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Authorizing the Directors of the Departments of Public Works and Parks and Recreation to apply to be a Minnesota GreenCorps Host Site and to receive up to two Minnesota GreenCorps members to assist in Citywide environmental programs and initiatives.
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WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul is committed to making Saint Paul one of the most sustainable and livable cities in the United States; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) coordinates the Minnesota (MN) GreenCorps initiative, an AmeriCorps program, designed to preserve and protect Minnesota’s environment while training a new generation of environmental professionals; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul Department of Parks and Recreation has previously been awarded MN GreenCorps members to work on both urban forestry and local food initiatives (City Council Resolution #12-601 and #15-1276); and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul Department of Public Works has previously been awarded MN GreenCorps members to work with city staff and community members on bicycle and pedestrian initiatives (City Council Resolution #13-725 and #14-845); and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul Department of Public Works was awarded in 2013-2014 a MN GreenCorps to work with city staff and community members on recycling and waste reduction initiatives (City Council Resolution #13-725); and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul has benefited greatly from the work of the previous MN GreenCorps members; and
WHEREAS, the MPCA is again accepting host site applications from local governments, school districts, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations interested in hosting MN GreenCorps members for the 2016-2017 program year; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul is eligible to apply to be a MN GreenCorps host site and receive up to two MN GreenCorps members; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul is interested in having a MN GreenCorps member continue to work as an Urban Forestry Specialist focused on citizen engagement in planting and maintaining trees and is also interested in having a MN GreenCorps member work on increasing participation in recycling and waste reduction programs; now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Saint Paul authorize Kathy Lantry, Public Works Director, and Mike Hahm, Parks and Recreation Director, to apply to be a MN GreenCorps host site and to receive up to two MN GreenCorps members to assist with citywide environmental programs and initiatives.