County Board sets May 7 public hearing for planned bond sale
The Washington County Board of Commissioners set a public hearing for May 7 to consider the issuance of general obligation bonds to fund projects in the 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
The CIP included financing of up to $30 million through bonding and other statutorily authorized financial instruments to fund the construction of the Central Service and License Center and improvements to Central Park in Woodbury. The financing will be structured to remain within the Board's budget guidelines and debt policy.
Holding a public hearing is required to complete the planned bond sale. At the hearing, county staff and consultants will provide project information, financial strategies, and legal requirements associated with the planned sale of bonds.
Contact: Cat Piepho, Accounting and Finance Director, 651-430-6027
Sheriff’s Office receives grant to purchase vehicle for traffic safety education
The Washington County Sheriff's Office received a $72,325 grant from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety April 9 for the purchase and outfitting of a traffic safety vehicle.
The grant was approved by the Washington County Board of Commissioners.
The goal of this grant program is to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes through an emphasis on seat belt enforcement, distracted and impaired driving, and speed. The vehicle will be used for organized traffic safety events and at high-visibility events in collaboration with partner agencies throughout the county.
The grant requires a 20% local match of $14,465. The match will be funded through the Sheriff's Office's current operating budget.
Contact: Laura Perkins, Law Enforcement Public Information Manager, 651-430-7994
Masons donate fire suppression devices to Washington County Sheriff’s Office
The Washington County Board of Commissioners accepted a donation of nine fire suppression tools (FST) from the Minnesota Masonic Charities, Minnesota Free Masons, and Stillwater Masonic Lodge April 9.
The FSTs are valued at $6,192 and will be used by patrol deputies in response to calls for service involving an active fire.
The portable FST is a highly effective, environmentally safe aerosol fire suppression solution that is used to extinguish flames and reduce heat while the fire department responds to the scene. In some instances, the early use of the FST not only suppresses but can even extinguish a fire.
Washington County Sheriff's Sergeant Bill Harrell deployed an FST Feb. 19 at a house fire in St. Paul Park saving the homeowners’ two dogs and preventing further damage to the house.
Contact: Laura Perkins, Law Enforcement Public Information Manager, 651-430-7994
SRF Consulting, Inc. to do final design on Manning Avenue, County Highway 15 connection in Stillwater
SRF Consulting, Inc. will provide final design services for Phase I of the 58th Street Extension/County Highway 15 South Segment Project, located in the cities of Stillwater, Oak Park Heights, and Stillwater Township.
The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved the contract totaling $569,280 and adopted a resolution to acquire right-of-way for construction of the extension April 9.
The project, identified in the county’s Capital Improvement Plan, will connect the Manning Avenue/Trunk Highway 36 interchange with the south segment of County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 15 through a phased approach. Phase I of the project will connect the interchange to Memorial Ave. and make necessary improvements to support the needs of local traffic. Phase II will be programmed in a future capital improvement plan as development in the area progresses, and will include intersection improvements at County Highway 15 and 58th Street, along with other area improvements to handle future demand.
SRF Consulting, Inc. has been working through a preliminary design study for this connection since April 2020. This connection was also identified through the Manning Interchange design process, which also included SRF Consulting as a key team member. Under the contract approved April 9, SRF Consulting, Inc. would lead the project through final design and include all aspects necessary to bring this project to bidding including additional public engagement, environmental services, water resources, traffic, and final design.
The resolution approved April 9 allows the county to acquire the necessary right-of-way and associated easements for the 58th Street Extension/County Highway 15 and proceed with construction. The right-of-way estimate is approximately $1,000,000. Revenue will come from County Transportation Sales Tax and local contributions.
Contact: Ryan Hoefs, Engineer II, 651-430-4336
County to provide elections services to Mahtomedi, Newport, Stillwater
Washington County will provide election services to the cities of Mahtomedi, Newport, and Stillwater after the Board of Commissioners approved Joint Powers Agreements (JPAs) with each of the cities April 9.
The JPAs were approved by the cities of Mahtomedi and Stillwater March 19 and the City of Newport March 21. These agreements start for the statewide primary and general election in 2024 and will continue for future elections.
The county currently has JPAs with 10 other cities:
- Birchwood Village.
- Cottage Grove.
- Forest Lake.
- Grant.
- Lakeland.
- Landfall.
- Oakdale.
- Pine Springs.
- St. Paul Park.
- Woodbury.
Fees for election services are defined in the Countywide Fee Schedule and are annually reviewed.
Contact: Amy Stenftenagel, Property Records and Taxpayer Services Director, 651-430-6182