3.4. SR 05-02-2011REQUEST FOR ACTION
To Item Number
City Council 3.4.
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Consent May 2, 2011 Rebecca Haug, Environmental
Administrator
Item Description Reviewed by
Letter of Support for Two Minnesota GreenCorps Members Lori ohnson, Ci Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Staff requests the City Council approve the Letter of Support for two MN GreenCorps members.
Background/Discussion
Minnesota GreenCorps is a statewide initiative to help preserve and protect Minnesota's environment
while training a new generation of environmental professionals. Minnesota GreenCorps is coordinated
by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MI'CA) and started in September 2009. It was initiated in
response to a variety of statewide needs aiming to:
• Respond to higher energy costs by local governments
• Assist community members to take eco-friendly actions
• Reduce greenhouse gases and other air pollutants
• Transition to a green economy
• Train new environmental professionals
Minnesota GreenCorps is a statewide program that is designed to include members supported and
deployed by the MPCA. Eligible host sites include local governments, school districts, educational
institutions and nonprofit organizations. For-profit entities are not eligible to serve as host sites.
Placement will be from September 2011 through July 2012. Typically, teams of two Minnesota
GreenCorps members will be placed at a host site. Members will carry out one or two specific projects.
This program is funded through a grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service as
well as through ServeMimiesota.
Currently, the City is hosting Steven Ross Pomeroy for the Energy City Coordinator position. The
application is requesting another GreenCorps member to continue the work Mr. Pomeroy has been doing
with Energy City.. Also, the City is applying for a member to help with the stormwater program. This
member would work closely with the City Engineer, Streets Department, and Environmental Division to
carry out the required stormwater duties. The member assigned to Energy City initiatives will also be
working with the Elk River Municipal Utilities on Project Conserve. One of the requirements is a Letter
of Support from the City indicating its commitment.
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Financial Impact
The City will have no financial impacts as the Minnesota GreenCorps members are provided with
stipends of $11,800 through the MPCA for completing a 1700 hour term of service. Upon completion of
their term of service, members are awarded an additional $5,850 as an educational award that can be used
to pay for their further higher education or toward payment of existing student loans. Members are also
offered a health insurance option. Workers compensation for Minnesota GreenCorps members is
covered by the MPCA.
Attachments
Letter of Support
Action Motion by Second by Vote
Follow Up
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ver
13065 Orono Parkway
Elk River, MN 55330
May 2, 2011
Sustainable Communities Team
Environmental Assistance
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
520 Lafayette Rd., N., Second Floor
St. Paul, MN 55155
RE: Minnesota GreenCorps
Dear Mr. Moss:
On behalf of the City of Elk River, I would like to express our interest in continuing the
partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Minnesota GreenCorps, an
AmeriCorps program, by hosting two members. One of the members will continue to be
instrumental in helping to promote Elk River as "Energy City" and the other member will
help with the implementation of the City's stormwater permitting requirements.
Steven Ross Pomeroy has been serving the City since September 2010 as a Local
Government Energy Conservation Specialist member. The new member will have the
opportunity to continue working with the Elk River Municipal Utility and the City by
promoting Energy City activities such as the next phase of the Project Conserve Program
working with families, apartments, and businesses to reduce their electric, fuel, natural gas,
water, and garbage consumption. This member will also help with the planning efforts for
the 2012 Energy Expo and educational programs with students, businesses, and the general
public. 'This member would also continue to update the B3 Benchmarking information for
all City buildings.
The Green Infrastructure Stormwater Specialist would participate in inventorying existing
stormwater BMPs including the rain gardens in the City. The member would also assist with
the revisions and improvements to the City's stormwater plan as well as education efforts for
staff, city officials, residents, and businesses in regard to stormwater BMPs. The green
infrastructure member would work with volunteer groups and homeowner associations on
storm pond cleanings and storm drain stenciling programs. Another activity this member
would work on is a benefit analysis for the different LID practices utilized. The information
and outcomes for this member's work would be made available to other communities upon
request.
Phone: 763.635.1000
Fax: 763.635.1090
www ci.elk-river.mn.us
The City of EIk River has enjoyed having Mr. Pomeroy serve the City of Elk River. If the
City is selected again to be a host site, I believe the members will be provided with useful
skills to further their career in the environmental field. I look forward to working with the
two members if we are selected.
Sincerely,
John J. Dietz, Mayor
City of Elk River