October 29, 2021 | Friday

D10 Como Community Council Open House

Community members are invited to come to the Como Streetcar Station on Saturday, November 13, between 10 and 11:30 a.m. to meet some of our board members, give feedback about the bylaw changes, or ask any other questions you may have about our work and being a board member. Of course, community members are also always welcome at our monthly board and committee meetings.

The Streetcar Station is located in Como Park at 1224 Lexington Pkwy. Please note that the building is city owned and masks are required indoors per the Mayor's emergency executive order 21-33.

2021 Como Thanksgiving Meals Fundraiser



The Como Community Council is once again working to make sure neighborhood seniors are not on their own this Thanksgiving. In partnership with the North End South Como Block Nurse Program and with TST Catering, we have a goal of providing meals for 100 seniors. How you can help is simple:

• Make a financial donation. Every $10 you contribute buys one Thanksgiving meal
• Volunteer to deliver meals

Once the Block Nurse Program needs are met, additional funds will go towards additional needs. Last year, the community donated enough for D10 to also partner with the North Suburban Kiwanis to distribute dinners and donate to the Salvation Army’s Booth Brown House Youth Shelter Program’s Thanksgiving meals. We’re hoping to do both again this year. Thank you to those have donated already!

Como Curb Clean-Up Effort Continues Through November

Get out and clear your storm drain next week!

When it rains, leaves on streets release nutrients into the water that flows into storm drains and the lake. There it becomes food for invasive algae. In October & November, we're encouraging people to register to be part of the Como Curb Clean-up. Registering is not required to clean your curb, of course, but helps us track our success!

In 2020, Como Curb Clean-up participants prevented 7.06 pounds of phosphorus from getting into Como Lake, which is enough to fuel 3.5 tons of algae and weeds.

Did you adopt a drain? Or is there a clogged one near you? Help keep the lake clean by simply pulling the leaves out. Nitrogen from decaying leaves gets into Como other water and can create excess algae blooms (and excess stink). 

We're designating next week, November 1-7, ‘Clean the drains week’ for Como. Doing this little task can make a surprisingly big difference for the lake. Just add the leaves in with your yard leaves or pile them on your garden beds.

Como Lake Updates from CRWD

The Capitol Region Watershed District has been busy this summer and fall with planting, surveys, plans and projects at Como Lake. Follow the link below to learn more about CRWD's efforts to:

• Restore the native aquatic plant community
• Understand the experiences and desires of people fishing at Como Lake
• Survey the fish species in the lake and the common carp population
• Sssess the plants in and around the shoreline
• Engage residents in prioritizing our work together in 2022-2024.

Como Zoo & Conservatory Survey

Are you ready to participate in Family & Group Programs again?

The Zoo is looking for your input. During the pandemic, they had to close family and group programs. Now, they are looking to start back up again and would like your opinion about our safety protocols. The 2-minute survey is anonymous. 

State Fair Neighbors Survey

Over 180 neighbors responded to the State Fair Safety Survey. At the meeting last Tuesday, neighbors looked at the preliminary survey results and discussed possible solutions to improve neighborhood safety during the fair. The survey will remain open for another week.

The next steps will be to summarize responses and to re-establish a connection between neighbors and law enforcement, the city, and the fair that will hopefully will encourage future collaboration. Information gathered may also be used to update the District 10 State Fair ‘Info Sheet’ in 2022.

Thanks for Donating!

A huge thanks to all who came out to donate so much new and gently used items to help keep arriving Afghan refugees warm. Donations go to MORE for refugees in St Paul.

Updates on Ramsey County Park Ordinance Project

More than 8,500 responses were collected through an online survey and virtual community conversations about the park ordinance project. A summary and full compilation of the feedback are now available online. Take a look at what community members had to say.

Next steps

A board workshop to discuss results and seek policy guidance from commissioners will be held on November 2, 2021. Following the board workshop, an ordinance draft will be developed and additional resident feedback with be gathered. The date for when the draft will become available is still to be determined. Updates on the process will continue to be posted on the project webpage.

St. Paul Accepting 2021 Business Awards Nominees

Do you have a favorite Saint Paul business that you want to see recognized for their contributions to the community and the city’s economy? Nominate them for the 2021 Saint Paul Business awards. Businesses are selected to geographically represent Saint Paul’s rich and diverse communities. To learn more about the program and nominate your favorite business go to stpaul.gov/bizawards today! Nominations are due by 4:30 p.m. Friday, December 3, 2021.

Yard waste sites ready to rake in fall leaves and pumpkins

After all the raking, leaf blowing and fall decorating, bring these common fall yard waste items to Ramsey County’s yard waste collection sites for free:

• Put pumpkins, corn stalks and hay bales in the leaf pile. No string, ribbon, candles, paint or other decorations.
• Bring leaves to the yard waste sites. Remember to take bags, even biodegradable bags, back with you after you dump your leaves in the pile.
• While you’re there, drop off your food scraps t

Don’t forget to plan ahead! Check the hours and locations and consider these tips for avoiding long waits at the yard waste sites.

While we're on the subject, a friendly reminder that the Beulah Ln Food Scraps Recycling site does NOT accept leaves, yard waste, or pumpkins.

Have you registered to Vote?

Your vote is your voice – make sure you’re registered.

Here’s everything you need to register early: https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/register-to-vote.

Remember, Minnesota allows you to register at the polls on Election Day!

Here’s everything you need to know about registering day-of: https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/register-to-vote/register-on-election-day/

The League of Women Voters has the 2021 St. Paul Voter Guide available in English, Hmong, & Spanish here on their website.