Council Member's Message

I’m pleased to share news about two important reports that were released in June: the Clean Energy Partnership report and the 2015 Creative Vitality Index.

The Minneapolis Clean Energy Partnership was established in 2015 as a first-of-its-kind City-utility partnership between the City of Minneapolis, Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy. I and the other Clean Energy Partnership board members are charged with collaborating on strategies to help our city achieve the clean energy goals outlined in the City’s 2013 Climate Action Plan and Energy Vision for 2040. The Clean Energy Partnership’s inaugural report details highlights of its first year and the specifics of its two year work plan.

Much of the first year was dedicated to getting the Energy Vision Advisory Committee in place, as well as developing a work plan and metrics. During the course of this first year, rooftop solar installations in the City were up by 40% over the previous year and Home Energy Squad visits were increased by 68 % (see the story below for more information about receiving a free visit). Click HERE to read the two-year work plan.

The 2015 Creative Vitality Index report was also released in June. The findings showed that creative jobs have grown by 10.4 percent, outpacing overall job growth in the Minneapolis economy and the City retains its spot as the sixth highest metro index in the U.S., topping many larger municipalities. Our creative industries represented more than $4.5 billion in sales, a whopping number by any standard.

The 2015 Index included demographic data for the first time, offering some interesting insights into the makeup of our creative economy. For example, analysis found that a slightly higher percentage of women work in creative occupations in Minneapolis, than in the rest of the Metro and the country as a whole, while a lower percentage of people of color are represented in our local creative economy. The data also showed that the average creative worker has a lower hourly wage than other Minneapolis and metro workers. Click HERE to read the entire report.

Visit Water Bar for Open Studio Nights This Summer

A bar that only serves free tap water? It sounds like a joke, but it's a real thing, and it's open now in the Holland neighborhood. This new art and community space at 2516 Central Avenue offers visitors free tasting flights of local tap waters. The bartenders - scientists, artists, and community activists - help to teach visitors about where their water comes from and what they can do to protect water resources in Minneapolis and beyond.

This summer, Water Bar & Public Studio will be open every Monday night from 5 - 10PM for "Open Studio" art-making nights. Visitors can try their hand at screen printing and other art activities, or just hang out sipping water! Water Bar is also open Saturdays from 10-4PM and for special events. You can see a calendar at water-bar.org

Are you looking for volunteer opportunities? Water Bar is currently seeking volunteers of all ages and abilities to join them as Water Bar "water tenders" at the new space, and at pop-ups around Minneapolis - serving water and information to visitors. Other volunteer jobs include studio assistant and social media intern. You can contact Water Bar& Public Studio on Facebook or by email on the website water-bar.org

Waite Park School Patrol Supervisor Extraordinaire Steve Holm Retires

Just about every elementary school has a school patrol to assist students with street crossing before and after school. But for the past 23 years, under the direction of Fourth Grade teacher Steve Holm, Waite Park School has taken school patrol to a level of professionalism rarely seen.

Holm says Kindergarteners and First Graders routinely come up to him to tell him they plan to be patrols when they get to Fourth and Fifth Grade. When they do, they'll have to go through an application process, including a staff review, for one of the thirty elite positions. After the patrols are selected, they go through several trainings during the year. Young people who want to be Patrol Captains face even more rigorous selection and training, including attending a safety training camp at Legionville School Patrol Safety Training Center in Burnsville.

The hard work of being on the Waite Park Patrol has its perks also. The members get rewarded with four fieldtrips over the course of the year, including a visit to Valley Fair and a laser tag/bowling/pizza outing.

These young people take their jobs seriously. A few years ago they contacted Council Member Reich and asked for a meeting to discuss traffic and safety issues at the intersection of 34th and Johnson Street NE. After explaining their concerns and discussing various traffic calming options, it was decided to install curb bump outs at the corners. Holm said that this design feature, which allows patrol flags to extend out into the traffic lane, has reduced his patrols' reports of safety concerns significantly.

Steve Holm just retired from supervising the school patrol, although he'll continue teaching Fourth Grade.

National Night Out is August 2

National Night Out is an annual nationwide event that encourages residents to get out in the community, holding block parties and getting to know their neighbors as a way to encourage crime prevention. It's a great way to promote community-police partnerships and enjoy a Minnesota summer evening surrounded by friends and family. For more information, see the Minneapolis NNO mission statement.

If you are hosting a National Night Out event, you can also apply to close the street for it. Registering your NNO event and applying to close your street/alley is a single online process. Apply to register your event or to register your NNO event and apply for a block event permit to close down your street/alley. Note: Not every street can be blocked off depending on the traffic flow. Generally, bus routes and high traffic streets cannot be used for block events.

You will need permission of 75% of your neighbors to be approved for street closure —keep their names and addresses handy in the event your permit application needs to be reviewed. If you register by July 19 you can block your street for free. If you register from July 20 through July 27, there is a $100 fee. You will not be able to block off your street if registering after July 27.

It is free to participate in National Night Out. When you register your event, you will get free Mystery Point Passes for Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America.Registration also places you on the official list of NNO events that gets distributed to police and other departments. However, there’s no guarantee police will be able to visit your event.

Shoreham Yards Community Conversation: Wednesday, July 13

Join your neighbors for a community conversation about Shoreham Yards and an activity center concept that features a velodrome, retail and multi-purpose space. This meeting is co-hosted by Columbia Park Neighborhood Association and Shoreham Area Advisory Committee.

Wednesday, July 13, 6:30 p.m.
Columbia Manor
3300 Central Avenue NE

Free Home Energy Squad Visits

For a limited time, the City of Minneapolis is offering free Home Energy Squad visits for income-qualified residents, including renters.All Minneapolis residents are eligible for a $70 home visit, but to qualify for a FREE visit and 0% financing for recommended upgrades, your home must have an income of less than $48,100 for one person, $54,950 for two people, $61,850 for three people, or up to $90,650 for eight people.

During a Home Energy Squad visit, a team of energy experts evaluates energy saving opportunities in your home and installs free materials to help you start saving on the spot -- including door weather stripping, a water heater blanket, high-efficiency light bulbs and water fixtures, and a programmable thermostat. Your visit may also include: a test to measure your home for air leaks; an insulation inspection using an infrared camera; a safety check of your home’s heating system and water heater; and an “energy fitness plan” with a list of energy-saving priorities and financing information.

If the Home Energy Squad recommends insulation or air sealing, income-qualified residents will also get special access to 0% financing to complete that work, and all participants will receive a personalized quote and opportunity to schedule the work with a qualified contractor. This is a limited-time offer, so don’t wait to schedule your visit! Call Beth today at 612-335-5874 or visit mncee.org/hes-mpls

Share the River Nordeast - Free Canoe Rides & Ice Cream, July 13

Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO)is hosting an evening of community, canoeing and ice cream on Wednesday, July 15, 5 - 8 p.m. at Stormwater Park and Learning Center, 2511 Marshall Avenue NE. Stop by for a free introductory canoe ride on the Mississippi River, then grab some free ice cream and check out the other exhibits indoors and outdoors at Stormwater Park and Learning Center.

This family-friendly event is great for kids and adults of all ages (participants must weigh at least 30 pounds). In addition to learning to paddle on the river, participants will also have opportunities to learn about the Mississippi River's history, water quality, plants, animals and more. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/492672967607694/ for more information.