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weekly Notes- June 4th 2021
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS—WEEKLY NOTES for: June 4, 2021 im TO: City Council Members& Staff FROM: Eric Johnson,City Administrator Zoning&Development Items: 1. No new applications have been received and the June 10' Planning Commission has been cancelled due to a lack of business.Staff did meet with ZINTL Construction regarding a possible building expansion on Memorial Ave-,we expect to see an application next week for the July meetings. r� ` _ F 2. The STARBUCKS site continues to experience problems as it appears that their internal / streamlining improvements have not solved their stacking issues. STAFF will be preparing an action for Council discussion about next -- steps including the review of the site's Conditional Use Permit. �— 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. • We understand the County may be closing down some of their free COVID-19 Testing sites held at the Armory in STW. Other testing sites can be found on this Link: https://mn.gov/covidl9/get-tested/testing-locations/index.jsp Other Items: 1. May 2021 Police Activity Report from Chief Hansen 2. Enclosed are the two letters that the Council directed to be sent to the County and the City of Stillwater related to the South frontage Road/Tax Abatement issue. The last letter to the County EDA will be sent early next week. 3. The MET COUNCIL is delayed on their population estimates—They are awaiting release of data from the US CENSUS—See their enclosed explanations. If the City reaches 5,000 the City would be eligible for certain road aids,however with such road aid other mandates or County"asks"may also come into play. 4. Xcel Energy Operational Update. 5. We have received some concerns about exhaust noise/"no mufflers"on westbound 58'Street—just west of Oakgreen Ave. Chief Hansen will be looking into the situation. Mayor McComber provided: 1. Various NLC Updates—June 2"d June 31d, 2. Youth Service Bureau Update for July 2021. 3. EMWREP Educational Updates 4. Chamber of Commerce Leadership in the Valley Program_Registration Information Please let me know if you have any questions-651-253-7837 Call Anytime. 1 of 31 CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N., Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 June 3rd 2021 To: Mayor and Council From: Chief of Police, Steve Hansen Subject: Police Activity Report-May 2021 This overview report is the activity of the Oak Park Heights Police Department during the month of May 2021. Officers responded to and generated 446 calls for service in the City Oak Park Heights, during this month. Quick breakdown for some of those calls for service include the following: 93 medicals, 5 fire related, 11 thefts from businesses, 13 vehicle accidents, 14 alarms, 5 disturbances, 68 traffic violations, 16 suspicious persons/vehicles. This past month was busy for investigations and the patrol division. We had a juvenile overdose related death and 2 reports of persons that were threatening to jump or had jumped from the new bridge. The investigations unit had also executed 12 search warrants this month involving homes, electronic devices, personal accounts. Additionally, we had an average amount of vehicle accidents for the past month, but not the typical kind of crashes. A juvenile driver left the roadway and crashed into a bldg off of 58t' st and another involved a road rage incident involving a vehicle intentionally striking a motorcycle while traveling 80+mph w/b on the frontage road towards Oakgreen ave. We have also participated in a mult-agency effort to reduce speeding vehicles on hwy 36 and hwy 95 area. The State of MN has awarded the 4 agencies of(OPHPD, SPD, WCSO, BP) $22,000 for speed enforcement efforts this summer. OPHPD has conducted 5 extra shifts already with a top speed violation of 86 mph cited. New Hire Update: Officer Kaylyn Fahrendorff started employment this past month on May 3rd and is doing well. She is currently wrapping up phase 1 of field training with Sgt. Givand and is schedule to transition to phase 2 with Officer Zwach on June Stn Community Outreach: Officers have received the annual Dairy Queen free ice cream coupon booklets to handout this summer for kids who get caught wearing their helmets while riding bikes, scooters, skateboards or roller skates. Two young residents with their parents were given a tour of the PD along with meeting the Mayor for a school project. ThefBolice Dept has also moved forward with plans for this year's Night to Unite on August 3rd. Sgt. Vierling, Officers Croft and Hicks will be assisting organizing this event. Officers attended training courses this month: Sgt. Givand and Officer Zwach attending less lethal instructor training for beanbag shotgun rounds and 40 mm sponge rounds in LeCenter, MN. Sgt. Vierling, Officer Zwach, Officer Croft and Officer Hicks attended pursuit driving school refresher in Rosemount. This is required every 5 years per POST mandated rules for all officers in the State of MN. Additionally, Officers continue training through the Online modules through PATROL online. Calls for Service Highlights: This is a sample of some of the cases we responded to and investigated 1. Theft suspect detained for numerous thefts at Kohls, Lowes, Walmart, she was transported to lakeview hospital via ambulance after advising she consumed numerous drugs, she fled from the hospital and was later ID for charging. 2. Welfare check on an individual at Speedway, officers found male passed out in a car near a gas pump. Male individual was awoken and had warrants. He quickly stated that he swallowed 50 pills and wished for ambulance. Male transported to lakeview and was later found again at Walmart sleeping. He was arrested and transported to jail for drug possession and warrants. 3. Vehicle accident car vs. bldg. young driver veered off of 58t'st to avoid hitting a goose apparently and struck the apt complex unit injuring two. 4. Report of a possible jumper at the new bridge unfounded 5. Report of several teenagers causing disturbances at the Kowalski's on several occasions after school ends. 6. Officers were called to the Oak Park Heights Complex on Oxboro to meet with mgmt. Juveniles had located a handgun in the bushes near the eastside of the garages. Small .380 handgun in a holster was located and appeared to be loaded. It was severely corroded and unable to function in the capacity of rendering it safe. Gun owner later determined to be from Burnsville, and reportedly lost it in a motorcycle accident back in 2019 on hwy 36. 7. Officers responded to Sunnyside Marina for a suspicious male wandering around with no shirt on. He was later located and determined to be a missing person from Anoka. 8. Damage to property. 12 locks were cut off from storage units at Action rental,unknown if items were stolen or just rummaged through at this point. Items appeared to be staged forward for later pickup. 9. Adult female refusing to leave Kwik Trip, eventually left and vehicle was towed by mgmt 3 of 31 City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N•Oak Park Heights,MN 55082•Phone(651)439-4439•Fax(651)439-0574 June 1", 2021 TO: Tom McCarty, City Administrator *** ALSO VIA EMAIL: tmccarty@ci.stillwater.mn.us ** City of Stillwater 2164 1h Street N. Stillwater, MN 55082 RE: South Frontage Road—City Resolution 21-05-22 & Related Positions Dear Tom: As I mentioned, the City Council for Oak Park Heights has affirmed its past positions on the matter of the South Frontage Road potentially associated with the proposed development at the southeast corner of Manning Ave and STH 36 now under review by Stillwater. Please see the attached Resolution 21-05-22. We wanted to be sure this position is again stated, but perhaps more importantly to convey that if this road is inherently critical to the developer's proposal, this roadway is unlikely to proceed in the near(or long) term without the City of Oak Park Heights' consent. Moreover, our City Council's position also includes parameters that do not support the use of prospective County Tax Abatement when there is not a clear demonstration of creating living wage jobs nor for the apparent subsidization of high-end—luxury housing. Such elements are essential measures of the County's tax abatement policy and should be followed; perhaps these will be demonstrated in any forthcoming application, but to date these have not been apparent. We have previously shared two studies with your office that outline: • If the South Frontage Roadway and the Development are inextricably tied, a clear detrimental economic impact on major retailers in our respective communities is possible and offers concerns that it will foster other retail vacancies. See STANTEC Study 7/28/20 (attached)— excerpt below. fur chief findings are the following_ • The introduction of a new Hy-glee grocery store at the proposed location would have a significant negative impact on the safes of existing stares in the area. The estimated impact is such that it could result in the closure of Cub Foods aradlor 76owalski's Market_ • The proposed service road linking Manning Avenue to 5fillwater Boulevard would make a meaningful difference to Hy'dee in the amount o1 grocery sales the store would make. It would have a corresponding negative effect on the sales of the existing grocery stores. In other words,a new Hy`Vee with a raew service road would resurt in a greater decline in sales at existing stores than a new Hy-Vee without ttre new service mad. • Offers that the South Frontage Roadway is not necessary given a "no-build" scenario of this development and shifts meaningful and problematic issue to the intersection of 58th Street and CSAH 14. Or in other words, this development is causing demand for the roadway and not the general travelling public. See STANTEC Study 8/18/20 (attached) -excerpt below. In summary,the proposed development at the southeast comer of the proposed hfaming Avenue interchange generates significant additional traffic and its inpact on the overall road network createsthe need f orthe proposed southern frottage road connecion.The proposed development along with Ifae proposed southern frontage road negatively impacts the operations at the Stilwater Boulewud&W Street intersection. 4 of 31 Use of public funds (or roadway construction) instantly entwines all of us in the discussion of impacting the local market and economies,which exceed standard local zoning parameters. That said, our City has no commentary relative to the use of Stillwater's own abatement tools; but if such development ultimately hinges on a roadway in Oak Park Heights(which the County has sought funds from Oak Park heights to pay for) and also seeks to secure County Tax Abatement—each to the detriment of our tax base, results in negative impacts to the business general community and worsens traffic conditions in our City,you can understand why we are obligated to comment here. Perhaps in short, if a development at STH 36 and Manning does not require a South Frontage Road, nor is further pursued by the County or a provision of County Tax Abatement, Oak Park Heights would likely have little basis for any commentary. So... it is a complex matter. I appreciate you listening and reading this material. If you would be willing to enter this documentation into your public record it also would be appreciated. Absolutely let me know if you have any questions and thanks for listening as always! Sincerely Eric Johnson City Administrator 5 of 31 RESOLUTION 21-05-22 A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS OUTLINING CURRENT POSITIONS ON PROPOSED SOUTH FRONTAGE ROAD-MANNING AVE AND STH 36 AND RELATED USE OF COUNTY TAX ABATEMENT Whereas, the City of Oak Park Heights, the "City", has offered written support for the development of traffic solutions at the interface of Manning Ave/STH 36 including the development of an interchange; and which has commenced construction; and, Whereas,the initial discussions and public process for this interchange did not include a meritorious inclusion of a"South Frontage Road Connection"and the City has gone on record with such objections as outlined in City Resolution 20-06-21; and, Whereas,at this time the City of Stillwater continues to consider a Project being a $3.6 Million tax abatement proposal from a Developer for commercial/retail development(including a large box grocery, convenience/gas)and a"high-end"housing area lying in the southeast quadrant of this interchange as which was publicly discussed at the May 4, 2021 City of Stillwater Workshop; and, Whereas,at the Washington County Board of Commissioner's meeting held on February 16, 2021 it was stated that the County expects that it will be approached to provide $750,000 in County Tax Abatement for this development with funds being used to subsidize the Developer's costs necessary to foster the development; however as of this time any actual application date or timeline is not known but is expected in the coming weeks; and, Whereas, it was stated and made clear by the Developer at the May 4r'workshop to the City Council of Stillwater that this South Frontage Road is of"critical importance to its Project", however to date the City of Oak Park Heights has not been approached by the City of Stillwater as to the apparent need of this element for such critical purposes by the Developer; and, Whereas,the City of Oak Park Heights has completed studies in 2020 associated with this proposed South Frontage Road and the market impacts of a large-box grocer with the conclusions of such studies being that the South Frontage Roadway is unwarranted for the community at-large given current and anticipated traffic conditions and that the need for the South Frontage Road is derived from the development itself and not due to current or anticipated traffic conditions; and, Whereas, such roadway construction would shift already problematic and significant traffic impacts to the City of Oak Park Heights and that the introduction of a large box grocer is expected to have a definable negative effect on current retailers in the community. See STANTEC studies dated July 28, 2020& August 18, 2020; and, Whereas,the City of Oak Park Heights has received comments from City businesses that such South Frontage Road will be detrimental to their operations,that the use of County tax abatement is not appropriate and have requested that the City not allow such South Frontage Road Project to advance;and, Whereas,Washington County is actively considering the increase of its local option sales tax(from .25% to .50%)to pay for continued roadway maintenance denoting in their materials that, "...general road maintenance is falling behind", accordingly efforts to create unnecessary roads is difficult to justify as is the attempted shift to City taxpayers to subsidize such costs. NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council for the City of Oak Park Heights does not support the further advancement of the South Frontage Road as the impacts to the City, its tax base and expected traffic operations will have a detrimental effect on the City of Oak Park Heights,its business community as well as the community as a whole. 6of31 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the application for any County Tax Abatement review and consideration should transparently follow and be consistent with the established County Tax Abatement Policy#4006 including the plain creation of living wage jobs and the meritorious and demonstratable creation of affordable housing and is not to be used to subsidize"high-end" luxury housing or intervene in the retail market without identifiable public benefit which results in the use current local taxpayer funds to benefit their local competitors. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Oak Park Heights does acknowledge that in some communities there can be a lack of grocery options and that may require the market intervention of government agencies to better enable the local acquisition of food, but such conditions are not a reality in Oak Park Heights area—as there are not less than six major grocers in the immediate market and thus there is not a clear public role for such intervention. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County Economic Development Authority(EDA)Board of Directors is requested to weigh in on any County Tax Abatement proposal as it relates to the EDA established goals—including the underlying rationale as to why the County initiated economic development activities which committed at the time of its creation to not foster competition between public entities and to comment if its mission is to subsidize by local taxpayers"high-end"market rate housing and benefit non-living wage jobs. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council does direct its Staff to: 1. Provide written comment to the City of Stillwater that the City does not support the creation of the South Frontage Road and again share with the City of Stillwater the above studies from STANTEC. 2. Provide written comment to the County Economic Development Authority Director that the City does ask the County EDA to comment on this Project should it proceed and to inform them that the City does not support the use of County Tax Abatement for any project that does not definitively create affordable housing or create living wage employment opportunities. 3. Provide written comment to the County Administrator that the City does not support the construction of this South Frontage Road and should the County persist to pursue this South Frontage Road,now or in the suture,that the County shall be solely responsible for any and all related costs associated with such project as City taxpayers are not in a position to subsidize State, County or Regional projects. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council does direct its Staff to proactively inform other public agencies of the positions taken in this Resolution. Passed by the City Council for the City of Oak.Par ights th' 5th day of May, 2421 VIa McCoinber, Mayor Atte ,r A70r nson, City Administrator 7 of 31 I City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N•Oak Park Heights,MN 55082•Phone(651)439-4439•Fax(651)439-0574 6/4/21 TO: Kevin Corbid, County Administrator Washington County PO BOX 6 Stillwater,MN 55082 Also via email Kevin.Corbidkco.washington.mn.us Jennifer Wagenius,Deputy County Administrator Washington County PO BOX 6 Stillwater,MN 55082 Also via email Jennifer.Wa e. n�iuskco.washington.mn.us RE: South Frontage Road/Tax Abatement—City Update. Dear Kevin and Jennifer: By now,the County Board and your office are likely aware of the City Council's position on the prospective South Frontage Road—as the City remains non-supportive and the County would be responsible for all associated costs should it proceed. Our City previously shared studies outlining the project's defects and potential damages to our community,our residents and our businesses I won't rehash that data here for your sake. However,what appears to be new is the City of Stillwater potentially seeking $750,000 in some form of tax abatement to assist in their Manning and STH 36 Project.This Project includes the South Frontage Road which has been described by the Developer as a"critical element".And, Stillwater and the Developer are also seeking to subsidize the Project's public infrastructure costs with County tax abatement dollars. This removes costs from a developer leaving them to be paid by future tax revenues which otherwise would have supported other public efforts and shifts costs to taxpayers. While such public subsidies can be useful,even necessary when directed at serving the public good, such as when applied to pollution abatement,blight elimination,the development of affordable housing, and/or the creation of living wage jobs(as outlined by the County Tax Abatement Policy),the City has concerns that this proposal does not meet any such criteria and no public information has been offered to that effect. At this stage,without more information or data,this tax abatement request appears to be little more than a subsidy with undefined conditions that does not meet the stated goals of the County Tax Abatement Policy and advances the County's South Frontage Road project which the City does not support. Interestingly,if we are to believe the Pioneer Press and comments made to the City Council of the City of Stillwater on May 4r'',2021 that this County tax abatement(and the South Frontage Road)both appear to be foregone conclusions. Presumably,we all should instead wait to see what is submitted in terms of an application and how it compares to established policies and established practice.We would believe that consideration of the abatement request should be reasonably distinct from the County's roadway wishes and we would hope that distinction is made clear in any analysis. 8 of 31 With the above stated,we have concerns about this tax abatement proposal and the use of public funds at the County level, specifically: • Our area like most in the Metro,is experiencing an affordable housing shortages, flat wages, and service worker shortages. The current proposal does not offer nor supports a remedy to these problems and may further exacerbate (though the use of County Taxpayer funds) some of these issues. The proposal,in the developer's terms,offers"high-end"luxury housing, appears to promote jobs that would not provide living wages, and has clear potential for job displacement in this market. Businesses competing for workers that are already in short supply in this area could make businesses harder to run and risks more commercial vacancies in an area already plagued with empty buildings. • A County abatement necessarily means that County taxpayer money—funded by Oak Park Heights' businesses—will be used to fund direct competitors in this local,relatively small market with little public benefit or defined public need for such investment. • The County Economic Development Authority seems to be largely silent on this issue,or at least,their role has not been covered by local media nor have I heard directly from their office. As the County's presumed expert in Economic Development-no participation or comment from them appears unusual.What has been their opinion on this development to date; is one expected?If not,why? • The South Frontage Road,if connected to 58th Street,besides the cost of development of such road of$18.1 million plus all related infrastructure, also unduly burdens our public streets,intersections, and could pose a safety risk. Redesigning and fixing existing roads to accommodate the new traffic created by this Project and to keep roadways safe would be another expense for our taxpayers that again ... would NOT exist ...but for this development. Please note that Oak Park Heights has been quite pro-development and has fostered the construction of 1,000,000+/- square feet of retail/residential/commercial space in the last decade but with plain requirements that the Oak Park Heights does not pay for roads, utilities, trails,etc. Our City also secures necessary park dedication, utility impact fees and other costs to ensure the City is not subsidizing private enterprise thus actually creating a tax base return and preventing the shifting of costs to our citizens.As this is the same market,the Manning and STH 36 Proposal appears to seek County Taxpayer funding for a project that: • does not create living wage jobs or affordable housing, • potentially displaces other jobs in the market, • does not demonstrate a clear fiscal gain, • seeks to foist costs and shifts traffic burdens onto other communities, and • endeavors to build an unnecessary County-road which will require additional County tax dollars to build and maintain in perpetuity. ....in plain terms—the Project is not"economic development". Lastly,my recollection at the time of the creation of the County's Economic Development arm was that it had a position/goal that it was not to actively promote a project in one community to the apparent detriment of another.Yet, at the current rate,if the County knowingly subsidizes a project in the City of Stillwater that will generate known problems to our City,businesses, and residents,the County is neglecting this goal. As this is not a"$50,000"ask,but a major financial request and significant policy position -the County might desire to reflect on its role in economic development efforts as it certainly would not be a neutral party. 9 of 31 Considering the County is seeking to increase its sales tax for transportation purposes—not building unnecessary roads—such as this South Frontage Road at a cost of$18.1 Million should be at the top of the list. We would ask you to revisit the studies we supplied in 2020,to also please review the attached Resolution and to again consider what we note above. I am not sure how this conversation concludes or what happens next, but we anticipate engaging further if and when an abatement application is initiated or this roadway advances.It is all much to consider... Pleas me ow if you have any Questions and we do appreciate your review. ince el Eri Johnson, AICP C' Administrator ENCLOSURES: • City Resolution 21-05-22 • STANTEC studies dated: 8/18/21 & 7128121 • Developer Letter to the City of Stillwater Dated 12/11/20 • Copy of City letter to City of Stillwater Dated-611121 Note:The County will also want to secure a copy of the City of Stillwater EAW issued in 2020. 10 of 31 RESOLUTION 21-05-22 A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS OUTLINING CURRENT POSITIONS ON PROPOSED SOUTH FRONTAGE ROAD-MANNING AVE AND STH 36 AND RELATED USE OF COUNTY TAX ABATEMENT Whereas, the City of Oak Park Heights,the "City",has offered written support for the development of traffic solutions at the interface of Manning Ave/STH 36 including the development of an interchange; and which has commenced construction; and, Whereas,the initial discussions and public process for this interchange did not include a meritorious inclusion of a"South Frontage Road Connection"and the City has gone on record with such objections as outlined in City Resolution 20-06-21; and, Whereas,at this time the City of Stillwater continues to consider a Project being a $3.6 Million tax abatement proposal from a Developer for commercial/retail development(including a large box grocery, convenience/gas)and a"high-end"housing area lying in the southeast quadrant of this interchange as which was publicly discussed at the May 4, 2021 City of Stillwater Workshop; and, Whereas,at the Washington County Board of Commissioner's meeting held on February 16, 2021 it was stated that the County expects that it will be approached to provide$750,000 in County Tax Abatement for this development with funds being used to subsidize the Developer's costs necessary to foster the development; however as of this time any actual application date or timeline is not known but is expected in the coming weeks;and, Whereas, it was stated and made clear by the Developer at the May 4`'workshop to the City Council of Stillwater that this South Frontage Road is of"critical importance to its Project",however to date the City of Oak Park Heights has not been approached by the City of Stillwater as to the apparent need of this element for such critical purposes by the Developer; and, Whereas,the City of Oak Park Heights has completed studies in 2020 associated with this proposed South Frontage Road and the market impacts of a large-box grocer with the conclusions of such studies being that the South Frontage Roadway is unwarranted for the community at-large given current and anticipated traffic conditions and that the need for the South Frontage Road is derived from the development itself and not due to current or anticipated traffic conditions; and, Whereas, such roadway construction would shift already problematic and significant traffic impacts to the City of Oak Park Heights and that the introduction of a large box grocer is expected to have a definable negative effect on current retailers in the community. See STANTEC studies dated July 28, 2020& August 18,2020; and, Whereas,the City of Oak Park Heights has received comments from City businesses that such South Frontage Road will be detrimental to their operations,that the use of County tax abatement is not appropriate and have requested that the City not allow such South Frontage Road Project to advance;and, Whereas,Washington County is actively considering the increase of its local option sales tax(from .25% to .50%)to pay for continued roadway maintenance denoting in their materials that, "...general road maintenance is falling behind", accordingly efforts to create unnecessary roads is difficult to justify as is the attempted shift to City taxpayers to subsidize such costs. NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council for the City of Oak Park Heights does not support the further advancement of the South Frontage Road as the impacts to the City, its tax base and expected traffic operations will have a detrimental effect on the City of Oak Park Heights,its business community as well as the community as a whole. 11 of 31 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the application for any County Tax Abatement review and consideration should transparently follow and be consistent with the established County Tax Abatement Policy#4006 including the plain creation of living wage jobs and the meritorious and demonstratable creation of affordable housing and is not to be used to subsidize"high-end" luxury housing or intervene in the retail market without identifiable public benefit which results in the use current local taxpayer funds to benefit their local competitors. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Oak Park Heights does acknowledge that in some communities there can be a lack of grocery options and that may require the market intervention of government agencies to better enable the local acquisition of food,but such conditions are not a reality in Oak Park Heights area—as there are not less than six major grocers in the immediate market and thus there is not a clear public role for such intervention. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County Economic Development Authority(EDA)Board of Directors is requested to weigh in on any County Tax Abatement proposal as it relates to the EDA established goals—including the underlying rationale as to why the County initiated economic development activities which committed at the time of its creation to not foster competition between public entities and to comment if its mission is to subsidize by local taxpayers"high-end"market rate housing and benefit nonliving wage jobs. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council does direct its Staff to: 1. Provide written comment to the City of Stillwater that the City does not support the creation of the South Frontage Road and again share with the City of Stillwater the above studies from STANTEC. 2. Provide written comment to the County Economic Development Authority Director that the City does ask the County EDA to comment on this Project should it proceed and to inform them that the City does not support the use of County Tax Abatement for any project that does not definitively create affordable housing or create living wage employment opportunities. 3. Provide written comment to the County Administrator that the City does not support the construction of this South Frontage Road and should the County persist to pursue this South Frontage Road,now or in the future,that the County shall be solely responsible for any and all related costs associated with such project as City taxpayers are not in a position to subsidize State, County or Regional projects. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council does direct its Staff to proactively inform other public agencies of the positions taken in this Resolution. Passed by the City Council for the City of Oak Par ights this-25th day of May, 2021 Mary� McComber,Mayor Atte iioOohnson, City Administrator i 12 of 31 May 27, 2021 Eric Johnson, City Administrator City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 Dear Mr. Johnson: At this time of the year, the Metropolitan Council normally releases its population and household estimates for use in various state aid programs. However, in a year that follows a federal census, we do not prepare estimates and instead use the counts from the census. While we would normally have census counts to share with you at this point in the federal census cycle, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the U.S. Census Bureau to delay the release of its 2020 counts. We do not yet have an exact date for the release of the 2020 census population and household totals for counties, cities, and townships. We will keep you posted as the Census Bureau provides additional information about the timing of its upcoming releases. We recognize that this delay creates hardships for you and your staff who depend on accurate population numbers for your government's business. In response: • We are preparing to make the new numbers available as soon as they are released. We will post these on our website and transmit them via email and the U.S. Postal Service. • We are working with the Minnesota Departments of Revenue and Transportation to ensure that impacts to formula-based local funding will be minimal. • When these numbers are released, we will also send you additional details about the Census Bureau's Census Count Question Resolution (CQR) program, which allows local, tribal, and state governments to request a formal review of their census counts if they believe their population has been misallocated_ The COR program is currently set to accept review requests between Jan a Y 2022 and June 30. 2023. v"ve are-haTrpy ro-discuss-pop uiaiion-trenrfs'in yuarccrrrr-nntanity-�rr-or yaurstaff it"that would rye useful. Please do not hesitate to reach out (Matt.Schroedergmetc.state mn us) if you have any questions. Sincerely, L Matt Schroeder Principal Researcher 390 Robert Street North Saint Paul, MN 55101-1805 - .651.602.1000 1 TTY 0904 - • • • •An METRQPOUTAN C C U N C I L From: Jurek,Colette C To: Bayport-City Administrator; Bayport-PWD; Birchwood-City Administrator; Dellwood-Clerk; Forest Lake- City Administrator; Forest Lake-PW Superintendent;Grant-Clerk; Huao-City Administrator; Huao-PWD; Mahtomedi-City Administrator; Mahtomedi-PWD; Marine On St.Croix-Clerk; May Township-Clerk; Eric Johnson;Andrew Kealey; Mary McComber; Pine Springs-Clerk; Stillwater-City Administrator; Stillwater- PWD;Stillwater Township-clerk;Washington County-Construction Enaineer;Washington County-County Administrator;Washington County-Deputy Administrator;Washington County-Engineering&Construction Manager;Willernie-Clerk Subject: Xcel Energy:Operational Update Date: Thursday,June 3,20219:42:20 AM Attachments: 05-17-2021 Xcel Energy unveils Amazon Alexa skill to help customers manage blllsFINAL.pdf NR Payment Credit program update final 5-26-2021.pdf Dear Community and Chamber Leaders: Xcel Energy made two recent announcements which are ready-made for sharing with your partners and constituents. Media releases are attached .... here are the basics: Xcel Energy residential electric customers who have between $1,000 to $4,000 in past due charges are eligible for our Payment Plan Credit Program which could forgive up to 75%of their past-due balance if they enroll and stay current in a payment plan. Customers can enroll in other payment plans we offer through the My Account feature on our website at www.XcelEnergy.com or they can contact customer care at 1-800-895-4999 for more information. I hope you will help us get the word out to people who are most in need. We are pleased to be partnering with Amazon on a new Amazon Alexa skill (a.k.a. voice app)to track energy use. The new Alexa skill will enable customers to check their bill balance, compare energy usage to last year, and even set reminders for bill due dates. We hope this technology will help customers to manage their energy and take advantage of energy efficiency programs. Colette Colette Jurek Xcel Energy I You. Us. Together. Manager, Community Relations and Economic Development 1700 East County Road E, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 C: 612.209.3501 E: colette.c.jurekexcelenergy.com XcelEnergy.com Facebook.com/XcelEnerav Twitter.com/XcelEnergy Please consider the environment before printing this email. Electric Emergency/Lights Out: 1-800-895-1999 Gas Emergency/Gas Odor: 1-800-895-2999 Customer Service: 1-800-895-4999 Business Solutions Center: 1-800-481-4700 Builders Call Line: 1-800-628-2121 Call Before You Dig: 811 14 of 31 From: Mary Mccomber To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd:Additional Guidance on Use of ARPA Funds Date: Wednesday,June 2,20218:07:04 AM For weekly notes -----Original Message----- From: Alejandra from NLC<membership@nlc.org> To: marymccomber@aol.com Sent: Wed, Jun 2, 2021 8:02 am Subject: Additional Guidance on Use of ARPA Funds Access your weekly NNL��C member roundup! of June 2, 121 -Midwest Region Non-entitlement Units Fact Sheet Non-entitlement Units Fact Sheet On May 25, the U.S. Treasury issued guidance to states regarding the distribution of funds to non-entitlement units of local government. This fact sheet summarizes how states and non-entitlement units of local government are to distribute, receive, and report the funds from the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund. ■ Upcoming How Cities Can Receive Funding From The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program Wednesday, June 2 -3:00113M ET 15 of 31 Does your city need urban park funding? Learn more about ORLP and how your city can apply for support. REGISTER HERE > Accessing Capital for Clean Energy Projects Thursday, June 3 -1:OOPM ET Learn how leveraging U.S. DOE's Loan Programs Office debt capital can help cities scale up their sustainability efforts. REGISTER HERE > Pride Month Local Leader Q&A Monday, June 7, 2021 -4:OO113M ET Join NLC in a conversation with local leaders from our LGBTQ+ Local Officials constituency group in a discussion about equity. REGISTER HERE > Cities Connecting Children to Nature State & Regional Cohort Workshop 8 Tuesday, June 8 -2:OOPM ET Learn how organizations can apply for technical assistance and funding to increase kids' equitable access to nature. REGISTER HERE > Wildfire Risk and Resilience Webinar Thursday, June 10 -2:30PM ET 8 Learn more about the new wildfire risk tool and hear from leaders who are building local wildfire resilience. REGISTER HERE > ■ 16 of 31 NLC Delivers ARPA Resources 8 Restoring Communities with Partnership ®� Restoring Communities with Partnership NLC membership gives access to trusted private sector partners and programs like the Service Line Warranty Program. Find out how your city can benefit from this program as an NLC member. ■ Small Cities Month Rebuild: Reengaging Middle Celebrating Small Cities, Big and High School Students Hearts This online hub features research and During June, join NLC as we celebrate data about the scope of student our communities with populations of 50K disengagement; audio clips of young and below. Share the story from your people describing the challenges they're city, town or village on how they facing, as well as policies and practices maintained community during the that communities have begun adopting pandemic. to address student reengagement. ■ 17 of 31 No=_ N qm � Small Cities Month 8 Thanks for reading the latest articles and events from the NLC, where local leaders and their staff go to learn and grow. 'Til next time! Sincerely, Alejandra Piers-Torres Midwest Member Engagement Manager, NLC 8 piers-torres@nlc.org Helpful NLC Links: Articles Upcoming Events Resources &Training Advocacy COVID-19 Relief Resources If this message is not displaying properly, please view in browser. 18 of 31 From: Mary Mccomber To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd: Resources for COVID-19 Response and Economic Recovery Date: Thursday,June 3,20212:37:46 PM FYI -----Original Message----- From: National League Of Cities (NLC)<advocacy@nlc.org> To: marymccomber@aol.com Sent: Thu, Jun 3, 2021 9:01 am Subject: Resources for COVID-19 Response and Economic Recovery Federal Advocacy Newsletter-Tuesday,June 3 ®1 Resources for COVID-19 Response and Economic Recovery Federal agencies continue to release guidance and funding for programs under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)to help communities respond to the coronavirus pandemic. The National League of Cities (NLC) is here to answer questions and support your responsible stewardship of these critical funding opportunities with tools and guidance. We encourage you to visit our FAQ page regularly for the latest updates and to submit additional questions. In addition to ARPA implementation, NLC is strongly advocating for a comprehensive infrastructure package to help America's cities, towns and villages rebuild. We will continue to share critical legislative updates and actions that local leaders should take to strengthen our communities. Here is how you can take action: L1 _e4 NLC Rapid Response How Non-Entitlement Units National Municipal Policy Advocacy: ARPA Clawback of Local Government Amendment and Resolution Threat and Infrastructure Access Recovery Funds Submission Deadline -June Push -. 25 19 of 31 Response and Recovery Help is Here For You! On May 25, the Treasury Department released additional Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery Fund guidance for non-entitlement units of local government (NEU). If you have general questions about the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, please email the U.S. Department of Treasury at SLFRP@treasury.gov or call 844-529-9527. • Treasury Department NEU Guidance Page • NEU Pre-Submission Checklist to Request Funding from State • Updated Treasury Department FAQ's Lost Revenue: What Municipalities Need to Know Cities, towns and villages can use Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Relief Funds on lost revenue under ARPA. Learn how to determine and calculate lost revenue as defined by the Interim Final Rule (IFR). Learn More > Using American Rescue Plan Act Funds for Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Infrastructure Projects In addition to eligible uses directly related to local government's COVID-19 response, ARPA allows funds to be used for necessary investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure. Notably, the Interim Final Rule provides local governments with wide latitude to identify investments in water and sewer infrastructure that are of the highest priority for their own communities. Learn More > ARPA Local Recovery Funds: What's in it for Connectivity and Technology? Projects communities are interested in completing to address the digital divide—from new infrastructure to efforts to help residents afford broadband service at home— may be eligible for support from a variety of new federal programs. Communities should review the rules for the Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, but also consider the other resources that may be available to residents or community institutions. Learn More > Supporting Education Success through the American Rescue Plan Act The passage earlier this year of the American Rescue Plan Act may prove to be a turning point for America's cities. In addition to the $65.1 billion set aside for municipalities, there are significant federal investments in K-12 and Postsecondary education that, while not administered by cities, will still ultimately flow to local communities. Learn More > 20 of 31 Rebuild Funding Opportunity for Outdoor Recreation The U.S. Department of the Interior announced that the National Park Service will distribute $150 million to local communities through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership grant program. The program enables urban communities to create new outdoor recreation spaces and reinvigorate existing parks in economically underserved areas. Funding applications are being accepted in Grants.gov through September 24. Watch Recording > Federal Budget FY 22 President Biden has released an overview of his proposed federal budget for FY22. Learn more about the state of play for cities. Learn More > Cities Must Speak Up on Their Priorities for Transportation Cities know that it's time to fix the transportation problems in their communities, and Congress is picking up the pen this summer on a bill that could help us. Last week, the Senate Environment and Public Work Committee kicked off the first transportation play of the new Congress with the introduction of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021 and NLC's initial review of the bill shows some key gains for cities. Learn More > Preparing your City Workforce for COVID-19 Vaccines Despite enormous progress in COVID-19 vaccination efforts, serious challenges remain, including inequitable access, misinformation, and the emergence of new strains of the virus. Local leaders have played a key role in communicating information about the virus and vaccine to their residents. As major employers in their communities, municipalities must also provide support and guidance about the vaccine to their workforce. Learn More > Burlingame is Ready to Fix Congestion Infrastructure Project Spotlight: Separating the rail and road congestion pain point in Burlingame, CA, for safety and more commuter trains. Learn More > 21 of 31 NLC Delivers Helpful NLC Links: Articles Upcoming Events Resources &Training Advocacy If this message is not displaying properly, please view the online version. 8 You may opt out of email communications from NLC at any time. Update your communication preferences. 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 Powered by Higher Logic 22 of 31 From: Mary Mccomber To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd:YSB June/July 2021 Newsletter Date: Thursday,June 3,20214:59:03 PM For weekly notes -----Original Message----- From:Youth Service Bureau,Inc.<info@ysb.net> To:marymccomber@aol.com Sent:Thu,Jun 3,2021 4:24 pm Subject:YSB June/July 2021 Newsletter Having trouble viewing this email?View as a web page. Article Image Helping youth and families learn the skills they need to be more successful at home, in school, and throughout the community. V YSB Newsletter June/July 2021 By Myron Bailey Board of Directors Chair Family In Motion Cynthia Doth,MA LADC LPCC At the Youth Service Outreach Mgr, Bureau we strive to Substance Use Support Specialist, provide youth and 0 Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Link to Professional Bio families the support they need around mental The family is a system and is in constant motion.The health concerns, family, as a whole, is continually seeking balance. Each substance abuse individual affects the whole system and the whole prevention, bullying, system affects each individual. Each person has their truancy issues, and youth that found their way into place, role, or position in the family.When there is a the justice system. We provide the services that are crisis within the system or with one of the family needed- regardless of income or the ability to pay. members,the system is off balance. With time a new Our goal is to make the future brighter for all youth balance settles in as an attempt to create a new normal. and families alike. Some crises are predictable(children starting school or YSB is a non-profit agency that relies solely on our becoming teenagers), some crises are unpredictable generous donors who, like us,see the world as a (loss of job, moving, divorce, illness, death). All events better place for all of us. Everyone has an equal in the family affect the system's balance, but when you chance to succeed in life. Sometime things in life are part of the system,you are partially blind to what is happen that derail that drive for a better future. We going on. Addiction is a burden that makes the are here to help anyone get back on the right track to individual less functional. Maybe the addict skips school, live out their dreams! does not attend family dinner, and does not get up in the morning. The whole system is off, whether or not the I've had the distinct honor and privilege to serve as family members know about the addiction; each family the President of The Youth Service Bureau! I have member is affected. seen first-hand the amazing work our leaders and staff have provided in our communities to make our Communication in the family system is also affected by schools and neighborhoods better for everyone! substance use.At the heart of every relationship is Whether it's providing one on one services to those communication. If the people in the family system in need, to working with our School District Partners cannot find a way to tell each other what they need, to provide additional mental health and substance what they want, and what they appreciate in each other, use counseling services within our schools. the relationship is skating on thin ice. Therefore, Full article here. 23 of 31 communication is key in addressing any substance use concerns, including prevention. Full article here. Community Partner Events Where can I find YSB this summer? -July 14, Woodbury Safety Camp(link to re_iq ster) -July 15, Community Ice Cream Social, Washington County Historic Courthouse (link to learn more) -July 21, Woodbury Half Pint Safety Camp (link to register) -August 3, National Night Out—St. Paul Park -August 5, Inver Grove Heights Safety Camp (link to register) When Alcohol, Summer and Teens Intersect By Kim Richardson,Woodbury PD Who doesn't love a Minnesota summer?One could head to the cabin,go camping at a state park, go swimming in one of our 10,000 lakes, have a bonfire or simply relax on a patio with a nice cold beverage. But what happens when that cold beverage contains alcohol and is being enjoyed by someone under 21 years old? If you missed the event—visit Youth Service Bureau. Inc to view the referral partner, YSB staff videos and see In Minnesota it is unlawful for anyone under the age of the replay of the night's events. 21 years old to consume alcohol (MN statute 169A.33). Every year law enforcement sees an increase in drinking related calls among teenagers during the 'Through My Eyes summer months. This trend occurs simply because they have more free time and less supervision. So what should parents do to help curb this increase? Full article Have a glance at a day or season through a here. young person's eyes. Please email info vysb.net for more information on how you, your child, or students can be a part of a feature Partner In Parenting Podcast message. On Demand Educational Videos This month's feature is from a local middle school student. Article image We invite you to view and share YSB's Partner In Parenting podcast messages that 0 cover such topics as mental health, chemical health, effects of deployment on the family, and racial equity and inclusion. Please consider subscribing to our channel. If a topic you are seeking isn't found here, please email: merri.guggisbergaa ysb.net to share your topic By EB suggestions. For me distance learning was a pain. It was difficult to get help from teachers and it was harder to focus 24 of 31 without the accountability that in-person learning provides. At first, it wasn't so bad though,I came out Visit:ysb.netlresources of the first semester with all As and I was pretty for more info on: proud of it. Then I got burned out. Being on your own without the accountability you put in less effort. In the • Parenting tips&tools second semester things got harder, so I had to work . Social Media harder, and while in the first semester I didn't have to U ■ Emotional Health work as hard, I became burned out. My grades have . Chemical Health gone from straight As to nearly straight Bs, and with • Healthy Relationships the burnout and difficulty that distance learning has • Partner In Parenting Video Podcast brought me, I don't care as much to bring them all up back to As. I learn much better with in-person learning, and I'm looking forward to next year. Follow Us on Social Media Chemical Health Corner If you haven't already-be sure to follow us @YSBKnowsKids on Facebook,Twitter,You Tube,and Summer Substance Use Linkedln! By Meghan Heffner, YSB is working to improve its presence on its social Chemical Health Specialist media platforms. You can help by following, friending, What a year it's been for students, parents, and FB TW LI retweeting, and sharing our content on educators.We certainly have a reason to celebrate your own social media accounts.We can summer break! However, research shows that the be found at @YSBKnowsKids on Face book,Twitter,YouTube,and most common time for teens to try a new substance is during the summer. About one-third of first-time Linkedln. Find us, friend us,follow us. drug use occurs during the summer months. You will help more kids and families learn about our services, connect with more partners to Additionally,the Gateway Foundation states, "If a expand our network, and become more integrated into teen has begun abusing a substance during the the communities we serve. Thank you. school year,summer presents the opportunity to increase the frequency or intensity of the abuse. Leave us a review and share what Without regular schoolwork and extracurriculars to you love most about YSB! worry about,summertime teen substance abuse can increase significantly." How Can YSB Help? Embrace the warm weather,summer vacations, and free time. Let it fill you, but don't let it blind you. Stay Contact YSB to find out about confidential services, present, and let this summer be an opportunity for such as: connection and togetherness. Full article hare. . General Assessments . Counselina Services . Chemical Awareness Pro_rq ams . Responsible Social Media Use Program Bring a YSB event to your school, faith group, or community! In-person and virtual options available. Learn More Cottage Grove Stillwate Woodbu 00 (651) 735-9534 Better Choices. Brighter Futures. LN YSBKnowsKids Share This Email: ®❑ ILII ISI ®❑ i Remove my name from all future mass email communications. Address postal inquiries to: Youth Service Bureau,Inc. 25 of 31 Frain: Mary Womb,r T. Ed,Johnson Subject, Fwd:June M21 HAWREP Education Updates Date: Wednesday,June 2,M21 5:38:22 PM M-h—ts: Small=rale rnnctn d.-=m nM Cn A dion-Soani th f Diso�e of concrete wastewater safelv.daa wnt acn maae019— maae021.eri¢ r 02"�erm D3fi nnn 1-011 maae035.ona nt4 nnn For weekly notes ----Original Message— From:Angie Hong<AHong@mnwcd.org> To:Angie Hong<AHong@mnwcd.org>;algoodri@hohnail.com<algoodn@hotmail.com> Sent:Wed,Jun 2,20214:41 pm Subject:June 2021 EMWREP Education Updates Hello water education partners: Summer has arrived!Our new educator Barbara Heitkamp started work last week and has already begun reaching out to some of you to learn more about your organizations and education priorities. Those of you on the EMWREP steering committee should expect an email from me soon to schedule a partner meeting.In the meantime,here are education updates for the month of June. Thanks!-Angie Program Updates: 1. dimmer Watershed Pop-Up Events 2. Washington County Fair(Aug.4-8)Sign-up to help staff our booth! 3. Events&Activities 4. Professional Trainng_Ormortunities for local government staff • Salt Symposium(Aug.3-4) 5. MS4 Education-Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination(IDDE) 6. MS4 Education—Small-scale construction best practices 7. Ti kTok Man al 8. East Metro Water—Read the latest articles published in the blog and local newspapers Summer Watershed Pop-up Events We've planned a series of Watershed Pop-up Events for the summer,beginning tomorrow in Stacy,4-7pm at Lions Park. ❑B Lions Park is located right off of the Sunrise Prairie Trail and is a great stop if you're out on a bike ride.Come by our table to see aquatic critters from the Sunrise River and look for hidden clues to solve a water pollution mystery and win a prize. Additional Watershed Pop-up Events are planned for: • Tanner's Lake in Oakdale:Thursday,June 17,4-7pm Lakeside Park in Forest Lake:Tuesday,July 27,5-8pm(with Arts in the Park) • Edgewater Parkin Woodbury:Tuesday,August 10,4-6:30pm • Woodridge Parkin Cottage Grove:Tuesday,August 10,4-7pm Washington County Fair Washington County Fair is back again for 20211 This year's fair is scheduled for Aug.4-8. ❑® Washington Conservation District and Washington County Watershed Management Organizations will again have shared booth at the county fair in Building A.We are planning a relatively simple booth with displays and information about water quality,invasive species,noxious weeds,and residential best practices for wildlife and clean water. Use this online calendar to sign-up to help staff the booth—you will get a free entrance ticket to the fair on the day of your shift and it is a great way to meet your constituents:Washington County Fair 2021 Sign-Up Events and Activities Here is a quick run-down on recent and upcoming EMWREP education events and activities • Outreach to Lawn Care Professionals:On April 30,we sent information to 67 lawn care providers who work with private landowners,golf course,school districts,and public parks in the East Metro area.The e-package included links to training videos-Park Mai ntenanre&Pesticide and Ferti 1i7ers-as well as a 1pg Guidance for Lawn Care Providers handout and info about nitrates groundwater contamination in Washington County. • Shoreline Realtor Workshop:We had 66 local realtors attend our Shoreline Realtor Workshop on May 26.The seminar was co-sponsored by St.Paul Area Association of Realtors. • Marine Planting Events:Carnelian-Marine-St.Croix Watershed District has planned a series of planting events in downtown Marine on St.Croix where a large-scale stormwater retrofit project was recently completed in the downtown.Events are scheduled for June 5,July 31,Aug 21,and Sept 11(9am-I1am).More info at www rmsrwd org/events. • Landscape Revival:The Landscape Revival is an annual event sponsored by St.Paul Audubon Society and Blue Thumb—Planting for Clean Water that brings together eight native plant growers in one location.This year's Landscape Revival plant sales will be held on: o June 5,9am-lpm in Shoreview(Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church,3920 Victoria St N) o June 12,Sam-lpm in Oakdale(Oakdale City Hall,1584 Hadley Ave N) • Marine Art&Nature Camp:Angie Hong will be leading activities on the morning of Tuesday,June 15,9am-noon. • Lake Demontreville-Olson Association Event:June 22,5-7pm—staff from Washington Conservation District and Great Rivers Conservancy of the St.Croix and Namekagon(formerly St.Croix River Association)will attend to talk about aquatic invasive species(AIS) • Healthy Lawns Workshop:We are offering a Healthy Lawns workshop on July 7,6-7:15pm(online).Speakers will include Paul and Karen Richtman from Universityof MN Master Gardeners and Brown's Creek Watershed District CAC and Angie Hong.RSVP at tinvurl.com/healthvlawns2l Professional Training Opportunities-for local government staff Salt Symposium—Aug.3-4 • Aug.3:New Directions in chloride—water softening,fertilizers,and more 26 of 31 • Aug.4:Winter maintenance—latest research and technology • Register at https://fortinconsultinp.com/2021-symposium MS4 Education:Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination(IDDE) The Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System(MS4)permit program regulates cities and other entities that manage storm sewer systems.In Minnesota,the program is administered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.MS4 permit holders are required to develop stormwater pollution prevention programs,educate the public about ❑B stormwater pollution,and engage citizens in solving local water pollution problems.The permit also requires these MS4 entities to identify and stop illegal dumping(called illicit discharges),take steps to reduce runoff from construction and development,and practice"good housekeeping"to avoid polluting waterways during routine road and park maintenance. EMWREP recently helped to conduct an IDDE training for 45 Cottage Grove Public Works staff on May 13.The 1.5hr training included presentations by Brent Johnson,Bolton&Menk,and Angie Hong,EMWREP,as well as hands-on activities with live macroinvertebrates and water samples containing various common pollutants.We'd be happy to replicate the training for other EMWREP partners,on request. Watch a short 2-min water pollution demo,filmed the day before our training. MS4 Education:Small-Scale Construction Home construction,remodeling,and landscaping projects continue to boom this summer.Attached to this email is a 1pg handout in English and Spanish that illustrates properly installed small-scale construction best management practices(BMPs).Also attached is a short article about concrete waste disposal to include in city,county and watershed newsletters. 0 The MS4 Toolkit also has printable cards describing common construction BMPs. Di kes berms and swales Mi nimi7i ng clearing Concrete washout Inlet protection Mats and blankets Pipe slope drain Sedimenttrans and basins Silt fences Stabilized construction entrance Mulch TikTok Mania! TikTok has 65.9 million users in the United States and 689 million worldwide(1.29 billion if you include the Chinese version Douyin).In January of 2021,it was the second most downloaded app worldwide.Unlike Facebook and Instagram,TikTok is built entirely on short-form video.Users can post videos up to 59-sec long for others to like,share,and comment on.The app is highly interactive—users can respond to questions in video format or build off of videos that other people have posted—and 62%of users are ages 10-29. We've been active on TikTok since last summer(Angie Hong(@mnnature awesomene«)and use it to share a variety of content,including partner projects,water science,nature destinations, and outdoor skills.Because the videos are short,they can be cross-posted to other social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram,or combined to created longer videos for YouTube. Check out some of our recent mega popular videos! 0 0 o u 27 of 31 8,3 2159 Ilk olderthan the slormwatial lift154 121 4 52 reiavves East Metro Water—read the latest articles published in the blog and local newspapers Art in the Pines—May 6 "This spring,a photographer from Lake Elmo named Sarah Lilja is calling the St.Croix Watershed Research Station's Pine Needles cabin home." Marine community works to revitalize village center and protect the St.Croix River—May 13 "On Saturday,May 1,volunteers in Marine on St.Croix planted 1,500 native plants along a wetland to create a natural buffer that will help to hold the soil in place and guard against erosion" When watershed educators go rogue—May 20 "How to dispose of five common waste products without polluting our water." Cheap Trick Remix(the lawn version)—May 27 "Five cheap tricks for a beautiful,healthy lawn that is safe for your kids and pets" Please feel free to call or email if you have any questions.Thank you! Angie Hong Water Education Senior Specialist East Metro Water Resource Education Program Representing Brown's Creek,Camelian Marine-St.Croix,Comfort Lake-Forest Lake,Middle St.Croix,Ramsey-Washington Metro,Rice Creek,South Washington and Valley Branch Watersheds,Bayport, Cottage Grove,Dellwood,Forest Lake,Grant,Lake Elmo,Hugo,Newport,Oak Park Heights,Oakdale,Stillwater,St.Paul Park,Willemie,West Lakeland,Woodbury,Washington County and the Washington Conservation District Lower St.Croix Watershed Partners Brown's Creek,Camelian Marine-St.Croix,Comfort Lake-Forest Lake,Middle St.Croix,South Washington,Sunrise River and Valley Branch Watersheds;Chisago Lake Improvement District;Chisago,Isanti,Pine and Washington Counties;Anoka,Chisago,Isant,Pine and Washington Conservation Districts C/O:Washington Conservation District 455 Hayward Ave. Oakdale,MN 55128 e.honq(glm wcd.or Phone:(952)261-9599 cell —mirwodorclernwre STAY IN TOUCH: Elog:www.eastmetrowater.ora Facebook(dmnwcd YouTube(dWashinaton Conservation District or(dAnale Hona MN Nature Awesomeness llkTok fdmnnatureawes Instagram awcd min or fdanaiehon Or check out our Virtual Tour to preview outdoor adventures in and around Washington County. 28 of 31 From: Mary Mccomber To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd:APPLY NOW!for the 2021-22 Leadership in the Valley program! Date: Friday,June 4,2021 10:30:38 AM For weekly notes -----Original Message----- From: Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce <communications@GreaterStillwaterChamber.com> To: marymccomber@aol.com Sent: Fri, Jun 4, 2021 9:59 am Subject: APPLY NOW!for the 2021-22 Leadership in the Valley program! View this email in your browser Hello Chamber and community members, The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting applications 29 of 31 for the Leadership in the Valley (LITV) class of 2022. The LITV program is designed to bring emerging and existing leaders together who welcome the opportunity to expand their involvement in community affairs and are willing to explore new leadership responsibilities in the community, enhance and grow their personal leadership skills, form beneficial professional relationships, stimulate an understanding of the forces and trends affecting the area, and become involved with a community project. LEARN MORE! The LITV program consists of a 9-month commitment, one-day a month, with day- long sessions and requires a personal investment to the community and LITV classmates. The LITV Program will also require the students to participate in a community project during the program. The cohort learners will make a difference in the community by giving back, learning, developing leadership skills both personally and professionally. Participants will be exposed to the challenges, opportunities and vital issues affecting the valley. The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce serves cities from Marine on St. Croix to Afton, Bayport, Lake Elmo, Lakeland, Lakeland Shores, Stillwater and all the townships in the region. We invite all residents and businesses an opportunity to apply for the LITV program. APPLY NOW A $25 non-refundable application fee will be required upon completion of application. Application Deadline: July 15, 2021 The program begins September 2021 and will conclude with a May 2022 graduation ceremony. You can find more information out about the program HERE Meet the 2020-2021 CoHort Learners HERE. TESTIMONY from current LITV co-hort, Abbi Wittman, City of Stillwater: "As a community planner, my professional role is to help improve the communities I work in and for. This has required me to have general knowledge of a variety of community elements. Having served as Stillwater's city planner for eight years, I have felt quite knowledgeable of the community and region's stakeholder industries, trends, etc. 30 of 31 Leadership in the Valley(LITV) has given me an entirely new level of awareness (and appreciation) of not only the community and region I serve, but also of my own leadership abilities and capacities. In addition to forging new relationships with individuals in varying sectors of the community, LITV is helping me better serve the City of Stillwater, the local community, and those I work with." Questions? Please contact the Greater Stillwater Chamber at 651/439-4001 Copyright©2021 Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce,All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce 333 N. Main Street,#202 Stillwater, MN 55082 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list 31 of 31