Council Member's Message

Environmental matters have been front and center on my Council schedule recently. I was pleased to attend Governor Dayton's Water Summit on February 27 and participate in this important discussion about the challenges we face in protecting and improving our water resources. This topic is central for me in a very local context, both as Chair of the City's Transportation and Public Works committee and as Board Chair of the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO), but it's important in a larger, statewide context as well, so I appreciated this opportunity to learn more. I would encourage others interested in this topic to visit the online forum component of the Summit at http://watersummit.ideascale.com/ to explore the topics discussed, make suggestions and ask questions.

The Ward One office also sponsored a recent community forum on the topic of recycling and the waste stream in conjunction with Eureka Recycling. We had a fascinating discussion with our panelists and a very engaged audience that highlighted ways in which our recycling processes could stimulate job growth. See more information about the forum below and on the Ward One website.

Lastly, I will be representing the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Clean Energy Partnership at the 2016 Climate Leadership Conference in Seattle this month. This is a global conference that addresses issues of climate, sustainability and energy in terms of both policy and business solutions. I look forward to reporting back what I learn.

Zero Waste Forum Recap: Recycling as An Economic Development Tool

 (Above: CM Reich, panelists & forum attendees at Northeast Library).

Last month Council Member Reich and Eureka Recycling co-hosted a forum that gathered panelists from a variety of disciplines to talk about how recycling can function as a job creator and economic development tool. The forum brought together a diverse group of organizations to share their unique viewpoints on the topic.

Panelists included representatives from: the University of Minnesota's Northstar Initiative for Sustainable Enterprise; Eastside Food Co-op; Momentum; Second Chance Recycling; and Better Futures Enterprises. Each panelist offered a unique glimpse into a specific aspect of the larger picture of our waste stream and the imaginative reuses that have been and continue to be developed to reduce it. They also talked about the social, economic and environmental costs of waste and opportunities for economic benefit from recycling.

Click HERE for a brief recap of the discussion.

2016 Parklet Program Now Accepting Applications

A parklet is a temporary space in the street dedicated for public use. Parklets were first piloted Minneapolis in 2014 and the Parklet program was introduced citywide in 2015.

Parklets are an innovative and cost effective way to add public gathering space to public streets. Parklets are streetscape enhancements, providing an economical solution for increased public open space. They provide amenities like seating, plantings, bike parking and public art. While parklets are typically funded and maintained by neighboring businesses, residents and community organizations, they are publicly accessible and open to all. Parklets are located in the parking lane adjacent to the curb designed as an extension of the sidewalk. Advertising and other commercial activities are not permitted in the parklet. The Central Avenue parklet pictured at right was sponsored by Sen Yai Sen Lek restaurant.

Click HERE to learn more about parklets and the application process.

Minneapolis Tree Sale Begins Monday, March 21

The Minneapolis Tree Sale begins at 9 a.m., Monday, March 21. The City is offering more than 1,200 three- to eight-foot trees for only $25 each. Minneapolis property owners, including residents, businesses and non-profits, may order one tree per property, maximum of three properties.

Visit http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/sustainability/action/canopy/WCMS1P-136912 for more information.

This is a popular program and some varieties do sell out, so plan to order early for best selection. You can visit the Tree Trust website for more information and color photos of available varieties.You can pick up your ordered tree on Saturday, May 21 (8 am-2 pm), Sunday, May 22 (8 am-2 pm) or Monday, May 23 (3-7 pm) at the Minneapolis Impound Lot, 51 Colfax Avenue North. You must plant your tree on your own private property - not on the boulevard (area between sidewalk and street). It is the law to call Gopher State One Call (651-454-0002) at least three days before digging. They will mark buried utility lines for your safety. Large shade trees should be planted at least fifteen feet away from nearby power lines and/or buildings.The City of Minneapolis has funded the City Trees program since 2006. In the past seven years, the City Trees program has planted more than 8,900 trees in Minneapolis, an accomplishment made possible through the hard work of Tree Trust staff and volunteers.

2016 Minneapolis Teen Job & Opportunity Fair

The Minneapolis Teen Job & Opportunity Fair is a great opportunity for young people (14-19 years) to connect with employers and organizations that are offering jobs, internships, career education, job readiness training, and volunteer positions for teens.

Saturday, April 30, 2016, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall

Teens will also be able to attend workshops to learn about how to get a job. The fair is produced by City of Minneapolis' department of Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED), Hennepin County, Hennepin County Library, AchieveMpls, Minneapolis Workforce Centers, Lunds and Byerly's, Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, Minneapolis Youth Congress, Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board, EMERGE, and East Side Neighborhood Services. For registration information and more, visit http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/cped/metp/MinneapolisTeenJobFair.

Raingarden Workshop: Planting for Pollinators

Help keep our river and lakes clean while creating a beautiful and bee/butterfly-friendly habitat in your yard. Raingardens are designed to capture rainwater and allow it to soak into the ground within 48 hours. When they are planted with local native plants that also encourage and feed pollinators, their positive impact on our environment is maximized.

Metro Blooms is offering a workshop on Thursday, April 18, 6-9 p.m., at Audubon Park Recreation Center that will give an overview of raingardens and native plants, as well as resources for hire if you need extra help. The cost is $15. To register for this or other workshops that are being offered in the metro area this spring, visit metroblooms.org or call 651-699-2426.

Light Up Your Home For Less

This week Xcel Energy launched a two month long promotion of energy efficient light bulbs featuring discounted CFLs and LEDs at local retailers. It’s time to switch out your old bulbs for new, energy-efficient CFLs and LEDs. And take advantage of the savings, while they last. Right now, Xcel Energy is partnering with participating retailers to offer special discounts. Save up to $5 on select models of LEDs or buy CFLs for as little as $1 per bulb.

How much do they save?

LEDs and CFLs are the most energy efficient bulbs available. They use 75 to 80 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last up to 22 years. They come in all shapes and sizes and can save you energy and money.

Start saving today!

Visit xcelenergy.com/LightingDeals to find bulbs at stores near you.

Save the Date

"Our Town"

Wed, March 3 - Friday, March 5, 7 p.m., Edison High School Auditorium, 700 - 22nd Avenue NE. This Thornton Wilder play was groundbreaking when it opened in 1938 and remains a classic of the American stage.

2PAC Meeting: Police Horses

Monday, March 14, 6 p.m., Monroe Village Community Room, 1900 Central Avenue NE. Come to learn more about the Police Department's Mounted Police unit.

Northeast Renters Rights & Responsibilities Clinic

Saturday, March 19, 1-3 p.m., Clare Housing, 929 Central Avenue NE. HOME Line, a non-profit tenant advocacy organization will provide information on rental resources and legal rights and responsibilities. One-on-one walk-in appointments will also be available for questions.

Community Connections Conference

Saturday, April 2, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Minneapolis Convention Center. Join neighbors, community members, non-profit organizations, business leaders, members of Minneapolis' design community, developers and elected officials to think BIG about the future of Minneapolis. Conference is free; click HERE for more information and to register.
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For reasonable accommodations or alternative formats please contact Lisa Brock at lisa.brock@minneapolismn.gov or 612-673-2201. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay serviceto call 311 agents at 612-673-3000. TTY users can call 612-673-2157 or 612-673-2626.

Para asistencia 612-673-2700 • Rau kev pab 612-673-2800 • Hadii aad Caawimaad u baahantahay
612-673-3500.