Commissioner Kessler announces grants in Otter Tail County and the City of Moorhead
 The MCPA held two media events on Tuesday last week to announce recently awarded grants.
In Fergus Falls, Commissioner Kessler joined Otter Tail County leaders to celebrate a $250,000 Greater Minnesota Recycling and Composting Grant that will support the county’s transition to countywide, single-sort recycling.
Later that day, the commissioner partnered with City of Moorhead leaders to announce a $100,000 climate resiliency grant that will help the city prepare its infrastructure for extreme weather caused by climate change.
Need a break from your desk?
 This year the Eco Experience team is looking for help setting up and tearing down the displays before (August 8-24) and after (September 6-9) the fair.
We are especially looking for staff to operate a scissor lift. You must be comfortable working from elevated surfaces and certified to operate a scissor-lift. If needed, we can set-up and pay for training. If helping out interests you, please get approval from your supervisor. Contact Jeff Stuhr for more details.
Shanna Schmitt elected to the American Institute of Professional Geologists
Shanna Schmitt, a hydrogeologist in the Remediation Division’s Voluntary Investigation and Cleanup Program, has just been elected to be the National President-Elect/2024 of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG). She is one of just five officers who will be leading the institute.
The AIPG is the largest association dedicated to promoting geology as a profession, with more than 5,000 members in the U.S. and abroad, with members employed in industry, government, and academia. The Institute is the only international organization that certifies the competence and ethical conduct of geological scientists in all branches of the science with members employed in industry, government, and academia.
Congratulations Shanna!
|
New process for completing ELM training requests
- Complete a Tempo request.
- The supervisor and/or manager will approve the Tempo request.
- A buyer will create a purchase order, ensuring that funds are encumbered in advance of the class.
- Once the buyer has created a purchase order and notified the staff person, supervisor and Christine Sommer, the staff person may enroll in the class through Self Service/Learning Management.
- Once an employee enrolls, they will be put into pending status. The employee will see this status online as well as receive an Outlook e-mail (Note: ELM emails are from Notifications@state.mn.us MMB .TECH@state.mn.us).
- The employee’s supervisor receives an Outlook e-mail informing them that they have an enrollment request to approve or deny. (Note: If the employee’s supervisor position is unfilled, the approval request defaults to the learning administrator, Christine Sommer. Contact her to process the approval.
- If the supervisor or learning administrator, Christine Sommer, wants to approve the request, they access this function in ELM through the administrative portal. (Note: Approval indicates that the supervisor/learning administrator confirms they have complied with all agency required fiscal policies related to fund expenditure and encumbrance.)
This new process will help to ensure that the MPCA does not accrue purchasing violations for ELM class registrations.
Outdoor water use education in the St. Paul parking lot
The Metropolitan Council is bringing the Irrigation Efficiency/Turfgrass Trailer to the St. Paul office parking lot as an exhibit to Clean Water Council members. The mobile education trailer will be in the MPCA parking lot on Monday, July 18,11 a.m.-1 p.m. This Turfgrass Trailer is a partnership between the Metropolitan Council and the University of Minnesota Turfgrass Research Outreach and Education Center, with funding from the Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment. The purpose of the trailer is to educate visitors about efficient outdoor water use. Any staff in the office that day are welcome to check it out!
|
July is Disability Pride Month
July is Disability Pride Month. Governor Walz issued a proclamation to highlight the tremendous contributions people with disabilities make to Minnesota arts and culture, to communities across the state, and to the economy.
People with disabilities also contribute greatly to the success of state agencies in providing services to Minnesotans. Nearly 9% of state agency employees report living with a disability.While the nation has made significant progress in expanding accessibility, much work remains. In his proclamation, the Governor Walz states, “Minnesota acknowledges the long history of isolation and discrimination against Minnesotans with disabilities and recognizes the decades of activism and advocacy by the disability community.” Find out more on the Lorax.
|
Jeanne Philipsen retires
Jeanne Philipsen retired on July 5. She worked in the Industrial Municipal Business Systems Unit 1. She started her career with the state of Minnesota in 1987 as a switchboard operator at the Anoka Regional Treatment Center.
She adds, "In 1989, I applied at the MPCA for an office and administrative specialist position, and was hired. Since then, I’ve worked in multiple divisions and positions at the MPCA, enjoying each new challenge. After 35 years of state service, I’m excited to be retired! I have really enjoyed working with all of you through the years. Remember — life is short, enjoy the ride!!!"
Job opening
Solid waste training specialist: This position coordinates, develops, implements, and manages the certification and training program for solid waste landfill facility operators and inspectors. The incumbent will provide a blend of technical and administrative expertise to support the educational needs of the regulated solid waste industry. Job ID: 57456. Location: Various. Closing date: August 5.
|
MPCA's lead-free fishing tackle grants offer 35% rebates to retail establishments on purchases of lead-free tackle for sale to consumers/the public. The goal is to increase the availability of lead-free tackle at retail establishments, such as bait and tackle stores, and make lead-free tackle more available and affordable for retailers and consumers.
The maximum award is $2,000 total per retail establishment. A total of $100,000 in funding is available. Applications will remain open on a rolling, "first come, first serve" basis until all dedicated funds ($100,000) have been dispersed or 4 p.m. Central Time on Friday, March 29, 2024, whichever occurs first. Read more.
|
Equity Experience events
Equity Experience events offer a variety of ways to “experience” equity, so we can hold ourselves accountable to learning, growing, and engaging with this important work and our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. In order to receive an IDEA credit for attending an Equity Experience event, you will be required to report what you learned, thought, experienced, etc. to your team. Check out the event list on the Lorax.
Courageous Conversation: Civic ecology for environmental justice
Thursday, July 21, 2-3 p.m.
Civic ecology is an account of the ecological and civic renewal of broken places, such as areas of urban decline. It describes how local people can, through stewardship such as creating community gardens, planting trees, and restoring natural areas, develop authentic attachment to both their social and ecological community. Come discuss the connection between community-based stewardship practices and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. This Courageous Conversation counts toward one IDEA credit, titled "Civic Ecology for Environmental Justice." For more information, check out the Lorax.
Join Teams meeting.
Air issues seminar: GreenCorps air pollutant reduction projects
Wednesday, July 27, 2-3 p.m.
Join us to learn about the awesome projects GreenCorps members have been working on this year to reduce air pollution. Tim Brackett (Bicycle Alliance of MN), Emily Hartwell (MPCA's GreenStep Program), Ethan Kehrberg (City of Golden Valley), Julia Wells (City of Minnetonka), Abby Hornberger (Great Plains Institute), Rachel Schauer (University of St. Thomas), and Kallan Sandahl (West Central Initiative) will share successes, challenges, and lessons learned from their projects.
Join Teams meeting.
Leadership forum event: Youth panel on climate anxiety
Friday, July 29, 10-11:30 a.m.
Images of burning trees, apocalyptic themes, protests, and more all have a major impact on the mental health of youth. How can the agency incorporate meaningful yet mindful conversations with youth? How does the work you do combat climate anxiety? Join environmental justice and engagement intern Alyssia Bell as she hosts a panel of four youth on climate anxiety. Join this open space conversation co-sponsored by the Leadership Forum.
Join Teams meeting.
In-person R training
August 2, 3, and 4, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., St. Paul office
Got data? The R User group is offering an in-person R training. Please submit your intent to attend this training by spending about five minutes to fill out this form: https://forms.office.com/g/aSPFZnN4Y3. You are welcome to attend be you an R Padawan or Jedi Master or anywhere in between! We will go through the basic data processing functions in dplyr, ggplot2 and leaflet plotting, and developing dynamic reports with R Markdown.
From trash to treasure: MPCA grant pushes recycling initiatives forward
The MPCA has awarded a grant of $250,000 to Otter Tail County to aid in the transition to a widespread single-sort recycling program, which would spur recycling efficiency by an estimated 2,000 tons per year and help to keep waste out of landfills. MPCA Commissioner, Katrina Kessler explains, “Recycling turns waste into a resource, which is good for our environment and our economy.” — Fergus Falls Daily Journal
Moorhead to work on infrastructure upgrades to combat climate change
The MPCA and the city of Moorhead announced a $100,000 investment to prepare the city for climate change and extreme weather. The grant will be used to protect Moorhead from increased rains and floods. It identifies specific buildings, roads and other crucial infrastructure that are at highest risk of failing due to flooding. — KVRR
|
Last week in social media at the MPCA
As always, be sure to like and share with your networks!
🟢👀 Seeing green? When in doubt, stay out! Harmful blue-green algae blooms can form in hot, calm weather. Be careful when you head to the lake. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3j8vtAb Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
You can help restore the bee population by making a bee-friendly garden—no matter the size! Bees survive on flowers that supply them with food, nectar, and pollen 🌼 Learn more on how to make your yard or garden a haven for bees 🐝Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Gearing up for the Minnesota Twins game? Hear what T.C. Bear and some of his mascot pals have to say about recycling and composting—even onsite at the stadium! ♻️⚾️🐻 https://bit.ly/3Pl1fH2 Facebook | Twitter
|
|
