Sponsor: Property Management & Social Services
Title
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Lease Agreement with Meridian Behavioral Health, LLC, dba EOSIS, for Leased Space at 402 University Avenue East, St. Paul, MN
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Recommendation
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1. Approve the lease agreement with Meridian Behavioral Health, LLC, dba EOSIS, 550 Main Street, Suite 230, New Brighton, MN 55112, for 17,300 usable square feet of space at 402 University Avenue East, St. Paul, MN 55130, for the period of July 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028.
2. Authorize the Chair and Chief Clerk to execute the lease agreement.
3. Authorize the County Manager to execute future amendments to the lease agreement that do not have a financial impact.
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Background and Rationale
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Ramsey County has aligned with best practices to meet evolving community needs through a change in the way detox/withdrawal management services are offered. At the beginning of 2026, these services, which were previously provided by the county, transitioned to community-based providers who have the infrastructure and expertise to deliver high-quality, medically appropriate care.
As part of the planned closure of the county operated detox/withdrawal management facility, a request for proposals was released by the Social Services Department to solicit community providers to receive a capacity building one-time grant for start-up costs and for the use of the county owned detox/withdrawal management space at 402 University Avenue East without rental costs. The goal of the solicitation and resulting lease is to ensure detox and withdrawal management services remain accessible within Ramsey County and to strengthen the local provider network. This approach not only expands community-based service availability but also leverages specialized expertise, leading to improved patient and community outcomes.
The solicitation resulted in EOSIS being awarded the grant and use of the detox/withdrawal management space. In accordance with the grant agreement, the lease agreement provides EOSIS with free rent at the 402 University Avenue East building for the term of the lease. Any extension of the lease would be at negotiated lease rates.
Property Management and Social Services recommend approval of the lease agreement with EOSIS for space at 402 University Avenue East for the term of July 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☐ Opportunity ☐ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
The county is committed to advancing racial equity for its residents. The commitment is captured in the county's Advancing Racial Equity Policy which states that "Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved."
Consistent with the Advancing Racial Equity Policy, EOSIS will take all reasonable measures to advance racial equity during the capacity building grant and the resulting lease. EOSIS recognizes and acknowledges this requires deconstructing barriers and changing systems, structures, policies, and procedures. EOSIS will be equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in serving and engaging residents. EOSIS will have meaningful and authentic engagement of community and employees to strengthen the administration, development, and implementation of policies and procedures to advance racial equity and ensure that all residents in need have awareness of and access to services.
As part of EOSIS’ capacity building grant proposal, award and resulting lease, they have several aims to address racial equity, including the following:
1. EOSIS has a Cultural Competency Diversity and Inclusion Plan. This plan outlines EOSIS’s commitment and plan to support Cultural Competency, Diversity and Inclusion. It includes the following competencies: Non-Discrimination, Diversity and Accessibility to Services, Training, Culturally Competent Services, Community Outreach and Evaluation.
2. Screening and Access Policy: Person served will be considered for admission regardless of referral source, socio-economic status, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, color, medical condition, race, or ethnic background.
3. EOSIS requires that staff are trained on Diversity and Cultural Competency annually. EOSIS also engages a translation service to ensure that translation services are provided to patients who are seeking programming upon request.
Community Participation Level and Impact
Through the partnership with Property Management and Social Services, during the grant making process community was engaged in the request for proposals selection process and was regularly informed once the information was made public through existing partnership meetings.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
An extensive analysis was performed by Social Services leading to the department’s recommendation to close the Detox Center as part of the 2026-2027 budget. Transitioning to a community-based model aligns with best practices of other counties and is anticipated to reduce county costs by at least $2 million annually.
There is no new revenue associated with this lease agreement, nor in the grant agreement with Social Services. Per the terms of the grant agreement, Ramsey County will provide the space for EOSIS to use with no rental cost. Social Services remains responsible for the rent costs at the internal rental rate for the duration of the grant agreement. The rental expenditure is included in Social Services operating budget for 2026-2027, and the associated rental revenue is included in the Property Management operating budget for 2026-2027.
Last Previous Action
On May 19, 2026, Social Services provided a presentation to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners on the Detox and Withdrawal Management Facility Update.
Attachments
1. Lease Agreement with EOSIS