2019.05.28 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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May 14, 2019 Page 2 of 11 Special Order of Business 1. Commissioner Mary Jo McGuire - Update Commissioner Mary Jo McGuire provided the Council with an update from the County. She reported the County passed an Ordinance that regulates the sale of mentholated tobacco and supported the City in addressing this issue. She commended the City on their recent Town Hall meeting. She discussed the County’s vision, mission and goals. She described the services provided to residents by the County and reviewed the impact the Pritzker Children’s Impact Grant would have on preschool aged children. She reported the County was a crucial portal through which many families and vulnerable children pass and the County was working to increase early childhood services. She commented on how the County was addressing community health by encouraging residents to eat healthy, exercise and stay active. She discussed the community engagement activities that would occur regarding the Census 2020. She reviewed the new faces at Ramsey County and stated she was hopeful these new staff members would assist in moving the County forward. She provided further comment on the items the County Board has been discussing at their recent workshop meetings. She reported the County has secured a contract with Open to Business and thanked New Brighton for paving the way for this opportunity. She explained the County would be completing a Master Park Plan for Long Lake Regional Park in the near future. She indicated the County would be focusing on roads that need improvement and commented on the plans for Old Highway 8, County Road D, County Road H, Long Lake Road and Silver Lake Road. She commented on the impact the I-35W MnPASS project would have on the City and County. Councilmember Jacobsen thanked Commissioner McGuire for the partnership she has with the City. He stated she was pleased the County was still considering a dog park at Long Lake Regional Park. He asked when the County would be completing a shelter at Lions Park. Commissioner McGuire stated she would investigate this further and would report back to the Council. Councilmember Jacobsen requested the Council consider offering more assistance with the treatment of Long Lake for the invasive species in the lake. Mayor Johnson commented the City and the property owners on Long Lake have put money towards addressing invasive species in Long Lake. She encouraged the County to also assist with this expense given the fact the County owns one-third of the lakeshore on Long Lake. Commissioner McGuire indicated she understood this was a concern and stated she would continue to seek resources. Councilmember Burg welcomed Commissioner McGuire and thanked her for attending this meeting. She discussed the partnership the City had with the County at Lions Park. She requested further information regarding the County’s menthol tobacco ordinance. Commissioner McGuire discussed the County’s tobacco ordinance. Mayor Johnson expressed concerns with the County roads in New Brighton. She indicated 35W would be closed for the next three years which would push additional traffic into the City. She believed the County had let the City down with respect to Old Highway 8 noting it was in failing condition. Commissioner McGuire stated she would speak with Public Works and noted this roadway was on the list. Mayor Johnson explained she was disappointed Long Lake Road would be milled and overlaid in 2019. She commented this work should have been completed in 2018 prior to the MnPASS project beginning. She stated she believed many of the complaints the City receives regarding its roads were for County roads. She encouraged the County to be more proactive with its street repairs. She requested the County pay special attention to New Brighton over the next three years in order to keep the major arteries open during the MnPASS project. Commissioner McGuire stated the County wishes they could complete roads faster and noted the County was working to get the funding in order to complete County roads and bridges. She explained the MnPASS project was a State funded project and indicated the County would continue to work with MnDOT on this project. Mayor Johnson thanked Commissioner McGuire for her attendance and for her representation of New Brighton. Special Order of Business