DEPARTMENT: Environmental Resources
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Submit Minnesota GreenCorps Host Site Application To Minnesota Pollution Control Agency For Minnesota GreenCorps Member And If Awarded, Authorization To Execute Host Site Agreement
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize submission of a Minnesota GreenCorps Host Site Application to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) for a Minnesota GreenCorps Waste Reduction, Recycling, and Organics Management Member (Member) to support Dakota County’s waste reduction programs. If awarded, authorize the Environmental Resources Director to execute the Host Site Agreement.
SUMMARY
The MPCA, in partnership with the AmeriCorps Program, developed the Minnesota GreenCorps Program (Program), a statewide initiative to preserve and protect Minnesota’s environment while training a new generation of environmental professionals. The Program places AmeriCorps members with host sites to assist local governments in addressing environmental priorities. Waste reduction is an application focus area for 2023. The MPCA administers the recruitment and application process and provides funding for Member positions to serve approximately 40 hours per week at host sites for 11 months. Government agencies (local, regional, state, and tribal), school districts, public education institutions, and non-profits are eligible to submit a Host Site Application to host Members.
Staff proposes to submit a Host Site Application to apply for a GreenCorps Member to help support waste reduction strategies in the County Board approved 2018-2038 Dakota County Solid Waste Master Plan (Master Plan). This effort is in support of Dakota County Solid Waste Plan Source Reduction and Reuse strategy 1D to “implement standards for environmentally-preferable practices that reduce waste and increase reuse in County operations,” strategy 3 to “implement public entity waste reduction and reuse programs,” and strategy 4 to “to implement residential waste reduction and reuse programs.” In addition, this effort supports the County Board’s adopted Strategic Plan Goals for a healthy environment with quality natural areas and a successful place for businesses and jobs.
Proposed GreenCorps Member activities in the Host Site Application help expand reuse opportunities in County operations, facilitate research and implementation of best practices for resident education and outreach to increase reuse in the community, and provide resources to public schools to improve reuse. The Application deadline is March 14, 2023. The MPCA anticipates approving 40-50 Applications in mid-2023, with Member projects beginning in September 2023 and ending in August 2024.
If chosen, Dakota County will need to enter into a Host Site Agreement with the MPCA. Dakota County has been selected as a host site for a Member four times since 2013.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends applying to be a host site with the MPCA to host a Member.
recommendation
EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
There is no financial commitment to participate in the Program; however, Dakota County is expected to provide in-kind contributions in the form of supervision (0.10 full-time equivalent) and operating and equipment costs associated with hosting a Member. In-kind contributions and supervision will be provided by staff. Additionally, the Member would be reimbursed for mileage at the approved County rate from the approved Environmental Resources Department budget.
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the County Board adopted Strategic Plan Goals for a healthy environment with quality natural areas and a successful place for business and jobs; and
WHEREAS, the Dakota County Solid Waste Master Plan (Master Plan) was adopted by Resolution No. 18-493 (September 18, 2018) and includes strategies to implement waste reduction and reuse programs; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), in partnership with the AmeriCorps Program, has developed the Minnesota GreenCorps Program (Program), a statewide initiative to preserve and protect Minnesota’s environment while training a new generation of environmental professionals; and
WHEREAS, the MPCA Minnesota GreenCorps Program aligns directly with the County’s Strategic Plan Goal and Master Plan waste reduction and reuse strategies; and
WHEREAS, staff proposes to apply to be a Host Site for a Minnesota GreenCorps Member to help support County waste reduction and reuse program efforts; and
WHEREAS, the Host Site Application deadline is March 14, 2023, for Minnesota GreenCorps Member projects that begin in September 2023 and end in August 2024, and
WHEREAS, Dakota County is expected to provide in-kind contributions in the form of supervision (0.10 full-time equivalent) and operating and equipment costs associated with hosting a Minnesota Green Corps Member; and
WHEREAS, staff is committed to implementing the proposed project as described in the host site application.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes staff to submit a Host Site Application for a Minnesota GreenCorps Waste Reduction, Recycling, and Organics Member for September 2023 to August 2024 services; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That, if the application is awarded, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Environmental Resources Director to execute a Host Site Agreement with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
18-493; 9/18/18
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: MN GreenCorps Host Site Application
BOARD GOALS
☐ A Great Place to Live ☒ A Healthy Environment
☒ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT LEVEL
☐ Inform and Listen ☐ Discuss ☐ Involve ☒ N/A
CONTACT
Department Head: Nikki Stewart
Author: Renee Burman