March Newsletter: Hennepin Commissioner Debbie Goettel

commissioner goettel

Justice for George Floyd

Derek Chauvin's trial begins on Monday. It will be just one more step in a long path that we're walking together. I pray that we will have the justice this county needs. To that end, Hennepin County is making adjustments to our services that will ensure access for county residents and safety for everyone working at the courthouse. You can read more about that below.

Sincerely,

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Commissioner Debbie Goettel

 

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Chauvin Trial: Hennepin service adjustments

Hennepin County

 

Starting Monday, March 1, some additional county services will be temporarily relocating from the Hennepin County Government Center in preparation for the Chauvin trial. Hennepin County’s role in the trial is to ensure that the Fourth Judicial District Court can conduct business in a safe and effective manner. To do that, it is necessary to restrict access to the Government Center to court-related services and implement additional security measures inside and outside the building

Access to the Government Center will be restricted to the operations of District Court for the duration of the trial.  The Government Center Parking Ramp will also be closed to the public. Confirm current service hours and locations at hennepin.us. Google location pages may not be up to date.

 

For a full list of service adjustments, see our recent post here.

 

Services temporarily relocating

 

Domestic Abuse Service Center

On March 1, the provisional remote services access room in the Government Center—LL0720—will close. To access remote services, including advocacy, orders for protection, and safety planning, call 612-348-5073.

Law library

Beginning March 1, curbside pickup will be suspended, book drop will be unavailable (no late fees will accrue), and all due dates will be extended. Law library staff will continue to be available by phone (612-348-2903) and email (law.library@hennepin.us). Visit hclawlib.org for details.

Licenses, certificates and permits

View service options. Services are available online, by mail, by fax and in person at other locations. Appointments may be booked out far in advance. Avoid the wait by using online service options when possible.   

Plats

View service options. Beginning March 2, plat signing will relocate from the Government Center.

Probation

Beginning March 1, many probation services in the Government Center will relocate. Probation clients: contact your probation officer before any appointments scheduled at the Government Center. If you do not have your probation officer's contact information, email POConnect@hennepin.us. If your probation officer directs you to the Government Center, allow for extra time due to increased security measures and limited parking.  

Property taxes

View service options. Make it easy and convenient by using online payment methods. Conventional payment methods are also available.

Sheriff’s Office

To access Sheriff’s Office services in City Hall, use the entrance on 4th Street.

COVID-19 vaccine information

Vaccine

 

COVID-19 Vaccination Updates 

Each week, the MN Dept of Health allocates COVID-19 vaccine doses to local public health agencies, including Hennepin County Public Health. Learn about Hennepin County’s role in vaccination and sign up to receive weekly data via email or text. 

 

Vaccine Connector Tool 

Minnesota recently launched the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector, a tool that helps all Minnesotans find out when, where, and how to get their COVID-19 vaccine. The Vaccine Connector is the next step of the state’s vaccination strategy to meet Minnesotans where they are and connect them to vaccine opportunities, no matter where they live or their personal circumstances. 

Learn more and register yourself on the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector.

 

Vaccine FAQ 

Q: Are there any side effects from getting the COVID-19 vaccine? 

A: The most common side effects are fatigue, headache, and muscle aches—most likely to occur within one or two days. Side effects are expected and are a sign that your immune system is working. Serious side effects are very rare. 

Climate Action Plan draft available for review

Climate action plan

 

Hennepin County has released a draft of our first Climate Action Plan (PDF). Feedback on the plan is being gathered through Wednesday, March 3. 

Review the plan and share your comments through the online feedback form 

County staff will summarize the feedback and make final edits to the plan in March. The board will take up formal adoption of the plan, which will include a final public comment process, in April. 

Learn more about the development of the Climate Action Plan at hennepin.us/climateaction, and sign up to receive email updates about the county’s climate action plan. 

35W/494 Interchange Update

35W

 

35W and 494 are slated for big improvements. Hennepin County and our regional partners been making progress towards securing the full funding of projects that will ease congestion and make one of Minnesota's busiest corridors safer for drivers. Construction is on-track to begin in 2023.

Gardening Guide 2021

garden

 

You're not dreaming. There's 50+ degree weather in the forecast, and it's time to start getting your garden kicked into gear!

The Upper Midwest home gardening calendar shows recommended timing for everything you need to do to grow great flower and vegetable gardens in Minnesota.

Check the Master Gardener Seed Trial recommendations each year for newly tested varieties of flowers and vegetables that grow well in Minnesota gardens.

For other questions and tips, visit the University of Minnesota's website for planting and growing guides.

 

Construction Kickoff Map

GIS

 

Even though winter is not officially behind us, residents will see crews working on various county roads starting this month. Much of the March work will be preliminary activities, such as removing trees for major construction projects. And crews will begin spring maintenance activities like filling potholes and sweeping roads.  

To help residents get a clearer picture of major projects and activities that will be happening throughout the year, Public Works has developed an online map that allows you to zero in on projects in each district. The map is categorized so you can focus on the types of projects that most interest you. As noted in the map, these projects and activities are subject to change. Click here to check it out for yourself now.

CARES Act spending

 

Under the CARES Act, Hennepin County has received federal funding from the Coronavirus Relief Fund. We have closely monitored each update to U.S. Treasury Guidance and FAQs in order to use the Fund for eligible expenses.

Here's a summary of how we've used that money to support our community during the pandemic:

CARES spending

Hennepin County Library

Library

 

Six currently closed libraries are scheduled to reopen for Grab and Go service in March. With Grab and Go you can:  

  • Pick up holds 
  • Check out and return materials 
  • Get a library card 
  • Browse most materials  
  • Use a computer (assistance unavailable, 1-hour daily maximum, appointments recommended) 

Meeting rooms, study rooms, children’s play areas, and lounges remain closed. 

For up-to-date information on current services, locations, and hours, visit hclib.org/currentservices. 

Hennepin History Museum

Local Heroes

 

Watch Kare 11's story on the opening of "Local Heroes".

 

Follow Hennepin History Museum

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Become a supporter

Road construction

Skip the traffic jams and sign up for updates on the projects impacting your commute.

You can visit the Hennepin County website for updates on road maintenance projects and all other road construction.

Constituent services | Emergency Help

Housing crises, energy assistance, child protection, emergency situations; we are here to advocate for you when it comes to navigating local and county services, and we want to help. Please call our office at 612-348-7885 with any questions or for assistance.

You can also follow these direct links for:

Contact our office

Commissioner Debbie Goettel
Hennepin County District 5
Bloomington | Eden Prairie | Richfield
612-348-7885 | debbie.goettel@hennepin.us

Casey Meinhardt
Principal Aide
612-596-7078  | casey.meinhardt@hennepin.us

Michael Ohama
Policy Director
612-348-7885 | michael.ohama@hennepin.us

hennepin.us

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