2022 engagement plan: It is a wrap

The Sept. 10 District 10 Como Community Council Harvest Festival event at Tilden Park concludes D10’s ambitious 2022 community engagement plan. While we still have several tried and true community opportunities to come in the rest of 2022 (Lake Como Cleanup), holiday decoration contests, Thanksgiving drive), these new events were spread out in the neighborhood across our long-established four sub-districts to reach more community members who haven’t been engaged in our work before. We had our share of last-minute scrambles and teachable moments, but we also connected with a new community members and created (and strengthened) partnerships with other organizations and businesses. These events literally would not have happened without the astounding work of our community organizer, Jessica Willman, who somehow accomplishes more in 10 hours a week than many do in 40, and the volunteer leadership of our Neighborhood Relations committee: Sarah Reuter, Morgan Weinert, Lizzy Cantley, and Abby Gold. Many others in the community and D10 board have contributed in invaluable ways. We’re already looking ahead to 2023, where new events become second annual traditions, and we hope to add additional depth as well as even more fun and games!

Citywide Dropoff at Fairgrounds
The city partners with local district councils to organize annual citywide drop-off events for residents to properly dispose of large refuse items and recyclable materials not collected via the residential recycling program. D10 Como Park helps coordinate the event held annually at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds. This year’s even will be Sept. 17, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. View the accepted items list, rates, and more at District10ComoPark.org/CitywideDropoff

Lake Como Cleanup - Oct. 8
D10 Como Park is planning our next Lake Como Cleanup for Saturday, Oct. 8, 9 a.m.-noon. These events, in partnership with the Capitol Region Watershed District, focus on the shoreline and lake itself. Our July 26 cleanup event drew 21 people who helped clean over 50 pounds of trash from the lakeshore!
District 10 provides trash-grabbers, rakes, buckets, nets, trash bags, and nitrile gloves for those who need them. Or, feel free to provide your own gear. Registration (before Oct. 7) is not required, but it helps us plan and communicate if changes come up.

Como Golf Lot Construction Scheduled
The north and south Como Pavilion parking lots both received major upgrades earlier this summer. A canoe/kayak launch will be finished near the south lot later this year. Now it’s the Como Golf Course lot’s turn, construction began the week of Sept.12. The golf lot will be closed for approximately 5 weeks. No, golfers, fair-style lawn parking is not allowed during the construction.

Upcoming Applications/Renewals
Speedway (950 Lexington): Gas Station and Malt Off-Sale Licenses are up for renewal Dec. 1. Anyone with input should email the Como Community Council or contact the office of Ward 5 Council Member Amy Brendmoen: ward5@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
Vistabule Teardrop has submitted an application for a motor vehicle dealer - new vehicle license for 1455 Energy Park Dr. Anyone with input can email the Como Community Council or contact the office of Council Member Mitra Jalali: ward4@ci.stpaul.mn.us. Representatives from Vistabule are planning to attend the Sept. 20 D10 Land Use committee meeting to introduce themselves and answer questions.
Duke’s Car & Towing (977 Front): Auto repair garage license is up for renewal Oct. 19. Anyone with input should email the Como Community Council or contact the office of Ward 5 Council Member Brendmoen.
*While license renewal dates serve as community reminders, feedback on a business license can be submitted at any time

D10 Community Meetings Schedule
• Land Use Committee - Tuesday, Sept. 20, 6 p.m.
• D10 Board - Tuesday, Sept. 20, 7:15 p.m.
• Environment Committee - Wednesday, Oct. 5, 6 p.m.
• Neighborhood Relations Committee - Wednesday, Oct. 5, 7:15 p.m.
• Land Use Committee - Tuesday, Oct. 18, 6 p.m.
• D10 Board - Tuesday, Oct. 18, 7:15 p.m.
As always, you can find meeting details on our website: District10ComoPark.org. All D10 board and committee meetings are open to the public and have space for community members to bring topics for discussion.