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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – JANUARY 27, 2020 2 4. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS A. Ramsey County Commissioner Update Ramsey County Commissioner Nicole Frethem provided the Council with an update from Ramsey County. She explained the County’s vision was to create a vibrant community where all are valued and thrive and its mission was to be a county of excellence working with you to enhance quality of life. The services offered by the County was discussed at length. She then commented on her priorities for 2020 and noted the boards and commissions she would be serving on. She encouraged the Council to reach out to her at any time with comments or concerns. Councilmember Holden stated she was happy Toni Carter was appointed Chair of the County Board. She asked if this was a conflict of interest given the fact her son was the Mayor of St. Paul. Commissioner Frethem explained conflict of interest comes into effect when personal profit is concerned. She reported Toni Carter will not personally profit from the decisions she is making. She noted Toni Carter represents St. Paul and all of the Ramsey County suburbs. She indicated Ms. Carter was a very competent and responsible professional. She believed Ms. Carter was very deserving of the Chair position and noted Mary Jo McGuire would be serving as the Vice Chair. Councilmember Holden questioned if Commissioner Frethem would be serving on the JDA. Commissioner Frethem stated while she was interested in serving, the County Board would not be changing the JDA representatives given the pending litigation. Councilmember Holden encouraged Ramsey County to consider updating its website in order to become more user-friendly. Councilmember Holmes thanked Commissioner Frethem for holding office hours for her constituents in Arden Hills. Commissioner Frethem commented further on her office hours and encouraged the City to publicize this information in Arden Hills. Councilmember Holmes requested Commissioner Frethem look into greater efficiencies within the library system. Mayor Grant noted he met with Commissioner Frethem in December. He thanked Commissioner Frethem for her time and for sharing what was going on at Ramsey County. He requested Commissioner Frethem keep the Council apprised as to the projects Ramsey County would be completing in Arden Hills. Councilmember Holden encouraged Commissioner Frethem to hold office hours in Arden Hills at the Ramsey County Public Works Facility.