District 10
Community Council
Nine elected to District 10 Board
At its in annual elections in April, Como community members voted in three new District 10 board members, re-elected four incumbents and elevated two current members to officer positions. Elected to two-year terms:
• Chair: Jill Henricksen
• Secretary: Jennifer Nelson
•At Large: Sarah Reuter, Chad Smith (new), and Jennifer Victor-Larsen
•Sub-District 1: Morgan Weinert (new)
•Sub-District 2: Maggie Zimmerman
•Sub-District 3: Matthew Brown (new)
•Sub-District 4: Benjamin Kowalsky-Grahek
The elections of Henricksen and Nelson to officer roles meant two special elections occurred in May to fill the seats they previously held. Voting in the elections for new At Large and Sub-District 3 representatives was still going on at the Park Bugle’s deadline.
Mission, vision statements adopted
At its annual meeting in April, the Como Community Council Board adopted a new mission statement and, for the first time, a vision statement.
• The mission (which is the board’s definition of why the community council exists): We connect and empower each other, creating a compassionate community, courageously addressing injustices of the past and present and forging a bold and inclusive future.
• The vision (which defines the result of what the community council hopes to achieve): A vibrant, diverse, affordable neighborhood filled with a spirit of kindness and belonging.
For an overview of the board’s activities during the past year, watch this recording: https://youtu.be/Ss1atcLnsFs
New mascot chosen
After votes from more than 300 Como residents, District 10 has chosen a Como neighborhood mascot: the great horned owl. The district council’s Neighborhood Relations Committee will take it from here: creating an image, maybe even a costume, to bring the idea to life.
The owl beat out other finalists: bee, butterfly, Chloe the Sloth and coyote.
It’s nature’s way?
Are you concerned or puzzled by a visible increase of wildlife on city streets?
Adam Robbins, natural resources supervisor for Saint Paul Parks and Recreation, recently told District 10’s Land Use Committee members how the city decides whether or not to interfere with nature and how residents should react if they encounter wild creatures. He also discussed how residents can help the University of Minnesota’s Twin Cities Coyote and Fox Project (https://tccfp.umn.edu/) track these animals as they expand their urban range.
To view these and other presentations, check out the District Council’s “This Is A Recording” page at http://www.district10comopark.org/recordings.html
District 10 meetings
Community members are always welcome to participate in District 10’s board and committee meetings.
To obtain links, phone numbers or other access information, send a request by email to: district10@district10comopark.org. Or, call 651-644-3889. Upcoming meetings:
•Anti-Racism Work Group: Wednesday, May 26
•Neighborhood Relations: Tuesday, June 1
•Land Use: Wednesday, June 2
•Environment: Wednesday, June 9
•Board meeting: Tuesday, June 15
All meetings begin at 7 p.m. Whenever possible, agendas and other relevant documents are posted in advance in the “Board News” section of District 10’s website: www.district10comopark.org
Submitted by Michael Kuchta, outgoing District 10 Community Council executive director.
