WPCC extends deadline for equity-focused data consultant proposals

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Update 4/5/2022: The Waite Park Community Council has extended the deadline for proposals to May 1, 2022.

The Waite Park Community Council is seeking proposals from equity-focused data consultants for the creation, implementation, and analysis of surveys and focus groups for our Equitable Engagement Plan. The Council's goal is to meaningfully engage marginalized communities that have been historically underrepresented in neighborhood decision making. The goal of the surveys and focus groups will be to gather information from the communities of interest including: BIPOC neighbors, older adults, and residents who rent in the community. 

 The Council is accepting proposals until Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at https://forms.gle/7QvHwNWWBfTPvnT2A

 Desired Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated experience creating, implementing, and analyzing surveys and/or focus groups

  • Ability to design and implement surveys and/or focus groups at a neighborhood scale

  • Two references from previous clients 

WPCC Regular Board Meeting Agenda for Thursday, March 31

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The Waite Park Community Council will hold its regular monthly board meeting at 7pm, Thursday, March 31 via Zoom. Register here to receive Zoom information.

7:00: Welcome, call to order and land acknowledgement

7:04: Approval of February and annual meeting minutes and agenda

7:05: Icebreaker breakouts

7:10: Community Announcements
Parks update, Brian Hall
Community Education update, Sandi McDonald

7:20: Board member introductions

7:45: Board expansion proposal, Dan
Appointment to fill open board seat, Dan 

7:50: Presentation: Neighborhoods 101, Robert Thompson 

8:15: Board Reports/Updates
Treasurer’s Report, Megan
Equitable Engagement, Chelsey/Leah
Board Retreat, Lucas/Donte
Community Connections Conference, Tiffany
Earth Day parks event, Megan
29th Avenue Task Force, Ali

Unfinished Business

8:30: Reallocation of $25,000 of NRP Phase II Funds, Gary

New Business

8:35: Approval of CPP Annual Report

8:40: Citywide Neighborhood Day event

8:45: Adoption of 2022 Goals and Priorities, Dan


MPCA working on amended air quality permit for Fridley facility

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Cummins Power Generation, 1400 73rd Ave NE, Fridley, MN 55432. via Google Maps

The following article was submitted by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, as a follow up to the agency’s 2021 presentation to the Waite Park Community Council.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) works to make sure that pollution does not have a disproportionate impact on any group of people. This is the principle of environmental justice (EJ). It means that everyone, regardless of race, color, national origin or income, receives equal levels of environmental protection and has opportunities to participate in decisions that may affect their environment or health. 

Many of the companies that the MPCA works with are in or near areas that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines as environmental justice areas of concern. These are areas where additional consideration is needed to evaluate and reduce potential disproportionate adverse environmental impacts. The EPA defines these areas of concern by identifying census tracts that meet one of more of the following criteria:

  • 50% or greater of the population report being Black, Indigenous, or people of color

  • Greater than 40% of the households report household incomes of less than 185% of the federal poverty level

  • Tribal areas

We want residents to know that we are currently working with a company in your area, Cummins Power Generation, that is located in or near an environmental justice area of concern. For more detail on why this area is considered an environmental justice area of concern, visit https://arcg.is/bGzHS and search the address for the facility (1400 73rd Ave NE, Fridley, MN 55432).

Cummins assembles, tests, and develops electrical generators and power systems. Generators of many different sizes and end uses are assembled at the facility. The generators are assembled and the final product is tested to ensure it is working as expected before distribution. The facility also has an engineering section, where new or modified generators are developed and tested. Other emission units include paint booths and ovens for coating of generator parts, four diesel-fired standby generators used for electrical peaking, and two boilers. The main pollutants of concern are from fuel combustion, including carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOC), particulate matter (PM, PM less than 10 microns/PM10, and PM less than 2.5 microns/PM2.5), and greenhouse gases (GHGs). Hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) are emitted from combustion and from coating material usage.

An air quality permit is a legal written document from the MPCA, that authorizes Cummins to operate and lays out what state and federal requirements apply to each piece of equipment or group of equipment, and how the facility will comply with those requirements. Whenever Cummins proposes to make certain changes to their facility, or when their permit expires, the company needs to apply for a modified or new permit. These air permits contain pollution limits designed to protect people’s health and the environment. Before a permit becomes official, it is made available to the public for 30 days so the public can learn about it, ask questions, and share any concerns they may have.

The MPCA is modifying their air permit in response to two amendment applications from the facility, and to update the entire permit because it has passed the permit expiration date. Permits for this size of facility (Part 70 permits) expire every five years. One amendment application was to add two new test cells and split one existing cell into two cells with half the capacity of the original. This project did not require an issued permit amendment to go forward and has been completed. Three new cells have been constructed and operated and are now in the permit.

Another amendment application was for construction of five new equipment pads total, with three pads each capable of testing up to 500 kW diesel or 550 kW natural gas gen-sets (one gen-set per pad) and two pads each capable of testing up to 2,000 kW diesel or natural gas gen-sets (one gen-set per pad). Construction authorization was provided by the MPCA on 12/9/2021, but these units are not allowed to be operated until the permit amendment is issued.

The draft permit document for Cummins will be available for public review and comment on or soon after March 23rd, 2022. The draft permit will be posted on the MPCA website at http://www.pca.state.mn.us/news/data/index.cfm?PN=1, in the section « Public Notices ».  If you have any questions or concerns about the draft permit, please contact Rachel Fossum at rachel.fossum@state.mn.us or (651) 757-2863.

👉 Why you should attend our annual neighborhood meeting 👈

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The Waite Park Community Council (WPCC) invites all community members to attend and participate in its annual neighborhood meeting and board election from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, 2022.

Due to COVID-19, the event will be held via Zoom. To receive login info, register at https://tinyurl.com/wpcc2022

Why should I attend the annual neighborhood meeting?

The event is an opportunity to meet neighbors, hear from local elected officials, and learn about WPCC programs and volunteer opportunities, including the election of new board members and officers.

You will get to hear short updates from our local elected officials, including Ward 1 City Council Member Elliott Payne, District 1 Parks Commissioner Billy Menz, School Board Vice-Chair Jenny Arneson, County Commissioner Irene Fernando, State Sen. Kari Dziedzic, and State Rep. Sydney Jordan.

Also: There will be door prizes! We will raffle off prizes throughout the evening from local businesses including: Cosmic Coffee, Eastside Food Co-op, Herbivorous Butcher, I Like You, Marino’s Deli, Modern Age District Repurpose, Parkway Pizza, Sarah Jane’s Bakery, and Schemespace Community Makerspace.

What is the Waite Park Community Council?

We are a non-partisan, non-profit 501(c)3 organization recognized by the City of Minneapolis as the neighborhood representative of Waite Park. Founded in 1954, the WPCC serves as a forum to address a broad range of issues, including, but not limited to, housing, safety, livability, community building, and sustainability, as well as annual neighborhood events. 

What does a board member do?

Volunteer board members are expected to attend and participate in monthly board meetings, in which we vote on spending proposals, discuss board policies, speak with city officials, address community issues, and more. There are also opportunities to serve on committees related to equity engagement, events, neighborhood funding, environmental issues, and more. 

Board members are energetic, community-minded leaders, who can help the WPCC and the Waite Park neighborhood thrive. WPCC works to enhance the quality of life in the Waite Park neighborhood by facilitating neighborhood engagement, embracing a diversity of voices, and fostering community development. 

Ok, I might be interested. How do I join the board?

Any person 18 years or older residing, working, owning property or a business in the Waite Park neighborhood is invited to participate in the annual board election. The neighborhood’s boundaries are Central and Stinson avenues, between 37th Avenue and St. Anthony Parkway.

To become a candidate for election to the board, eligible individuals need to be present at the meeting, express their interest, and provide a few words on how they would like to support the Waite Park community. Attendees who meet membership requirements will vote to elect candidates to the board.

Are there other ways to get involved?

Yes! We are always looking for community members to help drive initiatives and volunteer at events. We also want to hear from you and learn what you need from the council. 

WPCC to vote on reallocating NRP home loan income to pay for 2022 garden, rebate programs

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The Waite Park Community Council at its March 31 board meeting will consider reallocating $25,000 in income from its home improvement loan program to cover expenses related to its community garden, rain garden partnership, and rebate programs for 2022.

The money has been accumulating for several years as borrowers have repaid loans from the council’s home improvement loan program, part of its Phase 2 Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP). Under the city’s policy, the council must issue a 21-day notice before reallocating funds to a different program.

The money would be used to help pay for adding plots to the Waite Park Community Garden, cover the neighborhood’s costs for its rain garden partnership with Metro Blooms, and continue to fund the neighborhood’s block club and safety and security rebate programs.

The March 31 board meeting will take place at 7 p.m. on Zoom.  Meeting link will be posted at https://waiteparkneighborhood.org.

Waite Park community garden update and budget discussion

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The Waite Park Community Garden is welcoming new gardeners this year! If you’d like to sign up for a plot, registration is open between March 1 and March 31 for new gardeners. Plots cost $25 each and require 6 hours of garden service over the growing season.

Register here: https://bit.ly/WPCGregister

The Waite Park Community Council received an update from community garden president Karl Gilbertson at its regular board meeting on Feb. 24, 2022. The council also approved the garden’s requested $6,100 budget for the year.

Save the date: Waite Park Community Council annual meeting and board election set for March 3

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The Waite Park Community Council (WPCC) invites all community members to attend and participate in its annual neighborhood meeting and board election from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, 2022.

Due to COVID-19, the event will be held via Zoom. All attendees must register at https://tinyurl.com/wpcc2022

The event is an opportunity to meet your neighbors, hear from local elected officials, and learn about WPCC programs and volunteer opportunities, including the election of new board members and officers.

Our local elected officials, including Ward 1 City Council Member Elliott Payne, District 1 Parks Commissioner Billy Menz, County Commissioner Irene Fernando, State Sen. Kari Dziedzic, and State Rep. Sydney Jordan, will provide short updates on their recent priorities.

WPCC board members will update the neighborhood on the board’s accomplishments in 2021. They include drafting a plan to improve engagement with three underrepresented groups: renters, seniors, and Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC).

The board’s priorities for 2022 include building on the success of last year’s revived fall festival, as well as education and outreach to homeowners about hurtful and discriminatory racial covenants that remain in an estimated 200 housing deeds in our neighborhood.

WPCC is a volunteer-powered organization. We receive a small annual budget from the city to cover some administrative costs, but we depend on people giving their time and energy to make our programs and activities a success.

Any person 18 years or older residing, working, owning property or a business in the Waite Park neighborhood is invited to participate in the annual board election. The neighborhood’s boundaries are Central and Stinson avenues (between 37th Avenue and St. Anthony Parkway.)

This year’s election includes seven board of director positions. Each term lasts two years. Board members are expected to attend monthly board meetings on the last Thursday of the month. They are also strongly encouraged to participate in committees that make our programs and events happen, for a total volunteer commitment of about 5-10 hours per month.

In addition to filling seven board seats, members will also elect a president and vice president. The president is responsible for presiding over meetings and seeing that board orders and resolutions are carried out, as well as other administrative duties on behalf of the organization. The vice president shares similar duties in collaboration with the board and president.

To become a candidate for election to the board, eligible individuals need to be present at the meeting, express their interest, and provide a few words on how they would like to support the Waite Park community. Meeting participants will vote to elect candidates to the board.

The Waite Park Community Council is committed to creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization and neighborhood. All are encouraged to attend and volunteer for a board seat, regardless of experience. Please join us at the table to create an inclusive neighborhood for everyone!

Waite Park Community Council adopts Diversity, Equity & Inclusion statement, land acknowledgement

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The Waite Park Community Council at its Jan. 27 board meeting voted to adopt a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) statement and a land acknowledgement statement:

DEI Statement

We believe our organization and neighborhood will benefit from being more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. We are committing to improving our engagement of underrepresented groups. We acknowledge that our community has benefited from past injustices, from the taking of Dakotah land to racist real estate practices. We are committed to listening, learning, self-reflection, and taking action with the hopes of becoming a more welcoming organization and community.

Land Acknowledgment

We acknowledge that Waite Park is located on stolen Dakotah land, land that was formerly inhabited by the Wahpekute (Wah-puh-koo-tee) of the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Oh-cheh-tee Shah-koh-win), meaning Seven Councils of Fire. The people are also known to us as the Dakotah. The land that is now Waite Park was ceded to the United States of America on July 29, 1837 with the Treaty of 1837. The land included in this treaty travels southeast from what is now St. Cloud, Minnesota to Eau Claire, Wisconsin. This includes the sacred place of Bdote in the southern Metro area. This land was ceded by the Dakotah with the trust and understanding that they would be paid, in addition to having their rights to hunt, fish and gather. The U.S. government didn't follow through on any of these conditions, instead forcing their removal from their homeland in Minnesota through the Indian Removal Act of 1863. To this day, there is still legislation in place stating that the Dakotah people aren’t legally allowed to live in the state of Minnesota. 

We pay reverence to those who came before us, not solely through the speaking of this acknowledgment, but most importantly, by doing the work to honor them: through examining white privilege, engaging in discussions about anti-racism, and bringing racial equity to the forefront of the decisions we make as a board so that our neighborhood is accessible to all. Both slavery and genocide played a role in the founding of the state of Minnesota; we keep all those who are impacted in our hearts and minds as we work towards creating a better present. 


Cosmic Coffee brings 'food-truck mentality' to Central Avenue corner cafe space

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Dusty Wahl, Cosmic Coffee

Dusty Wahl has dreamed of running a small food business since he was a high school student in Mahtomedi, Minnesota. A couple of decades later, the Waite Park resident and mental health counselor is getting his chance with Cosmic Coffee.  

The coffee shop opened Feb. 3 in the former Sammie's Avenue Eatery space at 3301 Central Ave. NE. 

Wahl works at a drop-in support center in the Seward neighborhood but has lived in Waite Park with his wife, Casey, for almost eight years. In addition to his mental health career, he has worked stints at Buffalo Wild Wings and Jimmy John's restaurants.

He recently spoke with the Waite Park Voice about his plans for the coffee shop. The conversation has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Q: How long have you lived in Waite Park?

A: Almost eight years — eight years in March. My wife, Casey, grew up in Northeast. We had looked around in a couple different places. I wasn't sure about Northeast because I didn't know much about it, but I'm so glad we moved in. It's been the best. We've got great neighbors. There's been turnover. The people that left, it's been sad to see them go, but it's been awesome seeing the new people come through and the growth of the community. It's fun. It's got suburban neighborhood feels but with city mentality, which I appreciate. You get to know your neighbors. 

Q: Tell me about the origin story of Cosmic Coffee.

A: Ever since high school I have wanted to do something food related, either a food truck, or I've thought about doing a hot dog cart — just something small to get started. When we moved in and Hill Valley was here in this spot, I loved the space. I love the vibe in here, the local aspect, being part of a community in the neighborhood, within walking distance from where I lived. I noticed that it switched ownership once or twice and so I always keep my eye on the place. 

When I saw the for lease sign in October, a friend was coming into town the next day who is really into coffee and runs his own business out in L.A. I asked him if he’d be interested in running a coffee shop in Minneapolis, because he lived here before. We called the number on the lease. The next day we took a tour of the place. Then we waited about a month before we got that it was ours and then the lease started in December. It was a quick turnaround.

Q: What do you hope will distinguish Cosmic Coffee from previous shops in this space?

A: I bring a food-truck mentality to the space, where I have food pre-made and ready to go. You come in and order and get your stuff right away. We are a cashless operation, to try to keep things moving faster. My hope is to have some fairly consistent hours and communicate if those hours change. I want to be open at 6 a.m. everyday so that if only one person in the neighborhood wants coffee at 6 a.m., that person can come get it. My mantra is that I am here to provide the community and the neighborhood with coffee and a gathering space. My main goal is just to be here and be available. 

Right now my hours are closing at noon. That might continue on, but I do hope to add some evening events and hours, whether that’s consistently or on a calendar basis — the purpose being to utilize that backspace. I love that backyard area. It's a beautiful area. It's great in the summertime and I would love to see the neighborhood be able to gather in that space on a more regular basis.

Q: What else should people know about Cosmic Coffee? 

A: It's a one-person operation. I'm not hiring anybody right now. I figured, with the employee market so volatile and people leaving and getting sick and having to quarantine, the best way to be reliable and set expectations for the community is for it to just be me. Food should be pre-made and ready to go for folks. Coffee might take more time because it's just me preparing the coffee, as well, but I want to talk to people when they come in. I want to get to know your name. I've got discounts for people in the neighborhood. I really want it to be a neighborhood, local spot for folks. 

Cosmic Coffee is open 6 a.m.-9 a.m. Monday and 6 a.m. to noon Tuesday through Sunday. More info at https://cosmiccoffeemn.com.

—Dan Haugen