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Over the last several weeks, we've seen many changes in how we operate as we have started to shift back to in person gatherings. As we've reflected on that, we appreciate your patience in the gap in our newsletter communication. We plan to return to our more frequent newsletters and also provide more opportunities to gather together as a community.
Below, you'll read about an opportunity to engage together through a circle process. Although this series of dialogue circles will be around connecting with those who are interested in the Rice Creek Commons (also known as TCAAP or arsenal site) development, I hope to use this format for future community engagement, especially this fall as we hope to have some healing conversations before going into the winter.
You'll also note an update on where we are at in the COVID-19 pandemic. While Ramsey County is over the goal of having 70% of eligible people vaccinated, we're still seeing some troubling trends in cases that could derail the progress we've made. I remain hopeful, yet cautious, that we are moving into a better stage and will get to focus on healing and rebuilding a stronger community over the next few years.
On the left column, please take a look at opportunities for community members to involve and engage in county projects, as well as resource opportunities.
 On June 17, 2021, Judge Wahl dismissed all claims in the lawsuit between Ramsey County and Arden Hills over our Joint Powers Agreement. Over the last two years, I have been asked my position on this lawsuit and it was challenging to answer because the litigation started before I sought this position, hindering open dialogue.
I believe that what is built on this site must achieve “the common goals of creating jobs; establishing a walkable live-work-play community; and developing an attractive, amenity-rich, mixed-use environment that appeals to current and new residents, businesses, and the greater community.”
Focusing on developing a mutual understanding on how to move forward together and develop a congruent understanding of the project vision, is the most valuable path we can take.
It is time for an open, forward looking dialogue about the future of our community and this project. Through such a dialogue, I believe, we can rebuild strong relationships together.
I invite and encourage the entire community to join me in discussion. I will be convening several dialogue circles, in person and online, over the next few weeks to provide an opportunity for all of those who are interested in the future of this project to listen and be heard in this process.
Dialogue circle dates and locations:
- Thursday, July 29, 5-7 PM, at Tony Schmidt Regional Park Pavilion, Arden Hills.
- Monday, Aug. 2, 6-8 PM, at Hazelnut Park Shelter, Arden Hills.
- Thursday, Aug. 12, 5-7 PM, Valentine Park Shelter, Arden Hills.
- Friday, Aug. 13, 1-3 PM, online via Microsoft Teams.
- Saturday, Aug. 14, 9:30-11:30 AM, online via Microsoft Teams.
- Sunday, Aug. 15, 2-4 PM at Floral Park Shelter, Arden Hills.
 At the board meeting yesterday, Commissioners received an update from the Public Health and COVID incident response team on the Delta Variant of COVID-19. Although the rate of transmission in Ramsey County remains below the warning threshold and is considered an area of moderate risk by the CDC, our numbers are headed in the wrong direction. Our case rate as of July 25 was 42.88 cases per 100k people which is up 85.83 % from one week ago.
Our medical director noted that over 97% of Minnesotans hospitalized with COVID are unvaccinated. The most important measure you can take to protect yourself and your community is to get a vaccine, if you are age 12 or older.
Vaccines are FREE for everyone and widely available. For more information, visit the covid-19 dashboard on the Ramsey County webpage.
Current vaccination rates (as of July 23, 2021) in District 1 are:
- 55112 - 73%
- 55126 - 82%
- 55127 - 77%
- 55110 - 71%
If you are not sure how to find a vaccine or make an appointment, we can help. Contact our office at district1@co.ramsey.mn.us.
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