Ramsey County Community Updates

The second of bi-weekly newsletters detailing how different communities in Ramsey County are handling the Pandemic.

Have a story? Contact [email protected]

Ramsey County COVID Policy Action
Group (PAG)Updates
Debrief

The 12-member Policy Action Group (PAG) , formed to manage policy issues and ensure rapid and long-term response in Ramsey County, has been operating for a few weeks now. Read more about them in our first newsletter .

Photo, Ramsey County






Current Happenings

Homelessness Subcommittee - They have met to discuss ongoing efforts for unsheltered individuals both in the Mary Hall temporary facility, as well as sanitation needs for encampments. PAG has helped accommodate unsheltered youth and seniors in hotel settings as well.

Property Taxes - The county has updated their statement on the topic and begun conversations with the Association of MN Counties and peer counties on reality facing this topic. 

Ramsey County recognizes there are questions about property tax payment deadlines due to the COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic and its impact on our community. We are working with local and state partners on options to create flexibility for taxpayers facing financial hardship. The existing deadline for first half property tax payments is May 15. Ramsey County is working to identify options in the weeks ahead to share with taxpayers before this deadline.

Food Insecurity - This sub-committee will be delivering a report this Friday on actions to be taken to analyze needs, connect with communities looking for support, and developing a structure for delivery. 

New initiatives are posted on Ramsey County's website . PAG plays a role in many of the articles you see here.
Ramsey County Local Community Updates


Arden Hills Happenings
Earth Day Events: The city has put together a number of activities in honor of April 22, the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day ! They have created activities that comply with the Governor’s stay-at-home order.

Activity 1: Trash Pickup in Your Neighborhood

Activity 2: Plant Your Seeds For Summer

Activity 3 : Backyard Bingo

Activity 4: Review Recycling Guidelines
Mask Donations: Above is a photo of Eileen, who works with the Saint Paul chapter of the American Sewing Guild . They have been busy sewing and donating Personal Protective Equipment garments for area healthcare professionals. ASG has donated hundreds of badly needed masks, gowns and hats for those on the front lines of this historic 'battle'.
Scoops for Troops: The annual " Scoops for Troops " extravaganza event, which raises money for The Fallen Heroes Children's Education Fund and was held most recently at the Arden Hills National Guard Readiness Center, is now virtual! Join in as they hold a 'virtual' 5k run & 3K walk. Go for a walk or run, wherever in the world you are and grab yourself an ice cream treat afterward! You are encouraged to take pictures and post them on the Scoops for Troops Facebook page .

Falcon Heights Festivities
Social Distancing Dance: In March, Falcon Heights held a social distancing Dance Party in the parking lot of the Unitarian Church. Now, every Tuesday at 7pm they are encouraging neighbors to step outside together and make noise! 

Have you had a social distancing dance party yet? Here's another story that may inspire you! One Twin Cities DJ drives around holding free driveway dance parties.
Feeding Families: The Eggroll Queen Cafe is feeding hundreds of kids for free each week. The 'egg roll queen,' Mai Xiong, and her husband Chai, have been giving away free meals to families in need, as schools have shut down and may not provide meals.

Read the full story here .
Gardening is Good: In their most recent weekly newsletter , Falcon Heights invites residents to buy community garden plots. Partici pants are required to pay an annual fee of $25.00 and take part in the spring preparation and site upkeep through the season.

Gardening is good for your mental health! Read this article , written by a licensed psychologist, that lists 10 benefits gardening has to offer.
Read Ramsey County's Monthly Newsletter :
April 2020 newsletter: COVID-19 update, 2020 census,...

Ramsey County government remains open and we are committed to providing services throughout the coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak while protecting the health of residents and our staff. County services have been redesigned to drastically reduce...

Read more
content.govdelivery.com

Wondering how you can volunteer during this crisis? Here's some ideas:


We want to hear from you!

Have a story? Find out what your community is doing to handle the COVID-19 Pandemic and let us know.

Contact us at [email protected] .
(Above) Vadnais Heights Fire Dept drove trucks in a teacher parade put on by
Vadnais Heights Elementary. Teachers and firefighters drove by students to offer cheer.


If you have any questions about RCLLG, your membership, or news listed above, please email [email protected] .

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Ramsey County League of Local Governments | www.mngts.org/rcllg