White pelicans made a rare day trip to Como Lake last weekend. Photo: Nile Fellows
Lower Speed Limits are in the Works
Saint Paul engineers are studying where it might make sense to reduce speed limits on city streets -- and by how much. Public Works director Kathy Lantry told more than 50 people attending the monthly Como Community Council meeting on Sept. 17 that a state law took effect Aug. 1 that gives cities, for the first time, authority to reduce speed limits below 30 mph on their own streets.

The law does not apply to state or county roads, Lantry emphasized. That means thoroughfares such as Snelling, Dale, Lexington Parkway, Front, Energy Park Drive, Como Ave. west of Hamline, and Larpenteur Ave. do not automatically qualify. (However, there can be an exception if they have bicycle lanes, Lantry said.)

All residential streets in Saint Paul automatically would be eligible. So would collector and arterial streets such as Pascal, Hamline, Chatsworth, Victoria, Grotto, Hoyt, Arlington, Midway Parkway, Van Slyke, Wheelock, Maryland west of Dale, Jessamine, and Nagasaki. 

Lantry also discussed trash collection, pavement conditions, snow plowing, and traffic calming as part of street reconstruction, among other topics. See a copy of her slide show

Learn more: The city will hold an information session on speed limits on Wednesday Oct. 3 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Rondo Community Library, 461 N. Dale.
A Vision for Como Park Paths
The Como Community Council on Sept. 17 approved a series of recommendations from its Pathways work group to make bicycle and pedestrian paths in Como Regional Park " more useful to more people more often." The recommendations include giving Saint Paul Parks and Recreation specific suggestions to improve the condition and function of paths; upgrade signs along paths; create maps, kiosks, interpretative displays and other "wayfinding" tools; and upgrade amenities along paths. Read a short version of the report and recommendations.

Also on Sept. 17, the community council voted to support a proposal to convert Ayd Mill Road into a linear park, with two lanes of traffic (instead of the current four), and new bicycle and pedestrian paths.
Live in South Como or Energy Park?
The Como Community Council Board is seeking candidates to fill a vacant seat from Sub-District 4 -- which essentially is South Como and Energy Park ( see the map). The candidate will fill the remaining six months of the term of Cody Zwiefelhofer, who won a special election this week to fill the board's vacant vice-chair position.

To get on the ballot, apply online no later than Tuesday Oct. 8. All renters, homeowners, and other residents age 16 or older who live in District 10 are eligible to run. So are authorized representatives from a business or nonprofit organization located in District 10.

The special election will be Tuesday Oct. 15. 
Immerse Yourself in Como Lake Issues
Experts from the Capitol Region Watershed District will lead a free walking tour of Como Lake this Wednesday, Sept. 25. The tour will cover Como Lake's history, water quality and monitoring issues, aquatic plant and fish communities, shoreline restoration, watershed projects, community efforts, and the long-term implementation of the Como Lake Management Plan.

Details: The tour leaves promptly at 6 p.m. from the south side of the Lakeside Pavilion. It will end approximately 7:30 p.m. at the fishing pier. The tour will take place rain or shine; please wear clothing and shoes appropriate for walking and the weather. 
Save the Date for Ward 5 Forum
A public forum for candidates running for the Ward 5 seat on the Saint Paul City Council takes place on Thursday Oct. 10 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Washington Technology Magnet School, 1495 Rice St.

The free forum is being organized by the Como Community Council, North End Neighborhood Organization, Payne-Phalen Community Council, and League of Women Voters Saint Paul. Candidates on the ballot (in alphabetical order) are Bob Blake, Amy Brendmoen, Jamie Hendricks, and Suyapa Miranda.
The Beer Choir closes out the free music season at the Lakeside Pavilion.
In the Park This Weekend
  • Oktoberfest Fun Run and Walk: This Saturday, Sept. 21, Como Midway Picnic Pavilion. Kids' run, 9:40 a.m.; 5K, 10 a.m. Registration: Kids' Run, $10-$15. 5K, ages 15 or younger $25-$30; ages 16 or older, $35-$40. Proceeds benefit Twin Cities German Immersion School.
  • Beer Choir Oktoberfest: This Saturday, Sept. 21, Como Lakeside Pavilion. 4-7 p.m. Free
  • Step Up for Down Syndrome walk and family festival: This Sunday, Sept. 22, Como Midway Picnic Pavilion. 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; walk starts at noon. Registration: $5.
Park Bugle Won't Be Automatic Anymore
Beginning this month, residents and businesses in Como no longer will get the Park Bugle community newspaper delivered automatically each month -- unless they request it. The Bugle is switching from doorstep delivery to mailbox delivery. But in District 10 (from Snelling east to Dale, and from Larpenteur south to the railroad tracks) free delivery will continue only if you sign up. To make sure you get the Bugle delivered, fill out the online form.
Council Plans Votes on D10 Items
The Saint Paul City Council is expected to vote on resolutions this Wednesday that:
  • Create an official public record of the convoluted path of the variance requests and site plan review for Twin Cities German Immersion School's building project.
  • Uphold a $500 fine against Todd L. Grosklags for violations of his peddlers license while selling tickets near Midway Parkway and Snelling during the 2018 Minnesota State Fair. (Earlier this year, the council upheld a $500 fine against James E. Carroll for a variety of violations of his peddlers license, including not displaying his license, selling beverages within 25 feet of an intersection, selling on a sidewalk less than 6 feet wide, selling on park property, and remaining stationery while peddling, also during the 2018 State Fair.)
  • Approve a sound-level variance for the Immune Deficiency Foundation for a walk and related events in Como Regional Park on Saturday Oct. 5 from 8:15 a.m.-noon.
The meeting is Sept. 25, beginning at 3:30 p.m., in the third-floor City Council chambers in City Hall, 15 W. Kellogg Blvd. 

Also, the City Council on Sept. 18 approved the new business license for Duke's Car and Towing, 977 Front Ave. 
Hazardous Waste Disposal Got Easier
Ramsey County sets up a temporary hazardous waste collection site every Friday and Saturday in September on Como Ave. west of Snelling and south of the Fairgrounds. If you've got solvents or other chemicals that say Caution, Warning, Danger, or Poison on the label, those are good candidates. So are batteries, cell phones, fluorescent bulbs, gasoline, mercury thermometers, paint, propane tanks, and used motor oil and filters. 

The site operates Fridays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.  See the complete list of what you can bring. Disposal is free.  
The Detours Contine
  • Energy Park Drive: Just west of Snelling, the street is down to one lane in each direction while Xcel Energy installs a gas main. Work is expected to last into October.
  • Larpenteur Ave. (Snelling west to Highway 280): Concrete repair work continues to reduce much of the stretch to one lane in each direction. Repairs are expected to last through September; new striping will take longer than that.
  • Wheelock Parkway: Most of the parkway is still under construction from the Arlington intersection east toward Rice St.
  • Interstate 494: Westbound lanes will close this weekend between Interstate 35E and Highway 5. The highway will close from 9:00 tonight, Friday Sept. 20, through 5 a.m. this Monday, Sept. 23. Ramps will begin closing at 7:00 tonight.
One More Chance This Season
Bring your canoe or kayak -- or rent one -- as neighbors team up to pull trash from Como Lake. If you don't want to be on the water, join us by walking the shoreline and cleaning up litter there.  We'll supply snacks, beverages, and equipment. Organized by the District 10 Como Community Council; supported by a grant from the Capital Region Watershed District.

Details: Saturday Oct. 12, 9 a.m.-noon. Meet near the docks outside the Lakeside Pavilion. Register now
Sales Galore at the Fairgrounds
  • Western Saddle Clubs Horse Show: Through this Monday, Sept. 23, Warner Coliseum. Free public admission.
  • Munchkin Markets Fall Children's Consignment Sale: This Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 21-22, Education Building. Hours: Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission: Saturday, $1; Sunday, free.
  • State 4-H Dog Show: This Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 21-22, 4-H Building. Hours: 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. Free public admission.
  • Arts & Crafts 20th Century Design Show and Sale: This Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 21-22, Progress Center. Hours: Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission: Teens and adults, $7; children 12 or younger, free.
  • Fall Festival Arabian Horse Show: Next Friday-Sunday, Sept. 27-29, Warner Coliseum. Shows at 9 a.m., 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. Sunday. Free public admission.
  • International Gem and Jewelry Show: Next Friday-Sunday, Sept. 27-29, Dairy Building. Hours: Friday noon-6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $8 (children age 8 or younger not admitted); discounts available.
  • State Fair and Sports Team Merchandise Clearance Sale: Next Friday-Saturday, Sept. 27-28, Visitors Plaza. Hours: Friday noon-6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Finish Out the Month -- and Beyond
  • Today, Friday Sept. 20: Deadline to apply to become a master water steward.
  • This Monday, Sept. 23: Job Fair, 1-4 p.m. Community Action Partnership, 450 N. Syndicate #5 (Wellstone Room). The event focuses on workers displaced from the University Wal*Mart and East Side Kmart, but all job-seekers are welcome.
  • This Wednesday, Sept. 25: "Bail Me Out!" Understanding Bail and Economic Justice, 6:30-8 p.m. East Side Freedom Library, 1105 Greenbriar. Sponsored by League of Women Voters.
  • Next Saturday, Sept. 28: Citywide Drop-Off, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Shepard Road near Davern. (Volunteers make the event a success, receive free food and beverages -- and get to dispose of one load for free; to volunteer, call the Highland District Council at 651-695-4005.)
  • Tuesday Oct. 1: District 10 Neighborhood Relations Committee, 7 p.m. Como Park Streetcar Station, northeast corner of Lexington and Horton.
  • Wednesday Oct. 2: Public hearing on City of Saint Paul Overnight Shelters Zoning Study, 5:30 p.m. Third-floor City Council Chambers, City Hall, 15 W. Kellogg Blvd.
  • Wednesday Oct. 2: District 10 Land Use Committee, 7 p.m. Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 1460 Almond. Focus is expected to be on redevelopment of the former Sholom Home property.
  • Saturday Oct. 5: Como Park Senior High School Homecoming. Benefit runs (5K, 3K, and 400-meters) begin at 9:30. Food trucks and other activities, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Football game, 1 p.m. Run registration: $30 if you sign up by this Thursday, Sept. 26.
Where to Report Abandoned Bicycles
If you see an abandoned bicycle sitting around for more than 5 days, call the Saint Paul Police Department's Community Partnerships Unit to get it removed. Bicycle serial numbers (if available) will be checked against the stolen bicycle database. You can call the unit at 651-266-5485 or file a report online.
  • This Week's Como Neighborhood Crime Update: They're breaking into vehicles again
Photo: T Boardman
Streetcar Station is Open Every Sunday
The Como Park Streetcar Station is open every Sunday in September from noon-4 p.m. It is a great chance to learn a little about the long-gone trolley system in the Twin Cities, about the history and visionaries behind Como and the city's overall park system, to pick up organics recycling bags or kitchen starter kits, or just to chat with a District 10 board member who is staffing the day. The Historic Streetcar Station is at the northeast corner of Lexington and Horton.
Spread the Word
District 10 is one of Saint Paul's 17 citizen participation districts. The District 10 Como Community Council is a nonprofit organization, governed by a Board of Directors who are elected by members of the community. The Council's mission is to inform, educate, and connect the neighborhood to increase community pride and confidence. 
You are receiving this email because you expressed interest in District 10 activities.