September 16, 2022 | Friday

Know Your Como: The Como Owl

By Sarah Reuter

Anyone who follows what we do over at Neighborhood Relations may have figured out by now that we LOVE competitions, and we LOVE seeing the amazing things our community can do. For the last few years, we have done the Halloween and Holiday decoration competition and every time I love the creativity that is unleashed.

Our newest idea was the Owl design competition and again our community did not let us down. We had so many great submissions, but one stood out and our community all agreed was the winner this year! Megan Carlson a 7-year-old, created an awesome digital painting of our mascot the Great Horned Owl. Read More...

Land Use Committee Meeting - Wednesday, September 20, 6pm

Hybrid on Zoom and at the Como Streetcar Station (1224 Lexington Pkwy)

The D10 Land Use Committee typically meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 6p. All D10 meetings are open to the public and have space for community members to bring topics for discussion.

Next week we will host representatives from Vistabule Teardrop Trailers to introduce their business and answer any questions about their application for a Motor Vehicle Dealer - New Vehicle License for 1455 Energy Park Dr. We will also share Fair feedback gathered at last weekend's Harvest Festival.

D10 Meeting Updates

D10 Board Meeting - Tuesday, September 20, 7:15pm 

Hybrid on Zoom and at the Como Streetcar Station (1224 Lexington Pkwy)

The D10 Board meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:15pm. Meetings are open to the public and have space for community members to bring topics for discussion.

Next week the board will consider action items from committees, a Senior Seat board appointment, hear a quarterly financial report, and discuss fundraising goals.

Sign-Up: Como Tree Trek October 1

Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 1, 10am-Noon, for the D10 Environment Committee’s 2022 Fall Tree Trek.

This walking tour will again be led by Minnesota Master Naturalist Stephanie Mirocha. She will provide fascinating facts, uses, and histories of many of the diverse tree species in the park. The event is free, but please register in advance. Attendance will be limited to 20 participants.

Dress for walking and the weather and meet between the Butterfly Parking Lot and the Labyrinth (adjacent to the restored Lily Pond – just across the pedestrian bridge on the west side of Lexington Parkway).

Of course, you can use the Tree Trek Tree Tags to go on a self-guided Tree Trek anytime! Find a map of the marked trees on our website.

Get Involved: Final 2022 Lake Cleanup and presenting the 2022 Como CURB Cleanup!

Saturday, October 8 - 9am-Noon @ Como Pavilion Lakeside (by the Ice Cream Stand and Boat Rentals)

The Como Community Council, in partnership with the Capital Region Watershed District, plans multiple Lake Como cleanup events each year. Volunteers gather with others in the community to clean trash from the lake surface or shoreline. We’ll meet at 6pm near the dock on the lower level lake side of the Pavilion to pick up tools, supplies, and have a refreshment.

District 10 provides trash-grabbers, rakes, buckets, nets, trash bags, and nitrile gloves for those who need them. Or, feel free to provide your own gear. Registration is not required, but it helps us plan and communicate if changes come up.

2022 Como CURB Cleanup

October 1 through November 30, in front of your own home!

Como Community Council is again teamed up with the Capitol Region Watershed District for the Como Curb Cleanup. 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. Join 100+ neighbors in sweeping your curb once a week this fall to help keep Lake Como clean with this surprisingly effective effort.

Signing up to be an official participant helps us track results and helps (a lot) to support future efforts!

Como Community Blood Drive

D10 Como Park is partnering with the American Red Cross and the Como Zoo & Conservatory to host a series of community blood drives at the Zoo. Reservations are now available for the October 18 drive.

Upcoming Drive Dates:

• Tuesday, October 18, 2022 – 9am-3pm
• Wednesday, December 7, 2022 – 9am-3pm
• Wednesday, March 8, 2023 – 9am-3pm
• Thursday, May 25, 2023 – 9am-3pm

With so many still working from home, workplace blood drives have all but vanished, affecting the Red Cross’ reserve levels. Community blood drives are the perfect opportunity to take a break from the home office or start a trip to the zoo! 

If you’re interested in volunteering at the check-in table, we still have an afternoon shift available on October 18, you can sign up to volunteer here.

Multiagency Emergency Preparedness Exercise in Como Next Week

Beulah Composters, Como Woodland enthusiasts, and coyotes take note

The City of Saint Paul is supporting an emergency preparedness exercise on Thursday, September 22, 2022, at 1115 Buelah Lane, Saint Paul, MN (near Como Park and McMurray Athletic Fields) in coordination with the Minnesota National Guard and the Saint Paul Fire Department. The exercise will be conducted from 8am to 6pm.

This type of exercise is designed to strengthen the capability to respond to emergencies and better prepares personnel to support the community in times of need. The multiagency training and preparedness exercise will include representatives or elements of: The 55th Civil Support Team, Saint Paul Fire’s Hazardous Material Response Teams, FBI Agents from the Minneapolis Field office, Saint Paul Police, and Saint Paul Emergency Management. 

A flyer notifying residents of the exercise has been distributed to homes in the neighborhood. Residents can expect to see military and emergency response vehicles, personnel dressed in hazardous material protective gear, and experience road or parking restrictions during the exercise.

Community Paper Shredding Event

Sept. 20, 1-4pm at The Heritage at Lyngblomsten apartments

If you miss the Citywide Dropoff on Sept. 17, The Heritage at Lyngblomsten is hosting a FREE community Paper Shredding Event on Tuesday, September 20, from 1–4 PM. Service provided at The Heritage Parking Lot (1440 Midway Parkway, St. Paul) by Veteran Shredding. 2 boxes of documents per household. Paper clips, rubber bands, staples, and plastic sleeves are fine to leave on your documents, but please remove large metal binding clips. Enjoy treats and music, with tours of The Heritage at Lyngblomsten apartments every half hour starting at 1 PM. For more details, visit www.lyngblomsten.org/Shred or call LeAnn at (651) 632-5429.

 Get Involved: Popcorn Thursdays at Lyngblomsten

All the popcorn you can eat! Help pop popcorn on Thursday afternoons for the Lyngblomsten

community. You'll pop, bag, and hand out popcorn then clean up afterward. Our poppers work in teams of two (or more) to provide a fun service that is highly appreciated by our residents, staff, and

community members. This is a great activity for you and a friend, or for a small group.

This is a physically active role as it requires standing for 2+ hours. Volunteers must be over age 18 to use the popcorn popping machine. If you enjoy being active and meeting new people, reach out today.

Questions? Please contact Melanie at mjagolino@lyngblomsten.org.

Public Hearing On Budget in Como Tuesday

There is a public hearing on the proposed budget scheduled for Tuesday September 20 at Como Lakeside Pavilion at 5:30pm.

• Facebook Event
• City Council Budget Website
• Proposed Budget Doc (PDF)

You can find a lot more info about the 2023 Budget process below in the City section.

2022 CRWD Como Lake Walking Tours

September 22 (Thursday) & 27 (Tuesday), 5:30-7pm starting at Como Lakeside Pavilion

Experts Britta Belden and Bob Fossum from Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD) will lead two educational tours along Como Lake’s walking path that highlights the lake’s history, its dynamic urban ecosystem, and the water quality issues facing it. They will also provide an in-depth overview of projects aimed at improving Como Lake (both past and future) including shoreline restoration efforts, aquatic plant control, fishery management, and major in-lake and watershed phosphorus reduction projects.

Come with your questions and enjoy a fall evening at Como Lake!

Please register in the links below or by calling CRWD at (651) 644-8888. There is a limit of 30 people per tour. Sign-up will be open until capacity is reached.

The tour will be weather dependent. An event cancellation will be sent out via email the day of the tour if storms are expected.

Como Parks & Rec Programming

Winter youth sports registration is now open. Saint Paul Parks and Rec announced that registration fees have been eliminated for winter basketball for 10U and up (ages 9+) at all recreation center sites.

Note: fees apply for 4U, 6U and 8U but you can advantage of the early bird discounts by registering in the first five days of the month!

North Dale Rec Center (1414 N. St. Albans)

• Tot Time ages 1w-6 - Mondays & Wednesdays starting Oct. 3 - Free
• Our Littlest Fans' Favorites Art Class ages 1.5-4 - Wednesdays in Oct. - $62*
• Taekwondo Jr ages 6-8 - Mondays & Wednesdays in Oct. - $60*
• Taekwondo ages 9-21 - Mondays & Wednesdays in Oct. - $60*
• Senior Fitness ages 55+ - Tuesdays & Thursdays thru Dec. 29 - Free
• Senior Day ages 50+ - Thursdays thru Dec. 29 - Free
• Pickleball ages 18+ - Tuesdays & Thursdays thru Dec. 15 - $3
• Senior Gamers ages 50+ - Tuesdays thru Dec. 27 - Free
• School Year Rec Check 1st-5th Grade - Weekdays thru June 14 - Free*
• Zumba w/ Marie ages 18+ - Wednesdays thru Dec. 21 - $4

Northwest Como Rec Center (1550 N. Hamline)

• Artist Workshop ages 7-13 - Tuesdays Oct. 4-Nov. 8 - $60*
• Taekwondo Jr ages 6-8 - Tuesdays & Thursdays in Oct. - $60*
• Taekwondo ages 9-21 - Tuesdays & Thursdays in Oct. - $60*

*Registration Required

St. Paul Parks & Rec Fee Assistance Program

The City of Saint Paul operates a special program that helps families pay for Parks & Recreation youth classes and activities. Fee Assistance can be requested by families who meet program requirements when registering for youth activities. To be eligible for the program, youth must live in Saint Paul, be 18 years old or younger, and qualify for free and reduced lunches.

Fee Assistance can be used toward most recreational sports or activities offered by Saint Paul Parks and Recreation. To view the online catalog of all available activities offered, click here.

Neighborhood Notes

Upcoming Applications/Renewals

• Speedway (950 Lexington): Gas Station and Malt Off-Sale Licenses are up for renewal Dec. 1. Anyone with input should email the Como Community Council or contact the office of Ward 5 Council Member Amy Brendmoen: ward5@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
• Vistabule Teardrop has submitted an application for a Motor Vehicle Dealer - New Vehicle License for 1455 Energy Park Dr. Anyone with input can email the Como Community Council or contact the office of Council Member Mitra Jalali: ward4@ci.stpaul.mn.us. Representatives from Vistabule are planning to attend the Sept. 20 D10 Land Use committee meeting to introduce themselves and answer questions.
• Duke's Car & Towing (977 Front): Auto Repair Garage License is up for renewal Oct. 19. Anyone with input should email the Como Community Council or contact the office of Ward 5 Council Member Amy Brendmoen: ward5@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
• Ted’s Recreation (1084 Larpenteur): Liquor License is up for renewal Sept. 25. Anyone with input should email the Como Community Council or contact the office of Ward 5 Council Member Amy Brendmoen: ward5@ci.stpaul.mn.us.

*While license renewal dates serve as community reminders, feedback on a business license can be submitted at any time.

Upcoming Crime Prevention Activities from SPPD

Western District Monthly Community Meetings

Tuesday, September 20 (and every 3rd Tuesday of the month), Saint Paul Police (SPPD) hosts two Western District Community Meetings at the Western District office at 389 Hamline Ave. The meetings are at 9:30am AND 6:30pm. This month we will have 911 operators on hand at the evening meeting.

Crime Prevention

• Fraud and Identity Theft Class. September 28th @ 6pm- virtual. Will discuss what thieves look for in identity theft, how they seek to get the info, common scams, and what to do if you are a victim. Register Here
• 3 Burglary Prevention Open Houses - All 5-7pm
• Oct. 12 - Rice St. Library (1011 Rice St.)
• Oct. 19 - West District (389 Hamline Ave.)
• Oct. 27 - East District.  (722 Payne Ave.)
• These open houses give residents the opportunity to talk with SPPD staff and see examples of lighting, locks, windows, security systems, cameras, etc. 

Youth and Programming

• SPPD's Youth and Programming Unit is hosting a Police Explorers Open House on October 4 6:30pm at Rowan Training Center (600 Lafayette Road)
• Safe Summer Nights Fall Festival - Saturday, October 29, noon-2pm at Arlington Hills Recreation Center (1200 Payne Ave). Food, games, and candy.

Free electronics recycling now available for Ramsey County residents

Ramsey County residents looking to get rid of laptops, televisions, cell phones or other electronics now have a free and easy way to recycle them. Ramsey County Environmental Health has a new collection site where county residents can drop off unwanted electronics (e-waste) which will be refurbished or recycled into new products.

2023 St. Paul Budget

The City Council is responsible for adopting the City's operating and capital budgets and property tax levies. In August, the Mayor proposes the budgets for the following year. After the budgets are proposed, the City Council begins its consideration of the budgets. A series of Council Budget Committee meetings are held throughout the fall to review the Mayor's proposed budgets in detail. Public hearings on the proposed budgets and tax levies are also held during this time period. In mid-December, the Council adopts the final budgets and property tax levies, incorporating any changes Councilmembers have to the original proposal into the adopted budgets and levies.

Budget Committee Meetings are be held on Wednesday mornings at 10am from August 24th and December 7, 2022. The council hears budget breakdowns from different departments, this is the draft schedule:

• 8/24 Mayor's Proposed 2023 Budget and Department of Safety and Inspections
• 9/7 Fire Department (Police Department delayed TBD)
• 9/7 Library Board Meeting: Budget Presentation General Fund Changes 2:00pm
• 9/14 Parks and Recreation Department (At Highland Park Community Center)
• 9/14 HRA Board Meeting: HRA/PED Budget Presentation 2:00pm
• 9/21 Public Works
• 9/21 Levy Limit Vote and Ramsey County Tax Trends Presentation @ 3:30 City Council Meeting 
• 9/28 City Attorney's Office/Office of Neighborhood Safety 
• 10/5 Follow-Up and Capital Improvement and Sales Tax
• 10/5 Library Board Meeting: Budget Presentation 2:00pm
• 10/12 Office of Technology and Communications and Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity
• 10/19 Human Resources and City Council 
• 10/26 Discuss Mayor's proposal and Council budget priorities
• 11/2 5 year Street Plan and Debt Strategy
• 11/9 Follow Up and Office of Financial Services and Office of Financial Empowerment
• 11/16 RVCA 
• TBD Truth in Taxation
• 12/7 Budget Committee - Budget Adoption 3:30pm

Meetings can be live streamed and are recorded to view later. Find minutes, live streams, recordings, and updated scheduling here on the city's website. You can send comments and feedback to the City Council: CouncilBudget@ci.stpaul.mn.us

Submit your nominations for the 6th annual Saint Paul Business Awards

The City is accepting online nominations through September 28, 2022, and applications from businesses through October 5, 2022.

The Business Awards program recognizes local businesses that provide critical services, contribute to the City's community, invest in their employees and are committed to Saint Paul's values of equity and diversity. The awards began in 2015 as part of the City’s Open for Business initiative and have recognized 28 businesses thus far.

What's going on at the Fairgrounds?