Our Mission: Providing quality services through responsible leadership, innovation and the cooperation of dedicated people Date: June 16, 2020 Contact: Yvonne Klinnert, Public Information Manager Phone: 651-430-6026, after hours 952-807-3723 E-mail: yvonne.klinnert@co.washington.mn.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The following actions were taken at the June 16, 2020, Washington County Board of Commissioners meeting at the Government Center in Stillwater, Minnesota County receives additional money to shelter those who are homeless during pandemic Washington County will receive additional money to assist those who are experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic, after the County Board accepted the money from the state June 16. The Minnesota Legislature passed a $330 million emergency funding package in late March that was signed by Gov. Tim Walz March 28. The legislation included $26.5 million to support homelessness providers' COVID-19 response. The county requested $43,420 to provide services for one month to approximately 16 households experiencing homelessness, which it received in April. In May, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) awarded Washington County an additional $41,040 to provide services for an additional month to approximately 22 households. In early June, DHS awarded Washington County an additional $92,850 to provide services for one month to approximately 38 households experiencing homelessness. Funding will be used for: * $83,850 to expand shelter capacity that promotes the health and safety and quarantine options through hotel vouchers; * $2,000 to purchase hygiene or sanitation supplies so that the Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST) can comply with Centers for Disease Control guidance; * $7,000 to support HOST staffing needs for homeless programs necessary to protect the health and wellness of participants and staff. The county will be able to request funding on an ongoing basis until the state funds run out. The total amount received to date is $177,310. Contact: Tom Adkins, Community Services Director, 651-430-6461 County Board approves plat in West Lakeland Township The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved an abstract plat in West Lakeland Township June 16. The abstract plat is southwest of Novak Avenue North. Contact: Nancie Schwintek, Property Records Division Manager, 651-430-6758 Planning work begins on CSAH 3 improvements Planning work for improvement of County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 3 in May Township will begin after the Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a $299,900 contract with HDR Consulting Inc. June 16. The project will be on the county road, also known as Norell Avenue North, from CSAH 7 to CSAH 4. The main objectives of the project are: * pavement improvement; * long-term roadway maintenance reductions; * review horizontal and vertical alignment improvements; * analyze shoulder widening; and * design of appropriate drainage improvements The contract includes project coordination, preliminary engineering, public engagement, environmental investigations, and utility coordination. Construction is scheduled for 2023. Contact: Kevin Peterson, Engineer II, 651-430-4330 County Board proclaims Summer at Your Library The Washington County Board of Commissioners proclaimed June 15 to Aug. 15 as Summer at Your Library at its meeting June 16. This Washington County Library program includes events and activities to encourage children, teens, and adults to make reading, learning, and exploring a part of their summer plans. In its resolution, the board noted that summer is traditionally the busiest and most exciting season at the library, and participation in summer library programs can neutralize summer learning loss, and improve comprehension and memory skills for children and teens. The resolution noted that the library’s programs and activities encourage library users of all ages to become lifelong readers and learners. It did note that the coronavirus pandemic has changed the way libraries deliver services and Washington County Library has adapted its summer programming to offer virtual events, curbside programs, and individual activities that encourage reading and learning for all ages. Libraries continue to serve as a resource for all members of the community, regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or socio-economic status. The board also extended its appreciation and thanks to library staff for their work inspiring curiosity, championing innovation, and sparking opportunity for all residents of Washington County. Contact: Kim Ukura, Social Media Specialist, 651-272-8511 Building Restoration Corporation will repair Law Enforcement Center parking ramp Building Restoration Corporation will repair the Law Enforcement Center parking ramp on the county’s Government Center campus after the Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a $1.1 million contract with the company June 16. The ramp was built in 1993, and has had no major rehabilitation work done on it since. The exterior wall is in disrepair. The first phase of the rehabilitation project was done last year, and included addressing water leakage, light improvements, and replacing the metal gates used for snow removal. The next phase of the project will include exterior wall restoration, and coating the traffic deck, as well as window replacement. Contact: Joe Welter, Building Service Project Manager, 651-430-6226 County Board appoints Ledvina County Recorder Debra Ledvina was appointed as County Recorder by the Washington County Board of Commissioners June 16. Special legislation was passed in 1997 that allowed the County Board to appoint a department head to carry out the statutory duties of the Office of County Recorder. In 2006, the county adopted an organizational structure under which the Director of Property Records and Taxpayer Services has the overall responsibility for the statutory duties of the Office of County Recorder. Ledvina was appointed the county’s Director of Property Records and Taxpayer Services June 9. She will succeed Jennifer Wagenius, who was appointed deputy county administrator in February. Contact: Yvonne Klinnert, Public Information Manager, 651-430-6026 A great place to live, work and play…today and tomorrow Government Center • 14949 62nd Street North — P.O. Box 6, Stillwater, Minnesota 55082-0006 Phone: 651-430-6001 • Fax: 651-430-6017 • TTY: 651-430-6246 www.co.washington.mn.us Equal Employment Opportunity