East metro town briefs

Students fight abuse Choose Respect, a group of Coon Rapids Northdale Middle School students that has raised awareness about issues of dating violence and developing healthy relationships, is one of five recipients of 2008 Anoka County public health awards for contributions to the community.

The group of about 30 students has hosted a parents' night, and the Clothesline Project, an exhibit that displays a T-shirt in honor of each person killed in Minnesota as a result of domestic abuse.

Other award winners include the Ramsey Lions Club for sponsoring a variety of activities; Brenda Link, supervisor of the Wellness Van at Mercy Hospital; Marvin Benson, the now-deceased Lions district governor who suggested bringing a mobile clinic to Anoka County, and Lyla Pagels, for her assistance in health program development.

PAUL LEVY

City admin applicants The City Council is holding a special meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday to hear more about three candidates for the city administrator post from the search firm Personnel Decisions.

The firm did background and reference checks as well as other assessments on the candidates, Jim Norman, Melinda Coleman and Ron Moorse. Norman, formerly the city administrator of Ramsey, is the interim city administrator in Afton. Coleman, formerly the assistant city manager of Maplewood, works in the private sector. Moorse, until recently, was the city administrator in Orono.

STAFF REPORT

Town hall meeting This year's town hall meeting is set for 6-9 p.m. Tuesday at Cedar Creek Community School, 21108 Polk St. NE.

The event begins with an open house from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by a 7-8 p.m. session during which City Council members will take residents' questions. Another open house session will be held from 8 to 9 p.m., with more opportunites for residents to ask questions of officials. As part of the open house sessions, there will be a PowerPoint presentation by the Met Council about the planned wastewater treatment facility in the city.

STAFF REPORT

Town hall meeting An overview of the Northwest Quadrant redevelopment project and a look at the city's housing stock will be featured during New Brighton's 31st annual town hall meeting on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

City Manager Dean Lotter will present information on the Northwest Quadrant, followed by a question-and-answer period. Joe Hatch, the city's code enforcement officer, will discuss the housing stock and take questions about housing and neighborhood issues.

The event at the Family Service Center, 400 10th St. NW., begins with a community fair at 8:30 a.m. The program starts at 9 a.m. At noon, a light buffet will be served.

STAFF REPORT

City Council seat open The Roseville City Council is accepting applications from residents interested in filling a vacancy on the City Council. The new council member will complete a term made vacant after the recent death of council member Tom Kough.

Applications can be filed online at www.cityofroseville.com /councilapp, or they can be picked up at Roseville City Hall, 2660 Civic Center Drive. To have one mailed to you, call 651-792-7001. Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. May 7. Applicants will be interviewed May 12 and the City Council will appoint its newest member at the May 19 council meeting.

STAFF REPORTS

Discuss city plan St. Paul planners will be holding an open house for residents to talk about the updating of the city's comprehensive plan.

The public input and approval process is approaching, and residents will learn about trends and strategies in each of the chapters of the plan and how to get involved. The chapters are housing, land use, parks, transportation and water.

The open house is from 6 to 8 p.m. April 30 at the Central Corridor Resource Center, 1080 University Av.

CHRIS HAVENS

Sustainability awards St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman handed out nine Sustainable St. Paul awards last week to honor individuals and groups that have shown a commitment to environmental stewardship.

The categories and recipients:

• Energy efficiency: Macalester College

• Water quality or conservation: St. Paul Parks and Recreation Department environmental services staff

• Transportation options: St. Paul Classic Bike Tour

• Commercial green building design: Gordon Parks High School

• Waste reduction and recycling: Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

• Green spaces: Community of Peace Academy

• Environmental education and awareness: Eco Education

• Youth leadership: Como Park High School "Greeneyez" environmental club

• Sustainable city staff: Larry Zangs of the Department of Safety and Inspections.

CHRIS HAVENS