:

Tues., Jan. 15, 5:00 to 7:30 p.m., at Inver Glen Library (Inver Grove Heights)

Thurs., Feb. 7, 5:00 to 7:30 p.m., at Wescott Library (Eagan)

Sat., Mar. 9, 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Burnhaven Library (Burnsville)

Tues., Apr. 16, 5:00 to 7:30 p.m., at Galaxie Library (Apple Valley)

Thurs., May 9, 5:00 to 7:30 p.m., at Wentworth Library (West St. Paul)

Observer Corps Report - 12/11/2018 Special Dakota County Board Meeting

Observer Corps reports are submitted by LWV Dakota County members that volunteer their time to observe and take notes at government meetings of interest to Dakota County residents. While we strive for accuracy, these observations may be incomplete or inaccurate in some respects.

Meeting Minutes

Meeting Materials

Meeting Summary: Representatives of Stinson Leonard Street LLP were interviewed regarding providing lobbying services to the County. It was revealing and informative to see what lobbyists do and how different the legislative cycle is from year to year. All Commissioners commented on priorities or issues they have seen in the past, including forming partnerships with other counties and understanding what regional issues are in play.

Note: Observer had to leave before other candidates to provide lobbying services were interviewed. A total of five firms were interviewed by the Board throughout the day.