Update from Commissioner McGuire - February 9, 2018

Ramsey County District 2 News

Serving the communities of Lauderdale, Little Canada, Mounds View (Precinct 4),
New Brighton, Roseville and the Ramsey County portion of St. Anthony.

February 9, 2018


Contact

Mary Jo McGuire
Commissioner, District 2
651-266-8359
Email

Melissa Jamrock
Principal Assistant

Ania McDonnell
Administrative Assistant 

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You are receiving this newsletter because of previous communication with the District 2 Office.  You can unsubscribe via a link at the bottom of this email.


Get Involved

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners is seeking applicants to serve on a number of volunteer boards and committees. 

Click here for more information or to apply.


Recent Events

Here are some of the events that Commissioner McGuire or her staff has attended recently.

  • Library Board Trustee Interviews
  • Ramsey County Extension Committee Meeting
  • Tour of Bridges to Safety
  • Roseville LWV Conversations with Constituents
  • Active Living Ramsey Communities Biking and Walking Team Meeting

          Community Newsletters

          Lauderdale

          Little Canada

          Mounds View

          New Brighton

          Roseville

          Saint Anthony

          we want to hear from you

          Public Health seeks community

          input on what influences health

          and well-being

          Saint Paul – Ramsey County Public Health wants to know what county residents think impacts their health and well-being. The department is seeking community comments through a short online survey.

          Insights provided from the survey, along with data from more than 150 health indicators the department is researching, will be used to create the department’s new Community Health Assessment – an analysis public health produces every five years which guides planning on health issues throughout the county.

          In addition to the online survey, Public Health is also doing in-person surveys at multiple community sites and gatherings. Survey results will be included in the Community Health Assessment, which will be available online later this year. Residents can sign-up to receive email notification when the survey results and the Community Health Assessment are available. 

          The assessment will be a guiding document as Public Health works with community partners to develop a new Community Health Improvement Plan, and the department develops a new strategic plan in order to better understand community needs, improve health, and reduce health disparities.


          Community Spotlight: New Brighton League of Women Voters

          The New Brighton League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization that encourages participation in government. The group is non partisan, meaning that they decide to support candidates and policies after member study and agreement. The New Brighton League of Women Voters also promotes solutions to public policy issues through education and advocacy.

          New Brighton League of Women Voters frequently holds events, forums, and advocates for their membership to attend other political events throughout the city.

          Check out their website for more information about events, their mission, and membership!

          https://www.facebook.com/lwv.nb.mn/

          Stay tuned for the next Community Spotlight: Community Partners with Youth!

          Have a community group you'd like us to spotlight?  Send us a suggestion at district2@co.ramsey.mn.us


          New Open Makerspace program for adults at Ramsey County Library   

          maker bot

          Tired of letting kids have all the fun? The new Open Makerspace program at Ramsey County Library gives adults the opportunity to get creative and try out some of the Library's tools. Stop by during program hours to try your hand at:

          • Printing an animal with a 3D printer.
          • Creating an art piece with a vinyl cutter.
          • Designing a personalized piece with a sewing machine.

          Schedule

          Wednesdays
          6 - 8 p.m.
          Ramsey County Library - Shoreview

          Thursdays
          6 - 8 p.m.
          Ramsey County Library - Maplewood

          Saturdays
          11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
          Ramsey County Library - Roseville


          2018 road projects announced

          The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners has approved more than 20 proposed construction and maintenance projects for the upcoming 2018 season. Ramsey County Public Works will lead or participate in projects that will improve travel and commerce throughout communities in the east metro.

          A project list and details may be found at ramseycounty.us/roadwork. Most projects will begin in the summer. Updates will be provided online and via an interactive map as construction season progresses — including detours and timelines. Subscriptions for email updates on projects are also available.

          Major projects include:

          • Resurfacing Lexington Parkway between James and University avenues in Saint Paul and between East Como Boulevard and Highway 36 in Saint Paul and Roseville.
          • Resurfacing County Road E between Centerville Road and Highway 61 in the communities of Vadnais Heights and Gem Lake.
          • Resurfacing Maryland Avenue between Greenbriar Avenue and Johnson Parkway in Saint Paul.
          • Construction of a new roadway east of I-35W within the Rice Creek Commons development site in Arden Hills.
          • Adding six miles of bicycle lanes and mixed-use trails.

          Public Works will resurface about 13 miles of county roads in 2018. These projects typically include crossing improvements for pedestrians. Wheelage tax revenues – a $20 charge collected with annual vehicle registration – allow Public Works to keep pace with what had been a growing backlog of road segments in pressing need of repair.


          Check out Our Government Relations Website!

          The legislative session is coming up soon. The first day is February 20th. You can see the Ramsey County Priorities on the Government Relations website, as we begin to advocate for projects in your community and the throughout the state of Minnesota.


          Winter reading program for adults runs Jan. 2 - Feb. 28

          Winter Reads: Winter Reading for Adults runs January 2 - February 28 at all Ramsey County Library locations.

          Winter Reads encourages busy adults to delight in reading during the dark months of winter and is a chance for adults to have fun with a reading program just for them. Pick up a reading record bookmark at any Ramsey County Library starting January 2 to join. Read four books and return your reading record to receive a prize and enter for a chance to win the grand prize. Library staff are available to offer suggestions for good winter reads.

          It's easy, fun and sure to cure those winter blahs!

          Click here for Winter Reads program information


          Did you know

          Recycle your organics in Ramsey County!

          In order to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills, organic waste can be separated out and composted through Ramsey County. Organic waste includes things like food scraps and non-recyclable paper (tissues, paper towels, etc.)

          Recycling your organics helps the environment by avoiding methane emissions that contribute to climate change and returns essential nutrients to the soil to improve soil health.

          Here’s a video about three easy steps to recycling organic waste.

          Ramsey County offers a free caddie for residents who want to participate in the organic waste program. Ask a site attendant how to get started!

          Collection site hours and locations

          December 1, 2017 - March 2018

          • Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
          • Sunday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

          Accepted Items

          • Food waste, including vegetables, fruits, meats, poultry, fish, bones, grains, dairy, egg shells, coffee grounds and filters, etc.
          • Paper you can’t recycle curbside, including greasy delivery pizza boxes, paper towels, paper cups and plates (unlined/uncoated), tissues, paper egg cartons, dirty paper bags, etc.
          • Animal/pet food (no plastic bags)
          • Bird feed/seed (no plastic bags)
          • Compostable cups, plates, utensils, bags etc. Check that it has the “Compostable” logo from the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) or Cedar Grove on the item or packaging to ensure it is compostable.
          • Cotton balls, cotton swabs (made of paper material)
          • Hair

          Funny short video about organics recycling here.


          Free open skate at Vadnais Sports Center and Highland Arena

          New in 2017, all open skate, open hockey and open turf programs at Vadnais Sports Center and Charles M. Schulz-Highland Arena are free of charge. Open to all ages, open skate is a great way to stay active in winter. Open hockey is also available to all ages.

          Skate rental is available at both arenas for $5 per person.

          Turf programs at Vadnais Sports Center offer a variety of recreation options for all ages including walking, softball, soccer and toddler open play.

          Skate in your neighborhood

          In addition to the rinks above, many communities have outdoor rinks in neighborhood parks.  Check out the links below for more information from each community!


            Upcoming Events Around District 2