Update from Commissioner McGuire - January 17, 2020

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.

January 17, 2020


Contact

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

Melissa Jamrock
Principal Assistant

Beverly Hammond
Administrative Assistant 

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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.

  • St. Paul Children's Collaborative Meeting
  • Roseville Area League of Women Voters Conversations with Constituents
  • Civility Caucus Meeting
  • Active Living Ramsey Communities Quarterly Meeting/15th Anniversary Celebration
  • Library Board Meeting
  • Parks and Trails Legacy Workgroup Meeting
  • Transportation Advisory Board
  • Metropolitan Mosquito Control District Commission Meeting
  • AMC Annual Conference

Community Newsletters

Lauderdale

Little Canada

Mounds View

New Brighton

Roseville

Saint Anthony

lwv roseville conversations with constituents

Commissioner McGuire joined other area elected officials at the Roseville Area League of Women Voters Conversations with Constituents.


we count

United States Census Bureau to hold hiring events

A representative from the United States Census Bureau will be at several locations around the county recruiting for census takers. Census taker jobs are temporary, flexible, part-time and pay $22.00 per hour in Ramsey County.

Visit 2020census.gov/jobs to view application and for more information. Applications are due Feb. 1, 2020.


ice castles

Explore Ice Castles Now!

Ice Castles is an award-winning frozen attraction that will take place at Long Lake Regional Park in New Brighton this winter season. 

Visiting the park

Long Lake Regional Park will remain open for regular use, with some limitations to accommodate for visitor safety. 

Ice Castles construction started in November. The completed, illuminated structures are expected to open in early January, weather permitting, and to remain open through March. Park goers should expect increased use of the park from January - March due to the attraction's popularity. 

Trail closure

A small trail path on the west side of the attraction will be blocked off due to anticipated icy conditions (view map). A ramp will additionally be built within a portion of the path for park visitors to walk over hoses and electrical cords.

After the event

All Ice Castles are purposefully located next to a natural water source so all water returns directly into the environment to be used again by wildlife, people and plants. Once the event is over, the ice structures are demolished and the small pieces left to melt. Depending on weather, ice may remain at the park through May.

Visiting Ice Castles

Ice Castles is an awe-inspiring, must-see winter phenomenon that brings fairy tales to life. The family-friendly frozen attraction is an internationally renowned tourist attraction with six locations across North America and growing. 

Cider, hot cocoa and baked goods will be available inside the castle. Ticket and event information may be found through Ice Castles' website.

Visit Ice Castles' website


Safety tips for winter storm warning in effect Jan. 17-18

A winter storm warning is in effect for Ramsey County until 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18. Residents are encouraged to check the National Weather Service website for updates on the storm and conditions. 

Winter weather safety

General winter weather safety tips are available on the winter storms and extreme cold page.

Snow removal and travel

Please drive safely if you must travel, allow plows room to work and bring a car emergency kit.

Our Public Works staff work tirelessly with our partners to keep our extensive infrastructure system well-maintained. Learn about our snow and ice removal process and how you can help improve conditions.

Fire hydrants and gas meters

Once the snow has stopped and plows have come through, please take the time to clear snow and ice from your gas meter and any fire hydrants in your yard. These two tasks have a big impact on winter safety and emergency response.

Fire hydrants should cleared three feet on all sides. Your gas meter, vents and entire assembly should also be clear of snow and ice.

Not sure how to clear your meter? View tips and information from Xcel Energy


Did You Know

Free family fun at our Winter Recreation Area

Join us for free winter fun! Weather permitting, we invite you to experience kick-sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding and more all at one location. Equipment will be available for use free of charge.

Schedule

February 7 - 9 & February 14 - 17
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Location

Activities will be held at the Keller Park Golfview picnic area. You can enter the parking lot while traveling north on Highway 61, between Roselawn Avenue and County Road B. 

*Dates, times and activities may change due to weather.


New Youth Works! program launches to increase opportunities for Ramsey County youth

Ramsey County Workforce Solutions is excited to announce the launch of Ramsey County Youth Works!, a 2020 initiative that brings together employers, schools, workforce development and employment professionals, elected officials, educators and more, to raise awareness and open doors of opportunity for youth to learn, earn and lead in their communities.

Stakeholders have committed to leveraging their connections to promote opportunities for personal, social and education development, leadership and employment that enables youth to develop their voice, influence and place in society to reach their full potential. This campaign is being launched in partnership with the Ramsey County Workforce Innovation Board, the Suburban Ramsey Family Collaborative and the Sundance Foundation.

Ramsey County Workforce Solutions Director, Ling Becker, emphasized the importance of connecting community partners around this effort. “The value for the community when youth receive work, volunteer and internship experiences is critical for their long-term success,” stated Becker. “The experiences form a critical foundation for our young residents. We are grateful for the many stakeholders who are stepping up to call attention to this message.”

Efforts in this first year of Youth Works! include a number of activities and events such as a new bi-monthly newsletter, a directory of youth employment programs and supports, and a toolkit of resources for employers. Events coming in 2020 include a youth voice summit, an educator and employer connection event, and a panel for employers on best-practices for hiring and retaining youth and young adult employees. These activities will culminate in a newly designated June Youth Works! Month and recognition of Youth Employers and Supervisors of Choice nominated by youth working in Ramsey County.

Mary Sue Hansen, Director of the Suburban Ramsey Family Collaborative (SRFC) noted, “This is important work that the county and SRFC are leading. There are many gaps and barriers that youth struggle with when trying to find quality volunteer and work-related experiences.  All of us can play a role in opening doors of opportunity for our youth.”

If you are interested in learning more about this initiative or getting involved, please see Youth Works! or contact Rachael Molenaar.


Early voting available for presidential primary now through March 3

Early Voting location at Ramsey County Library - Roseville.

Absentee voting for the president primary begins Jan. 17, 2020. Residents can cast their ballot in person or vote by mail from Jan. 17 to March 2. Election Day for the presidential primary is March 3.

Vote in person at one of three locations:

View additional information about voting before election day and frequently asked questions about the presidential primary.  


Homeless surveyor volunteers needed Jan. 22-30

Between Wednesday, Jan. 22 and Thursday, Jan. 30, Heading Home Ramsey and a team of volunteers will be conducting the annual Point-In-Time homeless count that helps gauge the need for homeless assistance resources in Ramsey County and nationally. The result of this count will directly impact the funding dedicated to serving people experiencing homelessness in Ramsey County.

During the annual count, homeless surveyor volunteers will anonymously collect general demographic and income information by conducting a brief (5-10 minute) interview with each person who reports experiencing homelessness during sundown on the night of Jan. 22 to sunup on Jan. 23. Volunteer teams will conduct interviews at meal programs, food shelves, libraries and drop-in centers where people who are homeless and unsheltered are likely to be during the cold January days.

Volunteers are needed who:

  • Are comfortable talking to and approaching new people.
  • Are kind, welcoming and sensitive to others’ feelings.
  • Cares about people who are homeless in their community.
  • Can follow the survey instructions and attend either an online or in-person training.

Sign up to be a homeless surveyor volunteer by Friday, Jan. 17

For more information on the Point-In-Time count, contact Loni Aadalen at 651-266-4116.

Heading Home Ramsey is a regional initiative to end homelessness in Saint Paul and Ramsey County.


Hmong Community Census 2020 Forum

Working in partnership with the Minnesota State Demographic Center, the Citizens League is working with community-based organizations to convene panel discussions for and answer questions from community members representing traditionally undercounted communities.

Those in the Hmong community are invited to join us this Saturday, January 18, for a panel discussion in Hmong* to answer questions on the upcoming effort in Minnesota to count all residents.

*While this is a Hmong-language event, live English interpretation will be provided via headsets.

Here are the details:

Hmong Community Census 2020 Forum
Saturday, January 18, 2020, 10am-12pm
Hmong American Partnership
1075 Arcade St
St. Paul, MN 55106 (map)

Free and open to the public!
Questions? Email us at info@citizensleague.org


Law Library resources available to all county residents

The Ramsey County Law Library provides residents with free law-related resources including books, journals, electronic databases, informational workshops and legal assistance. The Law Library provides ongoing workshops for criminal expungement, criminal defense law and housing and conciliation consultation.Law libraries across the country build stronger communities by providing help to self-represented litigants. Learn more in these resources from the American Association of Law Libraries and the Self-Represented Litigation Network:


Job openings

Jobs Corner

Ramsey County employs nearly 4,000 people in full and part-time positions in a variety of fields related to Health and Wellness, Safety and Justice, Information and Public Records, Economic Growth and Community Investment and more.

We welcome all applicants - you do not need to be a county resident to apply.

Other openings in D2 Communities:


County Board
Workshop/Discussion Session
Recap

Workshops and discussions are informative presentations by the county departments and/or service teams to the board of commissioners that are often tied to the county’s strategic priorities. The presentations serve the following purposes:

  • To provide in-depth informational session to educate county board on topics of a strategic nature to the county.
  • To establish a foundation for policy/programmatic direction and/or future county board action.
  • To seek input on and/or guidance for future direction.

Workshops and discussions and held on Tuesdays and are open to the public. These take place at the Saint Paul City Hall and Ramsey County Courthouse in Suite 220 (2nd floor). You can find the schedule for all upcoming board meetings, workshops, and discussions sessions at https://www.ramseycounty.us/your-government/leadership/board-commissioners/board-meetings-information.

Upcoming Events Around District 2