December 9, 2022 Newsletter

chris latondresse

December 8, 2022

 

Greetings,

 

This week the Hennepin County Board met in our committees for the final meeting of the year. We will meet one more time next week as a full board to finalize our budget and close out the year. It's been a productive year here at the county, and I'm excited to finish the year strong.

 

Additionally, this week I attended and Hennepin County hosted the Association of Minnesota Counties Annual Meeting. It is an annual gathering of county staff and Commissioners from across Minnesota's 87 counties, to build relationships, learn from subject matter experts on topics relevant to county governance, and strategize around shared priorities. More information below.

 

Updates in this week's newsletter:

 

🔌 Edina Library wins an award for electricity reduction

 

🤝 Hennepin County hosts AMC Annual Meeting

 

🤸 Youth Sports playground grants in District 6

 

🏛️ Hennepin County Board censures Sheriff Hutchinson

 

💧 Aquatic Invasive Species grants applications open

🔌 Hennergy Award: Edina Library

Hennergy

Congratulations to the staff at the Edina Library for being recognized as part of the 15th annual Hennergy Awards!

These annual awards recognize staff for their efforts to help the county reach its goal of reducing energy use. This not only saves money but helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with our climate action plan.

Edina Library was recognized this year in the category of best electric savings. Staff at the library, led by Chuck Johnson and Chris LeMay, were able to reduce their energy use by 52% since 2019! Thank you to our top-notch staff who carried out the work to make this District 6 library a leader in our library system.

🤝 Hennepin County hosts AMC Annual Meeting

AMC

Governor Walz addresses the Association of Minnesota Counties

Hennepin County had the honor of hosting the annual meeting of the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) this week, which I attended. AMC is non-partisan organization made up of each of Minnesota's 87 counties, to help counties do their jobs better. AMC also works at the legislature to lobby for policies that are supportive of counties.

This annual event is an opportunity for those of us who serve as elected commissioners and work in county government from all around Minnesota to gather and discuss our shared priorities. It's a moment where we can learn from each other about what's working and what's not working in each of our counties, and what are the issues that we need to speak with one voice on at the state legislature.

In the course of the event, I also had the honor of being elected Vice-Chair of the General Government policy committee. This committee is a place within the organization for commissioners around the state to develop policy positions on issues of taxation, administration, economic development and housing. We know that the voices of counties are stronger when we all speak together, and I intend to use my involvement with this organization to speak up on behalf of residents in Hennepin County and around the state.

🤸 Youth Sports playground grants

Youth Sports Playground

Last month, the board awarded 7 playground grants and 16 small equipment grants as part of the Hennepin Youth Sports Grant program. This brings the total grants awarded in 2022 to 8 grants for athletic facilities, 7 grants for playgrounds, and 25 grants for small equipment.  

Here in District 6, three communities were awarded these grants:

  • Minnetonka Public Schools: $25,000 at Minnetonka Community Education  
  • City of Excelsior: $50,000 at So-Hi Park  
  • Edina Public Schools ISD 273: $25,000 at Countryside Elementary  

Since it began in 2009, Hennepin Youth Sports has awarded more than $28.4 million for facility, small equipment and playground projects, along with water safety lessons. Proceeds from the Twins ballpark sales tax support this program.  

🏛️ Hennepin County Board censures Sheriff Hutchinson

After a thorough investigation into conduct by Sheriff Hutchinson, the Hennepin County Board voted this week to censure the sheriff for violations of the Hennepin County Non-Discrimination and Respectful Workplace Policy. The investigation found that Sherriff Hutchinson had engaged in disrespectful behavior toward staff, including harassment and workplace bullying, and failed to promote a respectful, cooperative work environment. The censure passed unanimously.

See the board action here.

 

💧 Grants available to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species

Local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, institutions, and businesses in Hennepin County can apply now for funding to implement projects that prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Grant funding can be used to address pathways of aquatic invasive species introduction, provide education, promote behavior change, implement early detection and rapid response efforts, and pursue other ideas that prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. 

Review the grant flyer (PDF) for more details. Applications are due by Thursday, January 12, 2023. Learn more and apply. 

For more information, contact Tony Brough at tony.brough@hennepin.us or 612-348-4378. 

AIS grants

📰 News

Hennepin Co. deputies warn about scammers calling residents pretending to be law enforcement

By Bisi Onile-Ere, Fox 9 News

The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about phone calls from individuals pretending to be law enforcement officers demanding money. Tonight, a reminder from authorities: "Cops don't call for cash."

Access the full story here.

Edina Police chief proposes membership in community outreach program

By: Megan Phillips, Sun Current

Edina Police Chief Todd Milburn wants his department to join Hennepin County’s Joint Community Police Partnership.

...

JCPP is “a joint effort between Hennepin County and several law enforcement jurisdictions to enhance communication and understanding between enforcement and communities,” according to the presentation.

Access the full story here.

About District 6

District 6 map

The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners consists of one commissioner from each of seven districts. I am proud to represent Deephaven, north Eden Prairie, Edina, Excelsior, Greenwood, Hopkins, Long Lake, Minnetonka, Minnetonka Beach, northern Mound, Orono, Shorewood, Spring ParkTonka Bay, Wayzata and Woodland.

County information

Chris LaTondresse
Commissioner
6th District
612-348-7886 

Kyle Olson
Policy Director
612-348-3168

hennepin.us

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