Friends,
On Monday I introduced a bill that I hope will address the concerns many of you have over unfair gas pricing practices. This bill stipulates that companies that own both gas refineries and retail locations that sell gas within the state of Minnesota must have fair pricing practices.
The legislation is a result of complaints you have shared with me over the prices posted by Northern Tier Energy, the owner and operators of Super America convenience stores. It has a refinery in St. Paul Park, but, inexplicably, the cost of a gallon of gas in our area are among the most expensive in the metro.
Transportation costs can’t be the cause of the high price; Northern Tier is our neighbor. I asked for an explanation, but the company didn’t bother to respond.
I’m not the only one in the legislature concerned about this. Rep. Joe Atkins, the chairman of the Commerce and Consumer Protection Finance and Policy Committee, is the co-author of the House version of the bill, and our state senator, Katie Sieben, is introducing a similar bill on the Senate side, with Sen. James Metzen, the chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, a co-author.
I believe this is an issue that goes deeper than gas prices. Many of you tell me that you shop around for the cheapest gas prices. And when you go out and buy gas, that’s when you run other errands, like grocery shopping or having dinner at a nearby restaurant. Northern Tier’s policies are taking money away from our local businesses, and that is unacceptable. It’s time they act like a member of our community and be a friend to its neighbors.
Target Credit Monitoring
Target has announced that it is offering one free year of credit monitoring for folks who shop at the retail giant. The offer comes following a December security breach that may have affected more than 110 million customers. The deadline to sign up is April. 30. Find out more at http://bit.ly/L5KqQ1
Residents have reached out to me expressing their concern this type of issue might possibly be bigger than known at the moment. Please know as a member of the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee I will be looking deeper into this situation and the possibility of others like it.
Community Events and Information
St. Paul Park annual sledding party
The St. Paul Parks & Recreation Commission will be hosting a sledding party at the hill near city hall. It will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information, call 651-459-9785.
Public Hearing on the Red Rock Corridor
The Red Rock Corridor Commission will be hosting a public hearing at 4 p.m., Thursday, January 23, at Cottage Grove City Hall, 12800 Ravine Parkway. The purpose of this hearing is to gather public comments regarding the Alternatives Analysis Update (AAU) before the report is approved. More information about the AAU draft and the study can be found at http://www.redrockrail.org/transit-study.
South St. Paul Public Open House
The City of South Paul is hosting a Public Open House to review concept plan for the revitalization of the Southview Marie Avenue area. This meeting is the follow-up to a planning study that was completed this fall to determine what was working well in the area and what could be improved. The open house will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., January 23 at the Centennial Room at Central Square Community Center from 5 to 7 p.m. For more information or to read the study, visit http://www.southstpaul.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=22.
Stone Soup Talent and Fashion Show Fundraiser
On Sunday, January 26, from 3 to 7 p.m., Stone Soup will host a Variety and Fashion Show Fundraiser. There will also be a silent auction. The event will be held at the VFW Post 8752 (Red Barn), 9760 East Point Douglas Road, Cottage Grove. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for ages 4-12 and free for ages 3 and under. Admission covers Carbone’s dinner and dessert. You can learn more by going to https://www.facebook.com/events/628061437240601/.
City Advisory Board/Commission Members Needed
One of the highest ideals of citizenship is personal involvement in the democratic process. City commissions provide various opportunities for citizen participation in issues concerning the community and its residents. The South St. Paul community relies on the advice and assistance of nine distinct boards and commissions:
Airport Advisory Commission
Central Square Board
Charter Commission
Housing & Redevelopment Authority
Library Board
Northern Dakota County Cable Communications Commission
Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission
Planning Commission
Police & Fire Civil Service Commission
New terms on these bodies may be available effective March 1, 2014. I encourage anyone interested to serve. The city council may choose to interview candidates before filling the openings. For more information or to apply for a vacancy, go to http://www.southstpaul.org/Index.aspx?NID=221. Return the completed application to Shelly Anderson, City of South St. Paul, 125 3rd Avenue North, South St. Paul, MN 55075. All applications must be received or postmarked by January 31, 2014.
Dog licenses in Newport
The annual dog licenses for Newport are now on sale at City Hall. Residents must renew licenses by January 31 of each year. Cost is $10.
Take care,
Dan