WPCC seeking proposals from equity-focused data consultants

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 full timeline can be found in the RFP. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our Equitable Engagement Planning Committee if you have questions or need additional clarification at engagement@waiteparkcc.org.

The Council is accepting proposals until Friday, June 17th .

WPCC to discuss state of neighborhood home improvement loan programs

The Waite Park Community Council is scheduled to discuss the state of its home improvement and emergency home repair loan programs at its regular monthly board meeting this week.

The community council partners with the Center for Energy and Environment to offer two home loan programs for neighborhood residents. The zero-interest Waite Park Home Improvement Loan program offers up to $15,000 to borrowers earning no more than 80% of Area Median Income. The Waite Park Emergency Deferred Loan, which also has a 0% APR, offers up to $5,000 and has no income limits for borrowers.

Jim Hasnik, director of lending services with the Center for Energy and Environment, is scheduled to give an overview of the program and answer questions for WPCC board members and neighborhood residents. The board may then consider changes to the programs, though none have been proposed in advance.

Participation in the programs has recently fallen off, with several months passing since the last loan was issued. In addition to possible modifications, the board may also discuss ways to raise awareness and better promote the programs so more residents can take advantage of them.

Other items on the agenda include the community council’s upcoming campaign with the city’s Just Deeds program, an updated request for proposals for the council’s Equitable Engagement Plan outreach, and logistics for an upcoming diversity, equity and inclusion retreat for board members.

The meeting is open to the public and will take place at 7pm, Thursday, May 26, via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84266074428). If you are a Waite Park community member and you have an update or announcement you would like to share at the meeting, email agenda@waiteparkcc.org. Full agenda is posted below.

WAITE PARK COMMUNITY COUNCIL
REGULAR BOARD MEETING AGENDA
MAY 26, 2022 via Zoom

7:00: Call to order and land acknowledgement

7:05: Welcome, approval of agenda and April minutes

7:10:  COMMUNITY REPORTS/UPDATES
Parks update, Brian Hall
Community Ed update, Sandi McDonald
Rain Garden update, Kate

7:20. Discussion of home loan programs, Dan
Guest: Jim Hasnik, Center for Energy and Environment

8:00. Racial covenants campaign, Lucas/Dan

8:10. RFP for Equitable Engagement Plan, Leah

8:20 Designation of whistleblower and EEO contact, Dan

8:30. Board retreat, Lucas

8:40: BOARD REPORTS/UPDATES
Treasurer’s Report, Megan
Communications, Gary/Dan
Community Connections, Dan/Gary/Ali
Fall Festival, Scott

9:00: Adjourn

Metro Blooms raingarden program returns to Waite Park neighborhood

Spring is finally getting underway — it’s time to think about your yard! 

The Waite Park Community Council (WPCC) is partnering with Metro Blooms Neighborhood of Raingardens program to help 25 homeowners install raingardens this year. Raingardens help keep pollutants out of the Mississippi River and provide habitat for pollinators and local wildlife, including Minnesota’s state bee, the endangered rusty patched bumble bee! 🐝 

Metro Blooms Design + Build will offer on-site consultations this summer to identify the best location and discuss budget, plant preference, and other resilient landscaping practices. The designer then will develop a planting plan for each garden (150 sq. ft.  maximum). Designs will be sent to residents for approval two weeks prior to their scheduled installation.

Metro Blooms Design + Build will excavate the garden area, mix in compost, apply mulch, and haul away sod/soil, if necessary. Residents will coordinate with Metro Blooms for a plant pick-up, where staff will be available to offer guidance and support before planting. 

Participants will pay for plants, mulch, and sod/soil disposal (if necessary), as well as half of the consultation fee. The average cost per resident is $300-$400 depending on the size of the raingarden and number of plants.

Registration will open at 8 a.m. Thursday, May 12, and remain open until all 25 slots are filled. To sign up, please contact Neely Atha at neely@metroblooms.org with your name, address, phone number, email address and neighborhood (Waite Park). 

Metro Blooms Design + Build is a wholly-owned for-profit entity that supports the work of Metro Blooms Non-Profit by provides high quality, resilient, and sustainable landcare services for residential and commercial landscapes. It specializes in creating beautiful raingardens, stormwater management, and native plantings. More information is at https://metrobloomsdb.com.