HomeMy WebLinkAboutweekly Notes- march 26th 2021 ' CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS—WEEKLY NOTES for: March 26th,2021
TO: City Council Members& Staff
FROM: Eric Johnson,City Administrator
Zoning&Development Items:
1. No new applications have been received.
2. The City has been made aware of the establishment of an unofficial"off-road"truck park—on lands under the bridge... We have reached out to
the landowners asking them to ensure signage and barriers are installed.The City Police will be implementing enforcement o deter this use.
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 State has issued a general VACCINATION process for all Minnesotans-Sign up at Vaccine Connector
(https://vaccineconnector.mn.gov/).
• You can register for vaccine through Washington County-subject to availability---at:
https://www.co.washington.mn.us/3328/COVID-I9-Vaccine-Clinics
• Given the new 16+age availability—you should also check with local pharmacies,your health care provider,etc. I suspect there will be
a mad-rush to register.
Other Items:
The City received two"thank you"notes—one from a resident thanking Police for their response on her medical concerns(her name is redacted)and the US
CENSUS. Both are enclosed.
Lockridge Grindal—Update for 3/25/21 —A Summary of the new WALZ order on 16+eligibility for vaccination—COVID-19.
The City Council did approve a letter to the METRO TRANSIT office related to bus stop conditions, I have placed that letter in Council Member Carly
Johnson's Mailbox here at City Hall to begin the signature process—please stop by City hall in the coming week to sign as well.Copy of the PDF is enclosed.
Mayor McComber provided:
1. NLC Updates for 3/20 and 3/23
2. THANK YOU- Communications between the Mayor and House Tax Committee - Chair, Mr. Fue Lee. This relates to the City's meeting with him on
Wednesday to discuss possible BONDING bill$10,000,000 for A.S. King Plant.
Please let me know if you have any questions-651.253.7837 Call Anytime.
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R
1.
City of Oak Park Heights
14168 Oak Park Blvd. N•Oak Park Heights,MN 55082•Phone(651)439-4439•Fax(651)439-0574
3/25/21
TO: Adam Josephson, MNDOT adam.losephson@state.mn.us
Green, Duane MNDOT duane.green@state.mn.us
Augello, William R MNDOT william.augello@state.mn.us
Bieniek,John MNDOT 0ohn.bieniek@state.mn.us
Board, Beryl MNDOT beryl.boa rd@state.mn.us
Colette Jurek,Xcel Energy colette.c.iurek@xcelenergy.com
Brian Behm, Xcel Energy Brian.Behm@xcelenergy.com
Kyle Colvin, MCES kyle.colvin@metc.state.mn.us
RE: UNOFFICIAL OFF-ROAD PARK—MNDOT, XCEL, MCES Lands
As you may know, your properties are being used as an unofficial - OFF-ROAD truck course and is
causing noise and commotion near the St. Croix Crossing. This type of use is not permitted in the City, is
not compatible with City's RIVERWAY district,violates nuisance ordinances and may be trespassing on
private property or on State lands not permitted for such use.
The underlying landowner(Xcel/ MNDOT/ MCES) is ultimately responsible to ensure that its land-use is
compliant with City Ordinances and State Rules including tenets of the WILD AND SCENIC RIVER. Please
see the attached map/images showing ownership and impacts.
Accordingly, we would ask that you implement necessary actions to prevent such use—such as
appropriate signage prohibiting such use and access and that you implement the installation of
reasonable barriers or chain-system to prevent access. Further, City Police presence is of course limited
and the City is not able to manage your lands.
Once this signage and/or barriers are installed and within plain view, the City is then able and willing to
issue citations for trespassing on private or prohibited lands. However, if you have given permission for
such uses on your land(s)we must be made aware of this relative to enforcement of such citations.
We hope that once a few citations and enforcement actions are implemented, that such use will
subside. Please let us know what your plans may be and the timeline to implement them.
Thank You
Eric Johnson
City Administrator
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From: Hansen
To: F—ft 0ohnssgn
Subject: FW:Thank you!
Date: Thursday,March 25,2021 10:08:02 AM
From: Police<Police@cityofoakparkheights.com>
Sent:Wednesday, March 24, 20213:09 PM
To: Brian Zwach <bzwach@cityofoakparkheights.com>; David Wynia
<dwynia@cityofoakparkheights.com>;Jenna Hicks<JHicks@cityofoakparkheights.com>;Jon Givand
<jgivand@cityofoakparkheights.com>;Joseph Croft<ja croft @ cityofoa kpa rkh eights.co m>; Lee
Schroeder<LSchroeder@cityofoakparkheights.com>; Lindsey Paradise
<Iparadise@cityofoakparkheights.cam>; Sandra Kruse-Roslin <skkruse@cityofoakparkheights.com>;
Steve Hansen<SHansen@cityofoakparkheights.com>
Subject: EW:Thank you!
From:
Sent:Wednesday, March 24, 20211:14 PM
To: Police<EQ lice i >
Subject:Thank you!
Dear Officers of Oak Park Heights,
I wish to thank you for coming to my aide on March 16th when I had the severe reaction to the covid
19 vaccine. It was so very frightening! I was having a whole brain neurological reaction with intense
sound in my head, along with voices sounding like they were coming through a tunnel, severe
vertigo, nystagmus and vomiting.
This was very similar to my Meniere's attack in 1986 at that time I was coming home from church
and went deaf in my left ear and the vertigo kept me in the hospital for a week. 1 was fortunate to
regain my hearing to 80% nine months later but the vertigo lasted 4 years at which time they put a
shunt in my ear to drain fluid. So,they figure that the vaccine triggered Meniere's again which I do
not relish. They put me on prednisone for now and I see the ENT specialist next
week. Hopefully I will not go deaf again as it is very unusual to regain
hearing after losing it like that.
I am extremely thankful for our Police Officers! My uncle was Chief of Police in White Bear Lake
years ago. I always have felt that the Police are an integral part of community life. My sons are still
in contact with their DARE officer from grade school.Although it did not seem to help my sons resist
the pressure to drink which I taught them was very dangerous in our family due to the family
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sensitivity to alcoho{ism.
I myself have never drank, because of this exposure to others in my family I have always seen it as
detrimental. It was distressing that the people coming to help me when I was so ill may have
attributed my vomiting and vertigo to me having been drinking, however,this was not the case.
Meniere's is a very serious neurological condition that is not easily treated.As it may get worse as I
get older, l would like you to inform your staff of this issue with me and have them possibly look it
up so they understand what they may be dealing with in the future if I encounter it again. I also have
an immune deficiency which causes me to react severely to my environment,food and medication
with allergic reactions and intense vomiting,which is why l reacted so violently to the vaccine. My
doctor says I am not able to have the second vaccine.
Thank you again for your support.
Sincerely,�� RsroKrto
It
7 of 21
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oFON
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF
A '1% COMMERCE
Economics and Statistics Administration
U.S. Census Bureau
e#- ,/ Chicago Regional Census Center
Chicago, IL 60604-2948
February 2021
Mary McComber
City of Oak Park Heights
14168 Oak Park Blvd N
Oak Park Heights, Minnesota 55082
Dear Ms. McComber:
Thank you for your valuable partnership during this Decennial Census. With your support,the Region
exceeded the National Self-Response Rate of 67%and had the highest self-response rate among all Regions,
of 69.8%.
In collaboration with more than 50,550 partners,that collectively held nearly 64,750 events and made more
than 70,450 commitments,you exhibited enormous dedication, creativity, and support in developing
outreach and marketing activities that engaged, educated, and encouraged households to complete the 2020
Census, particularly in historically underserved communities.
Working alongside more than 2,015 Complete Count Committees, you and our many valuable partners
hosted thousands of recruiting events to hire census workers that spoke the languages, understood the
cultures, and lived within the communities they were tasked to count. Your efforts also ensured a successful
Mobile Questionnaire Assistance (MQA) program across our Region, with more than 12,819 MQA events that
assisted low-responding communities in completing their census questionnaires online and by phone.
Together, we ensured the Census had the most up-to-date address file, delivered paper questionnaires to
rural areas, recruited workers during one of the lowest periods of unemployment,took on a global pandemic
through unique virtual engagement, and engaged communities through Get Out the Count (GOTC) efforts
that brought Census staff to historically undercounted neighborhoods.
Your valuable contributions will ensure critical planning over the next decade.
Thank you for Making It Count!
Sincerely,
-'60
Marilyn A. Sa ers, Chicago Regional Director
U.S. Census Bureau
United States-
Census
tates
Census
Bureau
census.gov
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ensus
2020
THE U.S. CENSUS BUREAU HEREBY RECOGNIZES
City of Oak Park Heights
as an invaluable member of the 2020 Census Community Partnership and Engagement
Program. We appreciate the efforts you made in making the Partnership Program
a success and helping achieve a successful 2020 Census.
X2��— L rp
Dr.Steven D. Dillingham, [ irector
U.S. Census Bureau
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From: Lockridoe Grindal Nauen P.L.L.P.
To: Eric Johnson
Subject: Legislative Alert:Walz to Announce Vaccine Eligibility Expansion Tomorrow
Date: Thursday,March 25,20214:30:05 PM
iew•
logo image
H. Theodore Grindal
Partner
This afternoon, Governor Tim Walz's office released the following
statement:
"Tomorrow, Governor Walz will announce that all Minnesotans 16
years of age and older will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccination
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load image
beginning Tuesday, March 30. The final eligibility expansion comes as
the federal government has promised an increased supply of vaccine
by April, and as Minnesota has become a national leader in getting
Rebecca J. Kanninen shots into arms quickly. This week Minnesota was ranked number one
Partner in the country for the percentage of vaccine doses administered to
load image Minnesotans. The state has vaccinated 80%of our seniors,
outperforming the nation, and has also vaccinated at least two-thirds of
our school and child care personnel."
"Continuing to honor a commitment to immunizing for impact, the Walz-
Flanagan Administration will be directing providers to prioritize vaccine
appointments for older Minnesotans, those with underlying health
conditions, and those in frontline jobs. Providers will then have the
flexibility to provide available appointments to other eligible
Daniel G. Larson Minnesotans."
Director,State& Local
"We worked hard to vaccinate Minnesotans sooner than we originally
Government Affairs projected, and we have made tremendous progress getting vaccines to
load image Minnesotans who need them most. Now, it's time to get as many
Minnesotans vaccinated as quickly as possible to end this pandemic."
"The Governor will address Minnesotans live on Friday at 11:30am."
Ann T. Lenczewski
Government Relations,
Tax Policy& Local
Government
load image
0
Nathaniel C. Mussell
Partner
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City of Oak Park Heights
14168 Oak Park Blvd. N•Oak Park Heights,MN 55082•Phone(651)439-4439•Fax(651)439-0574
March 23rd,2021
Mr. Wes Kooistra, General Manager
METRO TRANSIT
560 Sixth Avenue North
Minneapolis,MN 55411
RE: Bus Stop—Accessibility
Dear Mr.Kooistra:
We are writing regardimg the 58t1 Street and Stillwater Blvd bus stops for Route 294—stops 7253 and 7261.
Currently,while one bus stop is near a sidewalk and both have a sign and bench,the bus stops on both sides of
the street are not paved,potentially presenting a concern for individuals with limited mobility. (SEE:
https://www.metrotransit.org/imal)/294 -- STOPS: 7253& 7261 —IMAGES ATTCHED)
The City understands that these may not be high traffic bus stops or even stops that are regularly utilized but
we would like to ensure equitable accessibility of all the bus stops in our City so that all our residents can
benefit. So that you may further understand our perspective,please note that approximately 19.8%of Oak Park
Heights residents have some form of disability,which is higher than the national average,of which, 13.9%
have ambulatory difficulty.'
We can understand these may be older stops that may be coming due for some updates however Metro Transit
must ensure that its bus stops have a firm, stable surface to allow passengers to board the bus and to be in
compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and related updates. Currently,the bus stops at 58t1 Street
and Stillwater Blvd do not appear to meet these standards, since they do not have pavement(or other firm
surface) at the stops and as a result lack an accessible connection to the off-street/street route.
We ask that Metro Transit consider paving the stops and make other necessary improvements to better ensure
they are accessible to our community members.And,please let us know the timeline for any such
improvements.
We are grateful to have bus stops in Oak Park Heights and hope to ensure they are accessible to all, so we look
forward to ensuring the accessibly of these stops. Please keep us updated or if you would like to talk to us
further about these concerns.
Sincerely,
Carly Johnson, City Council Member
Mary McComber,Mayor
Mike Liljegren, City Council Member
Chuck Dougherty, City Council Member
Mike Runk,City Council Member
1 Qa� 6yrkHeights city,Minnesota,U.S.CENSUS BUREAU,https:Hdata.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=160000OUS2747914(last visited March 16,
22 }.
cc: Francisco J.Gonzalez,Member District 12
Gary Kriesel,Commissioner Washington County
i
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. .. .... is ..,.
0 01 02mi ... ... .
w,
�5 While this bus stop is next to a sidewalk.the actual
bus stop is still on grass.According to the
Department of Justice's guidance.bus stops tnust
have a firm.stable surface(pavement)to be
accessible under the ADA.It is likely the
responsibility of Metro Transit to ensure accessible
routes and paced bus stops.so part of this evaluation
would be reaching out to Metro Transit to hear their
response to this.
Pbotaa are from Google Maps(�9f9).
14 of 21
From: Mary Mccomber
To: Eric Johnson
Subject: Fwd:American Rescue Plan Implementation Update
Date: Tuesday,March 23,2021 1:52:51 PM
For weekly notes
-----Original Message-----
From: National League Of Cities (NLC)<advocacy@nlc.org>
To: marymccomber@aol.com
Sent: Tue, Mar 23, 2021 1:27 pm
Subject: American Rescue Plan Implementation Update
Federal Advocacy Newsletter-Tuesday,March 23
®1
American Rescue Plan
Implementation Update
The passage of the historic American Rescue Plan means over$65 Billion will be delivered
directly to cities, towns and villages. Now the real work begins. The National League of
Cities (NLC)will be here to answer questions and support your responsible stewardship
with tools and guidance.
Here is how you can take action:
NLC Member Call
,0
American Rescue Plan Submit Your American Resource Hub: COVID-19
Implementation Weekly Rescue Plan Questions and Pandemic Response and
Update Call Story Relief
Response and Recovery
American Rescue Plan Act Summary
The historic American Rescue Plan (ARP)Act will deliver$65.1 billion to cities, towns
15 of 21
and villages, in addition to a host of other relief programs. Last week, NLC hosted our
first weekly update call, which provided an overview on how ARP will help cities
stabilize local government operations. We are still awaiting Treasury guidance on how
municipalities can spend the money; however, there are certain principles that cities
can begin to follow now. View the presentation from the first update call.
3.8.21 Estimated State and Local Allocation Outputs Released
by the House Committee on Oversight and Reform
The House Oversight and Reform Committee staff has provided updated estimates
on state and local allocation outputs as of 3/08/21. These estimates are not final
and are subject to change. Please review the Committee's notes related to the
allocation and read their supplemental explainer, which offers an in-depth guide to
interpreting the estimates.
Rebuild
How the American Rescue Plan Is Providing More Money to
Families through Tax Credits
Local leaders have a role to play in helping residents understand their eligibility for tax
credits, where to go to file their taxes for free, and how to connect with safe banking
products. The recently passed American Rescue Plan (ARP)Act changes one
important tax credit for families this year. Learn more.
What Cities Need to Know as Congress Ramps Up
Community Prioritized Investments
Congress is getting ready to take suggestions on worthy city projects ready for
investment, but the opportunity to submit them is going to move quickly. Earmarks, or
Congressionally directed project spending, were discontinued for several years, but
both the House Democratic majority and House Republican minority have made
changes to their rules to allow a new version of to return. Learn more about
submitting community supported projects.
2021 State of the Cities Survey
8
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Helpful NLC Links:
Articles
Upcoming Events J8 J8 J8
Resources &Training
Advocacy
If this message is not displaying properly, please view the online version.
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This message was intended for: marymccomber@aol.com
660 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite 450, Washington, DC 20001
Privacy Policy I @ 2021 NLC, All Rights Reserved
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From: Mary Mccomber
To: Eric Johnson
Subject: Fwd: How the American Rescue Plan Is Providing More Money to Families
Date: Saturday,March 20,20212:30:23 PM
For weekly notes
-----Original Message-----
From: National League Of Cities (NLC)<news@nlc.org>
To: marymccomber@aol.com
Sent: Sat, Mar 20, 2021 6:04 am
Subject: How the American Rescue Plan Is Providing More Money to Families
News,resources and events for local leaders and staff.
8
How the American Rescue Plan Is Providing More Money to Families through Tax Credits
8
How the American Rescue Plan Is Providing More
Money to Families through Tax Credits
The recently passed American Rescue Plan (ARP)Act changes one important tax credit for
families this year. Previously, the Child Tax Credit (CTC) provided an annual lump sum
payment of$2,000 per child and with the passage of the ARP Act, the CTC will be worth up to
$3,600 for children under 6 and $3,000 for children up to 17.
■
i 8
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How One Startup Support Organization One Year Later: State Preemption
Builds Entrepreneurial Networks Undermines Pandemic Response &
Recovery
■
,view Al I Articlesm
IF
Industry News
What We're Reading:
• Federal Covid-19 Aid Aims to Help Cities, States Avoid Cutting Jobs and Services -
The Wall Street Journal(March 18, 202 1)
• The Biden Agenda Doesn't Run Through Washington - The Atlantic (March 17, 2021)
• The National League of Cities: Reimagining Public Safety— University City Review
(March 17, 2021)
• Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott asks for public input on draft crime plan -Capital
Gazette (March 15, 2021)
Announcements
Stand in Unity, Stop Asian Hate
Join NLC for a Facebook Live at March 24 at 11:30 am ET with NLC CEO Clarence
Anthony and Councilmember Janice Zahn, who leads the Asian American Pacific
Islander Municipal Officials Constituency Group.
Learn More >
State of the Cities 2021 Survey
To gauge how conditions, from the economy and infrastructure to housing and education,
have changed this past year, and how new funding will be used to address these
challenges, NLC is conducting a short survey and we invite you to participate. The results
will be part of our research efforts to showcase local leadership during the pandemic.
Make your voice count! Please respond no later than Friday, March 23.
Complete the Survey Now>
Meet the New and Improved Earmark: What Cities and Towns
Need to Know
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Earlier this month, House Appropriations Chair Rep. Rosa DeLauro announced that they
will be accepting Members of Congress' requests for Community Project Funding in
appropriations bills for the upcoming 2022 fiscal year. This announcement is the first
move in the 117th Congress to open up the reincarnated Congressional "earmark"
funding process. Learn more about what this means for cities and towns and how to
advocate for your community's priorities.
Learn More >
Advancing Health Literacy to Enhance Equitable Community
Responses to COVID-19
At CCC, Vice President Kamala Harris announced a new funding opportunity from the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH).
The new initiative—Advancing Health Literacy to Enhance Equitable Community
Responses to COVID-19—is expected to allocate $250 million to fund approximately 30
projects in urban communities and 43 projects in rural communities for two years.
Applications are due April 20, 2021. Apply now!
Learn More >
Job Openings
See who's hiring right now:
• Fleet Manager-City of Roanoke
• City Administrator-City of Gillette
• Town Attorney -Town of Sahuarita
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Helpful NLC Links:
Articles
Upcoming Events 8 8 8
Resources &Training
Advocacy
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National League of Cities
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From: Mary Mccomber
To: Eric Johnson
Cc: atlenczewskiCablocklaw.com;aahuss(allocklaw.com
Subject: Fwd:Thank You
Date: Thursday, March 25, 20215:44:21 AM
Good Morning,
Thought I would share this......
Mary
-----Original Message-----
From: Fue Lee <Rep.Fue.Lee@house.mn>
To: Mary Mccomber<marymccomber@aol.com>
Cc: Jenny Nash <Jenny.Nash@house.mn>; Shelly Christensen <Rep.Shelly.Christensen@house.mn>
Sent: Wed, Mar 24, 2021 6:21 pm
Subject: RE: Thank You
Mayor McComber,
Thank you for your follow up email. I appreciated hearing from you regarding this request.
Please work with Rep. Christensen on a potential site visit this fall.
Best,
Fue
From: Mary Mccomber <marymccomber@aol.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2021 4:33 PM
To: Fue Lee <Rep.Fue.Lee@house.mn>
Subject: Thank You
Representative Lee,
Thank you for the opportunity to meet with you this morning. I appreciate your time to listen about
the City of Oak Park Heights and some of the many challenges we will face regarding the early
retirement of the Allan S. King Plant. I hope you will be able to visit our city, and the facility sometime
in the future. If there is any further information that you may need, please do not hesitate to contact
me or City Administrator Eric Johnson.
Regards,
Mayor Mary McComber
City of Oak Park Heights
651-351-7879
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