The Washington County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday, April 28 in the Government center at Stillwater. On the agenda were several items, including approval of a construction contract for the R.H. Stafford Library redesign, several road items, a 2026 annual action plan, and proclamations.
Starting with the library contract, the board approved a $931,908 with Kraus-Anderson Construction Company April 28 for construction management agent services on the R.H. Stafford redesign project.
The redesign project will make significant upgrades to the county’s most-used library branch, which was originally built in Woodbury in 2002. After nearly 25 years of continuous high-volume use, the branch’s interior finishes are worn, and mechanical and electrical systems are approaching the end of their useful life.
The Public Works Building Services Division issued a Request for Proposals for Construction Management Agent (CMa) services. Four proposals were received on March 27, 2026. After a detailed review process, Kraus-Anderson Construction Company was selected as the top firm.
The scope of work for the contract is:
• Preconstruction services, which include cost estimating services and bidding services.
• Construction services, which include permitting services, project close-out, and post-construction services.
The project is currently in the design phase with bidding and construction scheduled for the spring of 2027, when the Park Grove Library reopens after its own redesign project is completed. Construction on R.H. Stafford is expected to be completed in the summer of 2028.
In road news, the board approved a $3,022,212.30 construction contract with Eureka Construction, Inc. for the County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 18 (Bailey Road)/Settlers Ridge Parkway intersection improvement project in April 28. The board also approved three agreements with the City of Woodbury for the project.
Traffic growth and ongoing development in the area have increased volumes beyond what the existing all-way stop can adequately serve. The intersection ranks near the top of the county’s Intersection Control Ranking System (ICRS), making it a high priority for installing traffic control improvements. The intersection requires significant reconstruction to address all identified needs. Washington County was awarded a Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Grant in 2023 to support this project.
The project scope includes:
• A single-lane roundabout replacing the existing stop-controlled intersection
• Highway drainage and surface water management improvements
• Pedestrian and bicycle facility upgrades
Bids for the project were opened on April 7, 2026, with Eureka Construction, Inc. as the lowest bidder.
In conjunction with the construction contract, the board approved the following agreements with City of Woodbury:
• Cost Agreement – Defines design and construction responsibilities and allocates costs consistent with the county’s cost participation policy.
• Maintenance Agreement – Defines ongoing maintenance responsibilities between the county and city.
• Landscaping Agreement – Covers city-installed landscaping associated with the project.
Construction will begin in May and is anticipated to be completed in September.
Continuing road news, the board approved a $289,200 contract April 28 with Sir Lines-A-Lot LLC for the Washington County 2026 spring latex striping project on roadways in the county.
Lane striping is required on roadways meeting certain width and traffic volume thresholds as outlined in state standards and various federal regulations that require the state to establish such mandates. Many Washington County highways meet these thresholds. Bids for latex striping are requested on an annual basis and were opened this year on April 7.
Washington County also partners with local communities throughout the county for roadway pavement marking. Cities and townships will be able to have their roads striped under Washington County's contract and reimburse the county for those quantities. The contract total includes these anticipated local requests.
Also from April 28, the county board the Washington County Community Development Agency’s (CDA) 2026 Annual Action Plan April 28 for submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
On the county’s behalf, the Washington County CDA administers the CDBG and HOME programs. Each year, an Annual Action Plan must be prepared detailing the intended use of the CDBG and HOME funds granted by HUD. The 2026 Annual Action Plan is the second year of the Consolidated Plan. The funded activities must address the priorities identified in the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, which are housing activities, public services, public facilities, public improvements, and economic development.
The CDBG/HOME 2026 program year runs from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. The Washington County CDA solicited HOME and CDBG applications for the 2026 Program Year in December 2025. The CDA staff and CDBG Citizen Advisory Committee reviewed the three applications received and the funding allocations.
The projects funded by CDGB funding are:
• Two Rivers Community Land Trust for $291,411.40 to add 10 affordable housing units.
• Home Improvement Loan Program for $294,000 to rehabilitate 10 affordable homes.
• Washington County Homeless Prevention for $119,160.82 to provide homeless prevention to 540 persons.
• Home Improvement Loan Program for $294,000 to renovate 10 affordable homes.
The projects funded by HOME funding are:
• Two Rivers Community Land Trust for $542,946.39 to add 10 affordable housing units.
• Setting aside $40,173.88 for Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs).
A public comment period was open from March 20 through April 21. The Washington County CDA held a public hearing on April 21. The plan will be submitted to HUD to meet the submission deadline, which is currently May 15, 2026.
As for proclamations, there were three, one for Law Day, another for Mental Health Awareness and a third for Arbor Month.
The board proclaimed May 1 as Law Day in the county at its April 28 meeting.
Law Day, held annually on May 1, is a national day set aside to celebrate the rule of law. Law Day provides an opportunity to understand how law and the legal process protect our liberty, strive to achieve justice, and contribute to the freedoms that all Americans share. Thousands of Law Day programs are conducted each year for youth and adults across the country by bar groups, courts, schools, youth groups, and community organizations alike. In addition, the president of the United States has issued a Law Day proclamation recognizing the importance of the rule of law every year since 1958.
The resolution passed by the board stated that Law Day is an opportunity to recognize the efforts of the lawyers, judges, law enforcement officers, and other public servants who work each day to uphold the values of a free and just society.
The county will celebrate Law Day by recognizing and thanking the employees of the Washington County Attorney’s Office, who, through their fair, just, and high-quality legal work, help ensure justice, uphold the rule of law, and promote the safety and well-being of the residents of Washington County.
The County Board urges all residents to observe this day by promoting legal education, fulfilling our shared civic responsibilities, and reflecting on how the rule of law protects freedom and opportunity for all.
Moving to mental health awareness, the board proclaimed May as Mental Health Awareness Month in the county.
The board passed a resolution proclaiming the month at its April 28 meeting.
Mental health challenges affect all people regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or economic status. The county is amplifying Mental Health America’s 2026 theme for Mental Health Awareness Month, “More Good Days, Together.” The theme focuses on helping people have more good days by meeting them where they are, supporting them as whole people, and understanding that “good” is defined by each person’s unique experiences and goals.
The approved resolution encourages the public to:
• Educate themselves and others about mental health conditions, treatment options, and available resources.
• Challenge stigma by speaking respectfully and inclusively about mental health.
• Seek help if they are struggling with their mental health and encourage others to do the same.
• Support organizations that provide mental health services and advocacy.
• Create safe and supportive environments for open conversations about mental health.
• Foster a community where everyone feels empowered to prioritize their mental well-being and seek help when needed.
In the resolution, the County Board affirms its commitment to partner with the community to ensure that all mental health services are accessible, responsive, person-centered, and culturally appropriate for all residents.
During May, Washington County Community Services, Public Health and Environment, and Parks, as well as the Disability and Mental Health Employee Resource Group, will host staff and community-focused activities to educate, reduce stigma, and foster connection.
More information can be found on the county’s website at washingtoncountymn.gov/MentalHealthMonth
Closing proclamations with Arbor Month, the board declared the month of May 2026 to be Arbor Month in Washington County. They made the declaration April 28.
Washington County stewards parks, highways, and facility grounds across the region — making the health of our tree canopy a direct county responsibility. The Arbor Month resolution recognizes the environmental benefits trees provide, including air purification, water retention, soil conservation, wildlife habitat, and shade.
The resolution also responds to an active and ongoing threat: the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). The EAB is established in Minnesota and is eliminating green and white ash trees that are common in parks, boulevards, yards, and natural areas throughout the county. Reforestation is critical to replacing the benefits these trees provide.
The proclamation encourages communities and residents to take proactive steps — including conducting tree inventories, setting removal and replacement goals, planning for increased wood waste, and planting a more diverse mix of species to build long-term canopy resilience. It also recognizes the Arbor Day Foundation's work in promoting tree planting for future generations.