|
At the end of July, a proposal came before the board to raise Commissioner salaries by 49%. While I voted against this proposal, it did advance to the following board meeting. Fortunately, the proposal was withdrawn a week later after hearing from constituents and employees that a 49% raise was not in line with what constituents want to see from their Commissioners.
On Tuesday, August 13th, Commissioner Angela Conley and I introduced an option for Commissioner pay that was based on the shared belief that the Commissioners’ salaries should reflect the historical patterns of compensation received by our employees. As of August 20th, this passed the full board with unanimous support.
Since the beginning of this discussion, I have shared the belief that the compensation for Commissioners should be equitable and reflect the historical patterns of compensation received by our employees. Over the years, Hennepin County has demonstrated a strong commitment to investing in our workforce through regular cost of living increases, recognizing how vital our staff are to the communities they serve.
The newly approved compensation rate for Commissioners will position our salaries at a level that is slightly below what they would have been if Commissioners had received the same cost of living adjustments as all other county employees over the past six years. The graph below shows the recent comparison between Commissioner and employee compensation rates. This decision reflects our ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility and fairness, ensuring that our compensation practices remain consistent with the values of our county.
I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to provide feedback on this matter. Your input has been essential in shaping this policy, and I am proud of the collaborative effort that has led to its adoption. I believe this decision strikes the right balance between recognizing the responsibilities of County Commissioners and maintaining a fair and equitable compensation structure.
For more information, please contact District 7’s Policy Director Ketki Varsha at ketki.varsha@hennepin.us or (612) 559-4221.
With Fall rapidly approaching, here's what you can look forward to in District 7 as far as road projects. Please reach out to our office if you have any questions.
Pavement Preservation Projects
- Dayton River Rd (County Rd 12) in Champlin and Dayton
-
Location: French Lake Road to Brockton Lane (County Rd 13)
- Anticipated Timing: Late September 2024
- County Rd 10 in Corcoran
- Location: County Rd 19 to Walnut Ln
- Anticipated Timing: Week of August 26
- County Road 116 (Pinto Drive) culvert lining
- Location(s): Two locations in Medina and Corcoran
- Anticipated Timing: TBD (1-2 days per location)
Roadway Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Projects
- Maple Grove’s Rush Creek Blvd Extension Project (aka 610 Extension)
- Location: 95th Ave (County Rd 30) to the I-94/TH 610 interchange
- Anticipated Timing: Construction ongoing through 2025
-
Link to Project Website
- County Rd 19 (Baker Park Road) in Loretto and Medina
-
Location: Main Street (County Rd 19) to TH 55
- Anticipated Timing: Construction through early to mid-October 2024
-
Link to Project Website
- County Rd 26 in Minnetrista
-
Location: West County Line to County Rd 110
- Anticipated Timing: September - November 2024
County roads 61 and 130 in Maple Grove
Hennepin County, in coordination with the City of Maple Grove, is preparing to make intersection improvements at Hemlock Lane (County Road 61) and Elm Creek Boulevard (County Road 130) in Maple Grove. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026.
We are in the early stages of engagement and want to hear from you. Our goal is to improve safety and comfort for all people traveling through the intersection.
Take our short project survey
We want to know how about how you move around the intersection now and what you think could improve the experience in the future.
Help us understand your priorities:
Get in touch
Questions, comments or concerns? Let us know 612-596-0569, emily.schulz@hennepin.us
Stay informed
Learn more about the project, potential changes to the intersection and sign up to receive updates at hennepin.us/hemlock-elm-creek
The Hennepin County Youth Activities Grants (HCYAG) program is combining Facility and Playground grant opportunities into one application this fall. This combined grant opportunity will be called the Play Area grant.
-
Play Area grants: awards up to $300,000
-
Equipment grants: awards up to $10,000
Questions? Need technical assistance? Contact Sarah Breyette, Grant Coordinator, at youth.grants@hennepin.us or 612-348-8172.
Hennepin County recently awarded 17 Healthy Tree Canopy grants totaling nearly $434,000. Grant projects will take place in eight cities, on two affordable housing properties, at three schools, and through five nonprofit organizations, including congregations and neighborhood associations.
Grant funding will be used for a variety of activities, including conducting tree inventories, expanding the capacity of city forestry teams, treating and replacing or replanting ash trees, and educating residents on the benefits of trees and engaging them in tree planting efforts. More than 920 trees will be planted or treated through the grant projects.
The grants will improve livability and reduce disparities by planting trees in areas experiencing disproportionate amounts of economic, environmental, and health inequities. The grants will also protect people and increase the county’s resilience to climate change by increasing the benefits that trees provide.
Many of us intend to take action on issues we care about but struggle to figure out which changes or new habits fit into our busy lives. If you’ve ever wanted to reduce the amount of waste you create, the Zero Waste Challenge is a great opportunity to learn more and get personalized help.
Apply to join the challenge
Throughout the eight-month challenge, participating households develop a personalized waste reduction plan, receive one-on-one coaching and support, attend educational workshops, receive waste reduction tips, get access to supplies and educational materials, and connect with other households.
The upcoming Zero Waste Challenge will run from September 2024 through April 2025. You must be a Hennepin County resident to participate. Complete the online application by Saturday, August 31.
Start recycling your food scraps and yard waste into compost—right in your own backyard. About 25 percent what we throw away is organic materials like food, napkins and paper towels that could be put to better use as compost. Hennepin County offers free online webinars to help you get started.
Learn how to set up your compost pile, what materials you can compost, how to get the mix right, and more. There is no charge to sign up, but registration is required.
-
Friday, September 13 from noon to 1 p.m. Virtual on Zoom. Register.
-
Tuesday, September 24 from 7 to 8 p.m. Virtual on Zoom. Register.
The 7th District serves the cities of
Champlin, Corcoran, Dayton, Greenfield, Independence, Loretto, Maple Grove, Maple Plain, Medina, Minnetrista, Southern Mound, Rogers,
St. Bonifacius, Hanover, Northwest Plymouth, and Rockford.
|
Contact us
Kevin Anderson
Commissioner, 7th District
Ketki Varsha
Policy Director
612-559-4221
Clara Severson
District Director
612-596-9040
|
