Message from Council Member Kevin Reich

Eastside Minneapolis has seen many positive developments in 2013. First and foremost, Central Avenue, which is one of our most significant thoroughfares and business districts, has seen some welcome revitalization. Facades have been refurbished, buildings have been renovated and new businesses have moved in from one end of the Avenue to the other. I fully expect this trend to continue into 2014 as more and more businesses and companies discover the vitality of our community. And thanks to the hard work of the Logan Park Neighborhood Association, diligent assistance from City of Minneapolis Public Works staff and the talents of local company SignMinds, the “Welcome to the Northeast Neighborhoods” sign at Central and Broadway now provides a beautiful and very readable welcome to the Avenue. The 1st Ward office hosted a number of community forums in again 2013, as in past years, on a variety of topics including Public Safety, Regulatory Services and potential development at Shoreham Yards. I have been gratified to see not only increasing attendance at each forum but also the significant engagement in the topics and I look forward to continuing this participatory initiative in 2014 and beyond. We also saw some significant upgrades in infrastructure and City services in 2013. The rollout of One Sort recycling, which began at the end of 2012, was completed this year and has already produced dramatic increases in the amounts of material collected citywide and diverted from the waste stream. We also received the results of an assessment of options for organics collection in the City, putting us in a good position to take the next steps toward implementation if and when State of Minnesota rule changes make this a feasible direction. And lastly, Northeast was the site of two important pilot programs: the concrete street rehabilitation project that took place around Cavell Park and the snow and ice sidewalk clearing pilot that will continue this winter as well. The results of these two pilots will offer important data for further improvement of City services and infrastructure.

Snow Emergency Tips and Tools

The City of Minneapolis offers a number of tools for learning about snow emergency rules and requirements. Check out the information below to find out if a snow emergency has been declared and save yourself a ticket and tow: Call 612-348-SNOW (7669). TTY callers can use MN Relay Service or call 612-673-2157. Go to www.minneapolismn.gov. Watch local TV news or City cable TV channel 14 or 79, or listen to the radio. Sign up for a text message, email alert or phone call and the City will notify you when a Snow Emergency is declared. Look up where to park at www.minneapolismn.gov/snow/streetlookup. Download the Snow Emergency app for iPhones and Android devices.

Snow Shoveling Rules

Keeping our sidewalks free of ice and snow is the neighborly thing to do and it’s the law. For your own benefit and to help your neighbors, people pushing strollers or using wheelchairs, and the many people in Minneapolis who walk, please do your part. Minneapolis ordinance requires that property owners clear sidewalks after the end of a snowfall within 24 hours for homes and duplexes and 4 daytime hours for apartment and commercial buildings (daytime hours begin at 8 a.m.) When you shovel snow and clear ice Shovel the sidewalks on all sides of your property, the full width of the sidewalk down to the bare pavement. Remove all ice from sidewalks. After the sidewalk is cleared, sprinkling a little sand can help prevent slipping on frosty sidewalks. Pile snow into your yard and boulevard. It’s against the law to shovel snow into streets and alleys. If you have a corner property, clear curb cuts at corners and crosswalks to the street gutter. Avoid a ticket If the City of Minneapolis gets a complaint or discovers that a sidewalk is not properly cleared, Public Works will inspect the sidewalk and give the property owners a chance to clear it. If the sidewalk has not been cleared upon re-inspection, the property owner may be issued a citation with a fine. Crews will remove the snow and ice from the sidewalk. Property owners will be billed for this service, and unpaid bills will be added to property tax statements.

Soil Vapor Intrusion in SE Como

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) recently alerted homeowners in the SE Como neighborhood that potentially harmful vapors from a long-defunct General Mills facility may be entering their homes. MPCA is currently testing homes in the study area to determine the levels of TCE vapors at individual properties. Representatives from MPCA, MN Department of Health, Barr Engineering and General Mills will be available in the SE Como neighborhood for a series of open houses to answer questions, address concerns, as well as have both the sampling and mitigation access agreements available to review and sign: Thurs, Dec. 12, 2-4 p.m., Van Cleve Recreation Center, 901 15th Ave SE. Wed, Dec. 18, 4-6 p.m., Van Cleve Recreation Center, 901 15th Ave SE. Thurs, Dec. 19, 9-11 a.m., SECIA Office, 1170 15th Ave SE If you are not available at the listed times, but wish to speak to someone, please contact: For project or testing questions: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Edward Olson, Site Remediation, 651-757-2627, edward.olson@state.mn.us Hans Neve, Site Remediation, 651-757-2608, hans.neve@state.mn.us For health-related questions: Minnesota Department of Health Rita Messing, 651-201-4916 or Emily Hansen, 651-201-4602 Email: health.hazard@state.mn.us To schedule sampling, call Sara Gaffin, Barr Engineering, 952-832-2935 To contact General Mills, call 763-293-1165 For more information about the study, visit http://www.pca.state.mn.us/ax83hxk

NE Green Light Project Unveiled

Community partners, representatives from MPS, elected officials, students and neighbors gathered on a chilly day in early November to celebrate the unveiling of the NE Green Light Project. This Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) “Art as Energy” project offers a tangible sign of a community effort toward sustainability. The Holland Neighborhood Improvement Association (HNIA) and CEE are working with the surrounding community to enroll residents in energy audits and energy conservation improvements with the goal of saving an amount of energy equivalent to the amount needed to power Edison High School. As energy savings increase, the lights embedded in the sculptures will shift from orange through the color spectrum, with the goal of reaching green.

City’s Director of Water Treatment & Distribution Services Retires

Bernie Bullert The very recently retired Bernie Bullert served for several years as Director of Water Treatment and Distribution Services for the City of Minneapolis.  At first glance, his position may not seem to have much to do with the daily lives of Minneapolis residents. However, changes and improvements Mr. Bullert made to the state’s largest water utility have had an impact on every Minneapolis water user. When he first took on his position, Minneapolis water rates were rising at an unsustainable rate. Under his supervision and focus on operational efficiencies, the projected annual rate of increases was reduced by 40%. At the same time, he was instrumental in developing plans for a back-up water supply, eliminating longstanding taste and odor issues, and addressing deferred maintenance. The contributions he has made to the Water Division will last long after his departure, so remember him the next time you enjoy a glass of Minneapolis water.

Volunteer to Shovel Seniors’ Sidewalks

When it snows there are seniors in the city who need help shoveling their walks. Want to lend them a hand this winter? The City is working with the Neighborhood Involvement Program to find individual or group volunteers to commit to shoveling for at least one client for one month or for the entire winter. Visit the Neighborhood Involvement Program for more information and contact Jeanne Rasmussen at srvolunteer@neighborhoodinvolve.org or 612-746-8549 to sign up.

Save the Date

Public Hearing & Budget Adoption Wednesday, December 11, 6:05 p.m., Council Chambers at City Hall, 350 S. 5th St., Rm. 317. 2013 Canadian Pacific Holiday Train Thursday, December 12, 7 - 9 p.m., Shoreham Yards, 2800 Central Ave NE. Enjoy family activities and music from The Claytones and Willy Porter at this free annual community event hosted by East Side Neighborhood Services. Monetary and food donations to ESNS’ food shelves are welcomed. “Greek Circus” Thursday, December 12 & Friday, December 13, 7 p.m., Northeast Middle School, 2955 Hayes Street NE.  All are welcome to this comedy presented by NEMS students.

Message from Council Member Kevin Reich

This year’s election will be a complex affair, with Ranked Choice Voting (RCV), multiple mayoral candidates and two ballot questions related to the Minneapolis City Charter. It is particularly important that voters understand the nature and implications of proposed changes to the City Charter before voting on something this significant.

Minneapolis voters will see two ballot questions about the Minneapolis City Charter:

Proposal to Amend the City Charter

“Shall the Minneapolis City Charter be amended in the form of a complete revision which (1) modernizes the Charter; (2) redrafts its provisions for brevity and in plain language; (3) reorganizes the Charter into nine articles, and groups related provisions together; (4) removes from the Charter certain provisions for possible enactment into ordinance; and (5) retains the current role and relationships of City boards and commissions?”

Proposal to Amend the Minneapolis City Charter Liquor-Licensing Provisions

“Shall the Minneapolis City Charter provisions relating to the sale of liquor and wine be amended by reorganizing and rewriting in plain modern language?

I urge you to think carefully about your votes on these two ballot measures. The City Charter defines how the City is governed and establishes the roles of the Mayor, the City Council, various departments of City government and the independent Boards we have in Minneapolis, the Park Board and the Board of Estimate and Taxation. Changes to the Charter need to be thoughtfully considered, since there may be many unintended consequences. Indeed, City Attorney Susan Segal has expressed concerns about potential legal consequences related to the extent of the revisions of this controlling document. To view the specific changes to the Charter that are being proposed and to see side-by-side comparisons, please visit http://vote.minneapolismn.gov/voters/WCMS1P-113677.

Further helpful information regarding the upcoming election – including sample ballots, polling place locations, and essential voter resources – can be found at http://vote.minneapolismn.gov/index.htm.

MWMO Launches Launches Phase II

In 2012 the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) opened their new headquarters on the banks of the Mississippi in the Marshall Terrace neighborhood. The facility was constructed with sustainable materials and incorporates such features as a cistern to capture roof water runoff and a geothermal heating system.

Phase II of the project was launched this year and focuses on the grounds surrounding the building. Stormwater swales, stepping stones and filtration basins will be established in the area between the headquarters and the river, opening up a public space to access the Mississippi while seeing active examples of stormwater management best practices. For more information about Phase II, visit www.mwmo.org.

Shoreham Yards Velodrome Proposal Recap

A six-day international bicycle race got underway at the

Minneapolis Auditorium in 1936. Star Tribune photo from 

Minnesota Historical Society archives

In the 1920s and ‘30s Minneapolis was a regular stop on the Six Day bicycle racing circuit, with races held at the old Minneapolis Auditorium. MN Cycling Center (MNCC) would like to return the city to its cycling glory days, with a proposal for an indoor velodrome and event center located on 18 acres in Shoreham Yards, adjacent to Central Avenue NE.

Jason Lardy, president of MNCC, presented the non-profit’s vision for a bike-oriented sports center at a community meeting at Columbia Manor on Oct. 8. In addition to an indoor velodrome, a BMX track, event center, outdoor plaza incorporating the historic Roundhouse and retail spaces would be part of the overall concept. The organization sees the location at Shoreham Yards, in the heart of Northeast Minneapolis, as an ideal location to attract youth to their educational programming as well as to draw upon the history of transportation centered in that area. The large turnout of 70+ people for the meeting offered some indication of the interest this proposal has generated.

Lardy and his partners expect that the facility would carry a price tag in the neighborhood of $40 million and that if the plan moves forward, construction would be completed in 2017. They have not yet entered into negotiations with property owner Canadian Pacific, but wanted to present the idea to the public to gauge the community’s interest and potential questions and concerns first. For further information about MNCC and their proposal, visit www.mncyclingcenter.org.

Hennepin County Business Recycling Grants Grants

Hennepin County provides funds for businesses, non-profit organizations and institutions to start or improve programs to divert recyclables and organics (food and non-recyclable paper) from the trash.

The grant program is open to for-profit and non-profit businesses, organizations and institutions, as well as multifamily housing, located in Hennepin County. Option 1 is available anytime, with accelerated approvals, and offers up to $10,000 toward containers, equipment purchase and installation, hauling service charges and improvements to loading docks and waste enclosures. No match is required and grantees are given a 12-month term to complete their project. Option 2 is available spring and fall, through a competitive selection process, for large or innovative projects. This option offers up to $50,000 and requires matching funds of at least 25% of total project costs.

For further information about these two grant programs, call 612-543-1316 or visit www.hennepin.us/businessrecycling.

Fall Street Sweeping in Progress

Public Works began curb-to-curb street sweeping on Oct. 22 and expect to have this work completed by mid-November. City crews will post “No Parking” signs at least 24 hours before sweeping any streets. Parking will be banned from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the day a street is swept. Vehicles not in compliance with “No Parking” signs may be ticketed and towed to the Minneapolis Impound Lot. The City’s website has an interactive tool that allows visitors to find out which week their street is scheduled to be swept. The lookup tool and more information about street sweeping rules and alerts are available at http://www.minneapolismn.gov/publicworks/streetsweeping/index.htm.

NE Green Light Project Unveiling

The Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) and the Holland Neighborhood Improvement Association (HNIA) invite all to attend the launch of CEE’s 2013 Art as Energy project on Thursday, November 7, at 3:30 p.m. at the Edison High School parking lot, 700 22nd Ave NE.

The NE Green Light Project, six light sculptures commissioned by CEE and created by James Brenner, will be unveiled, the Edison band will provide entertainment and treats will be served.

This project is the visual symbol of a unique collaboration between CEE and the Holland neighborhood that will serve as a catalyst for energy conservation and sustainability.

Save the Date

Morris Park Players - “Guys & Dolls”
November 1, 2, 7, 8 & 9 (7:30 p.m.), November 3 (2 p.m.), Edison High School, 700 22nd Ave NE. Purchase tickets online at www.morrisparkplayers.org or call 612-724-8373 for more information.

Minneapolis Garden Awards
Thursday, November 7, 7 – 9 p.m., Columbia Manor, 3300 Central Ave NE. Metro Blooms will be honoring the winners of this year’s Minneapolis Garden Awards. The evening will include a dessert reception, cash bar and live music by Scott Mateo Davies. Tickets are $30 and must be purchased by November 3. Go to www.metroblooms.org to purchase tickets.

Edison Open House
Thursday, November 14, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., 700 22nd Ave NE. Experience an International Baccalaureate classroom and learn about Edison’s college preparatory programs, scholarship opportunities, performing arts, athletic, clubs/activities offerings.

Edison Autumn Bazaar
Saturday, November 16, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Edison Gymnasium, 700 22nd Ave NE. This event features local artists and crafters, a farmers market and a silent auction. Proceeds will help fund the Edison 2014 Senior party.

Public Comment on 2014 Levy & Budget
Tuesday, November 19, 6:05 p.m., Council Chambers at City Hall, 350 S. 5th St, Rm. 317. All 2014 budget hearings will also be rebroadcast every weekend prior to December 11’s budget approval on Minneapolis Channel 79; more information about the broadcast schedule can be found at www.minneapolismn.gov/tv/79schedule.

Northeast Middle School Fall Concert & Art Show
Monday, November 25, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Northeast Middle School, 2955 Hayes St. NE.

8th Annual Northeast Harvest Gathering
Monday, November 25, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Northeast Middle School, 2955 Hayes St. NE. MPS Superintendent Bernadeia Johnson will be the keynote speaker at this community event. All are welcome and refreshments will be served.

Public Hearing & Budget Adoption
Wednesday, December 11, 6:05 p.m., Council Chambers at City Hall, 350 S. 5th St., Rm. 317.

Message from Council Member Kevin Reich

Have you noticed that Central Avenue is in the midst of a transformation?

Over the past several months a number of properties have been bought, sold, spruced up and turned around while several new businesses have sprung up or are in the works. Some of these changes are the result of community action harnessed by the Northeast Investment Cooperative, which purchased two properties on Central. Others have arisen from collaborations between neighborhood organizations and property owners. But most of these changes have come from local businesses and business owners who see the economic opportunities Central Avenue offers. I hope the brief tour of the Avenue inside the newsletter encourages you to check out the many exciting things happening on Central Avenue in person.

I’d also like to remind you about the upcoming community meeting about the proposed Velodrome development on Central Avenue at Shoreham Yards. The meeting is Tuesday, October 8, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., at Columbia Manor, 3300 Central Avenue NE and offers a great opportunity to meet representatives from MN Cycling Center and learn about the facility they would like to bring to Northeast Minneapolis. Their exciting proposal for a world-class velodrome, BMX track, commuter facility, event center and educational programming would not only be a unique community amenity, but would also be a significant step forward in the redevelopment of Central Avenue as a whole.

Lastly, I’d like to point out the innovative new bicycle and pedestrian connection at Stinson and New Brighton Blvds NE. Made possible through a combination of City and Windom Park Citizens in Action (WPCiA) funds, this newly formatted intersection crossing should create a safer environment for both pedestrians and bicyclists by implementing a dedicated crossing with a pedestrian signal and countdown timer. Still to come is a bicycle signal. The improvements to this intersection will be a welcome amenity for bicyclists using the Diagonal Trail and connecting to the rest of Minneapolis’ bicycle infrastructure.

What’s New on Central Avenue

If you haven’t seen Central Avenue lately, here are some of the highlights:

Broadway/Central Gateway Art
The Logan Park Neighborhood Association (LPNA) led the development of the public art “Gateway” project at the intersection of Central and Broadway Avenues in 1993. Over the past year LPNA has been working with City of Minneapolis to replace the text that accompanies the art work with new lettering that will make a bolder visual impact.

1314 Central Avenue NE
Ideal Diner, an iconic Northeast breakfast-and-lunch location, closed briefly this year before changing hands. New owner Kim Robinson completely renovated the kitchen, made some interior upgrades and had the diner’s signature outdoor sign refurbished.





1717 Central Avenue NE
A vacant Burger King occupied this site at the intersection of Central and 18th Avenue NE for several years, complete with boarded windows, overgrown weeds and a disintegrating parking lot. Hillcrest Development purchased the property in the last year, renovating and landscaping it before leasing it to the current tenant for use as a childcare facility.

1851 Central Avenue NE
Remodeling is underway for the projected late fall opening of the Mill Northeast, a full service restaurant that will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant will be located in the building that previously housed Falafel King and Porky’s and will be serving a menu described as Eclectic American.

2014 Central Avenue NE
This property was recently acquired by Middle West Management, an artist management firm whose most high-profile client is Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Bon Iver.

2220 Central Avenue NE
This building, which houses both offices and apartments, received a significant facade improvement this summer: the result is both beautiful and historically-sensitive.

2300 Central Avenue NE
Purchased recently by Frank Stone and Lynn Olson, this building has undergone extensive renovation to reveal a brick building with traditional open transom windows. At the end of September, new tenant Language Central, a non-profit language school geared toward serving immigrant communities, celebrated its grand opening.

2504/2506 Central Avenue NE
Northeast Investment Cooperative (NEIC) purchased these two properties with the express purpose of bringing “transformative change one building at a time” to Central Avenue. 2504 Central is currently occupied by Recovery Bike Shop, while Aki’s BreadHaus, a German-style bakery, will be leasing 2506 Central.

2538 & 2544 Central Avenue NE
Central Liquors, at 2538 Central, was extensively remodeled this summer, while its next-door neighbor, 2544 Central, was purchased by Ben Janssens, the owner of local company SignMinds. Janssens intends to turn the building into a live-work space, with a full-service design studio on the first floor.

New Bicycle & Pedestrian Connection in Northeast Minneapolis

A new trail crossing at New Brighton Blvd NE & Stinson Blvd NE became operational Friday, September 13th. This new crossing connects the Diagonal Trail (east of the intersection) to Minneapolis’ larger bicycle and pedestrian network and key NE Minneapolis destinations (west of the intersection).

This complex intersection required a unique solution to create a better connection for biking and walking. The solution is a more direct crossing through the middle of the intersection that is approximately 1/3 of the distance of previous routes (Figure 1). This dedicated bicycle and pedestrian crossing includes a pedestrian signal complete with countdown timer, and pending Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approval the crossing will soon include a bicycle signal, similar in appearance to the bicycle signal at 5th St NE & Broadway St NE.

How does this new crossing affect me?

Bicyclists and Pedestrians
To use the new crossing you must push the pedestrian button located on the signal post for this crossing, to make your presence known. The walk signal will not turn on unless you push the pedestrian button. You MUST WAIT for the walk signal to turn on and then proceed with caution using the new crossing.

Drivers
When the traffic signal is displaying the walk signal for bicyclists and pedestrians using the new crossing, drivers will have a red light at all legs of the intersection, with one exception – cars traveling north-bound on Stinson waiting to turn left onto southwest-bound New Brighton will receive a green left turn arrow at the same time bicyclists and pedestrians are using the new crossing (Figure 2).

When driving north-bound or south-bound on Stinson Blvd NE and preparing to turn right onto southwest-bound or northeast-bound New Brighton you will see a new sign posted. This sign reads “Turning Vehicles STOP for Pedestrians” (Figure 3).

You MUST STOP completely for all red lights when preparing to turn right, and must stop for pedestrians and bicyclists using the new crossing. You MUST STOP for pedestrians and bicyclists using the adjacent crosswalks when preparing to turn on green lights.

All Users
Always behave predictably and follow the rules of the road.

Oct. 6 – 12 Fire Prevention Week Events

Learn about simple steps to prevent kitchen fires during National Fire Prevention Week

As part of National Fire Prevention Week, October 6-12, the Minneapolis Fire Department is teaming up with National Fire Prevention Association to raise awareness of kitchen fire prevention. This year’s theme focuses spreading the word that more fires start in the kitchen than in any other part of the home and teaching people how to keep cooking fires from starting in the first place.

Kitchen fire safety is explained in English, Hmong, Somali and Spanish as part of the City’s “Did you know.,.” series of short videos that can be viewed on the City’s YouTube channel and cable channels 14 and 79. Residents who have friends or neighbors who speak these languages are encouraged to share links to the videos. The City’s website and National Fire Prevention Association website have additional information on kitchen fire prevention.

The Minneapolis Fire Department is also participating in community events to help residents learn fire safety tips and educate people on the importance of having smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers throughout their home. The public is encouraged to attend these events to learn about staying safe, and it’s a great chance for families and kids to get an up-close look at fire trucks and other firefighting equipment.

• Saturday, 10/5, 9 a.m. – noon. Family friendly safety event at Home Depot, Quarry Shopping Center.
• Saturday, 10/12 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Firefighters Hall & Museum, 664-22nd Ave NE. Family friendly safety event, with wood crafts, fire extinguisher demos, antique fire engine rides and more.

Save the Date

Como’s 2013 Solar & Sustainable Living Tour
Saturday, October 5, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. SECIA and Sunny Day Earth Solutions are sponsoring this tour of neighborhood solar installations. Pick up maps at Sunny Day Earth Solutions (1000 26th Ave SE), Lift Coffee, Joe’s Market or Van Cleve Park. For further information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/491649127591792.

2nd Annual Riverfront Summit: A River of Opportunity
Monday, October 7, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Mill City Museum, 704 S. 2nd Street. This year’s Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership-sponsored event features a keynote address by Dorothy Bridges, senior vice president at the Federal Reserve, an update on the Riverfront Vitality Project, and interactive discussion kiosks led by local experts and partners from the riverfront community. RSVP at 612-465-8780 ext. 211 or admin@minneapolisriverfrontpartnershop.org.

1st Ward Community Meeting: MN Cycle Center at Shoreham Yards
Tuesday, October 8, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Columbia Manor, 3300 Central Avenue NE. Join Council Member Reich and representatives from MN Cycling Center to learn about a development proposal for Shoreham Yards that would include a velodrome, BMX track, retail and event center. A light meal will be served. Contact 612-673-2201 or kevin.reich@minneapolismn.gov to RSVP.

Disability Employment Awareness Month Celebration & Reception
Wednesday, October 16, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Crown Roller Mill Building 2nd floor Rotunda, 105 5th Ave. S. Community members are invited to this event hosted by the Mpls Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities. The event includes a guest speaker and a recognition ceremony. RSVP to Cheyenne Brodeen at 612-673-2052 or Cheyenne.brodeen@minneapolismn.gov.

Election Day
Tuesday, November 5.

1st Ward Community Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 8: Shoreham Yards

You’re Invited to a 1^st Ward Community Meeting To discuss a development proposal for Shoreham Yards

Tuesday, October 8, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.Columbia Manor, 3300 Central Avenue NE

The MN Cycling Center has expressed serious interest in making Shoreham Yards the home of their proposed multi-purpose velodrome, sports facility and event center. They are exploring the site where the Roundhouse is located, adjacent to Central Avenue. We hope you will plan to attend and meet with representatives from MN Cycling Center to learn more about their plans and their organization’s mission. All are welcome to this family-friendly event and a light meal will be served. Please RSVP to 612-673-2201 or kevin.reich@minneapolismn.gov.

Nicollet-Central Transit Open House

The City of Minneapolis is hosting another public open house to share new information about the Nicollet-Central Transit Alternative Study and the enhanced bus and modern streetcar being considered on Central Ave NE, Nicollet Mall, and Nicollet Ave S:

• Nic-Central Alternatives Analysis Open House.pdf

• Monday, September 9, 5 – 7 p.m. (Presentation at 5:30 p.m.) Minneapolis Central Library300 Nicollet Mall

You may find further information, including proposed route and stops, in the attached PDF.

Message from Council Member Kevin Reich

Shoreham Yards, which is owned by Canadian Pacific Railway, has a significant presence in Northeast Minneapolis. This 230-acre train and bulk distribution site extends from Central to University Avenues NE and 27th Avenue NE to St. Anthony Parkway. The area is designated in the City’s Comprehensive Plan as an Industrial Employment District, guided for employment growth. 18 acres of contiguous land along Central Avenue have been viewed as a potential opportunity for development, as pollution remediation moves closer to completion. Two years ago Surly Brewing came close to selecting this location for expansion, though finally settling on a property in Southeast Minneapolis Industrial (SEMI).

Though additional remediation continues and technical and logistical discussions and site preparation would still be required, I am pleased to announce that the MN Cycling Center has expressed serious interest in making Shoreham Yards the home of their proposed new multi-purpose Velodrome and event center. After significant review of alternative locations, they are putting an exclusive focus on pursuing this site. They require for their operation a location that would allow them to develop a sports complex, a world-class 200 meter indoor racing track, and an outdoor BMX track, while at the same time allowing them to further their mission of providing fitness and vocational educational opportunities for youth and adults. Additionally, a row of retail stores on the Central Avenue side would be incorporated. MN Cycling Center is enthusiastic about locating in Northeast Minneapolis because of the vibrancy of our bicycling community, the proximity of bikeways and bike boulevards and the ability to reach out to an active and diverse community of children, families, neighbors and commuters. The Roundhouse would be incorporated to maintain its historical significance and add character and interest to the development.

I invite you all to a community meeting to learn more about this potential new partner to the Northeast community: Tuesday, October 8, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Columbia Manor, 3300 Central Avenue NE.

Absentee Voting Begins Sept. 20

Absentee voting for the November municipal election begins on Friday, September 20. The City has already received more than 500 absentee ballot applications and will begin mailing ballots on Friday. Eligible voters may vote by absentee ballot for any of the following reasons:

• Absent from the precinct on election day 
• Illness or disability 
• Religious discipline or observance of religious holiday 
• Service as an election judge in another precinct 
• Eligible emergency declared by governor or quarantine declared by federal or state government.

You may click HERE for an absentee ballot application or contact 311 to request an application. In-person absentee voting will also be conducted at Minneapolis City Hall, 350 S. 5th Street, beginning Sept. 20. Hours are M-F, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and two Saturdays (Oct. 26 & Nov. 2), 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Monday before the election, absentee voter hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Election Judges Needed

The City of Minneapolis is seeking election judges to serve voters in local polling places. Serving as an election judge p is an important service to our community. Especially needed are judges who are fluent in a second language, including Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Vietnamese, Oromo, Laotian, Russian, and American Sign Language. To learn more, please visit vote.minneapolismn.gov/volunteer or call 612-673-2296.

Boards & Commissions Openings

The City of Minneapolis has over 50 volunteer-based appointed boards, commissions, and advisory committees that focus on topics ranging from animals to zoning and provide input, advice and policy recommendations to the City Council, Mayor and City departments. Below are the current openings for these entities:

Arts Commission
Civil Rights Commission
Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities
Ethical Practices Board
Heritage Preservation Commission
Homegrown Minneapolis Food Council
Housing Board of Appeals
Minneapolis Public Housing Authority
Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Planning Commission
Telecommunications Network (MTN), Minneapolis
Zoning Board of Adjustment

Click on the links above for further information about specific vacancies. Applications will be reviewed beginning October 18, 2013. However, the positions are open until filled.

1st Ward Community Forum Recap

New Regulatory Services Director Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde led a spirited discussion about inspection issues and the new direction of this key City department in the most recent 1st Ward Community Forum on August 28. She outlined her priorities for making Regulatory Services a more focused and responsive arm of government, including a strategy that emphasizes customer service and the incentivizing of good behavior on the part of homeowners, landlords and businesses. Director Rivera-Vandermyde explained that these activities will clear the way for her department to focus resources on the relatively small number of the most egregious offenders. She mentioned that the City had only 774 properties in the Tier 3 program (based on volume of complaints) out of 24,000 rental properties in the City and she is currently analyzing those properties to explore how a cross-departmental approach could resolve their issues.

Over the past twelve months, the Regulatory Services Department has been re-organized to give it a more acute focus, with functions such as business licensing, developmental review and environmental management being placed under the purview of other departments. The committee that oversaw this re-organization, of which CM Reich was a member, will continue to monitor the Regulatory Services department to ensure its effectiveness. Director Rivera-Vandermyde also intends to return to a 1st Ward Forum in a year’s time to discuss the department’s progress.

Keep Our Trees Healthy

The late summer and fall drought conditions we have experienced can take a significant toll on our trees. To keep your yard and boulevard trees healthy, make sure to water them whenever they don’t receive one inch of rain per week. Lack of water can make trees susceptible to disease and insects and cause permanent damage to young and old trees. Trees under five years old are particularly susceptible to damage. The most effective way to water a tree is turn on a slow stream of water for a few hours. Watering should continue until trees have lost all of their leaves and entered full dormancy.

Emerald Ash Borer beetles are inactive between Labor Day and May 1, so if you have an ash tree that you would like to trim or take down, between now and spring is the time to do it safely.

Taking care of our trees means protecting our Minneapolis quality of life. Research proves that healthy trees are beautiful, increase property values, help improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gases by absorbing carbon dioxide, save energy, keep the city cooler, provide homes for wildlife and help manage stormwater.

Save the Date:

Talmage Crossing Garden Day
Sunday, September 22, 1 – 4 p.m., Talmage & 22nd Avenue SE. Talmage Crossing community garden is creating a new raingarden. Volunteers needed to re-contour the garden’s edge, build a berm and level the swale. Contact Steph to volunteer or for further information.

AccessAbility Open House 
Thursday, September 26, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., 360 Hoover St. NE. AccessAbility, a Northeast-based company that provides training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities and economic disadvantages, is hosting their annual open house and theme basket raffle. Community members, social service professionals and members of the business community are invited. For more information, call 612-331-5958.

Police Activities League (PAL) 
Saturday, September 28, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., 4119 Dupont Ave N. Minneapolis PAL is partnering with Tech Dump in sponsoring an electronics recycling fundraising event to support their youth activities. For more information on what electronics items will be accepted, visit www.techdump.org/minneapolis-pal or call 763-432-3117.

Taste of Northeast
Saturday, September 28, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., St. Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral, 1701 5th St. NE. This eclectic event offers food, kids’ games, raffles, traditional Pysanky Egg-making, Iconography demonstrations, church tours and several performing groups, including the Balalaika Orchestra, Lipa Slovak Folk Dancers and the Dolina Polish Dancers.

Weed It & Reap
Thurs, October 3 – Saturday, October 5. Those wishing to volunteer for this bi-annual community clean-up can click HERE to register. For further information, contact Christine Levens of the NE Chamber at 612-370-9131 or clevens@minneapolischamber.org.

1st Ward Community Forum: Shoreham Yards
Tuesday, October 8, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Columbia Manor, 3300 Central Avenue NE. All are invited to a public forum to discuss MN Cycling Center’s potential project for the Shoreham Yards Roundhouse site. A light meal will be served. RSVP to 612-673-2201 or kevin.reich@minneapolismn.gov.

Call for Northeast Artists

Our recently renovated Northeast Library will be installing a new public art project that celebrates the artists living and working in Northeast Minneapolis. The installation will consist of a 40X4 foot horizontal frieze displaying a montage of photographs representing the work of our artists. I have attached some information about the process for submitting your work for selection, but here are a couple of key dates to keep in mind:

Thursday, Sept. 5

Artists Informational Meeting, Northeast Library, 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 27

Deadline for submission of up to three images and related materials.

This public art project is open to all artists currently living or working in Northeast Minneapolis. Check out the attached PDF for further details about the project and the submission procedure.

• Northeast Library Call for Artists (2).pdf

Message from Council Member Kevin Reich

The City of Minneapolis’ Regulatory Services has traditionally been one of the city’s largest departments, charged with oversight responsibilities ranging from Animal Control and Housing Inspections to Business Licensing and Development Review. Beginning in 2012, the City has undertaken a significant restructuring of this department with the goal of creating efficiencies and optimizing services. An appointed Transition Committee, of which I am a member, has spent the past year working with staff to create what is now a substantially leaner and more focused organization. Several previous responsibilities have been transferred to other departments. Environmental Management, for example, is now under the purview of the Minneapolis Health Department (MHD). Construction Code Services, Development Review and Business Licensing will come under the umbrella of Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED). The new Reg Services Department focuses on the following functions: Housing Inspections, Problem Properties, Animal Control, Fire Inspections Services and Traffic Control.

The Regulatory Services Department also has a new director. Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde, who was appointed this past May, brings 15 years of executive experience in compliance and regulation in both the public and private sectors. She spent nearly 10 years in various roles with the government of Puerto Rico to improve and reform the delivery of healthcare in the Puerto Rican correctional system. She was also a founding partner and president of Indigo Enterprises, a Minnesota-based consulting firm that specializes in judicial and regulatory compliance, as well as environmental codes and
statutes.

I hope you will join Ms. Rivera-Vandermyde and me at a First Ward Community Forum on Wednesday, August 28 to learn more about the new Regulatory Services Department. This event will be held at the Firefighters Hall & Museum, 664 22nd Ave NE at 6 p.m. and will include a light meal.

Energy Utility Franchise Agreements

The City of Minneapolis has utility franchise agreements with Xcel Energy for electricity and CenterPoint Energy for natural gas. These agreements allow the utilities to use public property, such as boulevards and alleys to provide service. They were signed in the early 1990s, and both expire at the end of 2014. The City is in the early stages of preparing to negotiate new franchise agreements. One of the steps in this process is the Energy Pathways Report that the Council has authorized and that will be completed in February 2014. This alternatives analysis will outline the various avenues the City could take to achieve the energy goals outlined in the City’s Climate Action Plan.

A group of residents has advocated for placing a referendum on the November general elections ballot authorizing the City to establish municipal utilities. A public hearing was held on this issue on August 1 to hear testimony from the utilities, as well as citizens both for and against the referendum. Since that time, both CenterPoint and Xcel have had discussions with the City regarding ways of working together to meet the City’s energy goals. Given these discussions, the resolution for a ballot referendum on municipalization will not be introduced at the Committee of the Whole on August 15.

New Elections Website

The City of Minneapolis has launched a new elections website to help voters get ready for this fall’s election. By visiting vote.minneapolis.gov, voters can learn what they need to know about how to register to vote, find their polling place, and many other elections topics.

Because Minneapolis will use ranked-choice voting this year, the website can help people learn how to vote using ranked-choice voting, and they can see how ballots are counted. Ranked-choice voting gives voters the opportunity to rank up to three candidates for each office. The website features an interactive demonstration ballot that voters can use to learn how to mark a ranked-choice ballot. After completing the ballot, visitors to the site can see how the ballot-counting works. Minneapolis voters can also use the website to ensure they are ready to vote. You can check your registration status or download a voter registration application on the website. You can use the polling-place finder to find your assigned polling place and also find information about absentee voting.

The City has also produced a new video that explains everything you need to know about ranked-choice voting. The video can be found at vote.minneapolis.gov. The City’s mobile application has also been updated this year to help voters. Users of the 311 app for iPhones and Android devices can now easily access the election’s Your Vote guide with quick links to key election-related information, including how to register to vote, finding your polling place, and how to absentee vote.