Council Member's Message

As Chair of Transportation & Public Works I have worked diligently for several years to address the infrastructure needs of our City, a task that has become evermore pressing as we've seen increasing gaps between those needs and our ability to meet them. The initial step in addressing this situation was a comprehensive needs assessment, followed by an exploration of the best and most innovative techniques for improvement. Once that work was done, it remained to find the resources to fund this essential work. That final piece was put in place through our generational investment in the 20 year $400 million Streets funding plan which allows us to increase improvements above the baseline service level. All of that being done, I'm pleased to announce that our first action of 2017, with several to follow, is the upcoming Concrete Streets Rehabilitation project in the Waite Park neighborhood.

This project will undertake the repair and resurfacing of concrete streets that were originally constructed in the mid-1960s. This is work that has been a priority for me for some time and that will significantly improve the functionality of these streets for a variety of users and augment the livability of the neighborhood.

As background, approximately 160 of the City’s 1100 miles of streets are constructed of Portland cement concrete. This was a new type of infrastructure in the 1960s and concrete streets were touted to have a much longer lifespan than asphalt streets. However, the tried and true techniques that have been long developed for asphalt street repair are not appropriate for concrete streets, so Public Works has needed to develop special methods for extending their functionality. To that end, the streets around Cavell Park were the subject of a concrete rehabilitation pilot project in 2013. The success of that pilot has made it possible to now undertake extensive work on the Waite Park neighborhood’s network of concrete streets. To put this in perspective, 6 miles worth of work will be done in the Waite Park neighborhood this year, which is double what has been done on concrete streets across the whole city in past years.

The infrastructure that enables people to live, work and play in our City and enhances the livability of our neighborhoods is a core responsibility of municipal government. We've put all the pieces in place and now it's Go Time in the First Ward!

Northern Metal Lawsuit Update & Public Meeting

The City of Minneapolis and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) will be hosting a meeting to discuss recent developments regarding air pollution and Northern Metal Recycling. The City, MPCA and Northern Metal are close to reaching a settlement. Part of the settlement includes Northern Metal setting aside a sum of money to be used for remedying the effects of the company's excess air pollution. This meeting offers Ward 1 and Ward 3 residents an opportunity for input on how best to use this part of the settlement. At the meeting, MPCA officials will give a summary regarding the possible settlement and Minneapolis Health Department staff will give a presentation on environmental public health concerns in the area.

Ward 1 & Ward 3 Northern Metal Listening Session
Wednesday, January 18, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
East Side Neighborhood Services, 1700 Second Street NE

Child care will be available. Please call Leslie at 612-673-3544 if you would like child care so she has an idea of numbers.

Pollution Bills Now Reflect Impact

Pollution control bills going out now to businesses are simpler and more in line with costs since the City changed its pollution control fee structure. The new structure eliminates fees for many small businesses across Minneapolis, and it charges businesses more when they pollute more.

The City charges businesses pollution impact fees for equipment or operations that affect or could affect the environment in Minneapolis. The fees pay for environmental work on polluted indoor and outdoor air, groundwater and surface waters, and land.

In an urban environment, the cost of pollution to public health can be five times greater than in outstate areas. Built into the fee restructure are exemptions for businesses actively working to reduce their pollution impacts. Businesses can avoid paying fees for two to 10 years by reducing their pollution emissions between 10 and 40 percent.

The City restructured the fees to align payment more with the services provided, promote technologies that reduce pollution, and make it more attractive to change outdated practices and eliminate hazards.

Resolution Opposing a National Registry

At the last full Council meeting of 2016, Council Member Reich moved a resolution opposing the creation of a national registry or surveillance based on ethnicity, national origin or religious affiliation. This resolution follows other recent City resolutions expressing solidarity with all people of Minneapolis and solidarity with the Muslim community.

Ward 1 residents Corein Brown and Mark Turbak initially brought the request for this resolution to Council Member Reich and they crafted much of the language. When Brown addressed the Council at the resolution presentation, she commented that "the majority of our newly immigrated countrymen and women did not come to the United States because they wanted to immigrate rather, they came here out of necessity, out of fear, and out of loss. Whether they remain here and become citizens or eventually are able to return home, at this time it is our responsibility to ensure that they are well cared for and that we do not add to the increase of fear and pain with unconstitutional measures like surveillance or registry."

Shovel Your Sidewalks In Winter

Sidewalks are a critical part of Minneapolis' transportation system and keeping our sidewalks free of ice and snow is 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 property owners to clear sidewalks within 24 hours after a snowfall for houses and duplexes and four daytime hours for all other properties. Failure to shovel your walk could lead to a ticket plus the cost of crews shoveling it.

You can report an unshoveled or icy sidewalk by calling 311 or making an online report at http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/snow/shovel/snow_snow.

The City makes free sand available to residents for sanding sidewalks and walkways. Eastside residents can pick up free sand 24 hours a day at the Street Maintenance Facility at 1809 Washington (sand is at the 18th & Jefferson side of property). Don't forget to bring a pail and shovel.

Upcoming Ward 1 Public Works Meetings

Pre-Assessment Public Hearing Meeting for 18th Ave NE Reconstruction
Tuesday, January 10, 6:30 p.m., Parker Skyview Highrise Community Room, 1815 Central Avenue NE

In 2017, the City of Minneapolis is preparing to reconstruct 18th Ave NE between Monroe St NE and Johnson St NE for a total of 0.75 miles. The project will include new pavement, with new pavement, curb and gutter, sidewalks and utility work as needed. This pre-assessment public hearing meeting will provide information on how assessments are calculated, and when and how they would be collected.

Public Open House for Waite Park Concrete Rehabilitation Project
Wednesday, January 11, 6:30 p.m., Waite Park Recreation Center, 1810 - 34th Avenue NE
In 2017, the City of Minneapolis will be rehabilitating certain concrete streets within areas of the Waite Park neighborhood. Representatives of Public Works will be present to answer questions and take comments during the open house.

Minneapolis Television Network (MTN) Seeking Board Members

Board member applicants are needed for the Minneapolis Telecommunications Network (MTN). MTN operates the public access channels for the City of Minneapolis on Comcast’s and CenturyLink’s cable communications systems. The network maintains and operates production studios; it also provides access to video training and equipment for Minneapolis residents. MTN’s mission is to operate a media center that helps residents develop skills to increase the social, civic, and economic equity, and freedom of expression in our community via the transformative art of creating and broadcasting media.

MTN is located in the Thorp Building, 1620 Central Avenue NE. Board members participate in regular board meetings and serve on at least one committee. Applications will be accepted until the open position is filled. The application review process will begin Feb. 3. Find more information or apply here.

Now Accepting STEP-UP Summer Youth Employment Applications

The City of Minneapolis youth employment program STEP-UP has begun accepting applications for 2017 summer internship placements. Eligible Minneapolis residents ages 14-21 who are interested in participating in the 2017 STEP-UP class have until Feb. 10 to complete an application online.

STEP-UP is one of the country’s premiere youth employment programs, serving Minneapolis youths who face some of the greatest barriers to employment. In addition to summer jobs with more than 230 top Twin Cities companies, nonprofits and public agencies, STEP-UP offers work readiness training, advanced-level internships and industry-specific career opportunities that help interns integrate their career exposure with post-secondary education and career planning.

Businesses, public agencies and nonprofits interested in employing interns in 2017 can find information on the City of Minneapolis STEP-UP website. STEP-UP is a City of Minneapolis program in partnership with AchieveMpls. Other partners include Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, and Project for Pride in Living.

To learn more about STEP-UP or apply online, visit the City of Minneapolis website. You can also follow STEP-UP on Twitter @STEPUPMpls or like it on Facebook.

Save The Date

Edison Winter Band ConcertKids Tech: Create A Happy City

Wednesday, Jan. 18, 7 p.m., Edison High School Auditorium, 700 - 22nd Avenue NE.

Kids Tech: Create A Happy City
Saturday, Jan. 21, 2 - 3 p.m., Northeast Library, 2200 Central Avenue NE. Opportunity for kids to build a model city and light it with LEDs and batteries, with assistance from Minneapolis Central Library's Teen Tech Squad members. For further information and to register, visit https://hclib.bibliocommons.com/events/search/fq=branch_location_id:(NE)/event/581b7e8a69fa6d0100c3ca1f or call 612-543-5669.

A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls
Tuesdays, Jan. 24 - March 14, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m., East Side Neighborhood Services, 1700 - 2nd St NE. Learn how to make changes to reduce falls, perform exercises to improve strength and balance, and set goals to increase physical activity. To register, call 612-787-4045 or email eva@esns.org.