My City Council collegues and I recently passed the city's budget for 2015. The budget includes an infusion of funding for economic development in the downtown core as well as neighborhood commercial nodes (including some in the North End and East Side). In addition, the "Terrible 20," which are the city streets in the worst condition, will be repaired and bicycle infrastructure will be added. The budget maintains funding levels for Police and Fire personnel and adds a new ladder truck for the St. Paul Fire Department. The Department of Safety and Inspections will add Fire Inspectors to address the growth in rental housing. In addition, Libraries receive an infusion to expand hours and programming. Overall, I am proud to have been part of this budget process and believe the budget reflects our priority to build a safe and prosperous city for all.
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On December 17, the City Council voted to approve a contract for Como Dockside LLC to manage the Como Lakeside Pavilion. The approval comes after a community process that has set a new standard for St. Paul. The process included an online survey yielding over 1,000 responses, two professionally-facilitated community meetings and interviews of lake users. Responses to the public RFP were vetted by a community-based evaluation committee which ultimately selected the vendor. A public hearing was held at the Parks Commission before coming to the City Council for a vote.
COMO DOCKSIDE FAQ
The Dockside will be open in Spring 2015 and offer a modern BBQ-themed restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, expanded outdoor seating, entertainment, recreation and community event and meeting space. The contract guarantees the city a minimum of $100K annually in profit-sharing as well as initial and ongoing capital investments. The St. Paul-based business also operates Amsterdam Bar in downtown St. Paul and the 331 Club in Minneapolis. Expanded recreation rentals (kayaks, paddleboards, etc.) will be managed by Wheel Fun Rentals. The contract includes annual performance metrics to ensure the public purpose of the Como Pavilion space continues to be met. The Como Dockside will host a neighborhood Meet and Greet in January--stay tuned for dates!
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When I started this job in 2012, I held Office Hours monthly at Wilder Rec Center (City Academy Charter School, by day) at the corner of Edgerton and Jessie St. My first session, I was shocked to arrive to a locked door and an empty gym at 4pm. Seeing a car in the parking lot, children from the neighborhood flocked to the center, "Are you open early today?" they asked hopefully. It was clear that St. Paul needed to reinvest in this neighborhood and particularly, this center. Mayor Coleman agreed. It has been one of the best investments we could have made. Wilder Rec Center is now fully staffed, programmed and open daily from 4pm-8pm and has expanded programs in the summer. Click on the image below to see a heartwarming video on the great work staff is doing at the center. Go Wilder!
"Making a Difference: Wilder Recreation Center" Click image to view video.
Drop-in and visit me at my bi-weekly Community Office Hours at Rice Street Library (1011 Rice St). I'll be there from 4:00-5:30pm on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Can't make it? I'm happy to schedule an individual meeting or lake lap (yes, even in the winter--we're Minnesotans)!
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