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Como Kindness: 2024 Thanksgiving Meals Fundraiser
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The Como Community Council is once again working to support isolated neighborhood seniors this Thanksgiving. So, in partnership with the North End Area Seniors (Formerly North End Area Seniors South Como Block Nurse Program), we have a goal of providing meals for 100 neighborhood seniors. How you can help is simple:
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Make a financial donation. Every $12 you contribute buys one Thanksgiving meal: turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, vegetables, a roll and, of course, dessert.
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Volunteer to deliver meals w/ Block Nurse Program. Reach out to Alaina Gall at alaina@necbnp.org or 651-489-4067.
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The Leaves Are Everywhere: Sign up for the 2024 Como CURB Cleanup
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! You can also represent with a cool Curb Cleanup Lawn Sign if you register!
Ready for a full year commitment to your storm drain? Adopt-a-Drain.org is the place to go.
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D10 Office Snafu
The Como Streetcar Station, where the D10 office is located, suffered water damage as the recent storms hit during a roofing project.
The wonderful staff at North Dale Rec (1414 St. Albans) have made accommodation for our Community meetings during construction. The surprise displacement from our office has strained our capacity in some ways.
We anticipate being office-nomads at least through October. We've restored limited ability to check our voicemail, but emailing info@district10comopark.org is recommended.
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Spooky Season in Como
Here are some Halloween opportunities that have come across our radar.
A kindly community member has again facilitated an area Halloween Map that includes Hamline Midway, Frogtown, Rondo, St. Anthony Park, Merriam Park, Como and North End. There's still time to get your house added to the map by filling out this form.
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Fri, Oct. 25 5-7pm | Griggs Laboratory Dead Zone @ Griggs Park (1188 Hubbard Ave)
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Fri, Oct. 25 6-8pm | Halloween Bonfire @ Northwest Como Rec (Hoyt & Hamline)
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Sat. Oct. 26 11am-2pm - Grand Ave. Boo Bash (Check in @ 917 Grand Ave, $5 donation)
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Sat. Oct. 26 Noon-2pm | Fall Festival @ Arlington Hills Community Center (1200 Payne Ave)
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Sat. Oct. 26 1-3pm | Meet and Treat @ Dock & Paddle (Como Lakeside Pavilion)
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Sat, Oct. 26, 2-5pm | Falcon Heights Fall Festival @ Falcon Heights City Hall (2077 Larpenteur Ave)
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Sat, Oct. 26, 3-4:30pm - Trick or Treat w/ Raptors @ Raptor Center (1920 Fitch Ave, $5 donation, Registration required)
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Sat. Oct. 26, 3-7pm - Trick or Treat Trail @ Gibbs Farm ($5-15, registration required)
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Sun, Oct, 27, 2-4pm - Trick or Treat @ TCGIS (1031 Como Ave) - Timed Entry
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Wed, Oct. 30, 10:30-Noon | Tot Time Halloween Party @ North Dale Rec (1414 St. Albans) - Free
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Wed, Oct. 30 5:30-8:30pm | Halloween Spooktacular Bash @ Phalen Rec (1000 Wheelock Pkwy)
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Thur, Oct. 31, 6-8pm | Halloween Party @ West Minnehaha Rec (685 Minnehaha Ave. W)
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Como Lake Storm Sewer Repair Project
The storm sewer project that closed the trail and Nagasaki Rd. on the south side of the lake for a few weeks is scheduled to continue in the coming weeks.
According to the latest information D10 has received, work will begin between the Lakeside Pavilion and the duck point parking lot next week (10/28), and then between the duck point parking lot and the Victoria/Wheelock/Maryland/etc intersection the following week (11/4).
The City hasn't shared any specifics on the what detours we might expect, but expect signs to be posted.
Check the Project Webpage for updates and more information.
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City Breaks Ground on Como Geothermal
This week the golden shovels were in Como to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new geothermal and energy efficiency project at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.
The project will focus primarily on deploying more sustainable equipment and new control strategies in the Primates, Polar Bear and Administration building.
The Zoo & Conservatory is the largest energy user in the city’s portfolio with energy costs surpassing $1 million per year. The City of Saint Paul is expected to realize up to $1.8 million in energy and operational cost savings over the next three years, through major improvements being made to its HVAC and water heating systems. LED lighting upgrades, mechanical system updates and building management systems are also part of this project to more effectively manage onsite energy usage throughout the entire campus.
Read more about the project on the Como Zoo and Conservatory website.
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Learn more about the Wheelock-Grotto Phase 1 Reconstruction
Public Works will be reconstructing the Wheelock-Grotto Phase 1 neighborhood bounded by Como Boulevard, Grotto Street, Wheelock Parkway, and Arlington Avenue. The reconstruction project will include placement of concrete curb and gutter, storm sewer drains, sewer and water main pipelines, bituminous pavement, sodded boulevards, boulevard trees, street lighting, new sidewalks, ADA-compliant pedestrian crossings, concrete outwalks, and concrete driveway aprons.
Recorded presentations: Visit the project webpage at stpaul.gov/Wheelock-Grotto to watch recorded presentations on the street reconstruction and sidewalk work.
In-person and virtual meetings: Join in person or online at two separate community
meetings, November 7 and 12. There will be a short presentation at the beginning of the
meetings, as well as an opportunity to talk one-on-one with staff about construction-related
questions.
Virtual Meeting (via Microsoft Teams)
Thursday, November 7, 2024
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Call in (audio only): 612-315-7905; enter conference ID 124 662 288#
Join the virtual meeting (link to meeting online at stpaul.gov/Wheelock-Grotto)
In-person Community Meeting
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
North Dale Recreation Center
1414 St Albans Street North
Saint Paul, MN 55117
Sidewalk Details: The project will add sidewalks where none exist per City Council policy and replace sidewalks and add ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps where needed.
Use the detailed sidewalk layout map to view the proposed layout of new sidewalks and location of existing sidewalks in the Wheelock-Grotto Phase 1 area.
For more information about Phase 1 visit, stpaul.gov/Wheelock-Grotto
For more information about Phase 2, visit stpaul.gov/Wheelock-Grotto2
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Fall Street Sweeping
Saint Paul Public Works began its annual Fall Street Sweeping last week. Here are some reminders to help make the effort more effective:
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Do not push any materials, including leaves, grass, or debris into the street. City ordinances do not allow anyone to put anything in the streets. Please properly bag and dispose of any leaves, dirt, and grass clippings. Residents can take materials to Ramsey County compost sites, use their yard waste services, or if the resident is part of the Citywide Garbage Service, they can put out compostable yard waste bags with their garbage service to be collected at $3 per bag.
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Move vehicles and follow all posted “No Parking” signs. The city will post temporary “No Parking” signs 24 hours in advance of sweeping operations. Vehicles parked in areas with “No Parking” signs could be ticketed and towed.
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Do not put garbage or recycling carts in the street. Please make sure carts are only placed on the boulevard, not the street.
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Adopt A Drain. Residents can help protect our waterways by adopting a storm drain (or two) in the neighborhood, and keeping it free of debris, snow, and ice in the coming months. Learn more at www.stpaul.gov/adoptadrain.
About Street Sweeping
Street sweeping is an important city service that removes garbage and organic debris, such as leaves, dirt, and grass clippings from entering our storm sewer system. This helps protect the city’s system, as well as prevents excess debris from getting into and polluting our streams, lakes, and river. Read more here on the city's website, including an interactive map that has the full schedule.
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Dock & Paddle Hours
Dock and Paddle at the Lakeside Pavilion is open Wednesday to Sunday, 11am-7pm. They offer happy hour specials on food, beer, and wine daily from 3-5pm.
They also serve ice cream up in the cafe year-round now and still proudly serve Starbucks beverages.
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Como Parks & Rec Programming
Fall Activity registration is OPEN
North Dale Rec Center (9am-9pm Mon-Thu, 9am-6pm Fri)
Ongoing Drop-In Programming
Northwest Como Rec Center (2-9pm Mon-Thu, 2-6pm Fri)
*Registration Required
D10 finds this info here in the Parks and Rec registration system, you can often find events further in advance than we have room here in the newsletter for!
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.
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Neighborhood Notes
Upcoming License Renewals*
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Speedway (950 Lexington Pkwy): Malt Off Sale and Gas Station Licenses are up for renewal Dec. 1. Anyone with input should contact the Ward 5 City Council office: ward5@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
*While license notifications serve as community reminders, feedback on a business license can be submitted at any time.
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Hispanic Heritage Celebración
Celebrate the rich cultures and traditions of the Latine community with Saint Paul Public Library.
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Oct. 29, 5:30-7:30pm, find SPPL @ Beautiful Laundrette, for a Día de los Muertos themed storytime, live music by Son de Cuerdas, and a community meal.
More info at https://sppl.org/hispanic-heritage/
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Election 2024
Register to vote or update your registration. You may register online or in person. The pre-registration deadline in Minnesota is 21 days before the election.
Voting for the general election began on Sept. 20. You may vote by absentee ballot, or in person on or before election day.
Find information on the Ramsey County website ramseycounty.us/residents/elections-voting.
Additional Locations Open for In-person Absentee Voting
Four additional in-person absentee voting locations are open for Ramsey County voters to cast their ballot for the 2024 general election prior to Election Day.
Anyone eligible to vote in Ramsey County may cast their ballot at any location, regardless of their home address. The additional locations include:
In-person voting will continue to be available at Ramsey County Elections Office - Plato Building and Maplewood City Hall (City of Maplewood voters ONLY)
View a list of current locations and hours
View a current wait time map of absentee voting locations
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Community Participation Requested
Help Shape Capitol Region Watershed District’s Chloride Management Plan!
Capitol Region Watershed District is developing a Chloride Management Plan to guide their work in reducing salt use in the winter and protecting our water bodies, natural resources, and infrastructure from chloride pollution. While salt melts ice and helps keep us safe on roadways, sidewalks, etc. in the winter, the chloride in salt harms pets and wildlife, pollutes groundwater and lakes, and damages buildings, cars, and roadways.
Capitol Region Watershed District needs YOUR help to understand your level of concern for the negative impacts of using salt in the winter, and what you think should be done to reduce salt use. To help, please complete this two-minute survey found on the bottom of the following website by Wednesday, November 13: https://www.capitolregionwd.org/projects/managing-chloride-pollution/.
The results from this survey will help guide the development of the Watershed District’s Chloride Management Plan and ultimately help reduce the impact of chloride pollution in our watershed.
Feedback sought on Metro Transit plan
Metro Transit is seeking your feedback on Network Now, a plan designed to grow ridership, expand job access, and better meet the region's changing mobility needs.
They want to hear from you:
Comment now through November 15. Your feedback will help ensure they’re on the right track and determine what to focus on first. They will make the final changes in phases, depending on workforce hiring and retention.
Saint Paul ADA Transition Plan Survey
Saint Paul Public Works' Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan will outline how the city will prioritize investments in infrastructure and accessibility upgrades to improve access for all. Share your opinions and priorities through an online survey through November 3. Take the Survey.
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2025 City Budget
Mayor's 2025 City Budget Proposal
The Mayor recently delivered his 2025 Budget Address, announcing his proposed budget for the upcoming year.
Mayor Carter’s budget totals $855 million, with a general fund budget increase of $24.5 million and a property tax levy increase of 7.9%, totaling an increase of about $11 per month on a median-value home.
LINKS TO THE 2025 BUDGET ADDRESS AND PROPOSAL
View the Mayor’s Budget Address, along with the full text of the address as prepared for delivery, full budget proposal documents, and highlight materials here.
ABOUT THE CITY OF SAINT PAUL BUDGET PROCESS
Following the Mayor's delivery of the 2025 Budget Proposal, the City Council has been meeting with department leaders to review the Mayor’s proposed budget. As required by state law, the City Council set the maximum property tax levy in September. Budgets may be adjusted, but they cannot exceed the maximum tax levy.
Before the end of the year, the City Council holds hearings on the budget and votes to adopt a 2025 budget and tax levy for the city. While the budget may represent changes made by the City Council to the Mayor’s proposed budget, the Mayor has line-item veto authority over the Council-adopted budget.
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Domestic Violence Support & Resources
No one ever thinks that they will fall victim to domestic abuse until it happens. That is why it is so important to be able to find support and assistance quickly.
Note: many of these websites have "quick exit" links and instructions on how to clear the site from your browser history.
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How do I dispose of broken string lights?
Non-LED string lights may be placed in the trash. LED string lights cannot go in the trash because they contain printed circuit boards and are considered hazardous. Bring LED string lights to a household hazardous waste collection site for free.
Do you have a question about recycling and disposal and can’t find the answer in Ramsey County's A to Z Green Guide? Call their Recycling & Disposal hotline at 651-633-EASY (3279) or send a message.
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What's Happening at the Fairgrounds | |
Have something you'd like us to consider sharing in our newsletter? Email us at district10@district10comopark.org | |  |
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Support Community Engagement
Do you appreciate the work D10 Como Park does in the community? Consider supporting D10's work by making a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!
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Please note that this newsletter aims to inform and publicize local events and activities in our community. The inclusion of any event or activity does not imply endorsement by the District 10 Como Community Council. | | | | |
