New Community Garden Meeting

On Wednesday, November 18th, there will be a meeting about a potential community garden in the Conway/Eastview area of the district (north of I-94). The purpose of the meeting is to brainstorm possible locations, how to access water and tools at these locations, what types of gardening will be preferred, what kinds of educational programs could be offered, and any other ideas generated by the community. I encourage anyone to attend, especially those who would like to be instrumental in establishing this wonderful community space, whether it be by organizing, educating or volunteering.

When: November 18 at 7p

Where: Conway Rec Center, 2090 Conway (in meeting room)

Contact: Michael Higgins -- higgins.michael2@gmail.com

District 1 Council -- 651.501.6345

Submitted by Michael Higgins, HECUA Environmental Sustainability Intern

Public School Annual Report

The St. Paul Public School system has posted their Annual Report (including information about the superintendent search) on its website.

You can access the report by clicking on this link - public school report.

Electronic Recycling at Best Buy

Best Buy's current recycling policy:

They take just about anything electronic, including TVs, DVD players, computer monitors, cell phones and more. You can bring in up to two items a day, per household, and most things are free to recycle. However, there is a $10 charge for TVs 32" and under, CRTs, monitors, and laptops. But in exchange for that $10 charge, they will give you a $10 Best Buy gift card to offset the cost. They call it a little e-incarnation appreciation.

They do not take TVs with wood cabinets, so if you are unsure about what they will accept, call the store before you haul the stuff in.

Submitted by resident Jim Hartmann (thanks Jim!!)

Volunteer Gardening Program in the Parks

The St. Paul Department of Parks and Recreation has a volunteer gardening program to help maintain the gardens and planted areas throughout the city. In our area, this includes the Suburban Avenue planters and gardens at Eastview, Conway, Battle Creek and Highwood Hills Rec Centers. Individuals and groups can sign up to be Garden Stewards at these locations.

There are also opportunities to be Park Stewards. These individuals help to keep our local parks clean. We have had a hugely successful stewardship program going at Battle Creek Park for a long time, headed currently by resident, Sue Moyer. But our other parks could also use a helping hand.

Finally, there are opportunities to be Eco Stewards of our natural areas, such as the Highwood Preserve.

Any of these would be great activities for youth groups, seniors groups, or groups of local neighbors. To become a steward, go to www.stpaul.gov and type "garden steward" in the search box. Click on the link that comes up to get the registration form.

Submitted by Mark Granlund, St. Paul Parks and Rec.

Public Hearing on County Commissioner Salaries

There will be a public hearing on Monday, November 2, at 6:30p in the third floor Council Chambers of City Hall/County Courthouse regarding a proposal to raise County Commissioners' salaries. The address of the Courthouse is 15 W. Kellogg, downtown St. Paul.

If you would like to comment but cannot make the public hearing, you can submit comments via email to charteramendment@co.ramsey.mn.us or by calling Bonnie at 651.266.8014.

An earlier public hearing - October 30 at the same time and location - will cover the proposed county budget.

Submitted by Ramsey County

Changes to Off-Street Parking...

St. Paul is revising its off-street parking requirements to better reflect the needs of different kinds of transportation, environmental concerns, and to support vibrant development. The last time these requirements were changed was in 1992. The proposal applies only to new development and significantly modified existing off-street parking.

There will be a public meeting to gather responses from the community about the proposed changes on November 10, 6:30-8p at the Dayton's Bluff Rec Center, 800 Conway St.

Information about the proposed changes can be found at this city website location. You can also contact city staff at 651.266.6547 or 651.266.6562 for more information.

Submitted by the City of St. Paul

Mississippi River As a National Park

On line there is an article about how the Mississippi River in our area is a part of the National Park System. This is an unusual thing - to have a major river running through an urban area that is actually a national park.

This article can help people understand why it is important to have protections on the lands of the bluffs, even though those lands may be private property. There is a recognition that the river is a system and not just a strip of water.

Besides being a park, the Mississippi River is the source of drinking water for many people in this metropolitan area and down stream of us. Keeping the water clean, keeps it safe, and keeps us healthy...

Here's the link - Minnesota Public Radio