Ward 6 Weekly Update 8/12/2022

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August 12, 2022

Welcome to Ward 1 Interim Councilmember Russel Balenger

Russel Balenger

A big welcome to Councilmember Russel Balenger! He was sworn in as the interim City Councilmember for Ward 1 this Wednesday, August 10th.  Balenger will be serving the remainder of former-Councilmember Thao's term. City Council elections will be held in November 2023. 

Russel Balenger was born and raised in St. Paul’s Rondo neighborhood. He is the founder and director of the Circle of Peace Movement, which brings together community members, nonprofits and police officers to pursue non-violent conflict resolution and racial healing.

City Council considered 22 total applicants, with 7 interviewed finalists. You can read the full announcement here. Connect with the Ward 1 office at Ward1@stpaul.gov or by calling 651-266-8610.


Housing at The Heights Event

Hillcrest Housing


Come talk housing! The Saint Paul Port Authority has partnered with
LISC Twin Cities to host a workshop series focused on the housing options coming to The Heights (formerly Hillcrest Golf Course).

Learn more and register to attend: https://www.sppa.com/lisc-housing-sessions

While high-level priorities like zoning requirements are dictated by the Master Plan, there are opportunities for community members to help shape future development decisions. Community feedback captured at these workshops will be used to influence final recommendations to be shared with the master developer. These workshops are free and open to the public. Participants are encouraged to attend both sessions.

Session One: August 25
Join your neighbors in an interactive workshop to create
housing development scenarios for The Heights. Design
experts will be on hand to share ideas and insights.

Session Two: September 8
Explore the opportunities and challenges of housing types
(senior, luxury, workforce, etc.) with a panel of developers that
offer a wide range of expertise.

Questions?
Contact Gretchen Nicholls
612-327-2149 | gnicholls@lisc.org


Kids Try Hockey for Free!

Starwhals


The Starwahls and Herb Brooks Foundation are providing kids ages 4-10 the opportunity to try hockey completely free! Sessions will be at the Pleasant Arena (848 Pleasant Ave) in St Paul. Equipment is provided and no experience is necessary. Register at www.starwhals.com. Attend Friday, Saturday, or both!

Girls Try Hockey for Free: 

  • Friday, September 16th:  6:40-7:40pm @ Pleasant Arena (848 Pleasant Ave)

  • Saturday, September 17th:  6:30-7:30pm @ Highland North (800 Snelling Ave S)

Boys Try Hockey for Free: 

  • Friday, September 23rd:  6:40-7:40p @ Pleasant Arena (848 Pleasant Ave)

  • Saturday, September 24th:  1p-2p @ Pleasant Arena (848 Pleasant Ave)


Nominate for St Paul Business Awards

St Paul Business Award

 
Now accepting nominations for the Saint Paul Business Awards! Awards will be given in 5 categories this year:

Alice O’Brien Award – Honoring a women-owned business that is committed to equity and empowerment

Good Neighbor Award – Honoring a business that shows a dedication to improving the community

New Kid on the Block Award – Honoring a business that has been opened in Saint Paul within the last five years

People’s Choice Awards – Honoring a business that is recognized for its excellence by Saint Paul residents

Traditions Award – Honoring a business that has been active in Saint Paul for at least 20 years

Submit your nomination by September 28, 2022. More information and make your nomination at www.stpaul.gov/bizawards.


Wheelock Parkway and Trail Updates

Phalen Trail Reconstruction


Trail Reconstruction - Phalen Park

A trail reconstruction project is being planned for the southern edge of Phalen Lake from approximately Phalen Drive to Johnson Parkway on the east side of Wheelock Parkway. The start date for this reconstruction is yet to be determined.

This Trail Reconstruction PDF reflects the extent of the work with the goal of providing 2- way bicycle facility along this section of the Grand Round. Right now this stretch is technically one-way going clockwise around the lake. It is important to provide a 2-way facility as the Grand Round trail network is completed.  The pedestrian trail along the lake will remain open during construction and cyclists will have to either walk their bike or use the road during construction. Necessary erosion control and trail closure signage will be placed as well. 

Wheelock Pkwy reconstruction


Wheelock Parkway Reconstruction Timeline

Wheelock Parkway from Greenbrier to Arcade Street began August 8, 2022. Wheelock Parkway from Edgerton Street to Greenbrier Street will be constructed in 2023 due to challenges affecting the supply and delivery of materials (including piping). See the project update notice. More online at stpaul.gov/Wheelock.


Become a Police Civilian Internal Affairs Review Commissioner

civilian review board


The St Paul Police Civilian Internal Affairs Review Commission is currently seeking commissioners from Wards 6 and 7! 

The Police Civilian Internal Affairs Review Commission (PCIARC) reviews and makes disciplinary and policy recommendations to the Saint Paul Chief of Police on all civilian-initiated police conduct complaints. Composed of up to nine Saint Paul residents, the commission is essential to the trust between police and the communities they serve. 

The time commitment for a Commissioner can be anywhere from 10-20 hours per month depending on the number and type of cases being reviewed and any community outreach events. Meetings are evenings on the first Wednesday of each month and take place in community centers around St Paul, and each meeting carries a stipend of $50

For inquiries, please call the PCIARC line: (651)266-8970 or EmailCivilianReview@ci.stpaul.mn.us. Or reach out directly to PCIARC Commissioner Erin Hayes at Erin.Hayes@ci.stpaul.mn.us


Free Composting Workshops

Composting 101 workshops


Learn about backyard composting with Saint Paul Public Works! Join in one of four, free Composting 101 Workshops this summer:

  • Tues, August 23
  • Sun, September 18
  • Sat, September 24

Attendees will receive training and all the supplies necessary to get started with backyard composting. 

Classes are limited to 30 attendees and to Saint Paul residents. Register today at https://form.jotform.com/GarbageProgram/compost 

Contact Us

Email: ward6@stpaul.gov

Phone: 651-266-8660

Facebook: NelsieYangWard6

Twitter: @NelsieYangCM

Meet & Greet phone call appointments are available on Thursdays. Register online at stpaul.gov/ward6.


Apply to be on the Transportation Committee!

Transportation in St Paul


The Transportation Committee is a volunteer committee that advises on transportation projects and policies in St Paul, including those of other agencies. Committee meetings are held every other Monday from 4:30 - 6 pm in the St Paul City Hall Annex.

Submit your application now through August 29th.

No expertise is needed – just an interest and a willingness to serve. Applicants representing accessibility/disability issues, business representatives, and transit experts are especially encouraged to apply.

Appointments are made by the Chair of the Planning Commission.


Serve on the   Neighborhood Safety Community Council

Office of Neighborhood Safety


Apply to serve on the new Neighborhood Safety Community Council (NSCC)!

This 15-member group will work with the Director of the Office of Neighborhood Safety to create a strategic plan, review the effectiveness of initiatives undertaken by ONS, advise staff, and gather input from residents.

The NSCC will meet at least four times per year, with additional meetings taking place as often as necessary, and members will receive a $50 stipend per meeting. 

Submit your application now through September 16.

Read about the Office of Neighborhood Safety here


HomeHelpMN Application Period Extended to Aug 17

HomeHelp MN


There is still time to apply for HomeHelpMN. The application is open until August 17. If you are behind on mortgage payments or other home expenses, find out if this program can help you with up to $35,000 to get caught up. Visit HomeHelpMN.org or call 800.388.3226 to learn more about eligibility or to begin an application.


World Premier Dance Performance in Phalen Regional Park

Xiang Jiang Pavilion


Come see the Changsha-St Paul Friendship Garden come alive with a World Premier Dance Performance, Shen Pei’s “Encounter in Liu Ming Yuan” on Friday & Saturday, August 27 & 28 at 2pm & 3pm at the Xiang Jiang Pavilion in Phalen Regional Park, celebrating Chinese & Hmong culture. 

This event is FREE and open to all! This activity is made possible through the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.


The Future of Parks & Rec - Take the Survey!

Parks & Rec


As a community, we’re growing. Our needs and interests continue to change. As a city, we’ve made commitments to make our parks even more inclusive for residents in regards to race, ethnicity, gender, age and neighborhood. An updated Parks System Plan will give us an important tool to continue making investments in buildings, open spaces and programming. Take the Parks System Plan Survey to share your thoughts!

Thank you for participating!


Free Summer Meals

free summer meals


Through a partnership with Youthprise and Saint Paul Public Schools, free meals and snacks for youth 18 years of age and under are available at multiple sites around Saint Paul. Check out the summer schedule!


Year Round STAR Grants

Ward 6 STAR funding


Do you own a business or run a non-profit in St Paul's 6th Ward? Are you in need of funding for a time-sensitive building repair or improvement?

You may be eligible for a Year-Round STAR Grant from Ward 6. Please email our office at Ward6@stpaul.gov with information on your project and to receive an application.

Applications are subject to approval from the St Paul STAR Board and St Paul City Council. Funding is given as reimbursement for approved expenses, up to $15,000 per project per year. 


COVID Resources

Test to Treat


Test-to-Treat locations
are open in the Twin Cities! Find test-to-treat locations where you can get and fill COVID treatment medications same-day. 

COVID-19 Vaccines for Young Children

Parents and families can now choose to extend strong protection against COVID-19 to our youngest children in Minnesota. Federal health officials now recommend COVID-19 vaccines for all children 6 months and older.

Use the state’s Find Vaccine Locations map to find vaccine providers near you. Additionally, the state’s community vaccination site at the Mall of America will be offering Pfizer vaccines to people 6 months of age and older. Appointments are required for children 6 months to 5 years. Find appointments at COVID-19 Community Vaccination Program.

Order FREE At-Home COVID Tests at www.covid.gov/tests.

Make your COVID booster shot appointment here.

COVID Community Coordinators (CCCs) are community-based organizations that connect Minnesota’s diverse communities to COVID testing, vaccination, and other resources. Coordinators help community members find and get critical resources to deal with health concerns, as well as employment, food access, housing, child care, and legal rights. Find a COVID Community Coordinator that fits your needs.