City officials are seeking applicants for several advisory boards, among them a newly formed traffic commission created in large part after a fatal hit-and-run earlier this year.
North/east metro briefs: Blaine creates traffic panel after fatal hit-and-run
In May, Danilo Aguilar died while checking his mailbox after being hit by an alleged drunken driver speeding along 119th Avenue. His death shocked the town and raised questions about how to curb speeding in residential areas. The City Council approved two new police positions for neighborhood traffic enforcement.
Council Member Jason King proposed creating the citizens task force on traffic.
"About 80 percent of the e-mails and complaints I get are related to residential traffic," King said. "It was obvious something needed to be done."
Seven residents will serve two-year terms on the traffic commission, which will make recommendations to the City Council about local street safety and issues ranging from pedestrian crosswalks to installing new traffic signs and signals.
About $25,000 has initially been set aside for the commission to use in the coming year, King said.
Those interested in applying to the traffic commission or other advisory boards can contact the City Clerk's office at 763-785-6122 or visit www.ci.blaine.mn.us. Applications are being accepted through the end of the year.
Hannah Covington
Washington County
Hearing scheduled on body cameras
The Washington County Sheriff's Office plans to begin using portable videorecorders, also known as body cameras, for deputies who are licensed peace officers. Under state law, the Sheriff's Office must first provide an opportunity for public comment by mail, electronically and at a regularly scheduled county meeting.
An open forum is scheduled before the Washington County Board at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the fifth-floor boardroom at the county Government Center, 14949 62nd St. N. Additionally, questions can be sent via e-mail to sheriff@co.washington.mn.us or by mail to Washington County Sheriff's Office, Body-Worn Camera Project, 15015 62nd St. N., Stillwater, MN 55082.
Kevin Giles
Roseville
MNsure advice available at library
If you need help applying for health insurance or have questions about MNsure, free one-on-one advice is being offered at the Roseville branch of the Ramsey County Library, 2180 North Hamline Ave.
Helpers known as "certified navigators" will be on hand within certain hours through Jan. 31. People are being invited to either drop in or to call Health Access at 651-645-0215 for an appointment.
Hours are: Sundays: 12:30 to 5 p.m.; Mondays 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Tuesdays: 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Wednesdays: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Thursdays: 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Fridays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Workshops in January and February will be advertised on www.rclreads.org.
David Peterson
Woodbury
Register now for city's New Year's Eve event
Officials are recommending early registration for Woodbury's New Year's Eve family event, which usually sells out.
The event includes a Ga-Ga pit, inflatable obstacle courses, bounce houses, DJ-hosted dancing, bingo, ice skating, a photo booth, a raffle and a countdown to 2017 at 8:45 p.m.
Hours on Saturday, Dec. 31, are from 6-9 p.m. at Bielenberg Sports Center, 4125 Radio Drive.
Cost is $8 each, if preregistered, or $10 at the door. Tickets are required for those age 3 or older. To buy tickets, call (651) 714-3583 to do so. For information, call (651) 414-3437.
David Peterson
Ramsey County
Oil and filter, antifreeze accepted for free
Ramsey County is reminding folks it has a 24/7 spot for drop-offs of used auto oil and filters and antifreeze — free for county residents only.
The collection shed is on the north side of the county Public Works facility, 1352 Ben Franklin Dr., in Arden Hills.
To learn more, including where to bring other hazardous waste, visit RamseyRecycles.com/householdhazardouswaste, or call 651-633-EASY (3279).
David Peterson
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