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St. Paul leaders said Tuesday they will dismantle eight homeless encampments and relocate residents to shelters starting next week, citing the risk of fires and exposure to the cold.
The St. Paul Fire Department this year has responded to 30 out-of-control fires at camps where propane cylinders and other flammable heat sources have caught fire and even exploded, igniting nylon tents, nearby trees and debris. Emergency crews have also been dispatched to 75 emergency medical calls at camps, including a homeless person staying under a bridge who died of exposure. It s a dangerous, dangerous situation, said St. Paul Fire Chief Butch Inks, explaining how one man suffered serious legs burns after his campsite caught fire.
Brooklyn Park to hold special election after mayor joins Hennepin County Board Jeffery Lunde leaving to join County Board. December 15, 2020 7:37pm Text size Copy shortlink:
Brooklyn Park Mayor Jeffrey Lunde is resigning from his post of 10 years in the north metro suburb to instead serve on the Hennepin County Board, prompting a special election in 2021.
Lunde, whose resignation is effective Jan. 3, has two years left in his term, which means the council will have to appoint a pro tem mayor in January to assume duties until the special election.
The council officially declared a vacancy at its Monday night meeting and by law is required to order a special election within 45 days. Candidate filing will be open Feb. 2-16. A primary election will be held in April if more than two candidates file for the vacant seat, followed by a general election in August.
The Hennepin County Board is recruiting volunteers for 23 citizen advisory board positions through its annual open appointment process.
Each fall, the board accepts applications from residents interested in volunteer service positions on advisory boards, commissions, councils and special task forces. Appointees advise commissioners and help set policy on a variety of topics. Appointments to these positions will be made during the first quarter of next year.
Current openings include:
⢠Community Action Partnership (CAP) â two vacancies for local, elected officials
⢠County Extension Committee (University of Minnesota Extension) â one vacancy
⢠Library Board â three vacancies
⢠Lower Minnesota River Watershed District Boardâ two vacancies