Agenda - Council Work Session - 08/24/2010

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION Topic Report: CONSIDER STATEWIDE HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AGREEMENT WITH ANOKA COUNTY Background: ,.,~. ! ~ 4~ e~ A{3 E i ~ ~r A ~.w_ ~_~___..~.e~..__~~_.~...._.._.~..~____ The purpose of this topic report is to consider entering into an agreement with Anoka County Community Health and Environmental Services for Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP). Anoka County SHIP is a part of Minnesota's SHIP, an integral part of a 2008 legislative health reform law, which strives to help residents lead longer, healthier lives by preventing the chronic disease risk factors of poor nutrition and physical inactivity. SHIP `interventions' seek to create sustainable, systemic changes in schools, worksites, communities, and healthcare organizations that make it easier for Anoka County residents to incorporate healthy behaviors into their daily lives. Funds are used to implement policies and practices that create active communities by increasing opportunities for non-motorized transportation (walking and biking) and access to community recreation facilities. Others involved in the program and receiving funds include the cities of: Blaine, Coon Rapids, Fridley, and Anoka County Parks and Recreation Components of SHIP funding may include the elements of planning, education, evaluation, promotion, signage and maps. (A heavy SHIP emphasis is placed on education and promotion because those serve as the conduit to community knowledge about city amenities, and the intention that healthy activities then become a habit of active living.) The Park and Recreation Commission recommended at their July meeting to develop a program to access any significant funds available to Ramsey, (with additional monies possible in a future years). The present funding cycle would require that any programs be completed before July 1, of 2011. The following is a SHIP work plan that is approved by Anoka County staff that is administrating the program. Ramsey Community Intervention #1-Estimated Investment by SHIP $23,000 Enhance and promote walking and biking within the City of Ramsey. Prepare a pedestrian and bicycle assessment and implementation plan for the City of Ramsey. • Collect the park data with photos of existing recreational amenities for the Go Anoka County interactive mapping system using the template provided. • Complete the Bicycle Friendly Community checklist and apply for National Bike Friendly Community status (continued below) o Examine the Bicycle Friendly Community program, do an inventory of the City of Ramsey for items on the checklist, fill out the application, generate a list or template as to how the City of Ramsey can become even more conducive for safe and healthy walking and biking. This assessment uses the 5 E's (engineering, education, encouragement, evaluation and enforcement), which can help give the City of Ramsey