Ward 6 Weekly Update 8/26/2022

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August 26, 2022

Rent Stabilization Public Hearing

apartments in St Paul


Over 50 people testified on the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (Ord 22-37) during this Wednesday's public hearing. Seating was packed!  The public hearing will continue on Wed, Sept 7th at the 3:30pm weekly Council meeting. If you would like to testify in person or over the phone, please do! If you would like to submit a comment, email Contact-Council@stpaul.gov or call 651-266-8506.

Read the full ordinance, plus multiple amendments proposed by Councilmembers, and the comments submitted before the hearing here. Watch the video of the discussion and live testimony here


2022 Solidarity Street Gallery

Solidarity Street Gallery 2022


Visit Payne Avenue (centering on Payne and Case) for the art and culture festival, Solidarity Street Gallery, on Friday, September 9th and Saturday, September 10

  • visual artists
  • multicultural performance program featuring a number of well-known Southeast Asian performers
  • exciting activities for children and family
  • colorful Street Market

Volunteer to help at the Solidarity Street Gallery! 

Volunteers are needed on days before the event and during the event. Sign up using the online form which offers a choice of 6 different "jobs" from event signage to children's activities. See all the volunteer areas, times of day and dates that volunteers are wanted to sign up https://airtable.com/shrEoXSIZhrrVsWja.


HomeHelpMN Assistance Expanded

HomeHelpMN


HomeHelpMN adopted program changes that took effect last week which expand eligibility:

  • The cap on assistance was increased to $50,000 per household. (The prior limit was $35,000.)
  • There is no longer a time restriction on past-due expenses. (Previously, expenses had to be incurred after January 21, 2020.)
  • August application deadline is lifted. Homeowners can apply for assistance as long as funds remain. While there is no application deadline, homeowners with past-due expenses are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

For applications being processed, the new criteria will be used and no additional action is needed. Applicants who were previously denied but are still in need of assistance and meet eligibility criteria may request their case be reopened by calling 800-388-3226. Call the number to begin an application, or visit HomeHelpMN.org.


Nominate a Favorite Business for the St Paul Business Awards

St Paul Business Awards

 

Can you think of a business that has strong attributes and contributions to you, your neighborhood, and the city? If so, NOMINATE it or APPLY to be recognized as a business for the 6th annual Saint Paul Business Awards! These awards give recognition with the award categories below:

  • Alice O’Brien, women-owned business that is committed to equity and empowerment
  • Good Neighbor, shows dedication to improving the community (check out this video about the 2021 Good Neighbor winner -- Hoa Mei Market & Deli in Ward 6!)
  • New Kid on the Block, open in Saint Paul within the last five years
  • People’s Choice, recognized for its excellence by Saint Paul residents
  • Traditions, has been active in Saint Paul for at least 20 years

Nominate and/or apply at, http://www.stpaul.gov/bizawards

Nominations close September 28, 2022 @ 4:30 pm. Applications close October 5, 2022 @ 4:30 pm.


Cultural STAR Applications Now Being Accepted

Cultural STAR Program


The application is currently open for the next round of Cultural STAR! The program provides funding for projects and programs that attract audiences, develop and improve cultural facilities and build capacity of artists and cultural organizations in Saint Paul.

This round is for projects taking place between January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023.

Make sure to apply by September 23 at 4 pm. Find more information and the application link at stplaul.gov/cultural-star.


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


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. Applicants representing accessibility/disability issues, business representatives, and transit experts are especially encouraged to apply.

Submit your application now through August 29th.


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. 

The time commitment for a Commissioner is 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 in community centers around St Paul. Each meeting carries a stipend of $50. 

Submit your application until positions are filled.


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!


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.


World Premier Dance Performance this Weekend at Phalen

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 Saturday & Sunday, 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.


Monkeypox Resources Available

Monkeypox


The Minnesota Department of Health has released translated guidance about monkeypox. This includes fact sheets messages in Spanish, Hmong, and Somali.

The CDC has more information about Monkeypox here, including resources in Spanish/Español and other languages that can be found in the top right corner of the screen.


Housing at The Heights

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). Session 1 was on Sept 26, there's still time to join Session 2: 

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.

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


Back-to-School Shopping Tax Benefits

school supplies


Save your receipts from school supply purchases! You can claim K-12 tax benefits when filing taxes next year.

Two tax benefits can help Minnesota families pay expenses related to their child’s education: the refundable K-12 Education Credit (income limits apply) and the K-12 Education Subtraction (no income limits).

You can also watch this video to learn more about the K-12 education tax credit.


Kids Try Hockey for Free!

Starwhals


Kids ages 4-10 can try hockey for FREE at four upcoming Starwahls events in September:

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)

Equipment is provided and no experience is necessary. More at www.starwhals.com.


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. 

Back-to-School and COVID Testing

Child care providers can now order a BinaxNow OTC test kit per staff working on site and child over the age of 2 in care with this order form: BinaxNow OTC At-Home Testing Information (PDF).

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