Item Description:
title
Appointment of David Lawless to the Minnesota Ballpark Authority
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WHEREAS:
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WHEREAS, in September 2016, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes section 473.755, the County Board of Commissioners appointed James Campbell to serve as a member of the Authority, effective November 1, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Campbell has served on the Authority with distinction, steering the ballpark through upgrades, needed maintenance, and ensuring the ballpark continues to be an anchor for downtown Minneapolis, integrating transit and surrounding development; and
WHEREAS, in July 2025, Mr. Campbell notified the Authority of his resignation; and
WHEREAS, the County Board of Commissioners makes periodic changes of representation on the Authority; and
WHEREAS, the Board wants to routinize appointments to the Authority by implementing set terms for appointments, so that these appointments can be reviewed on a regular basis; and
WHEREAS, David Lawless has agreed to serve on the Authority, has completed a Hennepin County conflict of interest form, and has agreed to complete it annually or as circumstances change; and
WHEREAS, the final scheduled meeting of the Authority in 2025, is October 9, 2025.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners thanks Mr. Campbell for his dedication and leadership on the Authority, accepts Mr. Campbell’s resignation, and takes this action to appoint a new member to the Authority; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners appoints David Lawless to serve as a member of the Authority for a four-year term effective immediately, and continuing until a successor is appointed by the County Board; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Administrator is directed to communicate this appointment to the Authority.
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Background:
In 2006, pursuant to Laws 2006, chapter 257 (Minn. Stats. Sec. 473.75-763), the Minnesota Ballpark Authority (“Authority”) was established as a public body, corporate and politic, and political subdivision of the state. The Authority is governed by a commission consisting of five members. Two members are appointed by the Governor; two members, including the Chair, are appointed by the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners; one member is appointed by the City of Minneapolis. Members serve at the pleasure of the appointing authorities. See Minn. Stat. sec. 473.755, subd. 2. The Hennepin County appointed members must reside in Hennepin County.
In September 2016, the County Board of Commissioners appointed James Campbell to serve as a member of the Authority, effective November 1, 2016. In July 2025, Mr. Campbell notified the Authority of his resignation. The County Board may appoint new members at any time. Previously, the County Board of Commissioners has not appointed individuals for set terms.
Current Request: This resolution seeks appointment of David Lawless to a four-year term effective immediately. Mr. Lawless has completed a Hennepin County conflict of interest form and has agreed to complete it annually, or as circumstances change. This appointment will fill the Hennepin County seat on the Authority previously held by Mr. Campbell.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval