HomeMy WebLinkAboutweekly notes - November 17th 2017 CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS—WEEKLY NOTES for: November 3, 2017
TO: City Council Members & Staff
FROM: Eric Johnson, City Administrator
Development and Zoning Items:
1. 1st Presbyterian Church has submitted a CUP application to address their upcoming new signage plan.Their current sign along
Osgood Ave, will likely be impacted by the Osgood Ave. project. This item will be on the December planning Commission
Agenda.
2. The Developers Agreement for the Palmer Station has been fully executed and utility connections/park dedication fees have
been paid.STANTEC is preparing the bid specifications for the streets and utilities.
3. The City has sent a letter requesting that the temporary signage at Phil's Tara Hideaway be removed.See Enclosed.
4. Staff is still anticipating an application from the Public Storage site for a possible site expansion to include an indoor storage
facility. A wetland study is now planned to be undertaken by their consultants— but like many applications, the City cannot
process such a request until an application/fees are received.
5. Staff will be requesting a Worksession on 11/26—5:30 pm—so that it can provide an update on the 581h Street Traffic Study
(near the kwik-trip)and to provide an update on the planned mill&overlay for 58th Street in 2018. If the Council might have other
items it might desire to discuss please let me know.
Other items:
• As in past years, the City will be sending out DELINQUENT utility billing notices to+1-200 homes for outstanding water/sewer
bills. Many of these stem from just the past quarter, however the City is obligated to send such notice prior to any advancement
to the County for placement upon a tax assessment billing.A copy of the letter that is being sent is enclosed.
• The LMC is updating their member profiles,please see the enclosed information about yourself and let me know if there are any
changes you would like for the 2018-member listing.
Mayor McComber provided:
1. Information on EVOLVE Adoption Services-—Ribbon Cutting—11/20/17 11 am
2. Information on ST Croix Prep-Ribbon Cutting—11120117—1 0 am.
3. Information from the Community Action group—Fall 2017
Please let me know if you have any questions-651-253-7837 Call Anytime.
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City of oak Park Heights
14168 Oak Park Blvd. N•Box 2007.Oak Park Heights,MN 55082•Phone(651)439-4439•Fax(651)439-0574
November 10,201'
BARBATSIS PROPERTY LLC
620 Main Street N.
Stillwater, MN 55082
RE: Temp. Signage— STH 36 Corridor
Dear Mr. Barbatsis:
During the general construction of the St. Croix River Crossing, the City did suspend the
enforcement of temporary signage within the STH 36 corridor. However, now that such work is
complete we would ask that you please remove the two temporary signs that are placed at your
properties in the next 60 days.
If you would like to pursue new — permanent signage - to ,
replace these the City would be able to meet at your
convenience to discuss the City's sign regulations and
placement options. s
Please contact myself of Julie Hultman, the City Buildings
Official and we can begin that process.
Kind regards
�1 I
TA►A
PARU"pY
PkFKING
a
Eric Johnson
City Administrator
Cc; Julie Hultman, Building Official
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CITY OF
liOAK PARK HEIGHTS
t
14168 Oak Park Boulevard No. • P.O.Box 2007 • Oak Park Heights,MN 55082-2007 • Phone:651/439-4439 • Fax:651/439-0574
November 16,2017
RE: DELIQUENT UTILITY BILL
ACCOUNT:
SERVICE ADDRESS:
PARCEL NUMBER:
AMOUNT PAST DUE:
Dear Utility Customer,
Minnesota State Statues§444.075 provide that delinquent amounts owed for municipal utility services may be
certified to the County Auditor as a lien against the property served when payment has not been received and
reasonable efforts have been made to collect these amounts.
According to our records,there is a past due amount of$ that was delinquent as of November 15,2017. This
assessment would be included with your property taxes payable in 2018 and would include interest as determined by
the City of Oak Park Heights Ordinance 1001.04(E).
If a previous owner incurred the delinquent charges,you may have a claim for these charges against another party.
However,if the delinquent amount is not paid by December 15,2017,it will become a lien against your property,
collected along with your real estate taxes payable in 2018.
You are being provided this opportunity to make payment on this delinquent account. Accounts that were delinquent
as of December 15,2017 will be presented to the City Council for certification to the county for collection with taxes
payable in 2018. That amount will be$ plus a 10%penalty.
If you have questions regarding your account,please contact Jennifer at 651-439-4439.
Sincerely,
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
3 of 23 Tree City U.S.A.
J
CONNECTING & INNOVATING
LEAGUE OF
MINNESOTA s1Nc:e i ai i
CITI ES
Novernber 8, 2017
Tow Chief Appointed Official
From: League of Minnesota Cities
Re:Annual update of your city's contact information needed by Nov, ;0
Enclosed you'll find a report with your city's contact information as compiled by the League of Minnesota Cities.
The LeagLle is the onl"y entity in the state that collects and maintains cornprehensive information about Minnesota
cities, and we need your help to make sure your city's information is accurate.
Please review the enclosed report and male chaiwes to ensure we 11t1t c the correct information in our database
and for publication in the Leagues Diruciur-y of.,Whinc sofa CaY Ufficiul.�. Return the report with your changes by
November 30,201.7 via:
• Mail: Use the enclosed postage-paid envelope
• Email: directory,�Imc.org
• Fax: (651)281-1299, Attn: Directory Update
Make sure these 3 areas are up to[late when rel ieiN ing the report:
1. h!fornlatiolr on all types ref city staff and elected officials, including entail and mailing addresses:
Review all listings and provide as many contacts as po,-Jhle- including, thnewly elected officials that will
take office on JarlUary 1. Note that only key cityposjhoii� \%ill h, published in the Directors of Alinnesoia
Crit- Officials: not all contacts included in the report x< ill in the Director_•. Having complete
illformation in aur database means:
• The League can target timely and important information to the appropriate people.
• Staff and elected officials can more easily reuister online for Leagr.re training and events because their
information ,\ill already be in our database.
• A I c;iLnie Ambassador can contact nc+\l'< elected or chief appointed officials in your city to share
information about the L.eague's resources.
2. The entail address your City uses to receive the Leaque's annual d1les ilzvoice.
On page one of your report neat to "Dues Invoice Email," indicate the cmail address where the invoice should
be Sent. ;Voie. The League trill he s•harin,,,,this [grail aciclress wish the Minnesoia Dcpurtrrrcnt of Rcr•enrie per
the neii rcgtrirc>nacn! in Minn Stat. §477,4.013 relatecl to local governmeni aicl.
3. Subscription ilrfrrrn2atioi!_forLeaguepuhlicutiolrs.
• C'iifes Bulletin-Add as many subscribers as you like for this free email newsletter that provides timely
legislative updates and announcements of interest for elected officials and city staff.
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Questions"Contact Sarah Fredericks at (65 1) 281-1201 or direetowelmc.org.
Thank yor.r for taking the time to update your city's information. Providing complete and accurate; information on
cities is extremely important to the League. and �\e could not do it without your help.
145 UNI IVL R-S] I Y AVE WEST rnt)Nr (0-51) 281-100 iax (o511281-12`1)
ST PAUL. NIN 5S103-2044 FOOL kRLL (800) 925-1122 Wait
4 of 23
Oak Park Heights
For LMC Use
Completed by:
Received:
Name:
Phone: Input:
Email:
Does your city hold a municipal primary election? (Circle One) YES NO
4%12
General City Information
Changes 1 Additions:
MailingAddress: PO Box 2007,
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082-3007
14168 Oak Park Blvd,
Physical Address: Oak Park Heights, MN 55082-6476
Main Prone: (651)439-4439
Main Fax: (651)439-0574
TDD:
Website, http://www.cityofoakparkheights.com
City E-Mail: eajohnson@cityofoakparkheights.com
Dues Invoice eajohnson@cityofoakparkheights.com
E-Mail:
Business Hours, 8:00am-4:30pm
Council Meeting 2nd & 4th Tues, 6:00pm
Date/Time:
Form of Govt: SC-A
Mayor's Term: 4 Years
Election Year: Even
Election Month: November
Primary Facebook:
Twitter
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City of Oak Park Heights Page 2 of 13
Oak Park Heights
Please review and update the following contact information for elected officials and city staff. There is space at the end
of this report to add key staff not currently listed.
In some cases, a person's preferred mailing address, telephone number, or fax number may be different from the city's
main contact information. If nothing is listed by the preferred address, phone, or fax line, all information will be directed
to the city's main address.
For contracted staff (e.g., the city's attorney, auditor, or engineer), please include the name of the person's firm or
company.
Mayor
Changes !Additions:
Name: Mary McCornber
Title Mayor
Firm Name (If Applicable).
GenderFemale
Preferred Address 5728 Penfield Ave N
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082-6542
Preferred Phone: (651)351-7879
Preferred Fax: (651)439-0574
F-mail- marymccomber@aol.com
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City of Oak Park Heights Page 3 of 13
Council Members
Changes !Additions:
Name: Mark Swenson
Title: CoLrncilmernber
Firm Name (if Applicable):
Gender: Male
Preferred Address: 14846 Upper 55th St N
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082-6739
Preferred Phone: (651)264-4158
Preferred Fax: (651)439-0574
E-mail: mark.swenson@comcast.net
Name: Mike Runk
Title Councilmember
Firm Name (If Applicable):
Gender: Male
Preferred Address: 5525 Obrien Ave N
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082-6463
Preferred Phone: (651)439-5458
Preferred Fax: (651)439-0574
E-mail mjrunk@comcast.net
Name: Chuck Dougherty
Title Councilmember
Firm Name (If Applicable).
Gender Male
Preferred Address: PO Box 2007
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082-3047
Preferred Phone: (651)439-4439
Preferred Fax: (651)439-0574
E-mail chuck@waterstreetinn.us
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City of Oak Park Heights Page 4 of 13
Council Members
Changes !Additions:
Name: Mike Liljegren
title: Councilmember
Firm Name (If Applicable):
Gender: Male
Preferred Address: PO Box 2007
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082-3007
Preferred Phone: (651)439-4439
Preferred Fax (650439-0574
F-mail: Illjegren a@comcast.net
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City of Oak Park Heights Page 5 of 13
City Staff and Contracted Staff Listed in Directory
Changes I Additions:
Name: Eric Johnson
Title: Admin
Firm Name (If Applicable):
Gender: Male
Preferred Address. PO Bax 2007
Oak Park Heights. MN 55082-3007
Preferred Phone: (651)439-4439
Preferred Fax: (651)439-0574
E-mail: eajohnson@cityofoakparkheights.com
Name: Mark Vierling
Title: Atty
Firm Name (If Applicable). Fckberg Lammers PC
Gender: Male
Preferred Address: 1809 Northwestern Ave S Ste 110
Stillwater, MN 55082-7521
Preferred Phone: (651)439-2878
Preferred Fax (651)439-2923
E-mail: mvieriingaeckbergiammers.com
Name: David Mol
Title: Aud
Firm Name (If Applicable): Redpath and Company
Gender. Male
Preferred Address: 55 5th St E Ste 1400
Saint Paul, MN 55101-1799
Preferred Phone: (651)426-7000
Preferred Fax. (651)426-5004
E-maiC dmol@hlbtr.com
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City of Oak Park Heights Page 6 of 13
City Staff and Contracted Staff Listed in Directory
Changes 1 Additions:
Name: Julie Hultman
Title: Bldg Ofcl
Firm Name (if Applicable):
Gender: Female
Preferred Address PO Box 2007
Oak Park Heights. MN 55082-3007
Preferred Phone: (651)439-4439
Preferred Fax (651)439-0574
E-mail. jhultman@cityofoakparkheights.com
Name: Jennifer Pinski
Title Clerk
Firm Name (if Applicable):
Gender Female
Preferred Address: PO Box 2007
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082-3007
Preferred Phone: (651)439-4439
Preferred Fax: (651)439-0574
E-mail: jpinski@cityofoakparkheights.com
Name: Betty Caruso
Title: Fin Dir
Firm Name (If Applicable):
Gender: Female
Preferred Address: PO Box 2007
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082-3007
Preferred Phone: (651)439-4439
Preferred Fax: (651)439-0574
E-mail bcaruso@cityofoakparkheights.com
10 of 23
City of Oak Park Heights Page 7 of 13
City Staff and Contracted Staff Listed in Directory
Changes I Additions:
Name: Scott Richards
Title: Planner
Firm Name (If Applicable). The Planning Co
Gender: Male
Preferred Address: 3601 Thurston Ave Ste 100
Anoka, MN 55303-1063
Preferred Phone: (651)439-4439
Preferred Fax (651)439-0574
E-mail
Name: Brian DeRosier
Title: Pol Chief
Firm Name (If Applicable):
Gender Male
Preferred Address: PO Box 2007
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082-3007
Preferred Phone: (651)439-4723
Preferred Fax- (651)439-3639
E-mail: bwderos@cityofoakparkheights com
Name: Andy Kegley
Title Pub Wks Dir
Firm Name (If Applicable):
Gender Male
Preferred Address: PO Box 2007
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082-3007
Preferred Phone: (651)439-4439
Preferred Fax: (651)439-0574
F-r-nail: akegley@cityofoakparkheights.com
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City of Oak Park Heights Page 8 of 13
The following staff are NOT published in the Directory.
Please delete ONLY if no longer affiliated with the city.
Only the key city positions on the previous pages will be published in the Directory of Minnesota City Officials.
However, having complete information forall staff(even those not included in the Directory) means:
The League can target timely and important information to the appropriate people.
Staff and elected officials can more easily register online for League training and events because their
information will already be in our database.
A League Ambassador can contact newly elected or chief appointed officials in your city to share
information about the League's resources.
12 of 23
City of Oak Park Freights Page 9 of 13
Staff NOT PUBLISHED in Directory
Delete ONLY if No Longer Affiliated With the City
Changes! Additions:
Name: Judy Tetzlaff
Title: Acct
Firm Name (if Applicable)
Gender: Female
Preferred Address: PO Box 2007
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082-3007
Preferred Phone: (651)439-4439
Preferred Fax: (651)439-0574
E-mail: itetzlaff@cityofoakparkheights.com
Name: Andy Swenson
Title: Pub Wks
Firm Name (If Applicable):
Gender: Male
Preferred Address: PO Box 2007
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082-3007
Preferred Phone: (651)439-4439
Preferred Fax: (651)439-0574
E-mail: aswerson@cityofoakparkheights.com
Name: Lisa Danielson
Title: Pub I/Vks Op
Firm Name (If Applicable)
Gender: Female
Preferred Address: PO Box 2007
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082-3007
Preferred Phone: (651)439-4439
Preferred Fax- (651)439-0574
E-mail:
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City of Oak Park Heights Page 10 of 13
Oak Park Heights
Please provide contact information for key city staff and contractors not already listed in this report. Key city positions
that are routinely listed in the League's Directory of Minnesota City Officials include:
Administrator Building Officer Finance Director Police Chief
Assessor ClerklDeputy Clerk Fire Chief/Fire Marshall Public Works Director
Assistant Mgr/Admin Economic Development Director Human Resources Director Recreation Manager
Attorney Emergency Services Director Park Supervisor Stormwater Supervisor
Auditor Engineer Planning Officer WaterlWastewater Supervisor
Zoning Officer
Additional Staff
Additions:
Name:
Title:
Firm Name (If Applicable):
Gender
Preferred Address:
Preferred Phone:
Preferred Fax
E-mail.
Name:
Title
Firm Name (If Applicable)
Gender
Preferred Address:
Preferred Phone:
Preferred Fax:
E-mail
The League Will rauilnaly communicate via E-mail y;it your city s staff and elected officials as part of your membership in the League
14 of 23
City of Oak Park Heights Page 11 of 13
LMC Subscription Update Form - Oak Park Heights
Your League membership dues entitle your city to subscriptions to LMC publications
• Indicate any changes or additions to the lists below of your city officials and staff that receive subscriptions.
• Return this completed form with your Directory update packet;do not fax or e-mail this information
separately.
Cities E-Bulletin newsletter subscriptions:
Your city is entitled to an unlimited amount of free subscriptions to the Cities E-Bulletin newsletter,
which is e-mailed weekly during the legislative session and bi-weekly the rest of the year. An
e-mail address is required to fulfill Cities E-Bulletin subscription requests.
Cities E-Bulletin
Mark Swenson Councilmember
Julie Hultman Bldg Ofcl
Mary McComber Mayor
Eric Johnson Admin
Jennifer Pinski Clerk
Brian DeRosier Pol Chief
Mike Runk Councilmember
Judy Tetzlaff Acct
Andy Kegley Pub Wks Dir
Betty Caruso Fin Dir
Chuck Dougherty Councilmember
Mike Lillegren Councilmember
Minnesota Cities magazine subscriptions:
Minnesota Cities is now published 6 times per year. The number of free magazine subscriptions your
city receives is based on population. The number of free subscriptions for Oak Park Heights is 11.
Additional subscriptions can be purchased at the cost of$30 per year.
Minnesota Cities Magazine - Free
Mark Swenson, Councilmember
Julie Hultman, Bldg Ofcl
Mary McComber, Mayor
Eric Johnson, Admin
Jennifer Pinski, Clerk
Brian DeRosier, Pol Chief
Mike Runk, Councilmember
Andy Kegley, Pub Wks Dir
Chuck Dougherty, Councilmember
Mike Llljegren, Councilmember
Free Magazine Subscriptions Total: 10 1 11
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City of Oak Park Heights Page 12 of 13
List any additional staff who should receive the magazine or bulletin:
Name Email E-Bulletin Magazine
❑ ❑
❑ ❑
Q ❑
❑ ❑
16 of 23
City of Oak Park Heights Page 13 of 13
Eric Johnson
From: Mary McComber
Sent: Monday, November 6, 2017 1:43 PM
To: Eric Johnson
Cc: Jennifer Pinski
Subject: FW: Ribbon Cutting - EVOLVE Adoption & Family Services 40 Year Anniversary! Monday
11/20, 11am
Eric,
For weekly notes-and can you post?
Thanks,
Mary
From: Erica Oesterreich [membership@greaterstillwaterchamber.com]
Sent: Monday, November 6, 2017 10:15 AM
To: Mary McComber
Subject: Ribbon Cutting- EVOLVE Adoption & Family Services 40 Year Anniversary! Monday 11/20, 11am
Event Invitation
Ribbon Cutting- EVOLVE Adoption & Family Services 40 Year Anniversary!
[https://chambermaster.blob.core.windows.net/userfiles/UserFiles/chambers/257/Image/ribbon-cutting4.jpg]
EVOLVE Adoption & Family Services is celebrating their 40 year anniversary-WOW! Come join us for this celebration
event.
EVOLVE Adoption & Family Services envisions a world where everyone has nurturing, permanent, and supportive family
relationships. They accomplish this by providing ethical, high-quality adoption and foster care programs, pregnancy
services, child-focused recruitment, and family support.
Date: November 20, 2017
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CST
Location: 5850 Omaha Ave N
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082
Contact: Greater Stillwater Chamber 651-439-4001
Email: communications@greaterstillwaterchamber.com
Date/Time Details: Monday, November 20
11:00 am
Fees/Admission: RSVPs requested to assist in planning this event!
Click Here for More Information<http://greaterstillwaterchamber.chambermaster.com/events/details/ribbon-cutting-
evolve-adoption-family-services-40-year-anniversary-25143>
17 of 23
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fam ily-services-40-yea r-anniversary-25143.ics>
Sorry, I'm not able to
attend<https://greaterstillwaterchamber.chambermaster.com/directory/jsp/events/dig/Public_Declinelnvite.isp?ccid=2
57&eventid=25143&crspid=371311>
Register
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7tY4mO2Xf3hl257nl9fyZrD25143B3zFJtilDIJP3713llp3MJCz8476kp>
[http:Hchambermaster.com/directory/servlet/blank.gif?CCID=257&CorrespondencelD=371311]
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Nisswa, MN 56468.To unsubscribe click
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18 of 23
5t.crolix
preparatory
L
C-3 J E T
Please Join us for our
Celebrating the completion of our
Activities Center and Athletic Facilities
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2017
10:00 A.M.
ST. CROIX PREPARATORY ACADEMY
4260 Stagecoach Trail N,Stillwater, MN 55082
to Weather by November 17
651-395-5918 or hthorson@stcroixprep.org
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FALL STRAIGHT TALK
tfCommunity
2017
quarterly update to friends of
CommunityAction Partnership of r rCounties
CHOOSING TO GETAHEAD
When You Didn't Choose to Be Born Poor
While completing the course was a challenge, Stephanie
notes "for the first time in my life I saw poverty as something
more than simply my own personal situation."Adding that
she didn't have many role models growing up, Stephanie says
"Getting Ahead provided me with a sense of community and
. ;, �," �� being part of something positive and bigger than myself."
a
Respected and admired by her peers, Stephanie rose to
become a leader. Drake, as the program coordinator, also
� 4
saw something special in her so upon graduation he invited
her to help facilitate the Spring 2017 course. Initially afraid
t: that she wasn't truly qualified, Stephanie took the invitation
as a compliment and decided to take a risk. She dedicated
herself to supporting the new class while growing her own
self-confidence and personal mission to make a better life for
Mother and son have been reunited! Stephanie and her youngest child. herself, her children, and her community.
A single mother of seven, Stephanie P.was in crisis with little -
hope.A struggle to find work, serious depression, and other "One of the first things we do as a
hardships had resulted in her five youngest children being group,"says Program Coordinator
removed from her care, in early 2016, unsure of where to Damon Drake, is to "shatter the
turn, Stephanie, received a rife-changing referral from the prevailing myth of poverty, which is
American Indian Family Center to a new program offered
by Community Action Partnership of Ramsey &Washington that people choose to be poor."
Counties known as "Getting Ahead".
Today,Stephanie is reunited with all of her children and has
"Getting Ahead"' is based on a nationally renowned drastically changed the course of her future. Her immediate
curriculum developed by Philip DeVoL The course is designed plans include enrolling in the City of Saint Paul's Emerging
to take co-investigators(as program participants are called)on Leaders Academy and supporting civic projects to improve her
a journey of empowerment that begins with a self-assessment community.Of her experience at Community Action,Stephanie
and concludes with creating an action plan to fulfill a "future says, "I don't know where I would be today without this
story"for themselves,their family,and their community. program, It has restored my courage, my dreams, and the faith
"One of the first things we do as a group," says Program that a better life exists for my children and me.
Coordinator Damon Drake, is to "shatter the prevailing myth Stephanie's new story is one of optimism and hope.You can
of poverty,which is that people choose to be poor."Another invest in a brighter future for more people like Stephanie who
early step is for participants to talk about who they are and are seeking to participate in the Getting Ahead class or another
what brought them to the program. So Stephanie, along with asset-building educational program by making a donation to
the rest of her classmates, shared her personal story which Community Action's Community Engagement Fund.
Drake adds "was heart wrenching."
20 of 23
r EDUCATE.
A rA O r
AWORD FROM OUR
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Author Malcolm Gladwell, IOW IS YOUR LEGISLATURE
famously wrote that "Noone— IMPROVING YOUR COMMUNITY?
not rock stars, not professional
athletes, not software billionaires,
and not even.geniuses—ever
makes it alone."At some point, 4
every one of us needs a hand
up and that certainly holds true
for those desperately working to
escape the clutches of poverty.As
you will read in this newsletter, one of the foundational
values of our agency is that all people, especially low-
income people, must have a voice and an active role :.
in mapping their destiny and that of their community. l ;
You,that is: our participants,volunteers,donors, agency
partners, elected officials, community leaders, concerned
citizens, and other supporters make an instrumental At Community Action we partner with people to overcome poverty.
difference in our ability to partner with people to
overcome poverty. The state budget for 2018-2019 yielded several gains for
low-income people in Minnesota.The leadership and vision
There is another idea that I'd like to share with you,an demonstrated by legislators during these budget discussions is vital
expression that has gained strength in our industry and to our collective efforts in lifting our fellow citizens out of poverty,
undergone numerous iterations from thought leaders Some of the highlights from this past legislative session are:
around the world, "Poverty is not a character flaw."To
blame the victims of poverty for their plight is immoral, A onetime $1.5 million increase to The Minnesota
erroneous,and just flat out wrong.Since 2000, stagnant Community Action Grant(MCAG)which funds agencies like
wages, misplaced policy priorities, rising wealth and ours across the state of Minnesota.
income gaps, and the lack of access to quality education, • A onetime $500,000 increase to the Family Assets for
employment, and transportation increased the number of Independence in Minnesota (FAIM) Program to support
Americans living below the poverty line by more than 15 financial coaching. FAIM is a matched savings program for
million. Poverty is at its essence,a math problem. low-income individuals that enable them to save and invest
in buying a home, pursuing higher education, or starting a
It is good to know, however,that U5 Census data released small business.
earlier this fall reveals that poverty has decreased for the Passage of the Getting to Work Bill that included $200,000
second consecutive year to an estimated 40.5 million g g
Americans.This is in no small part to people like you identified to finance new or to expand existing nonprofit
who have rolled up your sleeves and performed a lot of transportation programs such as Community Action's Car
the heavy lifting in our shared efforts to reduce poverty. Ownership Program.
Nonetheless,there is still much to be done. I,for one,am Lowering the age requirement for the Working Family Tax
excited about this journey. Let's go to work. Credit for households without children from age 25 to age 21
beginning in 2020,and adding $7 million for some married
Regards, couples starting in 2019.
If you would like to continue to see increased support for
programs that help families overcome poverty, please continue to
Clarence Hightower, PS4
communicate with your elected officials.Your voice is valued and
your opinion matters.
1 of
YOU CAN KEEP FAMILIES SAFE AND WARM
Continued Pressure on Congress Makes a
Difference...So Does Your Local Support
Last month, in the face of proposed budget cuts to the tax-
payer funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
(LIHEAP) attorneys general,consumer advocates and citizens
like you from 29 states(including Minnesota) expressed
to Congress their strong support of this crucial program by
declaring that these dollars "have provided a critical lifeline
to customers who struggle each month to pay for life's
necessities by assisting them to remain connected to essential
utility services." Community Action locally uses LIHEAP dollars
to serve nearly 70,000 of your neighbors in Ramsey and
Washington counties.This financial assistance enables children Children should not be cold all winter long!
and families living in our northern climate to stay safe and
warm during the winter season by helping them to maintain to fund LIHEAP and related programs.This is not a permanent
uninterrupted home energy services. funding solution for crucial programs that support low-income
Heating season is upon us and applications are now being people so please continue to speak out to your representatives
accepted for energy assistance for the 2017-18 season which to keep your neighbors warm as the weather turns colder
begins on October 1, 2017.Among the services provided by the Unfortunately,even without the threat of budget cuts each year
Energy Assistance Program are utility bill payment assistance, there are many famines that do not receive services because
furnace repair or replacement,crisis intervention,consumer community need continually outpaces available funding.
advocacy,outreach to vulnerable populations, and referrals to To help ensure people in the Twin Cities stay warm during
Community Action's Energy Conservation Program and other the harsh Minnesota winter, Community Action encourages
community-based organizations, donations to the Reach Out for Warmth fund from generous
The Energy Assistance program is able to provide financial individuals,corporations,and foundations all year long.This
support to low-income people in our community from fund is used to continue serving families once LIHEAP dollars
October 1 through May 31 or until LIHEAP dollars are are expended each year.You can make a gift to the Reach
exhausted. In response to public pressure Congress recently Out for Warmth fundtoday to help people keep their homes
approved a Continuing Resolution through Decemeber 8, 2017 healthy and safe all winter long.
F YOUR INVESTMENTS HELP
PEOPLE OVERCOME POVERTY!
To donate to any of Community Action's current initiatives use
the enclosed envelope or make a gift online at
https.11givemn.org/organization/Community-Action-
p Partnership-Of-Ramsey-And-Washington-Counties
LeAndra and her daughters have benefitted from many
Community Action programs from Head Start to Car Ownership
to Energy Assistance.
SENIORS FACE TOUGH YOUR INSIGHT LEADS
DECISIONS EACH MONTH TO NEW AFFORDABLE
Utility Bills? Mortgage? Medications? Food? HOUSING INITIATIVE
Ir Kathleen, a retiree Too many Minnesotans sacrifice basic needs to pay their rent. How
that lives alone,faces do we know this?You and your neighbors told us in the most
the same dilemmas recent Community Needs Assessment, In 2017, Community Action
each month that too responded by becoming an affordable housing developer.The
strategic decision to purchase and rehabilitate a multi-family home
many seniors in the g p Y
Twin Cities face.She ensures that more families in our service area will be able to pay
struggles to simply"get their rent without sacrificing other necessities.
by"while stretching Community Action Partnership of Ramsey&Washington Counties'
her limited income to Community Needs Assessment and Survey is conducted every three
cover all the necessities years.This assessment relies on you—participants,supporters and
- that many of us take for
' granted. Every month other stakeholders—to help the Agency understand the challenges,
EnergyAssistance helps keep Kathleen works hard emerging trends, and fundamental needs of low-income people.
seniors in their homes. Catherine Fair, Senior Director at Community Action shared, "The
to pay all her bills on last two assessments indicated that the lack of affordable housing
time and in-full so she can stay in her home, keep her house is the number one unmet need in our community."Your consistent
warm, and purchase food and prescription medications. feedback motivated staff and volunteers to explore how we could.
Fortunately, Kathleen has found some relief. Recently,while help by increasing the number of available affordable rental units
she was applying far Medicare, a worker at her local county in the eastern metro area.
office referred Kathleen to Community Actions Energy
Assistance Program which has funds available to help her Catherine fair, Senior Director at
with heating bills and relieve some of the financial burden. CommunityAction shared, "'The fast two
Kathleen says she has always watched her energy bill assessments indicated that the lack of
diligently but keeping it affordable is difficult as the affordable housing is the number one
temperature drops. She got rid of all the "extras" including unmet need in our community."
cable television to both lower her electricity usage and her
monthly expenses, but Kathleen says, "There is only so much In early 2017, Community Action achieved designation as a
you can conserve. Half of my money goes to my mortgage. Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO)for several
Me(sic)and others in my situation would be devastated if counties.CHDO designation made the Agency eligible to access
there weren't programs like Energy Assistance. I'm at bone government set-aside funding to cover part of the costs associated
minimum right now." Kathleen is grateful that the help she with purchasing and rehabilitating a multi-family rental property.
receives has allowed her to continue living in her St. Paul The balance of the project budget came from matching funds. In
home of over 25 years.She doubts that she would be able to June, Community Action purchased its first two-unit property in
stay there without Energy Assistance.She emphasizes, Washington County that will be ready for rent this fall, In the future
"I don't know what I'd do or where I'd live." Community Action envisions adding a new multi-family rental
SAVE THE DATE property to its holdings each year for the next 5-7 years.
Whether or not we can achieve our goal of creating new affordable
IT rental units for your neighbors each year depends upon securing
WAXt
dollars to pay for the purchase and rehabilitation of each property.
Private financial support is the key to raising the necessary
matching funds.Want to help solve our community's housing
This document can be made available in alternative formats by calling 651-603-5923 crisis? Keep sharing your thoughts and consider a gift to the
{voice}or via TTY through the Relay Service at 711 or 1-800-627-3529 Affordable Housing Development Fund
9<�eccner � t Printed on 100%PCW paper.
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