STAFF NEWS
Welcome to our New Sustainability Coordinator, Minette Saulog
Minette joined our staff in May and holds a B.S. from UMN-Twin Cities with a major in Sustainable Systems Management and double minors in Environmental Science & Business Management. She began her career as a Minnesota GreenCorps member at Saint Anthony in 2018, where she worked on energy conservation, resident education and engagement, and supported the first year of Ramsey County’s 24/7 food scraps drop-off at City Hall. She then joined Ramsey County Environmental Health and was most recently a Health Educator. Her broad environmental and sustainability experience includes project management, climate resiliency, community outreach, data analytics and annual solid waste reporting to the MPCA, and recycling grant program management for K-12 schools and businesses. She is excited to return to our community, reconnect with familiar faces, and continue to support the City’s sustainability work!
Learn more about the City's sustainability and climate plan action steps in our new video.
CONTACT MINETTE: 612-782-3312| minette.saulog@savmn.com
CLIMATE PLAN UPDATE
Urban Communities, Big Opportunities | By Charlie Yunker, City Manager
In the US, urban areas hold 83% of the population, and globally, urban residents make up about 55% of the population. Urban communities like ours have an opportunity to be innovators and leaders in addressing climate issues and implementing sustainability initiatives. Saint Anthony has a history of prioritizing sustainability; and climate planning is the next phase of this work.
In 2023, the City compiled and adopted a Climate Plan with action steps for the next five years in categories important to Saint Anthony Village including water, waste, energy, and transportation. This plan encompasses City operations and our community’s entire footprint; and is the guide the City will use to inform operational decisions and educate the entire community on opportunities to improve our sustainability and reduce emissions. An important first step was taken this spring as we welcomed our new Sustainability Coordinator, Minette Saulog, to help lead this next phase in our commitment to sustainability.
One action step being taken in 2024 will be to encourage broad community engagement on emissions reduction. The City was selected to participate in Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy Action Program to assist Saint Anthony Village with making wise energy choices to improve the efficiency of homes, businesses, and public facilities; to help promote renewables and drive resource conservation; and to contribute toward green gas reduction goals. Partners in Energy provides resources to assist us with sustainability strategy, data analysis, education, and outreach as we implement our Climate Plan. This collaborative effort with other Minnesota cities will be key to our ability to achieve our community’s energy goals. Visit savmn.com/climateplan for more details.
Ford Lightning F150 EVs Added to Public Works Fleet
As part of our Climate Plan Initiatives including re-envisioning City-wide energy practices and reducing emissions, our Public Works Dept. has acquired two EV trucks as part of our Energy and Transportation Initiatives. The new Ford Lightning F150s should average the equivalent of 76 mpg in the city and emit up to 40% less CO2 than similarly sized gas-powered trucks.
HENNEPIN COUNTY URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY UPDATE
Applications are now open for tree removal and replacement
This program prioritizes applications from property owners who live at their property and whose household income is under $94,650 (for households from 1 to 4 people). The application process is 100% online and available in English, Hmong, Somali, and Spanish. Proof of income is required. LINK TO APPLY FOR TREE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT
Why participate?
Removing hazardous trees increases the safety of people and property. Trees that qualify for removal are significantly diseased or otherwise hazardous. This program also saves property owners the costs of removal and replacement. This program requires that each tree removed be replaced with another tree. The newly planted trees provide many benefits including shade, increased property values, improved air quality, and habitats for birds, pollinators and other wildlife. Program participants will work with foresters to select replacement trees.
Where does funding originate?
Hennepin County was recently awarded a $10 million Urban and Community Forestry grant from the U.S. Forest Service to remove diseased trees, plant trees, educate residents, and support businesses and workforce development. The project will improve resilience to climate change, pests, storms, and extreme heat events. Funding also prioritizes homeowners with low incomes to address a significant need as the emerald ash borer has swept through the county and the financial burden of removing and replacing diseased trees
RECYCLING AND WASTE
Hosting a summer event? Borrow Recycling Containers from Ramsey or Hennepin County!
Summer is the time for all kinds of get-togethers, often with lots of food and drinks! Did you know that both Ramsey and Hennepin County have free programs to lend collapsible recycling and food scraps (organics recycling) containers to residents? These are perfect for outdoor events and come with signage and bags to help sort materials into the right container.
Have a Disposal Plan. Please note, disposal of these materials is the resident’s responsibility, so have a plan to properly dispose of your items! Don’t forget, plastic bags cannot go into your recycling cart and the Ramsey County food scraps drop-off site at City Hall is open 24/7!
For more information or to reserve containers, click the links below. You can also call 651-266-1199 (Ramsey) or 612-348-6848 (Hennepin) with questions.
HENNEPIN COUNTY CONTAINER RESERVATIONS LINK
RAMSEY COUNTY CONTAINER RESERVATIONS LINK
SAVE THE DATE
Cardboard Recycling
Saturday, July 20, 9AM - 1PM at Public Works, 3801 Chandler Dr.
ASPEN WASTE UPDATE
How to Dispose of Yard Waste
With yard waste season underway we continue to see yard waste being mixed within trash carts. State law prohibits the mixture of these two materials and if seen in advance of your collection may result in your trash container being left full. Yard waste must be removed before the next service day in order for service to be performed. Please contact Aspen Waste to find out your yard waste service options. CONTACT: 612-884-8008 | aspenwaste.com
What is considered yard waste?
> Bagged leaves
> Bagged grass clippings
> Bagged garden waste
> Brush and twigs (limbs no more than 3 inches in diameter and no more than 4 ft. long, tied in bundles no more than 2 ft. in diameter.)
Compostable bags are required for bagged yard waste. Eco-friendly compostable bags can be purchased at most hardware stores.