December 16, 2022 | Friday

Seeking 2022 D10 Como Park Neighborhood Honor Roll Nominees

Know someone who makes the Como Park area a better place to live, work, or play? Nominate them for the District 10 Neighborhood Honor Roll. The Honor Roll pays tribute to everyday people who make a sustained and lasting impact in our neighborhood or Saint Paul as a whole.

Submit your nomination by emailing district10@district10comopark.org. Tell us who you are nominating and why. Make sure we receive them no later than Thursday, January 12. The Como Community Council board will then select three of the nominees to recognize for 2022.

D10 Meeting Updates

Land Use Committee Meeting - Tuesday, Dec. 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 Aaron Dysart, St. Paul Artist in Residence and Jon Kamrath, Project Artist to introduce some proposed public art on Wheelock Parkway East of Lake Como.

D10 Board Meeting - Tuesday, Dec. 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 confirm new committee assignments, consider a new board Secretary for election, and discuss approval of the 2023 budget.

D10 Meeting Schedule Change Feedback

The D10 Como Community Council announced changes to our regular meeting schedule in July 2022 and implemented the change for a trial period from August thru December, with the intention of collecting community feedback to consider adjustments before finalizing our 2023 meeting schedule.

It's now December, we've learned a lot about running hybrid meetings and have enjoyed welcoming people in-person as well as on zoom for the past several months. We're looking forward to hearing what input community members may have about their experience at our meetings, and look forward to seeing you at a future meeting.

2022 Como Curb Clean-up Results

Back in October and November we partnered with the Capitol Region Watershed District to lead the Como Curb Clean-Up. Then in December we asked participants to report their cleaning efforts. With 47 participants reporting in, we've calculated how much invasive algae was prevented with our community effort. Thank you to everyone who participated and shared your results!!

• Total responding participants: 47
• Total feet cleaned: 24,979ft
• Number of miles cleaned: 4.7
• Equivalent football field lengths cleaned: 83
• Equivalent number of times around Como Lake cleaned: 2.8
• Number of times to the moon and back cleaned: 0.00000988779
• Phosphorus estimated in 1ft of curb: 0.0003125
• Total lbs. of phosphorus prevented from reaching Como Lake: 7.81lbs
• Pounds of curly leaf pond weed this phosphorus amount could produce: 3,903lbs!
• Tons it could have produced: 1.95t

*If you participated and didn't report your results we can still add to these numbers for a few days before we file our report!

Thank You Como Blood Drive Donors And Volunteers!

Thanks to everyone who donated at the Dec. 7 Como Community Blood Drive at the Zoo where the Red Cross collected 48 units of blood from 49 donors! Special thanks also to our sign-in table volunteers Esther, Toni, Judie, and James!!

This drive had the distinction of marking the one-year anniversary of this partnership where we've had a total of 279 donors give 268 units of blood!

These drives support the great need for blood with workplace drives still far below pre-pandemic levels. The drives are the result of partnership with D10 Como Park, Como Zoo & Conservatory, and the American Red Cross. The next Como blood drive will be March 8. If you’re interested in volunteering at the check-in table, you can sign-up for an opening on our volunteer schedule or email district10@district10comopark.org. The drives are split into two shifts of two volunteers each, 9am to Noon and Noon to 3pm. It’s light work and a great way to connect with another neighbor.

Dale Street Road Diet - Community Engagement Beginning

Ramsey County is planning a 2024 "Road Diet" project for Dale Street between Hwy 36 and Como Ave. The County will host an open house at a TBD date in January.

You can view the project's Federal HSIP Funding Application here if you're clamoring for more information immediately.

Note: The project application specifies that the project area begins "300 Feet north of Como Ave", meaning the infamous Como/Front/Dale intersection is not in the scope of this project, as much as we all sincerely wish it was.

Community Dale Street Coalition Forming

In preparation for the upcoming project, North End community member Steve Tuckner is forming the Dale Street Coalition for community members interested in coordinating a strong community presence for the project. If you're interested in joining the mailing list you can email Steve at stevetuckner@gmail.com.

We will, of course, continue to post updates on this project in our newsletter as things develop. You can expect the D10 Land Use committee to host Ramsey County representatives for this project in the coming months as well.

Get Involved: Como Park Trail Master Plan Design Advisory Committee

December 2022 Update: Applications for the Design Advisory Committee are now available! Represent the interests of your community while working closely with Parks & Recreation staff as the planning process continues taking shape. Help keep community members informed about decision-making matters and overall plan progress.

• Design Advisory Committee Application Form - Como Trail Master Plan.doc
• Link to City Project Website and Application
• Applications open thru January 18.

The City of Saint Paul's Parks and Recreation Department is engaging community members to inform and develop an updated Trail Master Plan for Como Regional Park. The master plan will emphasize improving the connection between the trails within the park to Saint Paul's Grand Round trail network. The process will prioritize connections around Como Lake, Picnic Pavilions, McMurray Fields and Outdoor Classroom areas over those within the Zoo, Conservatory, or Golf Course areas.

On the City's site you can:

• Use the Map to drop pins, share photos and leave comments on areas of the park you'd like to see improved, or places you like the most.
• Take the Survey to share how you use the park and how you would prioritize improvements to it.
• Post Comments and photos to the community Ideas Board to get the conversation going with other Como Regional Park visitors.

Thanks to the Como Park Stewards!

Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Volunteer Program would like to thank all of our Como Park Stewards for their endless work in Como Park. Not only are they picking up litter but also helping us keep eye on the park. We are so grateful for all of our volunteers and the work they do. It is wonderful to work with passionate and caring volunteers. THANK YOU for giving of your time and energy and helping make Como Park a wonderful park to visit.

-Tricia Wehrle- Volunteer Coordinator, St. Paul Parks and Rec

In 2022, 26 Como Stewards reported 359 volunteer hours and picked up a combined (estimated) 857,.7 pounds of trash from around all of Como Park! Check back after the new year for details on joining the Como Stewards in 2023!

CRWD History Report

The Capitol Region Watershed District recently published a report about it's own history, including it's roots in the 1995 D10 Environment Committee. You can read the report over a hot cup of cocoa this weekend here on their website.

Como Parks & Rec Programming

Skiing and Snowboarding

Rentals are available for $12/day at Como Park Ski Center, Battle Creek Recreation Center, Highland National Golf Course and Tamarack Nature Center. Cross-country ski, downhill ski, and snowboard lessons are available at Como Park Ski Center

For more information, visit stpaul.gov/xcountryski. 

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

• Tot Time ages 1w-6 - Mondays & Wednesdays thru Dec. 28 - Free
• Senior Fitness ages 55+ - Tuesdays & Thursdays thru Dec. 29 - Free
• Pickleball ages 18+ - Tuesdays & Thursdays thru Dec. 15 - $3
• Big Machines Art ages 18mo-4 - Weds starting Jan. 18 - $65*
• Cooking With Dala ages 8+ - Wednesday, Jan. 18 - $15*
• Como Blizard Breakfast w/ D10! - Saturday, Feb. 4, 10-Noon - Free
• School Year Rec Check 1st-5th Grade - Weekdays thru June 14 - Free*

Northwest Como Rec Center (1550 N. Hamline)

• Volleyball Camp ages 10-14 - Dec. 27-30, 1:30-3:30pm - $70*
• Coding Club ages 8-14 - Thursdays in February - $60*
• Artist Workshop ages 5-8 - Wednesdays starting Feb. 22 - $60*
• Men's Open Soccer ages 18+ - Thursdays thru Mar. 30 - $3

*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.

A Snow Emergency for Saint Paul is now in effect

Beginning at 9 p.m. Thursday, 12/15/2022, all NIGHT PLOW ROUTES will be plowed. Do not park on Night Plow Routes, which include downtown and all streets with signs posted "NIGHT PLOW ROUTE" and "NIGHT PLOW ROUTE THIS SIDE OF STREET."

Beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, 12/16/2022, all DAY PLOW ROUTES will be plowed. Do not park on Day Plow Routes. Day Plow Routes are not marked by signs. If there are no “Night Plow" signs posted within the block, then consider it a Day Plow Route.

Vehicles which are not moved from Day Plow Routes by 8 a.m. at 12/16/2022, will be ticketed and towed.

Always follow all posted street signs. Do not park vehicles where signs indicate "No Parking." A Snow Emergency lasts 96 hours, or until December 19, 2022 at 9 p.m. To avoid a ticket or tow, do not park in areas where streets are not plowed to the curb.

• EMERGENCIA POR NEVADA DECLARADA en St. Paul 12/15/2022 Rutas nocturnas de nieve comienza a 9 p.m. y rutas de dia 12/16/2022 a 8 a.m. stpaul.gov/snow
• DEGDEGGA BARAFKA QABOOBAHA St. Paul 12/15/2022. Xaaqidda jidka 9 p.m. Xaaqidda jidka maalintii 8 a.m. 12/16/2022. stpaul.gov/snow
• LOS XASNAUS KAMCEEV hauv St Paul rau 12/15/2022. Kaus yav tsausntuj pib 9 teev. Yav nruabhnub pib 8 teev 12/16/2022. stpaul.gov/snow

WINTER REMINDERS

• Shovel your sidewalk. Saint Paul City Ordinance requires snow and ice to be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours. Corner property owners should shovel curbs, walkways and crosswalks to the street.
• Do not push snow out into the streets.
• Do not place recycling and garbage carts in the street. Carts should be kept in the boulevard or at the end of the driveway. (This is true even when there isn't a snow emergency)
• If you are able, please shovel hydrants out and clear snow and ice off storm drains to prevent street flooding.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Get updates about our current snow operations at stpaul.gov/snow.
• Learn where and when people can park their vehicles using Saint Paul’s NEW Snow Emergency Parking Map at stpaul.gov/snowemergencyparkingmap
• Visit stpaul.gov/snowFAQs for a list of snow-related frequently asked questions.

Saint Paul’s 2023 park permit lottery now open

Saint Paul residents and businesses can apply to enter the 2023 park permit lottery online or over the phone from now until 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 21 with permits being issued beginning on Jan. 3, 2023 to lottery entrants.  

Due to the high demand for certain dates and locations, the lottery system is used to give residents and businesses an equal opportunity to make reservations for in-demand picnic shelter and pavilion locations and dates. Saint Paul residents and businesses that wish to enter the lottery may submit a lottery application form by Dec. 21 by visiting stpaul.gov/parkpermits or calling Parks Customer Service at 651-266-6400. All entries received by Dec. 21 will be randomly sorted, and further instructions will be provided to entrants. Only one entry per resident allowed, and lottery numbers may not be transferred to other customers.  

Beginning January 4, permit applications will be accepted from all Saint Paul residents and businesses via phone at 651-266-6400 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Beginning Feb. 1, non-residents may apply for permits. Online shelter permits will also be available starting Feb. 1. 

Have a Green Holiday with these tips from Ramsey County!

• Holiday greenery is not accepted at Ramsey County yard waste collection sites because of the likelihood of contamination from metal wires and decorations. Please place holiday greenery in the trash.
• Ramsey County yard waste sites still accept evergreen (holiday/Christmas) trees. They are mulched and later used as fuel to generate electricity. To find a yard waste site near you, visit RamseyRecycles.com/YardWaste.
• Green Holiday Gift Guide - This year, celebrate the people you love by giving memories they’ll treasure. Gifting experiences instead of packaged presents not only reduces waste, but also gives you meaningful time with the people you value.
• How to dispose of wrapping paper - Packages, boxes, bags, cards; The holidays can be filled with single-use items. Make sure you know how to properly dispose of them.
• Think reuse first - What can you use again before disposing? Save bows, gift bags and tissue paper that can be reused. Think of creative ways to package gifts that don’t require new materials.
• Holiday cards Cards and envelopes made of only paper should be placed in the curbside recycling bin or your apartment’s recycling collection. Cards with foil, glitter, ribbons or velvet are not recyclable and should be placed in the trash. Cards that light up or play music do not belong in the trash because they contain batteries. Bring them to the year-round household hazardous waste collection site for free.
• Wrapping paper Put wrapping paper in the trash. Do not put it in your recycling bin because it does not sort easily at the recycling facility and may contain materials that cannot be recycled.

Find disposal options for other items, including cardboard boxes, real and artificial trees and string lights on our Ramsey County's A to Z Recycling & Disposal Guide? Call their Recycling & Disposal hotline at 651-633-3279 or send a message.

Smart Salting Tips from Ramsey County

Salt helps keeps roads, driveways and sidewalks safe during our snowy Minnesota winters. However, using large amounts of salt can harm the environment, including plants, soil and groundwater. Follow these tips to avoid overusing salt:

• Shovel first. Clear snow off walkways before it can turn to ice. 
• Check the temperature. Use sand for traction instead of salt when it’s below 15 degrees outside. Salt doesn’t melt ice at that temperature.
• A little goes a long way. A 12-ounce cup of salt covers about 250 square feet, which is about the size of a 20-foot driveway or enough to cover 10 sidewalk squares.
• Sweep it up. If salt is visible on dry pavement, it is no longer doing any work and will be washed away. Sweep up the salt and either reuse or throw it away.

Drive a Bus! Metro Transit Looking for Drivers

Up to $5K signing bonus with $26.16 starting wage

Metro Transit is hiring bus drivers! There are immediate openings for bus drivers to start full-or part-time after receiving paid training. No experience is necessary, just a record of good driving and employment. We’ll provide the training you need AND pay you a signing bonus of up to $5,000 if you have a CDL; or $3,000 if not.

After training, you’ll receive fantastic benefits, including health care, annual salary increases, a state pension, and an unlimited-ride transit pass. Where you go from there is up to you. There are multiple opportunities for career growth at Metro Transit. In fact, many of our top leaders started their careers as bus drivers!

Visit metrotransit.org/drive to learn how to apply and find out about in-person hiring events that offer help with applications. If you have questions, call 612-373-3333 or text 612-444-1161.

• Apply in person and interview the same day!  

What's going on at the Fairgrounds?