County will receive $7.8 million to provide emergency rental assistance Washington County will receive $7.8 million from the federal government to provide rental assistance to county residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The County Board accepted the funding Feb. 9.

The federal government passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 at the end of December to address the on-going impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. Among other items, it provides emergency rental assistance funds to states and local governments that exceed a certain population threshold, which Washington County does, making it eligible for the rental assistance funds.

The board also approved the hiring of county staff members to administer the program.

County Board accepts donations to county during 2020 fourth quarter The Washington County Board of Commissioners accepted donations to the county Feb. 9 that were received in the fourth quarter of 2020.

The Library received a number of cash donations, totally almost $2,200, through memorial donations and donations given to support “take and make” programs that allow for at-home library programs. The parks received donations for trail enhancement and exhibit donations for the Historic Courthouse’s most recent exhibit, totaling about $3,775.

The Sheriff’s Office received $1,000 from the grand opening of a Kwik Trip store in Lake Elmo that was given in support of local communities. The Sheriff’s Office also received riot control gear, a flotation system, and batteries for AEDs, with the value of just more than $16,740.

The commissioners were provided with a report of all in-kind and cash donations that the county received in all of 2020, which totaled $65,463.79.

County Board approves contracts with hotels for shelter

The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved contracts Feb. 9 with hotels in the county, in the estimated amount of $450,000, to provide emergency COVID shelter through June 30.

The County Board had previously approved the continuation of the COVID emergency shelter hotel program and allocated funds to support it. Money from the Minnesota Department of Human Services is supporting the county’s ability to continue its COVID emergency shelter hotel program. Block room rates were negotiated with each hotel.

County will submit Square Lake Special Recreation Feature plan to Met Council Washington County will submit the Square Lake Special Recreation Feature master plan to the Metropolitan Council for review and approval, after the County Board approved the submittal Feb. 9. A master plan, approved by the County Board and Metropolitan Council, is needed to provide direction for future park development and make proposed improvements eligible for regional funding. The plan, developed by the county, provides long-term planning and implementation guidance for the park capital improvements, acquisitions, natural resource management, and overall development to create a regional park that meets the needs of Washington County’s future park users.

Located in May Township, Square Lake park is a regional feature renowned for its access to some of the clearest waters in the metropolitan region. The park offers a popular swim beach and lake access for boats, scuba divers, paddle boarders, and more.

The plan provides guidance on the future boundary of the park, park improvements, uses, facilities, and natural resource management.