Title
Authorizing the Public Works and Parks and Recreation Directors to apply to be a Minnesota GreenCorps host site and to receive up to two Minnesota GreenCorps members to assist citywide environmental programs and initiatives.
Body
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, #15-1276 and #16-581); 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 has previously been awarded MN GreenCorps members including the 2016-2017 program year. Work was done with city staff and community members related to supporting new residential collection system changes, increasing recycling activities at events and improving municipal building recycling operations (City Council Resolutions #13-725 and #16-581); 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 2017-2018 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, City of Saint Paul Public Works is interested in having a MN GreenCorps member focus work on reinvigorating the Multi-unit building recycling program. The City has made significant changes to the residential collection system. Apartment building recycling opportunities need additional support related to improving service levels, expanding education and outreach and development of new initiatives to increase tons and participation. These efforts are vital to the City and State achieving our waste diversion goals.
WHEREAS, City of Saint Paul Park and Recreation is interested in having a MN GreenCorps member continue to work on creating an inclusive volunteer program for underserved audiences, research and develop educational outreach activities related to pollinators, air and water quality, local food production and then present these activities at the community events. The MN GreenCorp member would utilize Public Art Saint Paul’s pollinator bike to support their educational and outreach platform on the pollinator resolution; 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.