HomeMy WebLinkAboutweekly Notes- November 6th 2020 CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS—WEEKLY NOTES for: November 6th,2020
TO: City Council Members& Staff
FROM: Eric Johnson, City Administrator
Zoning&Development Items: 44�
1. No new applications have been received; Staff did meet with HEALTH PARTNERS related to their COVID testing site at the Fury Motors
building; generally, it should be workable, we are awaiting final site layouts for traffic management and minor internal building clarifications.
They hope to open on Nov 30th
2. Central Automotive is expected to begin construction in the coming days. Recall,this will include land clearing and will be a stark-change to
that landscape and neighbors to the south may make inquires.
3. The MET COUNCIL is asking for input about cities experiences with the 2018 Comprehensive Planning process—via a SURVEY MONKEY.
This is the link if you would like to take that survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/86CX6NT Note:The City did offer its opinions
about that process in Sept 2019 and has been resent to them and is also enclosed here.
COVID-19 Matters:
• This is the Governor's- PORTAL https://mn.gov/covidl9— Many documents / Exec. Orders can be found. Washington County has initiated a
County Dashboard containing more localized COVID-19 Impacts and rates LINK->>HERE.
• The City received a THANK YOU from Mainstream Boutique for the COVID-19 grant allocation. See enclosed.
Other Items:
• Chief DeRosier has supplied the October Police Activity Report—See enclosed.
• Enclosed is a listing of the current OPEN and CLOSED tax petitions—where property values are in dispute.
• MSCWMO Agenda for 11/12/20
Mayor McComber provided:
1. Information on the upcoming Nov 19th—METRO CITIES policy Adoption meeting.SEE 4 LINK is to the policies.
2. Various updates from the NLC—Oct 313t and Nov 3rd
3. Family Means-Nov.2020 Newsletter
Please let me know if you have any questions-651-253-7837 Call Anytime.
FREE COVID testing....
Io
he Minnesota Department of Health is partneringwith Washington County and the City of Stillwater to
ffera 3-dayCOVID-19community nasal swabtestingeventattheStillwaterArmory.Testingis free and
pen to everyone;no insurance is needed.
November8,9, and 10
Noon- 6 p.m.
Stillwater Armory/MN National Guard- 350 Maryknoll Drive North-Stillwater
Registeronline:https://www.primarybio.com/r/stillwater
If you ore not able to sign up online,or need o translator,co111-855-612-0677 forossistonce.
1 of 33
From: Boylan,Patrick
To: Boylan.Patrick
Subject: FW: Metropolitan Council Seeks Input via Survey on the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Process
Date: Thursday, November 5,2020 2:28:27 PM
Metropolitan Council staff is evaluating the 2040 comprehensive planning process to
understand what went well, what didn't, and how we can improve the process and
related technical assistance for the next cycle. As our partners in this process, we
want to hear about and learn from your experiences. This survey offers the first of
several opportunities to share successes and challenges, as well as thoughts on
future process improvements. This survey is anonymous. There will be opportunities
to participate in small group and/or one-on-one discussions in early 2021 .
The survey asks 5 groups of questions: Non-identifying "demographic" information
about the survey respondent and plans/communities; technical assistance tools and
materials offered before/during the plan drafting process; technical assistance tools
and materials during the plan review process (after initial submittal to the Metropolitan
Council); Council staff communication and coordination; and several open ended
questions.
Please share as much or as little as you like. We value all comments.
We ask that you pass this survey link along to all other applicable people involved in
your community's or organization's comprehensive planning efforts, including
additional consultants and technical staff.
Click here to complete the survey. The survey will close on Friday, November
20th.
We appreciate your time and consideration. If you have any questions, comments, or
issues accessing this survey, contact Patrick Boylan at
Patrick.boylan2 m etc.state.m n.us.
2 of 33
TS,
City of Oak Park Heights
14168 Oak Park Blvd. N•Oak Park Heights,MN 55082•Phone(651)439-4439•Fax(651)439-0574
September 23rd , 2019
Nora Slawik, Chair
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
390 Roberts Street N.
St. Paul, MN 55101
Meredith Vadis, Regional Administrator
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
390 Roberts Street N.
St. Paul, MN 55101
Re: Comprehensive Plan for the City of Oak Park Heights
Dear Chair Slawik:
For more than a year our City's staff, consultants to the City, the City Council and the Planning
Commission have been working on the Comprehensive Plan (Plan) as generally mandated by the
state and overseen by Metropolitan Council (MET COUNCIL). To date the Plan for our City of
fewer than 5,000 has cost the taxpayers more than $150,000 and is more than 150 pages long, yet
it has NOT yet been accepted(as of the date of this being written)by the MET COUNCIL. Despite
this condition, what follows are some suggestions for addressing the frustrations that we on the
Planning Commission and City Council have experienced during the process.
First, we all understand that every city, regardless of size, should have a robust planning process
to assure that the community continues to be a vibrant and attractive place not only for its citizens
and their families but also for businesses and visitors. However, this approach seems to have a
reduced focus in the MET COUNCIL's current process. The current process could be improved
by reducing the emphasis on technical requirements and instead focusing more time and resources
on enhancing the community's engagement in the planning process. To date, at the request of
MET COUNCIL staff, the City of Oak Park Heights has made numerous revisions to the Plans
submitted, requiring separate meetings and additional costs in contracted staff time.
All of these requested changes from the MET COUNCIL to date essentially concerned minor
technical requirements that not only had little material impact on the implementation of the plan
at a local or regional level; but, also many of the changes concerned issues that had little-to-no
3 of 33
relevance or practicality for a smaller, fully built-out city such as ours. This represents time and
resources that could be better used on community engagement efforts that would allow the citizens
of Oak Park Heights to more actively participate in planning for their future and the future of the
City.
Second,the MET COUNCIL reviewers seem to have no desire or need to give a rationale for why
it is they wish to have the information for which they ask; all they demand is merely put under a
headnote of"REQUIRED INFORMATION" and we are told if we don't provide what they wish
in the form they wish to have it the "Plan will be inconsistent with the Council's plan". This
suggests that the focus of the MET COUNCIL's current regional planning process has become
less about helping communities plan for their future within both a local and regional context, and
it is instead a largely technical and bureaucratic exercise to advance the MET COUNCIL'S plan.
And, which includes far too many broad, sweeping or unrealistic requirements for each of the 400
highly diverse municipalities in the seven-county region to reasonably implement.
Third,putting together the required plan with all its related maps, documentation and narratives is
very expensive. As alluded to above, our City contracts for many of the required services and the
cost can be in excess of $150,000. Does this process really provide $150,000 in benefits for the
city? Is it worth $1,000 a page or more than $30 for each resident of our City? Couldn't these
financial resources not be put to better use, such as more extensive community engagement or
more small area planning? We believe so.
Last,it seems to those of us on the Planning Commission and City Council that what we need from
the MET COUNCIL is more of a partner in planning and less of a dogmatic overseer of that
planning. Indeed, after spending more than a year involved in this process,it seems fair to question
why it is that a local Planning Commission, such as ours, is involved in the comprehensive
planning process. If the focus of this process is ensuring technical requirements are met,then there
is little value in having local representatives volunteer their time and insights to work on making
our community better in the future.
Our Planning Commission and City Council believes there are two relatively easy steps the MET
COUNCIL could take to shift its relationship from a dogmatic overseer to partner with cities such
as ours:
First, why not recognize that cities under a certain population and/or limited capacity for growth
do not need to address complex growth issues in the same way and format as much larger cities
and/or cities that are facing continued rapid growth? For example, Lake Elmo and Hugo face far
more complicated growth issues than do we. What makes sense to include in a comprehensive plan
for Minneapolis or Saint Paul does not always make sense for a city like Oak Park Heights. The
type of tiered system we are suggesting would be more useful for us and,we suspect, for the MET
COUNCIL. It would also be more cost effective, allowing limited resources to be put to better use
in our planning processes.
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Second, the MET COUNCIL should have someone from the MET COUNCIL, perhaps the area
representative,be the point person for each city's Plan. That person should be responsible to meet
with the City's Planning Commission at least once a year to get a feel for what is happening in the
city. During comprehensive planning years those meetings should become more frequent. This
would enable greater dialogue, understanding and trust between individual local communities and
the MET COUNCIL.
Many of us presently on our City's Council or Commission have terms that will expire prior to our
city's next Plan and we may not be in our respective chairs, but we do hope the MET COUNCIL
takes steps to become more of a partner in developing that plan when such time arrives.
Thank you for your consideration in this.
Sincerely,
Mary McComber,
Mayor, Oak Park Heights
Timothy Freeman,
Chair of Planning Commission, Oak Park Heights
Cc: Francisco Gonzalez, Metropolitan Council Member, District 12
Meredith Vadis, Regional Administrator
Corrin Wendell, Sector Staff Liaison Corrin.Wendell@metc.state.mn.us
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From: cwiIIiams(�bmainstreamboutiaue.com
To: Eric Johnson
Subject: Thank you for the grant!
Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2020 4:55:49 PM
Dear Mr. Liljegren and Oak Park Heights board members,
I meant to write this much earlier but I hope you will not take my thanks lightly due to
the timing of my letter?
I am truly grateful for your confidence in our business in granting us $2500 in June
when we so desperately needed every penny to keep afloat! The spring of 2020 was
hard on many businesses and ours was no exception, we are a clothing retailer who
was expected to stay alive during a "mandated closure" even when our competitors
who many carry the same items and price pts as us were allowed to stay open such
as Kowalski's, Target and other big box retailers? I'm sure their revenue's are soaring
this year and I truly am happy for their successes but I'm even more grateful for those
who understood small businesses were suffering and needed help.
I am happy to say with your help and our communities continued support we did
survive and are still in business! I'm also happy to report we finished October sales
+3% over last year and that was big for us as October of 2019 was our biggest ever!
I wanted to let you know that we used the $2500 to pay off supplies we desperately
needed to purchase (that had nothing to do with revenue) in order to open back up in
late May-June! We also were able to bring back 2 additional people who had been
fur load when we had to close. I'm certain we would have figured it out without the
help but you took a lot of weight off of our heavy shoulders and it especially felt good
that our local City Council wanted to support us.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
We hope to see you in Mainstream Boutique soon!
My very best,
Camille
Camille Williams
(651)341-3430 cell
Mainstream Boutique Stillwater
5815 Neal Ave N
Stillwater, MN 55082
6 of 33
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
POLICE DEPARTMENT
14168 Oak Park Blvd. N., P.O. Box 2007
11 Oak Park Heights, MN 55082
November 3, 2020
To: Mayor and Council
From: Brian DeRosier, Chief of Police
Subject: Police Activity Report—October 2020
This overview report is the activity of the Oak Park Heights Police Department during the month of
October 2020. Officers responded to and generated 1,599 calls for service in the City of Oak Park
Heights during the month.
We continue to spend significant time working with WC on their implementation of the required NIBRS
federal reporting data requirements as part of the police records/ reports system. The system did not
work when it went live early in October and WC IT insisted the problem was with our network. The city
IT contractor was tasked to work with the State and WC to determine the issue. After numerous hours
and significant expense to the city for IT consultation, WC finally acknowledged the issue was on their
end again.
The Safe and Sober grants renewed for the next fiscal year. We continue to not participate in the
voluntary program due to CV-19 protocols. The city portion of the grant funding was turned back.
Walmart has requested officers on overtime at their expense for security over the holidays. We have
filled this request. This is not LE essential or required and will have to be discontinued if the city
protocols change back to strict CV-19 protocols closing city hall etc.
I have been working on finding a vendor to repair the radar trailer. I personally over the years have
done simple repairs but this appears to be a failure of the system? At this time unable to locate any
repair vendor locally. I solicited other agencies and they also had no resources for repair and have been
replacing their trailers. The city may have to decide on taking the trailer to an out of state vendor for
repair or replacement of the trailer or some components.
Background investigations for the new hire police officer have been completed. One officer pulled out
of the process due to accepting an offer with a southern metro department. A recommendation of hire
will be submitted to council for a candidate.
7 of 33
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
POLICE DEPARTMENT
14168 Oak Park Blvd. N., P.O. Box 2007
11 Oak Park Heights, MN 55082
Officers attended training courses during the month:
We have limited in person department training when we are able to maintain distancing and other
safety precautions, however we are still generally restricted to Online training at this time.
1. All Officers received training on Harassment Crimes and Restraining Orders
Call for Service Highlights:
With all the issues of the pandemic implementation we continue to work and deal with police work. The
department responded to many incidents during the month. This is a summary/sampling of some of
the cases we responded to and investigated:
1. Investigated 17 yr. old female habitual runaway. Returned after several days.
2. High volume of theft reports revolving around self-checkout stations at retailers.
3. Investigated stolen vehicle which was later recovered in St Paul.
4. Death investigation of adult elderly male at home. Significant medical conditions and positive
CV-19.
5. Investigated report of skeleton in the pond below the Hwy 36 bridge. Determined to be fake.
6. Responded to gas station on report of large fight with knife displayed.
7. Unauthorized use of MV with victim leaving keys in car in retail parking lot.
8. Responded and dealt with numerous calls for violation of order for protection concerns
between 2 people living in same apartment complex.
9. Arrested female for DWI over 3 times the legal limit at noon when leaving the liquor store.
Resupplying...?
10. Responded to suicidal male with handgun. Resolved without incident.
11. Officer assisted SWPD looking for a suicidal male walking around neighborhood with a gun.
Officer used our handheld thermal imager and located suspect.
12. Arrested a male for DWI at 3 in the afternoon. Male had gone in ditch and then continued on
to gas station where he was arrested. 3 times the legal limit.
Chief DeRosier
8 of 33
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MIDDLE ST. CROIX WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION
4 5 5 H A Y W A R D AVENUE , O A K D A L E , MINN ESTOA 5 5 0 8 2
P h o n e 6 5 1 . 3 3 0 . 8 2 2 0 x 2 2 f a x 6 5 1 . 3 3 0 . 7 7 4 7 www . m s c w m o . o r g
Regular Meeting of the Middle St. Croix Watershed Management Organization MSCW
HELD REMOTELY DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC � pld
Attend ONLINE VIA ZOOM by clicking this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/i/83545784944
OR
Attend by CONFERENCE CALL by dialing+1312 626 6799—Meeting ID 835 4578 4944
Thursday, November 12th, 2020 "'°`
6:OOPM
1. Call to Order—6:OOPM
a. Approval of Agenda
2. Approval of Minutes
a. Draft minutes—October 8th, 2020 pg. 1-4
4. Treasurer's Report
a. Report of savings account, assets for November 12th, 2020
b. Approve payment of bills for November 12th, 2020
5. Public Comment
6. Old Business
7. New Business
a. 3M PFAS Reimbursement Request pg. 5-7
b. 2021 MSCWMO-WCD Technical Services Agreement pg. 8-14
c. 2021 Permit Review and Meeting Dates pg. 15
d. 2021 Project Review Fees pg. 16
e. Biennial Request for Professional Services pg. 17
f. 2020 BMP Maintenance Program Summary pg. 18-19
8. Grant and Cost Share Applications
a. Trinity Lutheran Church Parking Cost Share Request pg. 20-22
b. Fix Cost Share Payment pg. 23-25
c. Martin Cost Share Payment pg. 26-28
d. Ballweg Cost Share Payment pg. 29-32
9. Plan Reviews/Submittals
a. Plan Review and Submittal Summary pg. 33
i. Fox-INFORM
b. Erosion and Sediment Control Inspection Reports pg. 34-49
10. Staff Report pg. 50-52
11. 1W1P Updates
a. Summary of Actions for Plan Adoption pg. 53-54
Middle St. Croix Watershed Management Organization Member Communities
Afton, Bayport, Baytown, Lakeland, Lakeland Shores, Lake St. Croix Beach, Oak Park Heights, St. Mary's Point, Stillwater, ft West Lakeland
11 of 33
,illlw•[.Y�
MIDDLE ST. CROIX WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION
4 5 5 H AYWARD AVENUE , O A K D A L E , MINN ESTOA 5 5 0 8 2
P h o n e 6 5 1 3 3 0 . 8 2 2 0 x 2 2 f a x 6 5 1 . 3 3 0 . 7 7 4 7 www . m s c w m o . o r g
b. Sample Resolution to Adopt pg. 55-56 M5CW
c. LSC Joint Powers Agreement pg. 57-67 " pld
1. 1•nJ
12. Other
13. Adjourn
��o:un
Middle St. Croix Watershed Management Organization Member Communities
Afton, Bayport, Baytown, Lakeland, Lakeland Shores, Lake St. Croix Beach, Oak Park Heights, St. Mary's Point, Stillwater, ft West Lakeland
12 of 33
From: Mary Mccomber
To: Eric Johnson
Subject: Fwd: Metro Cities Policy Adoption Meeting-November 19th
Date: Tuesday,November 3, 2020 1:52:03 PM
-----Original Message-----
From: Dorn, Jennifer<jennifer@metrocitiesmn.org>
To: marymccomber@aol.com <marymccomber@aol.com>
Sent: Tue, Nov 3, 2020 1:43 pm
Subject: Metro Cities Policy Adoption Meeting - November 19th
Good afternoon:
Metro Cities' Legislative Policy Adoption Meeting will be held remotely this year, on Thursday.
November 19th at 4:00 p.m. at which time 2021 legislative policies will be adopted by the
association's membership. Draft policies are available for review here. Policies were
recommended over the summer by four policy committees and approved by the Metro Cities
Board of Directors in October.
All member city officials are welcome to attend the policy adoption meeting! Each city is
responsible for assigning delegate(s) to represent the city's position on policies. Meeting
protocols were emailed to city managers and administrators, and additional information will
be sent in advance of the 19th. Policy committee chairs will provide brief summaries of the
policy recommendations for 2021.
Guest speakers Briana Bierschbach from the Star Tribune and Brian Bakst from Minnesota
Public Radio (MPR) will join us at 4:00 p.m. to share their insights on the 2020 elections and
upcoming legislative session.
Please RSVP to iennifer(cDmetrocitiesmn.org_or 651-215-4000. Meeting access and other
information will follow. The meeting is expected to be about an hour in length.
We hope to see you on the 19th!
Sincerely,
Patricia Nauman
Executive Director
13 of 33
From: Mary Mccomber
To: Eric Johnson
Subject: Fwd: How Sustainable Pipes are Energizing Hillsboro-Federal Advocacy Newsletter-Week of November 3
Date: Tuesday,November 3,2020 11:20:01 AM
For weekly notes
-----Original Message-----
From: National League Of Cities (NLC)<advocacy@nlc.org>
To: marymccomber@aol.com
Sent: Tue, Nov 3, 2020 10:15 am
Subject: How Sustainable Pipes are Energizing Hillsboro- Federal Advocacy Newsletter-Week of November 3
Your Voice in Washington!
8
How Sustainable Pipes are Energizing Hillsboro, Oregon
8
How Sustainable Pipes are Energizing Hillsboro,
Oregon
The city of Hillsboro, Oregon is the first in the United States to install a new form of
renewable energy into the city's infrastructure. Learn more about this infrastructure
innovation and its impact on the community from Mayor Steve Callaway.
■
8
How Mayors Are Ensuring What Might Justice Barrett FCC Wireless Siting
14 of 33
Free and Fair Elections Mean for States and Local Restrictions: What's Next
.- Governments? for Cities?
■
NLC Members in Action
Stay Updated on Advocacy Initiatives:
• TAKE ACTION! As the most trusted level of government, municipal leaders are
ready to lead as powerful conveners that can increase election participation rates
nationwide—starting locally. Today is election day but the work to secure a strong
future doesn't stop today! Commit to increasing voter engagement for future
elections by taking the pledge and sharing your insight here.
• NLC is preparing its National Municipal Policy for 2021! During NLC's virtual
City Summit, the entire NLC membership, including the State Municipal Leagues,
will consider changes to NLC's National Municipal Policy (NMP). The NMP is
NLC's comprehensive policy platform on federal issues directly affecting or of
concern to cities and towns. It serves as the foundation for NLC's federal
advocacy efforts on behalf of the nation's cities, towns, and villages and is subject
to an annual review by the NLC membership during the City Summit. A relevant
and robust NMP is essential to elevating the voices of cities, towns and villages
on Capitol Hill. Review the 2021 Proposed National Municipal Policy Amendments
and Resolutions Book.
■
Announcements
15 of 33
Election Trust Toolkit for City Leaders and Staff
City leaders are residents' most trusted government officials—they are uniquely
positioned to reach out to residents to reassure them that this election is safe and fair
and to set expectations for results. Cities Vote has developed a social media toolkit
that you can use to share key messages with your community about election integrity,
mail-in voting, and what to look for on and after November 3rd.
New CDC Report: Excess Deaths Associated with COVID-19
by Age, Race, and Ethnicity
According to newly released Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from the CDC, it is
estimated that 299,028 excess deaths occurred from late January through Oct. 3,
2020, with the largest percentage increases seen among adults aged 25-44 years
and among Hispanic or Latino persons. Read the report here.
FEMA to award record-breaking $500 million in funding
through the BRIC program
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) support states, local
communities, tribes and territories as they undertake hazard mitigation projects,
reducing the risks they face from disasters and natural hazards. BRIC is a new FEMA
hazard mitigation program that replaces the existing Pre-Disaster Mitigation program.
To learn more about the program, you can visit the robust library of readily accessible
BRIC program support materials. On the website, you can also find information before
you apply, when you apply and after you apply for BRIC funds.
Advocacy News
What We're Reading:
• The gas tax was already broken. The pandemic could end it. - Smart City Dive
(October 26, 2020)
• `Fire them all' —GOP governor rips Congress for inability to reach coronavirus
stimulus deal - CNBC(October 26, 2020)
• D.C. already has $90 million back from FEMA for fighting covid-19. So far, Fairfax
County has $0 - The Washington Post(October 22, 2020)
• Experts: For Drones to Work in the Air, Get Buy-In on the Ground - Government
Technology(October 21, 2020)
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City Summit 2020
8
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From: Mary Mccomber
To: Eric Johnson
Subject: Fwd:A City Leader's Guide to Ensuring a Safe,Accessible,and Fair Election
Date: Saturday,October 31,2020 8:43:17 AM
For weekly notes
-----Original Message-----
From: National League Of Cities (NLC)<news@nlc.org>
To: marymccomber@aol.com
Sent: Sat, Oct 31, 2020 6:01 am
Subject: A City Leader's Guide to Ensuring a Safe, Accessible, and Fair Election
News,resources and events for local leaders and staff.
8
A City Leader's Guide to Ensuring a Safe, Accessible, and Fair Election
8
A City Leader's Guide to Ensuring a Safe, Accessible,
and Fair Election
Amidst intersecting crises of a pandemic, economic recession, and racial inequality, this 2020
looks vastly different than a typical election year. Whether you voted in person, voted early, or
voted by mail, new rules and restrictions have changed the landscape of participatory
democracy.
■
NLC Voting PSA
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NLC Voting PSA
8
This election could look a little different this year. NLC CEO Clarence Anthony shares
how you can help your community prepare for a potential period of uncertainty in the
days after November 3.
■
■ Nowl
�8 J8 8
For Cities to Thrive, Its Trending Topics: How How Do the 2020 Census
Children, Youth and Families Mayors Are Ensuring Free Self-Response Rates
Must Thrive and Fair Elections Compare to 2010 &What
Does That Mean For COVID
- - Recovery?
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■
■ ■
IF
Industry News
What We're Reading:
• Council commits to advocate for entrepreneurs -The Sentinel (October 25, 2020)
• Voter Guide 2020 - Country Messenger(October 24, 2020)
Announcements
Apply Today 12021 Leadership in Community Resilience
Program
NLC is proud to announce its partnership with the Resilient Cities Network for the 2020
Leadership in Community Resilience (LCR) grant program. Learn more about the
partnership and how to apply for one of th $10,000 grants here.
Learn More >
Amplify Your City's Voice at NLC's Annual Business Meeting
Do you know that your city gets a vote on NLC policy at the Annual Business Meeting
(ABM)? The Annual Business Meeting is where municipalities learn about the business of
NLC and elect new officers. Register your delegate to be your city's voice.
Learn More >
20 of 33
From: FamilvMeans
To: Eric Johnson
Subject: Agency Newsletter November 2020
Date: Thursday,November 5,2020 9:01:25 AM
November 2020
FamilyMeans
u
21 of 33
National Family Caregiver Month
November is National Family Caregiver Month,a time to honor and support individuals who provide care to family or friends.Many caregivers
feel stress,fatigue,and financial strain as they work to provide care for a loved one,this is compounded with the added challenges of Covid-19.
FamilyMeans Caregiving&Aging is here to support family caregivers no matter what challenge you face.
Ways we are supporting Caregivers this month:
PolkaSol a virtual National Family Caregiver Month Celebration with music,dancing and fun for all!November 6,3:oopm-4:oopm
Education on Medicare Basics a virtual training for anyone interested in learning more about Medicare plans,enrollment periods,more!
November 10,2:00pm—3:3opm
012eration Sight&Sound by Charlie Maquire a virtual Veterans Day Celebration with special live music!November 11,1o:ooam—11:ooam
Virtual Support Grou 2ss invite participants to gather with caregivers in like situations to find support,balance,and self-care techniques.
Wednesday and Friday options through December.
Coaching&Consultation,schedule a virtual visit(phone or video call)with one of our social workers for support through any challenge you
are facing today.
Virtual Education our Community Educator is available to provide trainings to your workplace,small group,or class on a variety of topics.
New!Dementia Friendly Workplace Training Available Now!
Unsure where to start?Click here to take this short survey to find out if it is time to get help,and the next steps to take.
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Spread the word about FamilyMeans caregiver support services!Follow our social media accounts for more support resources and share with your
family/friends.Listen for radio ads on KS95 and MyTalk97 through November!
I®❑
School-Based Mental Health:
Connecting with Students Safely
With FamilyMeans School-Based Mental Health counselors
in 23 schools across five districts in both Minnesota and
Wisconsin,it has been a year of patchwork academic plans
due to Covid-19 precautions.Typically,one of the great
strengths of our program is embedding a therapist in the
school buildings;however,when that is not possible,we have
found some positives about the telehealth model.
Read More
Debt Management Programs versus
Debt Settlement
People accumulate debt for a variety of reasons,from loss of
jobs to injuries/illnesses,to divorce or simply overspending.
Sometimes clients never learned good financial habits.As
debt grows,so does the worry and stress.Having
overwhelming debt can negatively impact all aspects of lives,
livelihoods,and relationships.
For many,it is hard to know who to turn to for help.There
are numerous programs out there,all promising results.
Many people turn to debt settlement or debt relief programs
that actually end up hurting their finances more than
helping.As a member of the National Foundation for Credit
Counseling,FamilyMeans Financial Solutions is held to the
highest national standards,required to participate in regular
ongoing training,and is truly"in your corner"to help you
gain financial freedom,unlike for-profit debt settlement
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organizations. The FamilyMeans Debt Management
Program(DMP)is safer than debt settlement/relief
programs and allows you to pay off debts quicker,benefiting
both clients and creditors.
Read More
Fall Events at the Center for Grief &
Loss
The Center for Grief&Loss finds ways to connect
with the community through safe fall events.
Fn Each September,the Memorial Walk for Hope&Healing
brings together individuals and families who have lost a
loved one to celebrate their life with a short walk around
CGL Staff Como Lake,and program of reflection and remembrance.
Recording
Memorial Because of gathering restrictions,the event was virtual this
Walk year,bringing together over 6o individuals to hear words of
comfort,soft drumming by the Women's Drum Center,and a
virtual walk experience.
In mid-October,the Center for Grief&Loss hosted a Nature
I®❑ Immersion for Healing class at Roberts Bird Sanctuary.This
was a limited participant,safely distanced,in-person class
Roberts led by yoga instructor,Dallas Rising.Inspired by Japanese
Bird practice shinrin-yoku(a.ka forest bathing or forest therapy),
Sanctuary the session was multi-sensory,encouraging participants to
find comfort and the restorative power of nature.
November 21,2020 is International Survivors of Suicide
Loss Day.The Center is usually a host site for the American
Foundation for Suicide Prevention(AFSP).However,
because of Covid-19 restrictions this event is also virtual.We
recognize that this year,perhaps more than before,may feel
especially isolating to those who have lost a loved one due to
suicide.Therefore,we would like to share information with
you on how to participate and find support virtually.Click
here to learn more.
Youth Holiday Gift Drive
Spread joy to a local family this year!We are collecting gifts for participants,ages 5-18,in FamilyMeans Youth Development initiatives in
Cimarron and Landfall.
To keep donors and families safe we are collecting items earlier this year to give time for safe distribution.Please drop off donations by
December'7th at the FamilyMeans Stillwater Office(click here for information on contactless drop off).We encourage the donation of gift
cards of any increment to local stores as this reduces contact with items for safer distribution to families.However,if you prefer to donate toys
you can find a wish list here.
A special thank you to longtime partners,Stillwater Motors and Student Assurance Services,for holding gift drives at their locations in
support of FamilyMeans!We are grateful to all who participate,allowing us to provide a present to a child in Washington County who
otherwise may not receive a holiday gift this year.
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Printable Gift Drive Flyer
Day Out! Group Respite Goes Virtual
FamilyMeans Day Out!group respite program supports caregivers by giving them a break each Friday from loam-2pm as their care
receiver spends time at this group respite program at our Stillwater location.Participants enjoy group discussions,creative
projects,music,exercise,games,and more.
In early March,we had made the tough decision to postpone this program until gathering in-person was safe again.Since then,the
volunteers who help with Day Out!have worked on creative ways to continue to support the families who participate.
Check—Ins:providing regular calls,emails,or letter check-ins to be sure that caregivers are getting the answers and support
they need.
Video Recordings:a few of our volunteers have recorded short videos with song,dance,and other entertainment.
Doorstep Greetings:while the weather was still warm,staff and volunteers made brief,safely distanced visits to participants
outside on their doorsteps.They brought little goodie baskets to each home that included activity kits,treats,and more.
Virtual Day Out!:Beginning on Oct.5th Day Out!has gone virtual.On Mondays from 10:30am-12:oopm and Fridays from
1:00pm-2:301m,participants gather on Zoom for fun activities that get everyone singing,dancing,and chatting. Special thanks
to volunteers Rebecca Erickson,Sam Coburn,Jim Scheibe,and Peg Bear who help to lead the programming and create fun
activities for participants.
We are so grateful for the wonderful volunteers and staff members who continue to establish innovative approaches to provide support
to caregivers during this especially challenging time.
Why Year-End Gifts are Important
Since 1963,FamilyMeans has stood by the community,helping to show that better is possible,even through the toughest of times.As we
navigate the uncertainty that comes with Covid-19,we continue to hold true to this mission by helping clients to persevere through
challenges,volunteers find meaningful engagement,and donors build a stronger community.
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Last year,FamilyMeans served over 15,000 people!Even with the disruptions that have come with the pandemic,we continue to meet
client needs by offering virtual or telephone visits and programming options,while keeping public health and safety a top priority. We
could not do this without the generous donations from individuals like you.Thank you.
Fin
Hel
FamilyMeans Board of Directors
2020-2021
Brian Gunderson,Chair I Cary Stewart,Treasurer
Susannah Torseth,Secretary I Elizabeth McGinley,Past Chair
Charles Bransford,MD I Melissa Harris I Heidi Hubbard,MD
Marissa Lucio I Mike Lyner I Jessica Meletiou I Rajean Moone,PhD
Linda Skoglund I Josh Zignego I James Kroening,President&CEO
FamilyMeans
1875 Northwestern Ave S, I Stillwater,Minnesota 55082
651 439 4840 1 FamilyMeans@FamilyMeans.org
Follow Us
01 01 01 7W1 7W1
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26 of 33
From: Lockridae Grindal Nauen P.L.L.P.
To: Eric Johnson
Subject: Minnesota"s 2020 Election Results
Date: Wednesday,November 4,2020 9:34:29 AM
• Former Vice President Joe Biden carried Minnesota and its 10 electoral votes in his quest for the
presidency. Biden won 52.43%of the vote in the state to President Donald Trump's 45.26%.
• Minnesota's 10-member congressional delegation will have one new member with the election of
Michelle Fischbach to the Seventh Congressional District.
• In the only non-federal statewide race in Minnesota, Justice Paul Thissen retained his seat on the
Minnesota Supreme Court with 59.12%of the vote.
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• The Minnesota Senate appears to have stayed in Republican control. If current race leads hold,
the Republicans are poised to have at least 34 seats in the Minnesota Senate.
• The Minnesota House of Representatives will stay in DFL hands following yesterday's election.
While it appears the DFL lost five seats, they still remain in the majority—going from having 75
seats to 69 seats while the Republicans went from having 59 seats to 64 seats. One contested
DFL-held House seat is not yet called.
U.S. Senator Tina Smith (DFL) prevailed with
48.84%of the vote to 43.44%for former
Congressman Jason Lewis (R)to win a full
six-year term to the U.S. Senate.
Smith's U.S. Senate seat won't be on the
ballot again until 2026.
Congressman Jim Hagedorn (R) leads Dan
Feehan (DFL)48.85%to 45.33% in the race
for Minnesota's First Congressional District.
This race is not yet called.
The First Congressional District spans across
the entire southern border of the state. Major
cities in the district include Rochester,
19 Mankato, and Winona.
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Second Congrassionai District
Congresswoman Angie Craig (DFL)won re- r
election to a second term with 48.14%of the
vote over Tyler Kistner's (R)45.98%to
represent Minnesota's Second Congressional
District.
The Second Congressional District
encompasses suburban and rural areas south
of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Congressman Dean Phillips (DFL)won re-
election to a second term with 55.58%of the
vote to 44.35%for Kendall Qualls (R)to
represent Minnesota's Third Congressional
District.
The Third Congressional District includes the
western suburbs of Minneapolis.
i
Fourth
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL)won
re-election to an 11 th term with 63.18%of the
vote over her Republican challenger's
28.97%to represent Minnesota's Fourth
Congressional District.
The Fourth Congressional District covers
nearly all of Ramsey County and part of
Washington County.
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Congresswoman Ilhan Omar(DFL)won re-
election to a second term with 64.34%of the
vote over her Republican challenger's
25.81%to represent Minnesota's Fifth
Congressional District.
The Fifth Congressional District includes
Minneapolis and surrounding first-ring
suburbs.
Congressman Tom Emmer(R)won re-
election to a fourth term with 66.10%of the
vote over his DFL challenger's 33.76%to
represent Minnesota's Sixth Congressional
District.
The Sixth Congressional District includes
most or all of Benton, Carver, Sherburne,
Stearns, Wright,Anoka, and Washington
counties.
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Former Lieutenant Governor Michelle
Fischbach (R) prevailed with 53.51%of the
vote over Congressman Collin Peterson's (D)
39.73%to represent Minnesota's Seventh
Congressional District.
Minnesota's Seventh Congressional District
covers nearly all of the western portion of
❑® Minnesota—stretching from the Canadian
border almost down to Iowa.
Eighth Congressional Ml,, '- ,,-'
Congressman Peter Stauber(R)won re-
election to a second term with 56.69%to
37.61%for Quinn Nystrom (DFL)to represent
Minnesota's Eighth Congressional District.
The Eighth Congressional District covers the
northeastern part of the state. It stretches
from the Arrowhead Region and Iron Range
down to Duluth and through east central
Minnesota to the northern Twin Cities exurbs.
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Justice Paul Thissen won his election to
continue serving on the Minnesota Supreme
Court with 59.12%over his challenger's
40.54%for a six-year term. Thissen was
appointed to the Minnesota Supreme Court
by then-Governor Mark Dayton in 2018.
The Minnesota Senate appears to be staying in Republican control. For either party to attain control
of the Minnesota Senate, the prevailing party must attain at least 34 seats.
Heading into the election, Senate Republicans held 35 seats. Two Senate seats flipped from
Republican to DFL while one Senate seat flipped from DFL to Republican.Another contested seat
held by the DFL—Senate District 27—does not have full results reported and is not yet called.
The Senate seats that changed party control can be found below:
. Ann Johnson Stewart(DFL-Plymouth)won the Senate seat of retiring Senator Paul Anderson (R-
Plymouth)for Senate District 44.
• Lindsey Port(DFL-Burnsville)defeated Senator Dan Hall (R-Burnsville)for Senate District 56.
• Zach Duckworth (R-Lakeville) defeated Senator Matt Little (DFL-Lakeville)for Senate District 58.
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Should the leads in these races hold as reported by the Secretary of State's website, Senate
Republicans will have at least 34 seats for the 2021 Legislative Session.
Minnesota House of Rep r°--�h
The Minnesota House of Representatives appears to be staying in DFL control. For either party to
attain control of the Minnesota House, the prevailing party must win at least 68 seats.
Based on current available election results, House Democrats appear to have gone from having 75
seats to having 69 seats while House Republicans appear to have grown from having 59 seats to 64
seats. Full results are not yet available for the contested DFL-held House District 27B seat. Should
the seat stay in the DFL column, the DFL will have 70 House seats.
The House seats that appear to have changed party control can be found below:
• Matt Bliss (R-Pennington) defeated Representative John Persell (DFL-Bemidji)for House District
05A.
• Rob Farnsworth (R-Hibbing)defeated Representative Julie Sandstede (DFL-Hibbing)for House
District 06A.
• Susan Akland (R-St. Peter)defeated Representative Jeff Brand (DFL-St. Peter)for House District
19A.
• Keith Franke (R-St. Paul Park) defeated Representative Anne Claflin (DFL-South St. Paul)for
House District 54A.
• Erik Mortensen (R) defeated Representative Brad Tabke (DFL-Shakopee)for House District 55A.
The races for House District 06A and House District 19A may be subject to a recount. Should the
leads in these races hold as reported by the Secretary of State's website, the House DFL will have at
least 69 seats for the 2021 Legislative Session (with one DFL-held seat not yet called).
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