Sponsor: Community Corrections
Title
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Appointments to the Corrections Advisory Board
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Recommendation
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Appoint the following individuals to serve on the Corrections Advisory Board for a term beginning June 1, 2026 and ending May 31, 2028:
• Alexander Cleaveland
• Ofir Germanic
• Maria Mitchell
• Gail Moerke
• Robert Lokhorst
• Cory Tennison
• Dan Wolff
• Tierre Caldwell
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Background and Rationale
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As provided in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 401.08, the Ramsey County Corrections Advisory Board (CAB) actively participates in the formulation of the comprehensive plan for the development, implementation and operation of the correctional program and services and makes a formal recommendation to the Ramsey County Board at least annually concerning the comprehensive plan and its implementation during the ensuing year. These recommendations are presented by the department through the presentation of the Department budget.
The statute authorizing the advisory board a requires that corrections advisory boards “consist of at least nine members who must be representative of law enforcement, prosecution, the judiciary, education, corrections, different ethnicities, the social services, and the general public.” Additionally, the CAB’s bylaws have additional membership requirements, such as a having a member representing a Ramsey County-located community-based non-profit organization that provides services to clients of the department. Due to these membership requirements, beginning in 2026, appointments to CAB are recommended to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners by the Community Corrections Director.
CAB currently has two appointed members with terms ending on 12/31/2026. The terms for the current requested appointees are not staggered, but the department will begin staggering terms with future appointments.
On May 4, 2026, applications were forwarded to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners for review. On May 19, an additional application was forward to the Board of Commissioners for review.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
The department’s recruitment activities are intentional to ensure diverse community representation. Individuals recommended as members have shown an understanding of the over representation of communities of color in the justice system and are committed to reducing the disparate impact of that involvement.
Community Participation Level and Impact
As required by the authorizing statute, members of the “general public” are required members of the CAB. The bylaws of the CAB also require representation from at least one organization serving clients of the department and that at least member have lived experience with incarceration. CAB members participate in the development of the department’s Comprehensive Plan, the service delivery plan that is submitted bi-annually to the Minnesota Department of Corrections. CAB members also provide input on resource allocation during the development of the Department budget.
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☒ Involve ☒ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
The costs of operating the Corrections Advisory Board are budgeted for within the department. Ramsey County is a Community Corrections Act (CCA) delivery model. Community Corrections Act counties are required to have an advisory board to be eligible to receive the CCA subsidy, which provides a significant portion of the department’s funding.
Last Previous Action
On November 5, 2024, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners approved the appointments of Shannon Kalmbacher and Darnesha Whitfield to the Corrections Advisory Board (Resolution 2024-479).
Attachments
1. County Appointment Checklist
2. CAB Member Roster