Tomorrow, November 2nd is election day in St. Paul. If you haven’t voted yet, don't miss the opportunity to cast your ballot for school board and our city mayor. Let your voice be heard, these roles are very important for the present and future of our city. If you have voting questions or need help figuring out where to vote, click here.
Additionally, since school buildings are closed on this year's election day, Rice Street Library is hosting a Study Zone day on Tuesday, November 2 for distance learners. The library will be open from 7:00-10:00am exclusively for young scholars to sign on for synchronous learning and work on asynchronous work before we open to the public at 10:00am. They'll have speedy WiFi, extra iPads, a few staff members onsite to assist young learners, and food throughout the day.
 The Council votes this week on the proposed changes to the tobacco ordinance. Those changes include:
1) Change to two classes of tobacco licenses: Tobacco Shop, locations like convenience stores that sell tobacco along with other products and Tobacco Products Shop, locations that primarily sell tobacco.
2) The distance between locations which sell tobacco would be one-half mile. This provision would not impact renewal of existing licenses.
3) The cap on the number of Tobacco Shop licenses would become 150 and the cap on the number of Tobacco Products Shops would become 25.
4) Liquor stores would no longer be able to sell any flavored tobacco products including menthol flavor. Non-flavored products would still be allowed.
5) The minimum price for packs of cigarettes or standard size cans of chewing tobacco would be set at $10.00. Coupons or price promotions would no longer be able to be used to reduce the price of any tobacco products including vape products.
7) Penalties for violations of age-of-sale and sale of flavored tobacco products would be increased
Thanks to ANSR MN for their leadership and partnership on this important initiative!
 Saint Paul Public Libraries have restored staff and hours and it's time to celebrate! Saturday, November 13th, at 10 a.m., all libraries will have activities, donuts, library scavenger hunts, and giveaways for community members. Rice Street Library will also have a special arts activity set up as well, so be sure to stop by. It is so good to have our libraries open and staffed again!
 Do you have a business that you'd like to nominate for the 5th annual Business Awards? The program recognizes the outstanding businesses that provide critical services, contributes to the City's community, invests in their employees, and are committed to Saint Paul's values of equity and diversity. The nomination period is open now and will close on December 3rd, 2021. Community members, residents, employees and business-owners are encouraged to nominate and/or apply at:
stpaul.gov/bizawards
Beginning tomorrow, we will return to offering Community Office Hours at the Rice Street Library on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month, 4-5:30p.m. Yay! Call in advance to set up and appointment or just walk in and say hello! We want to make it easy for you to contact and collaborate with your city council office so this in-person option is a great way to share your ideas or concerns. Please be prepared to wear a mask for this in-person meeting and if you aren’t feeling well, please stay home until you are feeling 100%. Prefer to meet outdoors and/or need to get your steps in? Consider the option to take a “Lake Lap” with me around Como Lake. I estimate that I have walked over 500 miles with Ward 5 residents in the past decade, and it has continued to be a true highlight for me. Of course, emails, zooms, and good old fashioned phone calls work perfectly to be in touch as well. You can reach us at Ward5@ci.stpaul.mn.us or 651-266-8650 to schedule a walk or other meeting. We’d love to hear for you!
Enjoy our beautiful, waning autumn days …and don’t forget to set your clocks back on Sunday, Nov 7th.
Warmly,
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