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l�'�, <br />Jy <br />REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION <br />Department Approval <br />Item Description: MN GreenCorps Host Application <br />BACKGROUND <br />Date: July 20, 2009 <br />Item No.: 7.e <br />City Manager Approval <br />� / <br />The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is coordinating a MN GreenCorps program. <br />The MPCA plans to place workers in approximately nine communities that are committed to <br />improving the environment. Communities are encouraged to request two employees. Workers <br />would spend 11 months on the job starting in September 2009. The MPCA is offering staffing in <br />several areas. Two areas are of great interest to the City: Local Government Energy <br />Conservation Specialist and Urban Forestry Specialist. <br />Interested communities must apply by August 3. A letter of support from the governing board <br />must be part of the application. <br />POLICY OBJECTIVE <br />The City of Roseville is committed to improving the environment. In 2007 the Mayor signed the <br />U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement and the Council endorsed his action. The City also <br />joined ICLEI - International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives. Incrementally the City <br />has been making changes to reduce our energy consumption. These efforts include LED lights, <br />energy efficient vehicles, no idling policies, among other efforts. Last year the City installed a <br />geothermal system at the Skating Center. This project has helped the City reduce its carbon <br />footprint. Other job responsibilities have prevented the City from undertaking more in depth <br />steps. Having an employee solely dedicated to Local Government Energy Conservation for 11 <br />months would allow the City to make substantial improvements in this area. <br />The City is also committed to maintaining our tree stock. Trees add beauty, lower energy costs <br />and enhance property values. Roseville is facing a serious threat from the Emerald Ash Sorer. <br />Experts in the field warn communities surrounding the only known infestation of EAS in the <br />Twin Cities to prepare for infestation within a year. The City has been working to complete a <br />tree inventory, parks master plan and a natural resources inventory and writing natural resources <br />restoration guidelines. Having an Urban Forestry Specialist for 11 months would allow the City <br />to make substantial steps forward with our urban forestry program. <br />Page 1 of 2 <br />