Out of Recycling Bins

We are currently out of recycling bins - in fact the supply is down to nothing across the city. New bins are expected soon. If you call our office and leave your contact information, we will let you know when the new supply arrives (651.501.6345). Or send us an email with your contact information and we will make sure you are on the list when we have more (district1council@aol.com).

We expect the new batch to arrive after June 15th.

Tom Conlon Resigns from SP School Board

We received notice that Tom Conlon, long-time Saint Paul School Board Member, has resigned from the School Board effective July 6. He is moving to North Carolina to become an innkeeper and managing partner of an historic inn (a long time dream).

Mr. Conlon has been on the School Board since 1991 and is St. Paul's only Republican-endorsed elected official. His current term would have expired in January 2011.

As a St. Paul native, two of the schools he attended were Sheridan Elementary and Harding High School, in our neck of the woods.

Presumably, his replacement will be chosen by special election - but maybe by appointment. If you are interested in serving, or want more information, you should contact the School Board office 651.767.8100.

District 1 - New Traffic Calming Site!

The District 1 Community Council has been given the chance to install traffic calming art signs, such as the one displayed here, in our neighborhood. The signs will be installed along 3rd St between Johnson Parkway and McKnight Rd. (Check out the city's website for the toolbox of traffic calming devices.).

In addition, we have been given a small award by the City and Public Art St. Paul, to do a paint the pavement installation. Plans are for this installation to be along Margaret St. and to go in during our National Night Out Celebration.

Thanks to Pam McCreary and Stacey Van Patten for their leadership on this project!

Increased Enforcement of Seat Belt Laws

The St. Paul Police Department is adding more patrols over the Memorial Day weekend and into early June. They will be actively enforcing Minnesota's seat belt laws, along with stopping speeders and looking for drunk drivers.

Research has shown that not using seat belts directly contributes to the severity of injuries in traffic crashes and the potential loss of life in these crashes. Click it or Ticket is the theme for the rest of the month!

Also, those officers will not be applying any "5 mph over the limit" tolerance - so WATCH YOUR SPEED!

Let's have a safe driving summer!

Submitted by the St. Paul Police Department

Public Hearing on Local Projects

During the CIB (Capital Improvement Budget) process this spring, there were several local projects that were proposed: improvements to playgrounds at Taylor, Burns, and Conway parks, bike lanes on Ruth, lighting on Burns between Ruth and Suburban, and a major renovation of the SunRay Library. All but the library project were ranked pretty high.

Now there is an opportunity to attend a public hearing before the CIB Committee of the Planning Commission to speak to their preliminary recommendations.

The meeting is May 26 (Tuesday) at 6p in room 40 of City Hall (15 W. Kellogg Blvd.). 

If you plan to attend to speak about one of these projects, please let Betsy know (651.501.6345 or district1council@aol.com).

Announcement by City of St. Paul

District 1 Online Networking Site

The District 1 Community Council has recently launched a new Online Networking Site for council members, residents, and local businesses. Join now at http://district1council.ning.com/.

The Online Networking Site provides a venue to connect and share ideas for those concerned with any and all issues regarding Saint Paul's District 1. Everyone is welcome to join. The site has unlimited potential for expansion if you'd like to discuss crime prevention, form an online group devoted to environmental issues, discuss the local schools, or share pictures of the District that you took.

Once you are at the website, click on the "sign up" link in the upper right hand corner of the screen. You'll be on your way to forming groups (block clubs, business networking groups, environmental groups, etc.), commenting on local issues, sharing pictures, and getting to know your neighbors and others involved with District 1.

Once again, the link to the new District 1 Online Networking Site is http://district1council.ning.com/.

Summer Urban Tennis Program

The Summer Urban Tennis program is taking registrations now for young people to participate in daily tennis lessons from June 15 to July 24. The available times of classes are 9a (5-7 yr old), 10a (8 - 10 yr old), 11a (11 - 13 yr old) and noon (14 and older). Locations in our area include Battle Creek and Conway Rec Centers and Harding High School. NO ONE IS TURNED AWAY DUE TO AN INABILITY TO PAY!! There are full scholarships available to young people currently part of the Federal Lunch Program.

Sign up online at the HOME PAGE for the St. Paul Urban Tennis Program. The cost is $65 for the first child in the family, $45 for the second and $25 for the third child. If there are more kids in the family, they are free. But remember - scholarships are available!! You can sign up in person at the site you want to attend on Friday June 12 between 10a and noon.

Submitted by St. Paul Parks Dept.