Sponsor: Sheriff's Office
Title
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Amendments to the Joint Powers Agreement with the Minnesota State Agricultural Society for Law Enforcement and Security Services
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Recommendation
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1. Ratify the First Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement with the Minnesota State Agricultural Society, 1265 Snelling Avenue North, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108-3003, for law enforcement and security services for the period of January 1, 2022, through January 15, 2022.
2. Approve the Second Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement with the Minnesota State Agricultural Society, 1265 Snelling Avenue North, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108-3003 for law enforcement and security services for the period of January 16, 2022, through June 30, 2022.
3. Authorize the Chair and Chief Clerk to execute the Second Amendment.
4. Require a progress update from the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office and Minnesota Agricultural Society on the transition of State Fair security services on or before April 5, 2022; the update should include a transition plan that recognizes the termination of the Joint Powers Agreement for security services with Ramsey County on June 30, 2022.
5. Require monthly updates from the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office and Minnesota State Agricultural Society during May, June and July of 2022 on the security services transition that should be completed by June 30, 2022.
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Background and Rationale
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The Minnesota State Agricultural Society is the governing body responsible for the use and regulation of the land known as the State Fairgrounds. In May 2021, the Minnesota Agricultural Society disbanded the State Fair’s longstanding police department, instead wishing to partner with another law enforcement agency to provide law enforcement services on the fairgrounds. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety recommended that the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office was the appropriate choice to provide law enforcement services as the lead law enforcement agency.
The Agricultural Society identified the need for year-round law enforcement services, including: (1) general patrol and enforcement duties; (2) providing security services for special events held on the fairgrounds; (3) providing security services for the two-week pre-fair period; and (4) providing security services for the annual Fair. The Agricultural Society asked Ramsey County, through the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, to provide these services.
Since June 2021, the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office has provided law enforcement and security services at the State Fairgrounds, including serving as the lead law enforcement agency for the 2021 Minnesota State Fair. The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office is currently providing these services under agreements approved by the Ramsey County Board. The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office, Finance department, Enterprise Risk Manager, Human Resources department, and the County Manager’s Office, in partnership with various internal and external partners, worked together to make sure the terms of the Agreements protected the county from potential risks that could arise in the course of providing law enforcement services to the Minnesota State Fair.
On December 6, 2021, the Agricultural Society announced its intention to reinstate the Minnesota State Fair Police Department (MSFPD). The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office has been working with the Agricultural Society to transition law enforcement and security services to the MSFPD. Additional time is required to hire sufficient staff to ensure a successful transition. As a result, the Agricultural Society has requested Ramsey County assist with the provision of law enforcement and security services on the Fairgrounds beyond the expiration of the initial term on December 31, 2021. The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office is recommending an extension of the one of the two agreements for law enforcement and security services through June 30, 2022. This extension does not include the 2022 Minnesota State Fair and agreement that covered the 2021 Minnesota State Fair expired on December 31, 2021.
The amendment requires the Agricultural Society to reimburse Ramey County for these services and to defend and indemnify Ramey County and its employees, officials, agents and representatives from any liability arising from the provision of services. The amendment extends through June 30, 2022, and terminate before the 2022 Minnesota State Fair.
On December 22, 2021, the County Manager signed a First Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement with the Minnesota State Agricultural Society for law enforcement and security services.
The First Amendment extended the Agreement for the period of January 1, 2022, through January 15, 2022, until the next available Ramsey County Board meeting. Both the agreement and previous board action, approved by the Ramsey County Board, allowed for amendments to be signed by the County Manager.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☐ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
During the term of these amendments, the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office will continue its commitment to racial equity in providing law enforcement and security services. For reference, the Sheriff’s Office safety plan for the 2021 Minnesota State Fair included Community Ambassadors to engage in community outreach, prevent violence, and help to reduce crime. Community Ambassadors are of various racial, ethnic and gender backgrounds to reflect the community served. Skilled in communication and de-escalation, Community Ambassadors are from various backgrounds including religious leaders, coaches, teachers, military veterans, non-profit managers, and legal services. Community Ambassadors will be available as needed for events on the fairgrounds.
In addition, body cameras are worn by Ramsey County deputies who provide services at the fairgrounds to promote transparency and accountability for all. The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office will continue to monitor the impact of these services and how they affect the community.
Community Participation Level and Impact
There is no community engagement for the Amendments.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
The Minnesota State Fair provides an economic impact of an estimated $300 million dollars annually, with the majority in Ramsey County. As a result of the 2021 Agreements with the Agricultural Society, the Sheriff’s Office received an estimated $500,000 in additional revenue. The actual amount of revenue collected will be available after the 2021 fiscal close process. These amendments will also generate revenue for the Sheriff’s Office; however, revenue generated in 2022 will be decreased because the amended agreement terminates before the 2022 Minnesota State Fair.
The State Agricultural Society will continue to provide payments to the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement and security services. Fees charged to the Agricultural Society will cover the costs associated with providing services and will not be subsidized by the county property tax levy. In addition, the terms and conditions of the agreement which protect the county against any claims, litigation or other costs that arise from Ramey County’s provision of law enforcement services remain in force.
County Manager Comments
No additional comments.
Last Previous Action
On September 28, 2021, the Ramsey County Board held a workshop to discuss the next steps for a Minnesota State Fair After-Action Review of Security Operations.
On July 20, 2021, the Ramsey County Board approved two Joint Powers Agreements between Ramsey County and the Minnesota State Agricultural Society to provide law enforcement and security services on the fairgrounds and during the 2021 Minnesota State Fair (Resolution B2021-171).
On June 22, 2021, the Ramsey County Board held a workshop to discuss the Minnesota State Fair law enforcement and security services agreements.
On June 18, 2019, the Ramsey County Board approved a Joint Powers Agreement between Ramsey County and the Minnesota State Agricultural Society to provide 24/7/365 dispatch services for police, fire, and emergency medical services for the Minnesota State Fair (Resolution B2019-147).
Attachments
1. First Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement between Ramsey County and the Minnesota State Agricultural Society for Law Enforcement and Security Services
2. Second Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement between Ramsey County and the Minnesota State Agricultural Society for Law Enforcement and Security Services
3. Joint Powers Agreement between Ramsey County and the Minnesota State Agricultural Society for Law Enforcement and Security Services