June 2, 2023 | Friday

Join Us Next Week - D10 Meetings

Environment Committee Meeting - Wed., June 7, 6pm

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

The Environment Committee typically meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 6pm. All D10 Como Park meetings are open to the public and have space for community members to bring topics for discussion.

Next week we will have a presentation from Mariah Quick 

Ramsey County Health Educator specializing in environmental health, about how the county processes our food scraps compost: Where does it go, what is the environmental impact of keeping food out of a landfill. We will also debrief the May Lake Como Cleanup and D10 Pick Up & Party events and get an update on the Lawns to Legumes project. Join us!

Neighborhood Relations Committee Meeting - Wed., June 7, 7:15pm 

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

The Neighborhood Relations Committee typically meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 7:15pm. All D10 Como Park meetings are open to the public and have space for community members to bring topics for discussion. 

Next week we'll be finalizing plans for Como Homo (June 25), thinking about the Ice Cream Social (July 14), and hearing an update about the Como Neighborhood History Project. Now is a great time to jump into the conversation with us!

Get Involved: Lake Como Cleanup - June 17

We're planning our next Como Lake Cleanup for Saturday, June 17, 9am-Noon. These events, in partnership with the Capitol Region Watershed District, focus on the shoreline and Lake Como itself.

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 (by June 16) is not required, but is encouraged to help us plan and communicate if changes come up.

Como Tree Trek

Saturday, June 24, 10am–Noon @ Como Park

The D10 Environment Committee hosts Tree Treks where community members can learn how to identify and appreciate the multitude of different tree species living in Como Park. Volunteer tree expert Stephanie Mirocha is our fabulous second-generation Tree Trek guide (her father was the original Tree Trek Guide).

The event is free, but please register in advance. Attendance will be limited to 25 participants.

Self-Guided Tree Trek

In addition to the guided events each year, the Tree Trek program has also created and installed Tree Tags on numerous trees around Como Park. We encourage folks to take themselves on a “self-guided Tree Trek” any time they’d like using the map on our website!

D10 Babytime

Beginning next week, D10 Executive Director Shevek McKee is taking June and part of July off for paternity leave to spend time with his 3-month-old, Rhoda.

D10 Meetings, Newsletters, and communications will continue as close to normal as possible thanks to a number of Como neighbors stepping up in various ways, largely on a volunteer basis. Email and voicemail responses may be slower than usual, we appreciate your patience!

Weigh In: Pickleball Court Conversion at Orchard Rec

The city has shared plans for a project to convert the two tennis courts at Orchard Rec Center (875 Orchard Ave) into three dedicated pickleball courts later this year.

The scope of work for the project includes conversion of tennis courts to dedicated pickleball courts, retaining wall repair (pending structural review), additional court amenities, and site furnishing updates.

The city is looking for feedback before the end of June. Please express your support for pickleball or concern for the change by reaching out to Max Sell with St. Paul Parks and Recreation: ph: 651.266.6487 or email Max.Sell@ci.stpaul.mn.us.

You can visit the city's Athletic Courts Project Page for more information and updates. Please share this info with anyone you know who uses (or would use) the courts.

St. Tim's Neighborhood Day for Families

Wednesday, June 14 - 4:30-6:30pm @ St. Tim's Parking Lot (Victoria & Nevada)

It’s summer and time to connect! On June 14 4:30-6:30pm, the St. Paul Public Library Bookmobile and St. Timothy Lutheran Church are co-hosting a Neighborhood Day for Families in the St. Timothy parking lot (on the corner of Victoria Street North and Nevada). Join Bookmobile Staff for Story Time under the tent, and for the launch of the Summer Spark reading program. All 18 and under can bring home one free book!

Festivities will also include:

• Eggroll Queen Food Truck (Snacks and meals for $5-17)
• Ice Cream (Free while supplies last!)
• Bounce House
• Live Music
• Games

This is a non-religious event for the whole community. All are welcome!

Eco Fair 2023: Powered by Donate Good Stuff

Saturday, June 17 - 9am-4pm @ Como Park

The Eco Fair is returning to Como Park June 17. Experience sustainable living with ​creative & interactive exhibits, and activities for all ages.

FUN EXHIBITS!

• Native seed saving - MNSEED
• Meet the MN Pocket Pet Rescue Tiny Ambassadors
• Up-cycled crafts & ideas
• Water protection & conservation - Get the Lead Out with MN Pollution Control 
• Make a nature journal with Master Naturalists
• Repair and Reuse
• Energy & Clean air
• Land care
• Reduce your carbon footprint
• And more!

MINI CLASSES!

• 11am - DIY finishes & paints (adults)
• 12pm - What is 'de-growth'? (adults)
• 1pm - Make your own paints (kids)
• 2pm - Make play-dough (kids)
• 3pm - Make your own 'ellie pooh' journals (kids)

NEW: DONATION STATIONS!

Bring your....

• Paper: for secure shredding (Sponsored by Shred Right)
• Ice cream pails, zip ties & binder clamps: clean pails w/lids, zip ties and binder clamps can be any size/color (For MN Pocket Pet Rescue)
• All Writing utensils: pens, crayons, pencils, markers - working or not (Sponsored by The Pack Up Artist) There will be a 'Soothing Sort' area where we'll sort them for donation and recycling
• Lead fishing lures - "Get the Lead Out" with MN Pollution Control Agency.

Groovin’ In The Garden Free Summer Music Series Returns

6-8pm Wednesdays in June & July @ Como Conservatory Free

Como Zoo and Conservatory invites you to pack a picnic and dancing shoes, spread out a blanket, and join the FREE outdoor concerts & activities in front of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory Wednesdays in June and July from 6pm–8pm. Hotdogs, ice cream treats, beer and wine will be available to purchase.

• June 7 Innocent Reggae Band
• June 14 13 Arrows
• June 21 Ty Pow & The Holy North
• June 28 Red Eye Ruby
• July 5 FLOWTUS
• July 12 Mubbla Buggs
• July 19 Eleganza!
• July 26 The Flamin’ Oh’s

These are outdoor concerts in front of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. The Zoo grounds and Conservatory close at 6pm.

**If it rains, the concert will move inside the Visitor Center Porch next to the Water Gardens.

Get Involved: Midway Parkway Gardens

All are Welcome! All days! All Locations!

Please join us this summer for planting, weeding and community building.

Location: Hamline and Midway Parkway

• Group weeds: 2nd Weds: June 14 & July 12 at 5pm
• Group weeds: 4th Weds: June 28 and July 26 at 7pm
• Questions: Contact Molly O’Rourke at mollyfo.rouke@outlook.com

Location: Arona and Midway Parkway

• Spring plant & weed: Sat, June 3 - 10am-Noon
• Group weeds: 2nd Weds: June 14 & July 12 at 7pm
• Group weeds: 4th Sats: June 24 & July 22 at 10am
• Questions: Contact Jennifer Victor-Larsen at jennifer@larsentag.com

Como Zoo's New Baby Snow Leopard

Como Zoo has a new resident – a snow leopard cub was born May 6th to parents Alya (9) and Moutig (10). This is the pair’s second successful offspring as part of a Species Survival Plan (SSP) recommendation. Veterinary and zookeeper staff have observed that Alya has been an excellent, protective mother displaying positive maternal behaviors and is exhibiting exceptional care of her cub. The cub is growing rapidly and has started to explore her environment. Alya and her cub will remain off exhibit until later this summer when the cub would be routinely leaving the nest area and coordinated enough to navigate the habitat.

The naming rights for the snow leopard cub will be auctioned off as part of Como Friends annual Sunset Affair Gala in July. All proceeds support continued improvements and operations of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, and its education and conservation programs. See more info on the Zoo's website.

Fall Sports registration opens June 1

Summer has barely started, but fall sports registration is already here! Fall sports offerings include soccer, flag football, and lacrosse. Soccer and flag football is FREE for ages 9 and up and fall lacrosse is FREE for ages 7 and up! Eliminating these fees allows Saint Paul youth to have access to quality programming, encourages healthy and active lifestyles, builds confidence, and creates community. (Please note that fees apply for ages 4U, 6U and 8U but you can save by utilizing the Early Bird Discount and registering in the first 5 days of the month.) Registration opened June 1 and will remain open though June 30. 

Como Parks & Rec Programming

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

• Taekwondo Jr July ages 6-8 - Mon & Wed in July- $60*
• Taekwondo July ages 9-21 - Mon & Wed in July - $60*
• Senior Day ages 50+ - Thursdays thru Aug 31 - Free
• Senior Fitness ages 55+ - Tues & Thurs thru Aug 31 - Free
• Senior Gamers ages 50+ - Tuesdays thru Aug 29 - Free
• New Summer Rec Check 1st-6th Grade - Weekdays June 21-Aug 24 - Free*
• Baseball Camp ages 7-10 - June 20-23 - $20*
• Baseball Camp ages 10-14 - June 20-23 - $20*
• Pokemania STEAM Adventure ages 6-10 - June 26-29 - $133*
• Dance with Me Ballet Camp ages 2-5 - June 26-30 - $43*
• Baby Ballet Camp ages 3-4 - 1pm or 1:30pm June 26-30 - $38*
• Pre and Intro Ballet Camps - ages 5-7 and ages 8-11 - June 26-30 - $38* & $50*

Northwest Como Rec Center (1550 N. Hamline)

• Taekwondo July ages 9-21 - Tue & Thur in July - $60*
• Taekwondo Jr. July ages 6-8 - Tue & Thur in July - $60*
• Slime-Tastic Art ages 5-12 - June 21-22 - $85*
• Gardening with Bill & Robert ages 7-12 - Misc dates June-August - $20*
• Basketball Skills Camp ages 8-14 - Tue & Thur in July - $15*
• Swimming Field Trip ages 7-12 - Tue, July 11, 12:30-4:30pm - $10*
• Artist Workshop Camp Ages 6-10 - July 17-21, 10am-Noon - $80*
• Easy & Fun Snacks with Luke ages 7-11 - Tuesdays starting July 18 - $10*
• Artist Workshop Camp ages 11-16 - Aug 14-18, 10am-Noon - $80*

*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 License Renewals*

• Como Zoo & Conservatory (1225 Eastabrook Dr.): Liquor licenses are up for renewal July 23. 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.
• D & L Food and Gas (626 Larpenteur Ave): Gas Station license is up for renewal July 28. 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.

2023 Capital Improvement Budget Committee Public Hearing

Monday, June 12, 5-7pm* @ Rondo Library (461 Dale)

Saint Paul’s Long-Range Capital Improvement Budget Committee will hold a public hearing on Monday, June 12, 2023, 5 – 7 pm (or until last speaker) in the Multipurpose Room at Rondo Community Library, located at 461 Dale St N, St Paul, MN 55103, to hear public testimony regarding its preliminary recommendations for the expenditure of 2024 and 2025 capital improvement funds.

This includes $4,000,000 per year in Community Development Block Grant financing for Federal Fiscal Year 2024 and 2025, and $8,693,000 in total over 2024 and 2025 in St. Paul Capital Improvement Bonds.

For more information contact Nichelle Bottko, City of Saint Paul, Office of Financial Services, nichelle.bottko.woods@ci.stpaul.mn.us, 651-266-8878, or visit www.stpaul.gov/cib

Saint Paul Offering Sewer Charge Credits to Restaurants, Bars, Breweries, and Micro-Distilleries Creating Outdoor Seating

The city of Saint Paul is utilizing $150,000 of federal ARP (American Rescue Plan) Funds to provide licensed food and beverage establishments free SAC credits for the creation of new or expanded outdoor seating. These credits will subsidize up-front costs normally associated with expanding sidewalk and patio seating.

Saint Paul businesses (with customers consuming purchased food and/or beverages on site) are eligible.

Selected businesses will receive one free SAC Credit for creating new or expanded outdoor seating. One SAC credit is worth $2,485.

Funds are limited to approximately 60 businesses. If there are more than 60 applicants, a lottery will

determine recipients. Priority will go to small businesses. There will be two concurrent drawings.

• First drawing — Small Businesses*
• Second drawing (if there are remaining funds) — All Businesses

Businesses do not need to be construction permit ready to participate in the lottery.

Businesses only need to submit the Lottery form to indicate an interest in the program and provide a nonbinding outdoor seating proposal.

Lottery winners will have up to:

• One year to submit (including any fees) a building permit for their new outdoor seating.**
• Six months (after permit issuance) to complete the project and finalize their permit.

A selected business’s new or expanded seating projects:

• Must meet all code requirements
• The project may be larger than one SAC credit. However, the business would be responsible to pay for all SAC credits required beyond the one credit.

Lottery Form due by June 9, 2023

Saint Paul Bicycle Plan Update

An updated Saint Paul Bicycle Plan draft now available for feedback. 

Over the past 18 months, city staff have been working with community members and stakeholders to update the Bicycle Plan. The Bicycle Plan guides investment and resources to make biking safer, easier, more convenient, and more connected.

Community members can review these documents or watch this video to learn more about the updates to the Bicycle Plan:

• Draft updated Bicycle Plan
• Draft Executive Summary of the Bicycle Plan
• Video Presentation on the updated Bicycle Plan

Share your feedback by posting comments on the interactive Bicycle Plan Network Map. You can also share more in-depth feedback through the survey.

The city is looking for feedback through the end of June and a representative from the project is tentatively scheduled to present to the D10 Land Use committee in June (3rd Wednesdays @ 6pm).

For more information, visit stpaul.gov/bikeplan.

VISTA Tenant Organizer Position

Saint Anthony Park Community Council and the Hamline Midway Coalition are hiring a joint Americorps VISTA Tenant Organizer.

Engage low-income renting communities in west St. Paul neighborhoods to build tenant networks, associations, and institutionalize renter power!

• Service year runs from 8/28/2023—8/27/2024.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Per AmeriCorps, VISTA Members may NOT be in school full-time or have another full-time position.

Find the position description, eligibility, and how to apply, on the HMC Website

Recycle Smart! Keep plastic bags and plastic wrap out of your recycling cart!

Plastic bags are the most common contaminant in the recycling. Choose reusable options or take items to a participating business for recycling.

Find more information and drop-off locations at www.PlasticFilmRecycling.org.

Stay Cool In the Heat

As the weather heats up, keep in mind these tips to stay cool in the heat:

• Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more. Water is better at cooling your body than drinks with sugar.
• Use sunscreen.
• Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when the sun is hottest.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

During extreme heat, check on relatives, neighbors, older adults and other vulnerable community members to ensure they are staying cool and hydrated. Those at highest risk include people 65 and older, children younger than two, and people with chronic diseases or mental illness.

View more information on staying cool in the heat

Pothole Patrol

You can report potholes in the following way, depending on whether they are on a city street, county road, or state highway:

• City of Saint Paul: Email potholes@ci.stpaul.mn.us
• Or call 651-266-9700. 
• Ramsey County: Online or by calling 651-266-7100
• Minnesota Department of Transportation: Online