3.4. SR 08-03-2009REQUEST FOR ACTION
To Item Number
Ci Council 3.4.
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Consent. August 3, 2009 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
Staff was contacted by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to determine whether the City
would be interested in hosting MN GreenCorps members. 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 a new program, coordinated by the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), which will begin in September 2009. It was initiated in response to a
variety of statewide needs awning 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 designed to include in its first year 18 full-time members supported and
deployed by the MPCA. Working in a strategic first-year partnership with University of Minnesota -
Morris (UMM), 4 part-time members will also be hosted at UMM's campus. Eligible host sites include
local governments, school districts, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations. For-profit
entities are not eligible to serve as host sites. Approximately 9 host sites will be selected to participate in
this program for 2009 - 2010. Placement will be from September 2009 through July 2010. Typically, teams
of two Minnesota GreenCorps members will be placed at a host site. Members will carry out one of five
specific projects. This program is funded through a grant from the Corporation for National and
Community Service as well as through ServeMinnesota.
For the past few years, staff has indicated a desire for an Energy City Coordinator position. When this
opportunity arose, this seemed to be a perfect fit for the work that the Coordinator position would have
been responsible for. Also, with the City's new organics program starting and a business recycling
program being in the infancy stages, this again seemed like a perfect opportunity. Staff filled out the
attached application requesting two members to assist in Energy City initiatives and in the City's recycling
C:\Doeuments and Settings\jmiller\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK3E\MN GreenCoxps.doc
program. The member assigned to Energy City initiatives will also be working with Elk River Municipal
Utilities and its Conservation Improvement program. One of the requirements is a Letter of Support from
the City indicating its commitment.
Financial Impact
The City will have no financial impacts as the Minnesota GreenCorps members axe provided with stipends
of $11,400 through the MPCA for completing a 1700 hour term of service. Upon completion of their
term of service, members are awarded an additional $4,725 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
C:\Documents and Settings\jmiller\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK3E\MN GreenCorps.doc
August 3, 2009
Paul Moss
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 partnering with the
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Minnesota GreenCorps, an AmeriCorps program
by hosting two members. The members will be instrumental in helping to promote Elk
River as "Energy City" and expanding the City's recycling and new organics composting
program.
The Local Government Energy Conservation Specialist member will have the opportunity to
work with the Elk River Municipal Utility and the City by promoting Energy City activities
such as the Project Conserve Program which is working with 35 families to reduce their
electric, fuel, natural gas, water and garbage consumption. This member will also help with
the planning efforts for 2010 Energy Expo in which Will Steger, famous polar explorer will
be the Keynote Speaker.
The Living Green Outreach Specialist will be working on promoting and expanding
participation in the City's new organic composting program as well as educating the residents
about the importance of recycling. The City is also in the process of developing a business
and restaurant recycling program in which this member would be involved with setting up
potential sites, marketing the program and working with the participants.
If the City of Elk River is selected as a host site, I believe the members selected 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,
Stephanie Klinzing
Mayor -City of Elk River