How is Ramsey County handling the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Introducing the first of bi-weekly newsletters detailing how different communities in Ramsey County are handling the Pandemic.
Have a story? Contact rcllg@mngts.org
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Ramsey County COVID Policy Action Group
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At the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic, it was clear there were a number of issues that were going to be larger, more long-term concerns that county staff didn’t have the resources to tackle.
As a result, Toni Carter, Ramsey County Board Chair, in coordination with the County Manager, launched a 12-member group to manage policy issues and ensure rapid and long-term response.
This group, Ramsey County Policy Action Group (PAG), formed out of the Incident Management Team at Ramsey County.
About PAG
- Meetings occur virtually, about twice per week. A portion of these meetings include briefings from public health and legislative updates.
- There are multiple sub-committees established under PAG, including: Waivers for Services, Food Security, Outreach and Engagement, and more. There is a sub-committee for each of the issues below.
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PAG Members:
- Ramsey County Board Chair Toni Carter
- Chief Judge John Guthmann, 2nd Judicial District
- Ramsey County Attorney John Choi
- Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher
- Ramsey County Delegation Legislative Chair, Representative Rena Moran
- Ramsey County Delegation Legislative Chair, Senator Carolyn Laine
- Ramsey County Commissioner Jim McDonough
- Ramsey County Commissioner Trista MatasCastillo
- Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter
- Shoreview Mayor Sandy Martin
- Saint Paul Public Schools Superintendent, Joe Gothard
- North Saint Paul Public Schools Superintendent, Christine Osorio
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Issues Facing PAG
- Unsheltered Homeless – How do we move persons experiencing homelessness safely, especially if they have symptoms of COVID-19? As a result, Mary Hall will be opened, with a second site to be activated.
- Property Tax – The deadline for first half property tax payments (May 15) is nearing. PAG is looking at postponing property taxes for those who depend on the taxes for their cash flow.
- Evictions – How can we communicate and provide services for people that aren’t face-to-face?
New initiatives are posted on Ramsey County's
website
. PAG plays a role in many of the articles you see here.
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Free Health & Wellness Clinic:
White Bear Lake Area Schools
has been working with St. Catherine University Nursing Department to provide Free Bear Care Health & Wellness Clinics on Wednesdays and Fridays, open to all district students.
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Schools Providing Students Free Meals:
Gov. Tim Walz previously announced all
public schools will be closed beginning March 18, many of whom began
implementing distance learning this week. As a result, some area schools are providing free meals for students.
Roseville Area Schools
is one of them.
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Free Food Shelf:
M
ounds View is providing
Ralph Reeder Food Shelf
drive thru service.
The shelf includes pre-packed bags in which individuals and families can receive a combination of canned and boxed items, hygiene, baby items, produce, dairy, etc.
Residents can call for an appointment.
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What's cooking, Twin Cities?
Getting bored of your own home-cooked meals? Check out this
interactive map
showing which metro restaurants are offering curbside and/or takeout. See if your favorite local restaurant is on the map!
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April 1 was #nationalwalkingday!
Gov. Tim Walz
reminds
Minnesotans to avoid large crowds while enjoying the spring weather. Consider avoiding crowds by walking in the morning or early afternoon hours.
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April 1 was also National Census Day!
Make sure you are counted by filling out the form mailed to you or by filling it out online
here
.
It takes less than 10 minutes! Have your 12-digit Census ID ready, which can be found on the postcard you were mailed.
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Wondering how you can volunteer during this crisis? Here's some ideas:
- Provide face masks
- Donate blood
- Make cards for those isolated
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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 rcllg@mngts.org.
(Left) City of Shoreview residents know how to create positivity while maintaining social distancing
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If you have any questions about RCLLG, your membership, or news listed above, please email
RCLLG@mngts.org
.
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Visit the RCLLG website and follow us on social media!
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Ramsey County League of Local Governments | www.mngts.org/rcllg
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