July 25, 2022

Contact

Nicole Frethem
Commissioner, District 1
651-266-8362 or 651-425-9580 
Email

Mayumi Morgan
Principal Aide/Student Intern
651-266-9990
Email

Nancy Larson
Administrative Assistant

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The Board of Commissioners have returned to in-person meetings. Board meetings and workshops continue to be available online on the Ramsey County webpage.

Sign up for weekly COVID-19 emails

Sign up for the County's coronavirus email newsletter.

Ramsey County has launched the new Job Connect online job board to connect residents and employers during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. This employment platform is the latest tool integrated within the county’s economic development website, RamseyCountyMeansBusiness.com, which provides business development resources and incentives.

Claiming the Property Tax Refund

Homeowners have until 8/15/2023 to claim a 2021 tax refund.

You may qualify if:

• You are a renter and your total household income is less than $64,920, or
• You are a homeowner and your total household income is less
  than $119,790.

For more information, visit the Minnesota Department of Revenue website. 

Funding Win for Homelessness

In recent weeks, Governor Walz proposed several spending recommendations for the state’s remaining federal COVID-19 aid dollars, including $6 million for Heading Home Ramsey. On June 30th, the legislative commission responsible for reviewing those recommendations voted to approve the $6 million investment. In addition, the Saint Paul Housing and Development Authority approved $827,000  to help fund Project Home through next March. The hope is that with additional funding, shelters will have the ability to expand capacity and keep citizens off the streets this winter. 

Child Development Screening Feedback

The Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota Department of Health, and Minnesota Department of Human Services are working to improve early education development screenings. These screenings are meant to check a child's development and make sure they are on the right track in their education. The hope is to improve the developmental screenings for children by making the process easier for families, health care providers and educators.

Family voices will be essential for understanding the present situation, it's problems, and how they can be fixed. To give your feedback on developmental screenings you can fill out this Google Form. If you are willing to have a 30 minute conversation about your thoughts and questions, email Indrayud.Mandal@state.mn.us to set up a conversation. 

Pest Control

The Mosquito Control Commission is meeting on Wednesday, July 27th at 9:15am. Discussion will include the 2022-2023 Commission budget. To join, use this link or call 1 571-317-3117 if your computer doesn't have a microphone. 

Save the Date: Rice Creek Commons Open House

Map of TCAAP Property and Arden Hills Army Training Site

The county has partnered with the city of Arden Hills and Alatus LLC to redevelop 427 acres of the former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant into Rice Creek Commons. Are you interested in having a look at the property? The District 1 office, with support from Ramsey County, is hosting an event on Saturday, August 13th from 1-4pm to give residents a chance to ask questions, learn about the County's goals and vision, and take a van tour of the actual property. Please sign up for a 30 minute time slot using this link. 

Lexington Avenue Construction

Lexington Avenue continues to undergo construction between County Rd E and I-694. There is now a northbound lane open between I-694 and Red Fox Road. Contractors hope this will help control some of the congestion near the Target parking lot. The remainder of the project area will open a northbound lane the week of August 5th.

For more information on the project or to read up on other alternatives, please visit the Ramsey County webpage.

While construction is happening, remember to keep supporting our Lexington Ave businesses. Business access will remain the same among traffic shifts in the coming weeks.  Check out our Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for a list of businesses that we recommend!

Remember to #ShopLex!

Ramsey County Smoking Ordinance Update

On July 12th, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to pass a revised No Smoking Ordinance in the county. The no smoking ban is now extended to all outdoor property owned by Ramsey County, this includes parking lots, walkways, vehicles and equipment, beaches, parks, and other recreation areas. The goal is to help reducing smoking overall in the community, especially around youth. The ban will go into affect on August 26th, 2022.  For more information on the ordinance, visit the official Ramsey County website.

Water Gremlin Air Permit Revision

On Thursday, July 28th, an open house and public meeting will be held at Century College Lincoln Mall in White Bear Lake to discuss an amendment to the Water Gremlin's air quality permit.

The event will by hosted by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to address the air quality permit held by Water Gremlin. Staff from MPCA will be available to answer questions about environmental and public health issues related to the revised permit for this manufacturing facility in White Bear Township.

In efforts to improve and protect air quality in the township and surrounding area, Water Gremlin’s revised permit will include more stringent limits on pollution emissions and new operating requirements to ensure accountability.

For more information, visit the MPCA official website.