April 2021 newsletter: Information on COVID-19, community healing circles, Economic Competitiveness & Inclusion Plan

Ramsey County, Minnesota sent this bulletin at 04/01/2021 07:00 AM CDT

April 2021 Newsletter

- Coronavirus/COVID-19 update.
- Community healing circles.
- Economic Competitiveness & Inclusion Plan.
- Review your property tax notice.
- Yard waste sites extended hours.
- Severe Weather Awareness Week.
- Upcoming events.
- In the news.

COVID-19 updates

State revises vaccination timeline

Ramsey County Care Center resident receiving COVID-19 vaccine

The State of Minnesota has expanded the COVID-19 vaccine eligibility guidelines to include everyone age 16 or older.

Supplies remain limited. Providers are being asked to still prioritize appointments for older Minnesotans, people with underlying health conditions and frontline workers. Vaccine shipments from the federal government will continue to increase over the coming weeks, and eventually there will be enough vaccine for everyone.

How to get your shot

Use the Minnesota Vaccine Locator Map to find providers.
Use the CDC VaccineFinder to find pharmacy appointments.
Contact your primary health care provider or a local pharmacy.
Sign up for the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector. The connector will inform you about vaccine opportunities in your area.
Your employer may also reach out with information about vaccination opportunities.

Saint Paul - Ramsey County Public Health continues to vaccinate priority and high-risk groups. Our clinics will continue to prioritize high-risk groups even as statewide eligibility expands. Once eligibility for county-run clinics expands, these appointments will be listed on Minnesota's Vaccine Locator Map.

Saliva testing in Saint Paul

Daily saliva testing is offered at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in Saint Paul. The test is free and walk-in appointments are available.

The testing site will be closed on Sunday, April 4.

Library express visits at Roseville

Express Visits - which allow for in-person browsing, using a public computer and more - is now available at Ramsey County Library - Roseville. Other library locations will follow later this spring in a phased approach.

Please keep visits brief. There is limited capacity and patrons may be asked to wait until space is available. Masks are required and you must stay six feet or more away from others.

View library services

Ramsey County CARES funding report now available

In 2020, Ramsey County received $96 million from the federal government to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. A new evaluation report details how the funds were used and program outcomes.

County golf courses reopen

Spring has finally arrived, and county golf courses have started to reopen. Special procedures have been established to encourage safety for both golfers and course staff.

View modifications for 2021 season

ICYMI Keller Golf Course instructor Jon Reigstad named to Golf Digest's 2021–22 Best Young Teachers in America list.

Community healing circles scheduled to support health and well-being

Residents are invited to attend a series of virtual and in-person community healing circles to address hurt and trauma following the killing of George Floyd last summer, civil unrest in our neighborhoods and the ongoing trial.

These healing circles are organized in partnership with the city of Saint Paul.

View community healing circle dates

Economic Competitiveness & Inclusion Plan

An expansive, first-of-its-kind Economic Competitiveness & Inclusion Plan was presented at a virtual board workshop on March 23. The plan prioritizes inclusion in future investments and other actions related to housing, job creation, workforce development and place-based investments, while responding to the COVID-19 crisis.

View the plan
Watch a video of the board workshop

Act now - review your property valuation notice

Annual property valuation notices and tax statements were mailed to property owners in mid-March. Please review your valuation notices carefully. The taxable market value will be used to determine property taxes payable in 2022.

The time to question or appeal your market value is now.

Please contact the Assessor's Office at 651-266-2131 if you would like to discuss your valuation.

Learn about the appeal process

Understanding your statements

A short video is available to help you better understand property taxes and valuations:

Celebrate Earth Day: Action quest, extended yard waste and hazardous waste collection

Earth Day is April 22! Participate in the Earth Day Action Quest by completing sustainability-focused activities throughout April. Activities include a recycling sorting game, exploring neighborhood parks, a virtual tour of the Recycling & Energy Center and more. Participants can enter a drawing for a $50 Visa gift card.

April also means a return to regular season yard waste hours. All sites are free and open to Ramsey County residents. A photo ID is required. Please follow social distancing guidelines.

View yard waste hours and collection site locations

The free mobile household hazardous waste collection sites begin the seasonal tour of Ramsey County communities in Maplewood beginning Friday, April 2. Bring your used oil, string lights, fluorescent light bulbs and more for safe disposal. The mobile collection site complements the year-round site located near downtown Saint Paul.

See the mobile collection site schedule and accepted materials

Severe Weather Awareness Week

Severe Weather Awareness Week is April 12-16. Prepare for severe weather season by reviewing important safety and awareness tips.

Statewide Tornado Drill Day is Thursday, April 15.

Outdoor warning sirens and NOAA alert radios will sound at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. to allow businesses, schools and families chances to practice their severe weather sheltering plans