Summary of Conway Discussion: November 26, 2012

Thank you to EVERYONE who attended or supported this meeting, and to everyone who made the meeting possible.

About 150 people attended this meeting. From the City, Michael Hahm – Director of Parks and Recreation, Kathy Korum – Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation, Gwen Peterson – Manager of Recreation Services, and Kathy Lantry – City Council President and Ward 7 Councilmember. Other officials in attendance: State Representative – Sheldon Johnson; State Senator-Elect – Foung Hawj; representing County Commissioner Jim McDonough – John Cotroneo

Questions asked by Community members:

What is the mission and purpose of Parks and Recreation?

How does the mission of a rec center change with privatization?

What is the end goal of privatization?

Why is Parks and Rec the first place to cut when budget problems hit?

How and why did privatization come up?

What evidence is there that privatization increases participation?

What evidence is there that privatization increases or at least maintains access for the full demographics of an area?

Does privatization shift costs from all property owners to paying participants?

Who benefits from privatization?

How does privatization work?

How do you define users of a recreation center? Paying participants or simply those who make use of the facilities?

What is the vision for Conway Rec Center? (what will be effect on current programs?)

How do we maintain facilities and security at facilities?

How do we hold Parks and Recreation accountable?

How do we address the money/budget issue?

Where does the money go that is saved by privatization?

What will be the effect on Conway (and other rec centers) of new transportation opportunities that are coming (e.g. Gateway Corridor)?

What services does this community need?

Why is a joint rec center and library complex what Payne-Phalen needs, but not this neighborhood?

What costs will there be for neighbors?

Comments by Community Members:

Recognize that the Eastside is a special place – and recreation centers help create that. Neighborhood rec centers are part of what makes Saint Paul special - livable.

Recreation centers are neighborhood assets – they increase property values of surrounding properties and are an attraction to bring renters to local apartment complexes (along with library). The look of an area matters.

Recreation centers need to provide positive alternatives for youth; they are fundamentally a crime prevention asset, provide leadership development for youth, as well as emphasizing healthy behaviors.

Recreation centers are community gathering spaces, provide meeting space, and build community for an area. They foster people of all ages and backgrounds.

Recreation centers provide openness and opportunity for all, both in formal and informal ways.

Recreation centers provide a place for every one regardless of age, income or home type.

There is a shift in the demographics for this area – more kids, not everyone is middle class, not everyone can drive across town (or across the eastside) to a rec center.

Walkability is important for safety, sense of community, look and feel of a neighborhood (and for economic well-being).

What needs to remain (specific comments about Conway programming):

openness to all ages and incomes

Community garden

the 2^nd largest football program in the city

totlot

after school programs – Rec Check, Summer Blast

joint programming with the library

senior/elder programs

tax assistance through AARP

community gathering space – place to meet neighbors

a safe place; supervision of outdoor areas

activities for girls as well as boys

tennis

basketball

summer free lunches/meals

What could be added (some suggestions about programming):

seniors and youth supporting each other

volunteer opportunities

meals for seniors

Other suggestions:

think creatively

can we involve colleges and universities?

The community is the partner that can make this center successful.

Ask ourselves, why is there a divestment of public funds? And who is actually invested in the city – its residents or a private entity?

____

For a summary of next steps and how to stay informed about this issue, see our November 26, 2012 blog post.

We will begin planning Conway's future in early January (to run through June, 2013). If you are interested in committing to frequent planning meetings to create this future, contact the District 1 Community Council office at 651.578.7600 or district1council@aol.com. There will be a small group of diverse community members appointed to this important group, and then frequent opportunities for two-way communication among the task force representatives and all community members throughout the process.

Contact Information from the Conway Rec Center Meeting

We'd like to thank the local State and City of St. Paul representatives who attended tonight's meeting to help clarify details about the future of Conway Recreation Center.  Also, those who attended this evening's meeting should thank one another for taking the time to participate.  Such participation will make District 1 a more vibrant Community within St. Paul.

Below are some links at which you can contact District 1, engage in discussions with your neighbors, and find out more about events in your community:

E-Democracy St. Paul District 1 Neighbors: Click Here

District 1 Community Council Facebook group: Click Here

District 1 Community Council Website: Click Here

District 1 Community Council on Twitter: Click Here

Please note that we recently posted a blog article featuring some updates from the office of Kathy Lantry, including news as follows:

"In order to facilitate this conversation, the Parks and Recreation Department has agreed to maintain all of its current programming at the recreation center for the next 6 months. During this period, we would like to engage the broader community in planning for the future of the recreation center and how best to maintain the programs and services that neighbors feel are important."

 For a link to the full blog article, please click here.  Thanks again to everyone who attended the meeting, and please stay in touch.

Experience Red and Blue Cares Event!!

Check out the city's YouTube video of the Red and Blue Cares shopping extravaganza that took place at Target on November 17. This was the second year of this Thanksgiving event.

http://www.youtube.com/stpaulgov

This was a partnership between Saint Paul Police and Fire Departments, Target, Eastern Heights Elementary and Highwood Hills Elementary schools, and District 1.

Thanks to all our partners for a chance to share the feeling of the Thanksgiving holiday!

Conway Announcement - Planning Process to Come

Folks, there is news from Kathy Lantry's office about Conway. The city is putting the privatization on hold for six months while we get a public process together to decide what the future looks like at the Rec Center.

Here is the main part of the letter she sent:

"I want to let you know that the City and the Parks and Recreation Department have heard the concerns expressed by a number of people in the neighborhood and we understand the apprehension that people feel about major changes taking place at the recreation center. We have heard about the importance of recreation programming to the area and in this location in particular.

"It is important that we all take some time to clarify what this change means and give the community a chance to evaluate and articulate what they feel are the most important programs and services that need to be maintained at this location going forward.

"In order to facilitate this conversation, the Parks and Recreation Department has agreed to maintain all of its current programming at the recreation center for the next 6 months. During this period, we would like to engage the broader community in planning for the future of the recreation center and how best to maintain the programs and services that neighbors feel are important."

Let's be clear that the city is NOT saying that the center will remain public, but that they will take time to engage the community in deciding what is there.

So we still want people to come to the rally next Monday, November 26 at 6:30p, and be prepared to talk about what they want to see as the future of this recreation center. Is it a center that focuses on organized sports? Or unstructured playtime? Or both? Does it provide opportunities for all age groups - infant to elder? If so, what does that look like? Are there things happening there now that must remain? Are there things NOT happening there that need to be added?

What does this center mean for the community?

Have a good, safe Thanksgiving, and please join us next Monday at Conway Rec at 6:30p.

Public Meeting/Rally for Conway

We will be holding a public meeting/rally so that residents can voice their concerns about the plans to privatize Conway Rec Center. The meeting will be Monday, November 26 at 6:30p at the Conway Rec Center, 2090 Conway St.

Parks officials will be there and we have invited our elected representatives, too.

Please join us to let the City know what this rec center means to our neighborhood.

BRT Service Recommended for St. Paul

The Gateway Corridor’s Alternatives Analysis study is nearly complete and a preferred transit option has been recommended. The Gateway Corridor Commission has identified a new dedicated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line along Hudson Road from St. Paul to Woodbury as the best option for the region. The BRT option will have buses running all day on dedicated lanes with station stops every mile to half mile.

The line will provide a fast, reliable and convenient trip for travelers into downtown St. Paul and on to Minneapolis and other regional destinations.  The Hudson Road route will include 10 transit stations, including five Park and Ride stations and five walk-up stations.

The Gateway Corridor Commission also released a draft of the Alternatives Analysis Final Report for public comment. The public is encouraged to provide additional comments on the narrowing of alternatives by visiting the Gateway Corridor website at www.thegatewaycorridor.com.  Once all comments are received the report will be revised as necessary.  The Commission is scheduled to approve the final report at its January 10 meeting.

The next phase of the study, preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), is expected to start in early 2013. The Commission advanced the BRT Option along Hudson Road as well as LRT (Light Rail Transit) along Hudson Road, the second highest ranked option.  Both options have the same route, station stops and similar service plans.

For more information on the Gateway Corridor, please visit http://www.thegatewaycorridor.com or the Gateway Corridor Facebook page.

Last Chance for Gateway Corridor Feedback...

The Gateway Corridor transit study is close to being complete, but you still have a chance to provide input. Your feedback has been crucial to the transit study process. The Commission encourages all community members to provide additional comments on the Draft Final Alternatives Analysis Report.

The Draft Final Alternatives Analysis Report is now available. The report includes the extensive transit analysis, community engagement and decision making process that led to the Gateway Corridor Commission’s identification of a preferred transit route; a dedicated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line along Hudson Road from St. Paul to Woodbury.

Comments can be submitted by email or mail by Dec. 3.

Email: GatewayCorridor@co.washington.mn.us

Mail: Gateway Corridor, Washington County Regional Railroad Authority, 11660 Myeron Road North, Stillwater, MN 55082

All public comments will be included in the Final Report and the Commission anticipates approving the report at its December 13 meeting. The contents of the Final Report will help guide the next phase of the transitway development process, which is the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). It is anticipated that the DEIS will begin in early 2013. Visit www.thegatewaycorridor.com for more details on the transit study.

Winterizing Homes with Loans

Winter weather is here. It’s time to insulate your home and replace that old boiler or furnace before the cold winds snap your energy budget.

Thanks to a grant from the Saint Paul STAR program, the Neighborhood Energy Connection now offers the Energy Smart Homes deferred loan program for Saint Paul homeowners and landlords. The loan helps pay for efficient energy improvements. There is no minimum or maximum income requirement to participate.

Energy Smart Homes is a zero interest deferred loan. No payments are ever made and no interest is added to the principal. The original principal comes due in 15 years, or when the borrower sells their home or refinances their mortgage and takes cash back. 

Borrowers can cover from 50% to the entire cost of their energy projects using an Energy Smart Homes loan, but they must match the financing 1:1. The match can be covered with cash, with other financing (the NEC has several safe and flexible financing options or can refer you to other programs), or with payment toward other qualified home improvements.

Energy Smart Homes loans can be used to purchase and install attic and wall insulation, air sealing, and for furnace/boiler replacement. Minimum efficiency standards apply.

Get started today. The nonprofit Neighborhood Energy Connection looks forward to helping you with your project and ensuring that you receive all applicable utility rebates and other incentives. Step one is to call LeAnne at the NEC: 651.221.4462 x132, or email leannek@thenec.org. Program details available at the Neighborhood Energy Connection website: www.TheNEC.org.

Energy Smart Homes is made possible with funds from the Saint Paul STAR program.

Tax Reform Town Hall Nov. 12

YOU ARE INVITED to a Tax Reform Town Hall in St. Paul!  More tax reform events may be scheduled in St. Paul but we wanted to be sure you know about this event.  Please SPREAD THE WORD to your network so others know about the town hall and empowered to give their feedback.  We want to hear from as many Minnesotans as possible.

 Metropolitan State University in partnership with Representatives Sheldon Johnson and Tim Mahoney will be hosting Minnesota Department of Revenue Commissioner Myron Frans at a tax reform town hall meeting on Monday, November 12^th at 7 PM in the Ecolab Community Room on the campus of Metro State University (St. Paul Campus, 700 E 7th St, St. Paul, MN 55106). 

The town hall conversation will feature a short presentation about Minnesota’s tax system, followed by questions and discussion with area residents, business leaders, local officials and legislators. 

Commissioner Frans is seeking input on:

·            What fair taxation means to Minnesotans

·            What we should look for in a good tax system

·            How we can simplify Minnesota’s tax system

This town hall is just one of the many conversations Revenue officials are having with Minnesotans to gather tax reform ideas for Gov. Mark Dayton.

The meetings are open to the public and area residents are encouraged to participate. And again please SPREAD THE WORD to your network so others know about the town hall and are empowered to give their feedback. 

St. Paul Tax Reform Town Hall

Monday, November 12^th at 7 PM

Ecolab Community Room

Metro State University (St. Paul campus)

700 E 7th St, St. Paul, MN 55106

Or for more information about our tax reform outreach go to www.revenue.state.mn.us/tax_reform and www.twitter.com/mnrevenue.