Item Description:
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Agmt A2311767 with MPCA to host an AmeriCorps member from MN GreenCorps, 09/20/23-08/13/24
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WHEREAS:
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WHEREAS, the Hennepin County Environment and Energy Department has applied for and been selected to host an AmeriCorps member from the Minnesota GreenCorps, a program of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) for the 2023-2024 program year; and
WHEREAS, the county is committed to implementing the proposed project as described in the application submitted by the county and in accordance with the position description; and
WHEREAS, the MPCA requires that the county enter into a host site agreement with the MPCA that identifies the terms, conditions, roles and responsibilities; therefore,
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that Agreement A2311767 with the MPCA for the provision of a host site to an AmeriCorps member from Minnesota GreenCorps, during the period September 20, 2023 through August 13, 2024, be approved and that the County Administrator be authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the county.
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Background:
Launched in 2009, Minnesota GreenCorps is a statewide program to help preserve and protect Minnesota’s environment while training a new generation of environmental professionals. This program places AmeriCorps members with local governments, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations around Minnesota to serve for 11 months on environmental projects. The MPCA coordinates the program and pays the GreenCorps member’s stipend and benefits while working for the host organization. GreenCorps members earn approximately $15 an hour, health insurance with premium paid, free mental health services with counseling, student loan forbearance on eligible loans, and an award of up to $6,895 for education expenses or payment toward qualified student loans. Members also receive training from the MPCA, develop green job skills, gain professional experience, network with environmental professionals, and are paired with a mentor who provides ongoing guidance.
This program is very successful in identifying capable and passionate people interested in working in the environmental field. The Environment and Energy Department has previously hosted Minnesota GreenCorps members to assist in recycling, waste reduction, environmental education and forestry. The county has hired three of these past GreenCorps members as permanent staff.
Current Request: This request is for authorization to approve Agreement A2311767 with the MPCA to host a member from Minnesota GreenCorps during the period of September 20, 2023 through August 13, 2024, and that the County Administrator be authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the county. The GreenCorps member will assist Environment and Energy’s Forestry Unit by mapping locations of potential tree planting opportunities within tree planting priority areas within historically underserved areas of Hennepin County and by helping to plan volunteer tree planting events.
The MPCA will cover the GreenCorps member’s compensation and provide training and mentoring. The department will provide daily supervision and oversight of the work of the GreenCorps member to support the county’s 1 million trees planted by 2030 goal as well as our goal in engaging residents in improving the equity of the county’s tree canopy. Environment and Energy also will provide access to a computer, a telephone and some level of access to office space in support of a hybrid work environment.
Impact/Outcomes: The county will be assigned a Minnesota GreenCorps member beginning in September 2023. The outcomes of hosting the GreenCorps member will support the county’s climate action and disparity reduction efforts through coordinating tree plantings in priority planting locations within Hennepin County.
Approval of this agreement supports the county’s efforts to reduce disparities by improving the tree canopy within historically underserved areas in the county. Tree canopy deficient areas of the county are correlated with reduced air quality, and residents in these areas are also disproportionately affected by extreme heat events and other adverse climate impacts. Establishing and maintaining healthy canopies throughout the county helps to reduce these inequities and ensure equitable health outcomes to residents.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval