Ward 6 Weekly Update 9/23/2022

September 23, 2022

Rent Stabilization

This past Wednesday, Sept 21st, the public hearing concluded for the rent stabilization ordinance, and a final vote took place. I’m so grateful to those who came to testified to fight for renters. 

When the rent stabilization stakeholders group produced their recommendations, I felt their result did not go far enough to protect renters, yet I understood their results were meant to be “neutral”, representing tenants and landlords alike. What has ultimately passed through this week’s amendments is an ordinance that does more to support landlords than what the group’s original report had recommended. I am so disappointed in this result. I voted NO this week on this final version of the Rent Stabilization Ordinance.

I am someone who ran for office being very vocal about the need for renter rights. I voted in support of rent stabilization and tenant protections. Our communities are struggling. Wages are not keeping up with rent and inflation. We all need and deserve safe, stable housing. I am dedicated to continuing this work. Organizing must continue to happen. This work is not done. Let’s keep going.

Fall Movies In The Parks: "Brew-vies" and Scary Movies Series

Bring along a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy a starlit night of fun with friends and family! Movies in the Parks provides a wide range of outdoor films at parks and recreation centers around Saint Paul. Movies in the Parks events are free and open to the public. Kids under 10 need to be with an adult, and pets must be kept on a leash at all times. Unless otherwise noted, all movies will be closed captioned in English. More information here!

Your feedback is needed! St Paul is preparing a new Parks and Recreation System Plan - a comprehensive guide to physical improvements and changes to parks and recreation facilities such as parks, athletic fields, recreation centers and trails.

The survey will close September 30. 

• Full survey (5-15 minutes--to tell us ALL your ideas!)

• Shorter version (5 minutes--to cover the basics)

• Draw the Future (drawing activity that's great for all ages

Join the St Paul Youth Commission

The Youth Commission is still looking for a few representatives from District 2-Greater Eastside, District 4-Dayton’s Bluff, District 9-West 7th / Fort Road, and District 11-Hamline / Midway. If you are interested or would like to learn more, please reach out to Haley Vien at haley.vien@ci.stpaul.mn.us. 

The Saint Paul Youth Commission represents young people in decision making for the City of Saint Paul. Each year, youth in grades 9 – 12 from each of the city’s 17 planning districts commit to serving the community through impact projects as well as  local and state advocacy. Youth Commissioners enhance their leadership skills while serving their community. Youth Commissioners earn a stipend for participation.  

Learn more about the Saint Paul Youth Commission here.

Inspiring Communities Program Accepting Applications

The City of Saint Paul's seventh Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Inspiring Communities program is live.

This program supports developers to construct homes for sale to homebuyers with low to moderate incomes on residential lots currently owned by the Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA).

Read more about this opportunity for housing developers here. 

FREE Job Training Opportunities

St Paul Public Schools is offering three FREE job training courses from October 3rd - December 16th this year:

• PARAPRO Certificate for working with school-aged children and teens
• Building Maintenance
• Medical Office Preparation

TO REGISTER: Complete the registration form at www.spps.org/hubbs, and an Advisor will contact you to schedule testing and your classes. 

QUESTIONS? Contact Edric at 651-744-4516 edric.lysne@spps.org.

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

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

Serve on the Neighborhood Safety Community Council

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. 

Become a Police Civilian Internal Affairs Review Commissioner

The St Paul Police Civilian Internal Affairs Review Commission is currently seeking commissioners from Wards 6 and 7! There are 4 current vacancies. The next meeting is October 5th at 6pm.

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.

Levy Limit Set

This week, the Council voted to set the city’s 2023 levy limit. This is not a decision on what property tax increases will be, rather, it reflects the limit on how much of an increase could be approved this year. 

Over half of the proposed levy increase, 7.74% is driven by the transfer of the street maintenance program to the city’s general fund. This means $13.6M that was previously collected through street assessments will now be collected through property taxes. 

I’m committed to decreasing the levy. A 15% increase in property taxes is extremely high and will heavily burden our low income families financially. So many people are struggling. As a city we need to prioritize our current residents and reevaluate our spending to make sure it is aligned with our values. We need to prioritize competitive pay for workers, safety in the workplace, programming for our community, improving roads. We must continue to improve neighborhood safety and prevent gun violence, ensure equitable uses of city resources, and expand affordable housing. 

The City Council will vote on the final budget and levy December 7, 2022 for the City’s 2023 budget. To keep up to date on the Council’s budget deliberations, go to https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/city-Council/budgeting-financial-planning.

Upcoming Parks & Rec Events

• Sept 23 - Family Fall Bonfire at Hazel Park Recreation Center
• "Try Hockey for Free" event (Girls registration closed; Boys registration for Sept 23-24 still open)
• Sept 29 - Movies in the Parks: Jurassic Park at Summit Brewing (Brew-vies Series)
• Click here for more Parks & Rec events!

Purple Line - Arcade St Station Options

The METRO Purple Line project team is exploring new location options for Arcade Street Station in St. Paul. These options will provide better access to the surrounding neighborhood and
allow for the addition of a pedestrian connection to the station.

Staff will be available for in-person information and questions at pop-up meeting this Monday, September 26th from 5-7 pm at the St Paul Eastside YMCA (875 Arcade Street).

Find project information, ways to share feedback, and the latest newsletter at the Metro Transit Purple Line project website.

Free Composting Workshop

Learn about backyard composting with Saint Paul Public Works at this FREE Composting 101 Workshop! Space is still available for Sat, September 24th. Click here to register.

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. 

Enter the Free Tree Lottery!

St Paul Parks & Rec are partnering with Tree Trust to give away FREE trees to Saint Paul property owners! Register for the tree lottery for your chance to win a free tree: https://treecovery.myshopify.com

Free 20-Is-Plenty Yard Signs Available

St Paul Public Works continues to offer FREE “20 is Plenty” yard signs for your yard!

Pick up your sign at St Paul Public Library branches during open hours and at the Public Works Operations building (899 Dale Street) on weekdays from 8 am-3 pm.

HomeHelpMN Assistance Expanded

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

• The cap on assistance is increased to $50,000 per household
• There is no time restriction on past-due expenses
• Homeowners can apply for assistance as long as funds remain

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.

Year Round STAR Grants

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?

COVID Resources

Appointments are now available to receive an updated bivalent booster – which is formulated to be more effective against the Omicron variants.

What to do if you are Sick or Test Positive: COVID-19

Close Contact or Exposure to COVID-19

COVID-19 Testing

Types of COVID-19 Tests

COVID-19 Self-testing 

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. 

Order FREE At-Home COVID Tests by SEPTEMBER 2nd at www.covid.gov/tests.

Monkeypox Resources Available

The Minnesota Department of Health has released guidance about monkeypox.

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.