County board actions: Grant to preserve natural areas, public hearing on proposed revisions to recycling ordinance and more.

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county board actions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Carolyn Marinan, Communications, 612-348-5969

The board accepted a grant to permanently preserve natural areas, set a public hearing on proposed revisions to the county's recycling ordinance and more.

$1.5 million grant will preserve natural habitat

The board accepted a grant from the State of Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Fund to permanently preserve some of the county’s most unique and important natural areas. The project has been awarded $1.5 million to expand conservation easement acquisition and habitat restoration activities in the county. The Minnesota Land Trust, a nonprofit conservation organization that protects natural and scenic land, is the county’s land protection partner in this project.

A conservation easement is a set of development restrictions that a landowner voluntarily places on their property to permanently protect its natural resources. The landowner retains ownership of the land and continues to pay property taxes.

Fully protected and restored natural areas benefit county residents by facilitating groundwater recharge, aiding in stormwater management and flood control, protecting and improving air and water quality, providing wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities, and increasing the value of neighboring properties.

Learn more about this action.

Staff and community donate $50,000 to support people in crisis

The board received an annual report from the Special Gift Fund, which received more than $50,000 in donations from county employees and the community in 2017. Donations provide financial assistance to Human Services and Public Health clients facing an emergency or special need. Last year, more than 110 people received grants to support physical and mental health, housing and other basic needs. The fund also supported transportation needs, contributed to the county's Backpack Challenge school supplies drive and provided reading glasses for people experiencing homelessness.

Read the full report.

Public hearing set for revisions to recycling ordinance

The board set a public hearing for Tuesday, October 2, at 1:30 p.m. to receive testimony from the public on proposed revisions to the county's recycling ordinance. A final draft of the revised ordinance will be posted online no later than September 17 for the public to review prior to the public hearing.

Key provisions being considered include:

  • Requirements for businesses that generate large quantities of food waste to implement food recycling by 2020
  • Requirements for cities to offer curbside organics recycling service to residents by 2022
  • Updates to the multifamily recycling requirements to add service level standards and education and labeling requirements
  • Requirements for businesses to meet state recycling requirements, service level standards, and labeling requirements

Read the board action.

See a summary of the proposed revisions and findings of previous public engagement efforts.

Sign up to receive e-notices at each stage of the revision process.

Resource fair will raise awareness on domestic violence in immigrant communities

The board approved an action that will allow the Hennepin County Fourth Judicial District to host a resource fair on domestic violence and immigration October 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Government Center skyway. Several community organizations will provide information about resources for victims of domestic violence, particularly in immigrant communities. 

Read more about the resource fair.

$2 million in transportation safety projects will respond to community concerns

Hennepin County is investing $2 million to address transportation safety concerns voiced by residents of urban, suburban and rural communities across the county. On Thursday, the board approved various agreements to deliver these improvements.

Read the full news release.

Board appoints member to Human Resources Board

The board appointed Kay Schroven to the Human Resources Board.

Read more about this action.

Budget hearing calendar

Below is a schedule of public hearings for adoption of the county's 2019 budget and levy. 

County administrator presents proposed 2019 budget to board

Tuesday, September 18, 1:30 p.m.

Operations/Library

Thursday, October 4, 1 – 4:00 p.m.

Human Services

Thursday, October 18, 1 – 4:00 p.m.

Capital Budgeting Task Force and fees 

If needed, public hearing for transportation sales tax projects 

Thursday, November 1, 9 a.m. – noon

Health

Thursday, November 8, 9:00 a.m. – noon

Public Safety

Tuesday, November 20,  9:00 a.m. – noon

Public Works

Tuesday, November 20, 1 – 4:00 p.m.

Truth-in-Taxation public meeting

 Tuesday, November 27, 6:00 p.m.

 Administrator and commissioner amendments

 Thursday, November 29, 1 – 4:00 p.m.

 Wednesday, December 5, 1 – 4:00 p.m.

 Board vote on 2019 budget and levy

 Tuesday, December 11, 1:30 p.m.

Current and archival board meetings, agendas and minutes are available at hennepin.us/boardmeetings.

Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at hennepin.us/news.

Discover how we're making a difference in our communities at hennepin.us/stories.