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 Summary: Meeting did not start until about 11:00 a.m. due to the preceding Board meeting. Some community members left out of frustration that agenda items of interest were not started within a reasonable time. Picture taking and other festivities and announcements may have delayed the start time. This tends to happen during the first Board meeting of the year.
When the meeting began, items of interest were the County's 2019 Legislative Platform and other plans for 2019. Housing and CDA needs were discussed along with partnerships that are effective for the County and 2019 bonding priorities. Issues regarding housing and economic stability, natural resources stewardship, transportation, and environmental protection were presented by department chairs. Further discussion will occur throughout 2019.
Item 7 related to a multi-county survey of residents that was discussed by key departments and the County Manager. Surveys appear to take place every 2 to 3 years. Item 8 related to authorization for the library to hold a fine amnesty event, which garnered plenty of discussion. Topics of discussion included how often such events should be offered, why now, and the impact on budget. An article in the Star Tribune spoke about the popularity of such events.
Since National Library Week takes place from April 6-13, more information will be gathered regarding when the event will be held. Commissioners expressed concerns related to not having this be an expected annual event. Kelly Harder spoke after Margaret Stone to advocate for this event.