Council Member's Message

Minneapolis is a city of plans. We have neighborhood small area plans, larger community plans like the Central Avenue Small Area Plan and the Lowry Avenue NE Corridor Plan, and citywide plans like our transportation action plan Access Minneapolis. Overarching all of these plans is the City’s Comprehensive Plan, a document that shapes how Minneapolis will grow and change.

The City’s Comprehensive Plan provides a common vision for elected officials, City staff, developers, neighborhood groups and other community stakeholders and guides implementation to ensure progress toward that vision. The plan covers issues such as housing, job creation, environmental systems, public health, the design of new buildings, and how we use our streets. Because planning is a dynamic process, we revisit and update our plan every ten years.  To that end, we launched Minneapolis 2040, a multi-year planning and update process, in 2016. Once the Comp Plan update is completed, it will spur updates to Access Minneapolis, the Central Avenue plan and more.

As one of the members of the Minneapolis 2040 steering committee, I have been closely involved in shaping the plan’s vision and priorities. In April 2016 I authored a resolution establishing the goals of our Comp Plan update, with an emphasis on ensuring equitable outcomes in the built, natural and economic environment. To read that resolution, click HERE.

Civic engagement is an essential piece of this process and I encourage everyone to get involved and make your voice heard. I’ve talked with many Ward One stakeholders about Minneapolis 2040 at neighborhood meetings and events, one-on-one and in groups, and will continue to do so as the process moves forward. Please visit the Minneapolis 2040 website to learn more about the process, timeline, and engagement opportunities: https://minneapolis2040.com/.

Fall Street Sweep Begins Tuesday, October 17

Minneapolis Public Works will begin the big task of curb-to-curb sweeping and leaf collection on streets throughout the city Tuesday, Oct. 17. During the four weeks of the comprehensive fall street sweep, crews will clean about 1,000 miles of city streets. To make sure the sweepers can do the best job possible, temporary “No Parking” signs will be posted at least 24 hours in advance so streets will be clear of cars when they’re swept. The first signs will be posted Monday, Oct. 16, and sweeping will begin the next day. Anyone who parks on the street will need to follow posted parking rules or their cars may be ticketed and towed.

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. The “No Parking” signs will be removed as soon as possible after a street has been completely swept to allow people to resume parking. Vehicles not in compliance with “No Parking” signs may be ticketed and towed to the Impound Lot.

Folks can use an interactive feature on the City’s website to find out when the sweepers are coming through their neighborhoods. The tool will be available at www.minneapolismn.gov/streetsweeping once we get closer to the start date. The fall street sweep takes four weeks, and visitors to the website will be able to find out which week their street is scheduled to be swept. Then, on the weekend before each of the four weeks, the schedule for the upcoming week will be broken down to show which day of the week streets are scheduled to be swept.   

Public Works Diversity Hiring Pipeline

The Public Works Service Worker 1 Trainee Program is helping the department change the face of its workforce to better reflect the community it serves. Public Works is hiring for service worker 1 positions and for service worker 1 trainee positions. See the required qualifications and experience here.

Public Works is accepting applications throughout October for the next trainee program. The program offers adults a chance at on-the-job training to meet the qualifications for the Public Works service worker 1 position. Trainees perform manual labor to support construction and maintenance work while also learning the fundamentals of the construction industry and how to drive and operate Public Works equipment. Through the course of the program, they earn their Class B commercial driver’s licenses. Please help spread the word about these opportunities with folks in your network. Share this flyer, and encourage prospective applicants to attend one of several information sessions in October.

Public Works Service Worker 1 Trainee Program information sessions

2-4 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 5Cedar Riverside Opportunity Center, 505 Fifth Ave. S.

3-5 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 12
American Indian OIC, 1845 E. Franklin Ave.

5-7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 16
Minneapolis Urban League, 2100 Plymouth Ave. N.

5-7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 18
Waite House - Pillsbury United Communities, 2323 11th Ave. S.

3-5 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 19
Summit Academy OIC, 935 Olson Memorial Highway

5:30-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 24
Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC)
2001 Plymouth Ave. N.

1-3 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 25
Emerge, 1834 Emerson Ave. N.

Attendees will be able to talk to Public Works representatives and apply for a position on the spot. Applicants don’t have to attend an information session; they can also apply online at www.minneapolismn.gov/jobs.

Minneapolis Reaches First Goal on Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Minneapolis has reached its first goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from citywide energy consumption, transportation, solid waste, and wastewater. Greenhouse gases caused by activities within the city limits of Minneapolis decreased 17.8 percent in 2015 compared to the 2006 baseline; the goal was a 15 percent reduction. The 2015 analysis included a substantial update to prior years’ calculations using a method that aligns Minneapolis with other cities around the world participating in the Compact of Mayors agreement. 2016 data is being analyzed and will be available soon.

Greenhouse gas emissions decreased 10.7 percent from 2014 to 2015, driven primarily by milder winter months, which resulted in a decrease in natural gas consumption. An increase in emissions from wastewater was offset by decreases in emissions from electricity consumption, natural gas consumption, on-road transportation and solid waste. Find more detail in the PowerPoint presentation.

Subsequent goals will require acceleration of energy conservation and cleaner heating options

Minneapolis’ next goals include a 30 percent reduction in citywide emissions by 2025 and an 80 percent or more reduction by 2050 (all from the 2006 baseline). A rise in renewable wind and solar electricity drove most of the emissions decrease since 2006, a trend forecasted to continue. With natural gas set, then, to become the City’s largest contributor to emissions in the coming years, meeting future goals will require accelerating progress in reducing natural gas consumption with energy conservation and shifting to cleaner heating options such as renewable natural gas and heat pump technology.

Minneapolis will make progress toward its goals by continuing to implement its Climate Action Plan and working with CenterPoint Energy and Xcel Energy on implementing the Minneapolis Clean Energy Partnership 2017-2018 work plan.

Find the City’s other climate action goals here.

Save the Date Calendar

Tibetan Sand Mandala

Saturday, October 7, 3 – 4 p.m., Northeast Library, 2200 Central Avenue NE. Learn about mandalas and the process used by Buddhist monks to build colored sand structures and then release them back into nature.

Nordeast Big River Brew Fest

Saturday, October 7, 1 – 4 p.m., East Side Neighborhood Services, 1700 2nd St NE. 40 breweries will be participating in this annual celebration to benefit community programming. For tickets, visit esns.org/event-2638906

Energy Assistance Sign Up Day

Tuesday, October 10, 3 – 7 p.m., Salvation Army, 2727 Central Avenue NE. Sign up for energy assistance with Hennepin County Community Action. Representatives will also be on hand from CenterPointe and Xcel Energy to help with bill assistance and low-income programs. No appointment necessary.

Seniors On-The-Go Fall Expo

Thursday, October 12, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Audubon Park, 1320 29th Ave NE. Features exhibits on housing, transportation, food delivery, chore assistance, day trips and more.

9th Annual Northeast Celebration

Thursday, October 26, 5 – 7 p.m., Jax Café, 1928 University Ave NE. An evening of business and community awards and recognition. For more information and to register, visit http://www.minneapolischamber.org/events/details/northeast-celebration-an-evening-of-business-and-community-awards-9674.

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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 service to call 311 agents at 612-673-3000. TTY users can call 612-673-2157 or 612-673-2626.

612-673-3500.

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

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Council Member's Message

Traffic safety has always been one of the paramount concerns of First Ward residents and businesses. Everyone, myself included, would like to see safer streets and fewer crashes. And to that end, I'm proud of the work we've already done to create a better environment for pedestrians, bikers and vehicles alike. One example is the innovative program we launched this year to upgrade our crosswalks citywide with more visible durable markings. Another is the traffic calming work we continue to do on Johnson Street, including new lane markings and a pedestrian island. We have a curb-separated ped/bike path coming on 18th Avenue and have seen a record number of ADA installations and curb bump-outs across the Ward. However, more needs to be done. 

This September the Transportation & Public Works Committee that I chair will take the first steps to establish a Vision Zero policy, aimed at eliminating fatalities and serious injuries while expanding safe and equitable mobility for everyone. This exciting and innovative approach has the potential to dramatically reshape our response to traffic safety.

Vision Zero was first implemented in Sweden in the 1990s, has had impressive results in Europe and is now being considered in a number of major US cities. It utilizes cross-disciplinary collaboration between traffic engineers, transit planners, public safety and public health professionals, policymakers, and the community to address the complex issues of traffic safety and it employs data-driven strategies and community input to craft solutions.

The first step in the process will be a resolution committing to Vision Zero, followed by the development of an action plan. The goal is the elimination of fatalities and serious injuries from crashes within our city by 2027. Stay tuned for more about this initiative which will greatly enhance work moving forward in our Ward and across the city.

New Police Chief Medaria Arradondo

The City Council has approved Medaria "Rondo" Arradondo, who has served as acting chief since July 21, as the City’s new police chief. Arradondo joined the MPD in 1989 as a patrol officer in the 3rd Precinct. He has served as a school resource officer and a northside beat officer. He also has internal affairs and property-crime investigation experience. Arradondo has served as 1st Precinct inspector, deputy chief and chief of staff. He is now the City’s first African American police chief.

Ward One was the first community to get an opportunity to talk with the new chief, at a forum hosted by Council Member Reich just four days before the final confirmation vote. Chief Arradondo recapped his career with the Minneapolis Police Department and talked about his vision for MPD going forward. He was accompanied by Inspector Todd Loining, who heads the Second Precinct, and Troy Schoenberger, the newly appointed Commander of the Special Crimes Investigations Division.

Community members had an opportunity to ask questions and discuss their concerns and issues with the police department. Several discussed the need for the new Chief to restore public trust in the department, while others raised issues about how officers relate to people of color. Incentivizing officers to live in the city and response times for low-level crimes were other topics touched upon.

Council Member Reich intends to offer additional community forums later this year to continue the discussion of various aspects of policing in Minneapolis. Next up will be a discussion about the City's co-responder program that pairs mental health professionals with officers and new technologies that can assist in interactions between officers and people with autism.

Fall Street Sweep Alert

This year's fall street sweep will begin Tuesday, October 17, with the first streets being posted "No Parking" on Monday, October 16.

The sweep typically takes four weeks to complete. Watch for more details in early October.

Public Input Sought on Zero Waste Draft Plan

In June of 2015 the Minneapolis City Council established a goal to recycle and compost 50% of its citywide waste by 2020 and 80% by 2030. The resolution also called for zero-percent growth in the City’s total waste stream from levels set in 2010. In 2015 the city of Minneapolis formed the Zero Waste Policy Work Group to develop a plan to meet those goals and set new ones. The city is has begun the drafting of a zero-waste plan and will host a series of engagement sessions for residents and business representatives.

 The draft plan can downloaded here: https://www.scribd.com/document/358292142/Zero-Waste-Draft-Plan

 Resident/Community Meetings

 6-8 p.m. Sept. 11, Minneapolis Urban League, 2100 Plymouth Ave. N.

 6-8 p.m. Sept. 14, Matthews Park, 2318 29th Ave. S.

 6-8 p.m., Sept. 18, City Church, 1501 W. 54th St.

 6-8 p.m. Sept. 21, Sabathani Community Center, 310 E. 38th St.

 Session for Haulers/Business Community

1:30-3:30 p.m., Sept. 19, CR Currie Conf Ctr 135 PW (100), 1220 Currie Ave. North

 For those residents unable to attend one of the above sessions, an online survey is available. Please share your thoughts by completing the survey.

City Introduces new Legislative Information Management System

The City of Minneapolis is launching a new Legislative Information Management System (LIMS) that will greatly improve public access to legislative and policy-related information, a big step forward in improving the accessibility and transparency of government. This project has been in process for several years and was publicly unveiled on Monday, September 11.

This new system will allow public users to easily access all legislative calendars and agendas and to follow items through the entire legislative process. Users will also be able to find briefing materials, committee reports and a portal to the City Charter and Municipal Code all in one place. LIMS will also enable public users to assemble data and customize reports of that data.

LIMS can be accessed from the City's website beginning September 11.

City of Minneapolis Public Art Tours

The City of Minneapolis has teamed up with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board on six self-guided, interactive tours exploring public art. There are approximately 300 individual pieces of public art to visit in Minneapolis. The Eastside tour alone features 11 works, 74 individual pieces and 12 artists.

The interactive maps feature detailed information about each artwork and directions to the pieces. The maps also provide information on how long each tour will take for those who choose to bike, walk or drive. To learn more about the artworks and featured artists, visit the Minneapolis Public Art Tour interactive website. Tour goers are encouraged to share their adventures using the hashtag #TourMplsArt.

The photo at left is one of the 26 different painted metal motifs created by artist Susan Fiene, as part of the Northeast Gateway public art project located at the intersection of Broadway and Central Avenues NE. The motifs, created in reference to 26 different ethnic heritages, convey the cultural diversity of the Northeast community.

September 22 is World Car-Free Day

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 60% of Minneapolis workers drove alone to work in 2015. Move Minneapolis, an organization that promotes sustainable transportation in downtown Minneapolis, would like to raise public awareness of other, more environmentally-friendly options through an annual celebration of World Car-Free Day. Single occupant drivers are encouraged to consider carpooling, walking, biking, or taking public transportation on September 22. Visit http://moveminneapolis.org/car-free-day/ to take the pledge to not drive alone that day and register for a prize drawing.

World Car-Free Day is observed in 1.500 cities in more than 40 countries. Council Member Kevin Reich will be presenting a resolution at the September 20th City Council meeting designating that September 2 henceforth be World Car-Free Day in the City of Minneapolis

Save the Date Calendar

Health & Wellness Expo 2017: Your Community for A Lifetime

Tuesday, September 12, 10 a.m. – noon, East Side Neighborhood Services, 1700 2nd St. NE. Visit with dozens of vendors and participate in wellness exercises, demonstrations, drawings and door prizes.  Health screenings and flu shots will also be available

International Dot Day: Make Your Mark!

Friday, September 15, 9:30 – 4:30 p.m., Northeast Library, 2200 Central Ave. NE. Celebrate International Dot Day, a global celebration of creativity, courage and collaboration, by reading the book The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds and creating your own dot to take home or add to a beautiful display.

Northern Metal Recycling Community Meeting

Tuesday, September 19, 5 - 6:30 p.m., Elim Church, 685 13th Ave NE. Northern Metal Recycling has scheduled the second in a series of community meetings the company agreed to provide under the court settlement.

St. Mary’s Taste of Northeast

Friday, September 29 & Saturday, September 30, 1701 5th Street NE. This fall festival features music, food, games, iconography demonstrations and raffles.

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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 service
to 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.

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Council Member's Message

Whenever we've seen a change in MPD leadership over the past seven years, whether at the Precinct or the citywide level, I have offered our community an opportunity to meet with the new leadership. This year is no exception, as Acting Chief Medaria Arradondo takes over from former Chief Harteau.  I invite you to check out the details below about our upcoming Ward One Community Forum and join us on August 15. Imani Jaafar, the Director of the Office of Police Conduct Review, and Jennifer Singleton, Vice Chair of the Police Conduct Oversight Commission, will also be joining us.

I'd also like to remind you about the upcoming Eastside BBQ on August 24. This will be the eleventh year of this great event which brings together the community, local businesses, and students and families to celebrate and support our Eastside schools. Come for dinner, meet new people, join in on a game in Jackson Square Park or the Basin, and enjoy the entertainment. All of our Eastside schools will be holding their open houses that day. See the article below for the details. The Eastside BBQ is one of our community's signature events and I hope to see you there!

Fire Station 15 Update

Fire Station 15, located at 2701 Johnson Street NE in the Audubon neighborhood, will be temporarily relocated to allow for much needed facility upgrades beginning August 28th.  The planned renovation of the entire station includes the replacement of the apparatus bay floor, entire kitchen area remodel, wiring, repair of all roof and ceilings on both the first and second floors, and replacement of all flooring. The work is expected to take a total of 10-12 weeks. While the station building is out of commission, Ladder 7 will be relocated to Station 2 and Engine 15 will relocate to Station 19.

New Funding for City of Lakes Community Land Trust

On August 8, Council Member Reich and the other members of the Community Development & Regulatory Services Committee approved $100,000 in Affordable Housing Incentive Fund (AHIF) financial assistance for City of Lakes Community Land Trust (CLCLT). This organization has provided affordable housing for over 200 families since it was formed in 2002.

The Land Trust model guarantees perpetual affordability by buying and holding lots in trust so that they are removed from the for-profit real estate market. The homes on the lots are sold to income-qualified buyers. The buyers also lease the land under the home for a period of 99 years. If or when a property is sold, the initial subsidy investment that was made in it remains with the property so that it continues to be affordable to a new income-qualified buyer. The newest First Ward Community Land Trust property is in the Holland neighborhood on a lot purchased from the city. For more information about City of Lakes Community Land Trust, visit http://www.clclt.org/.