Hennepin County was made aware that the
Minneapolis Police were requesting medical personnel to administer the drug
Ketamine to sedate individuals by a StarTribune article published on June
15. Not
only were some individuals administered the drug, but they were also enrolled
in a study on the drug by Hennepin Healthcare without prior consent. On May 18, Minneapolis police Commander Todd Sauvageau
issued a departmental order saying that officers “shall never suggest or demand
EMS Personnel ‘sedated’ a subject. On June 26, the Hennepin County board
questioned Hennepin Healthcare Chief Medical Officer Dr. William Heegaard over
ethical concerns with the Ketamine study.
Hennepin Healthcare has since halted all studies related to the drug
Ketamine
and will be looking into better ways to be
more transparent with the community in their future studies. Hennepin County is working on healing the broken trust between medical professionals and the community. "This can't just be oil on water to calm things down. That's not what this is about," said Commissioner McLaughlin. "This is about creating new protocols, new approaches that need to be taken."
On May 29th, the Minneapolis Public
Housing Authority broke ground on the first new public housing unit built in
Minneapolis since 2010. When they open
in 2019, these 16 townhomes will be dedicated to families experiencing persistent
homelessness. The four buildings will revitalize
this long-vacant site, donated by the City of Minneapolis. The development
includes four two-bedroom and 12 three-bedroom units, along with a playground,
ample green space, community patio, storm-water management, and connections to
the city sidewalk and trail system. Four units will be permanent supportive
housing, reserved for families experiencing long-term homelessness. At a cost
of approximately $5 million, the Minnehaha Townhomes will represent the
financial contributions of MPHA, Minnesota Housing, the City of Minneapolis,
Hennepin County, the Met Council, and Federal Home Loan Bank. They will also
embody the culmination of years of work and collaboration with design,
construction, and neighborhood partners
On Wednesday, June 13, the Cedar Riverside
Opportunity Center hosted a job fair for local residents. The job fair was held at the Brian Coyle
Community Center in conjunction with an Iftar evening meal marking the end of
Ramadan. Commissioner McLaughlin and
Minneapolis City Council Member Abdi Warsame joined 57 candidates that signed up
for Metro Transit Operator training along with community members that came
together to break the Ramadan fast. "We all
stand united by the immigrants that have made our region economically and
culturally complete, and their achievements strengthen our communities and our
region," said Commissioner McLaughlin. "For our part, it is on us to
lift up our immigrant neighbors and support their success." Council Member Warsame and Opportunity Center
Director of Workforce Mohamed Ali noted Commissioner McLaughlin's efforts to
recruit robust regional employers like Metro Transit to the Opportunity Center. "Commissioner McLaughlin has offered
courageous and constant leadership to bring equity and opportunity to all
people of Minneapolis," said Ali. The Opportunity Center has supported
nearly 1,000 individuals since March 2017, placing over 600 in jobs. Goals for
the remainder of the year include increased focus on youth engagement and
employment.
Hennepin County is hosting free movie nights this summer at Target Field Station in partnership with the Minneapolis downtown council and the Minnesota Twins. Residents can bring a lawn chair or blankets, find a spot on the grass outside the ballpark and watch movies on the video board. The digital screen at Target Field Station allows for movies to be shown in crisp quality and before dusk, making the events ideal for all ages. All movies begin Thursdays at 7pm.
Movie Showtimes:
- July 13: Inside Out
- August 10: Finding Dory
- August 24: Free Willy
The final community meeting about the Southeast Library renovation will be held on Wednesday, July 25, 6-8 p.m. at the library. Join library staff and project architects for an open house-style event to learn more about the project and preview updated design renderings and floor plans for the renovated library. The Southeast Library renovation will increase patron access to library services, including collaborative study spaces, quiet seating, flexible meeting spaces and an area for youth and families. The Southeast Library is located at 1222 4th Street SE.
You're invited. In addition to our regularly scheduled board meetings, the County Board often meets for updates on Thursday mornings. These are informal opportunities to discuss emerging issues. No decisions are made, and topics are subject to change. Board briefings occur in the board room on the 24th floor of the Hennepin County Government Center and are open to the public.
Thursday, July 12:
- 9:30am-11:30am: Economic Development/Recycling Ordinance
Thursday, July 26:
- 9:30am-11:30am: Ditch System obligations and program approach
Contact us
Peter McLaughlin
Commissioner, 4th District
612-348-7884
Brian Shekleton
Principal Aide
612-348-5204
Dorothy Rucker
Scheduling
612-348-3204
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