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In North Dakota, Energy Transfer Partners wants to build a
pipeline under the Missouri River which is the source of the Standing Rock
Nations drinking water. To date, construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline
(DAPL) has already lead to the deliberate destruction of sacred places and
burial sites. Original plans had the pipeline crossing the Missouri River
just north of Bismarck. Residents of the city would not agree to the
pipeline citing that it puts their water supply in danger. Officials
planned to move the pipeline to what they designated a “low consequence area”,
just north of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, endangering the water supply
of the tribe and 18 million other people south of there.
Since April, a growing number of unarmed protestors and Water
Protectors have been camped near Cannon Ball, ND. This gathering has become a
historic event, being the first time in over 100 years that the Seven Councils
of the Sioux Nation have come together, along with over 300 other tribal
nations. With little coverage coming from mainstream media, the Water
Protectors have relied on Indigenous and Social Media to spread awareness of
their fight to stop the pipeline. As confrontations with law enforcement
have become increasingly violent, livestream video showing constitutional,
human and civil rights violations has recently led to mainstream media providing
coverage from the largest camp on site, the Oceti Sakowin, the Seven Council
Fires.
On September 2nd, by unanimous vote the
Minneapolis City Council and Mayor passed a resolution “Expressing
solidarity with Indigenous resistance to the Dakota Access Pipeline”. To
date 29 cities across the country have provided resolutions supporting the
Tribe, including Los Angeles and New York City.
As of Sunday, December 4th, the ACOE has stated
they will not approve the easement DAPL needs to drill under the river and is
requiring a full Environmental Impact Statement be completed. Energy
Transfer Partners has since responded that they intend to complete the project
as planned.
For more information: http://standwithstandingrock.net/oceti-sakowin/
The 2017-2019 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Action
Plan is a city-wide comprehensive policy document with identified strategies to
remove physical, communication and program barriers.
On November 28, the Minneapolis City Council approved
the plan. It outlines the City’s policies and procedures for inclusion of
people with disabilities. The plan is structured to meet administrative and
legal requirements set by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
In 2015, the Neighborhood and Community Relations
(NCR) Department elected to pro-actively conduct an evaluation of programs and
services. At the same time, Finance and Property Services began an ADA
assessment of city-owned and leased buildings. In 2012, Public Works evaluated
City owned public right of ways, sidewalks and curbs. The culmination of NCR,
Property Services, and Public Works assessments lead to the development of a
comprehensive and updated ADA Action Plan.
The City originally adopted a city-wide ADA Transition Plan in
1993. With the passage of the ADA in 1990, state and local government agencies were mandated to
conduct self-evaluations to identify deficiencies and barriers for people with
disabilities. At the time, the City’s ADA Transition Plan outlined policies and
strategies for modification and removal of physical barriers.
On Monday, November 28th, the Neighborhood and Community
Relations Department presented key findings from the department’s 2016
diversity survey on the City’s appointed boards and commissions and
neighborhood boards, to the Health, Environment and Community Engagement
Committee of the City Council.
NCR has worked in partnership with the City Clerk’s
Office, City Council and City departments since 2009, to increase diversity on
these boards and commissions. Given the City’s goal - One Minneapolis: Disparities are eliminated so all Minneapolis
residents can participate and prosper - this work is imperative to
achieving goal.
The full diversity survey report for the
City’s boards and commissions can be found here,
and the neighborhood board report can be found here.
The City of Minneapolis and neighborhood organizations are
seeking to help the estimated 2,500 to 4,000 renters who may be affected by the
City’s move to revoke
the 62 rental licenses of Stephen Frenz, one of the city’s biggest landlords.
The City of Minneapolis Regulatory Services Division reached
out to Neighborhoods and Neighborhood and Community Relations for assistance
reaching residents affected by the process taking place.
The City held two informational meetings in November that
were attended by over 50 people. Interpretation
services were provided in Spanish and Somali and a frequently asked questions
worksheet was created and translated into Spanish, Somali and Hmong.
The Prospect Park
Association (PPA) sent a team of volunteers to door-knock affected neighborhood
rental properties with information about the license revocation process. Volunteers referred renters with more
detailed question to HOME Line and to
Legal Aid. Other neighborhood groups are
working with the Minneapolis Renters
Coalition on similar efforts.
Neighborhoods have expressed appreciation to Regulatory
Services for contacting them early in the process. More neighborhood
door-knocks are planned for the future.
The City of Minneapolis is addressing discrimination in
businesses through education, extensive investigation and enforcement. All
people have the right to receive service, free from discrimination, from any
business that obtains or solicits customers from the general public.
Minneapolis bans discrimination in public accommodations based on race, color,
creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender
identity, disability, marital status, and status regarding public assistance.
Public accommodations are establishments that provide
goods and services to the general public; these include taxicab and on-demand
ride services; restaurants, bars and food vendors; theaters; hotels; health and
fitness clubs; hospitals; libraries; gas stations and retail stores.
“No one in Minneapolis or anywhere in this country
should ever be discriminated against simply for being who they are,” said Mayor
Betsy Hodges. “Any act of discrimination is beyond unacceptable — it is a
violation of our standards of humanity and decency.”
“In the City’s most recent resident survey, 13 percent
of respondents indicated they had been discriminated against while getting
service in a restaurant or store,” said Council Member Abdi Warsame. “Now the
City will not only investigate and enforce antidiscrimination laws but also go
out and educate businesses about their rights and obligations. We will also
educate customers about prohibited behaviors and recourse they can take.”
City staff will hold listening sessions to educate the community at large about protections against discrimination.
Members of the community can also learn about their legal right to file a
complaint of discrimination. Check www.minneapolismn.gov/civilrights
or call 311 for more information.
The City plans to hold sessions for Minneapolis business
owners and employees in January.
The investigations include using “testers” with diverse
racial, gender, sexual orientation and economic backgrounds who also represent
people with disabilities to act as patrons and document the treatment they
receive.
Businesses that do not cease discriminatory practices are
subject to fines, damages and penalties; prolonged monitoring and ultimately
license revocation.
Discrimination in public accommodations adversely
affects the health, welfare, peace and safety of the community. Discriminatory
practices degrade individuals and foster intolerance and hate, thereby injuring
the public welfare.
Find out what Minneapolis is doing to investigate and
stop discrimination here.
 City Council Appointee
Term: 1st
Ward: 8
Neighborhood: Lyndale
Sub-committees: City Department Engagement Committee, Community Innovation Fund Committee, Community Connections Conference Committee, Community Forums Task Force and the Grievance Committee.
How long have you been active in your community and what made you get involved in community work?
I’ve only lived in Minneapolis since early 2014, so I haven’t been involved for that long. But, since moving here I’ve come to love the city and my neighborhood, and I wanted to find ways to participate and support the amazing work the city, neighborhoods, and other organizations are doing.
What do you like most about your neighborhood or community?
I live in Lyndale, and I particularly enjoy how dynamic and diverse the neighborhood is. People from all walks of life, homeowners, renters, families, young adults. I love driving through the neighborhood and seeing people out enjoying their community. Walking their dogs, kids playing outside, etc.
Are there other boards and committees you are or have been on?
The Neighborhood and Community Engagement Commission is the first board or commission I’ve participated on.
Do you have any tips for residents interested in running for neighborhood boards and/or City boards and commissions?
My biggest tip is just start browsing the City of Minneapolis Boards and Commissions website! Take a look at all the amazing work going on in the city and see if any of it jumps out at you. Then look for ways to get involved. Attend a meeting, submit an application for a position, or contact a current board member or commissioner.
Anything else you’d like to share about yourself? (include a short Bio if you’d like)
I’m a 28 year old woman currently living in the Lyndale neighborhood of Minneapolis. I grew up in the western suburbs of Minneapolis before moving away to Texas for college and back to the western suburbs for law school, finally moving to Lyndale in early 2014. I have a career in financial services compliance. Lastly, I have three cats and three siblings, and enjoy reading, Netflix, and CrossFit. The photo is me with my mom Kathryn at my sister’s wedding reception in October.
***
The “Meet a Commissioner” series of the monthly Minneapolis Connects newsletter is intended for readers to get to know representatives of the Neighborhood and Community Engagement Commission (NCEC). The NCEC is a 16 member board that advises the Mayor and City Council on a wide range of community engagement issues.
The NCEC is responsible for developing guidelines for the City’s principal neighborhood funding program, the Community Participation Program, as well as the One Minneapolis Fund and the Community Innovation Fund. The Commission also works to broaden participation on advisory boards and commissions and develops recommendations for improving the City’s public participation process.
The Commission meets every 4th Tuesday of the month at 5:00p.m. Learn more about the Commission. Executive Committee and City Department Engagement Committee.
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The City recently held its sixth informational meeting with
members of the Somali-speaking business community discussing issues important
to the community, food safety topics and business licensing issues.
Approximately 80 people attended. The meeting addressed the importance of
Somali entrepreneurs in Minneapolis, small business support offered by the City,
commercial recycling requirements, calling 311, and Hennepin County’s business
recycling grants.
People can get more information and find out about future
meetings by contacting food@minneapolismn.gov.
The City of Minneapolis youth employment program STEP-UP
is now accepting applications for 2017 summer interns. Eligible Minneapolis
youths ages 14-21 who are interested in participating in the 2017 STEP-UP may
go online and fill
out the application until February 10, 2017.
STEP-UP is
one of the country’s premier youth employment programs, serving Minneapolis
youths who face some of the greatest barriers to employment. This includes
youths from disadvantaged economic backgrounds, youths of color, youths from
recent immigrant families, and youths with disabilities. In addition to summer
jobs with more than 230 top Twin Cities companies, nonprofits and public
agencies, STEP-UP also offers work readiness training, advanced-level
internships and industry-specific career opportunities that help interns
integrate their career exposure with post-secondary education and career
planning.
Prior to
being placed in their internships, youths receive work readiness training
certified by the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce that prepares them
for a professional work environment. Returning interns receive advanced
training that helps them deepen their professional skills. Throughout their
internships, they gain valuable on-the-job skills, make strong professional
connections, and become exposed to careers they may have not otherwise accessed
without STEP-UP.
Businesses,
public agencies and nonprofits interested in employing interns in 2017 can find information on the City of Minneapolis STEP-UP website.
STEP-UP is a
City of Minneapolis program in partnership with AchieveMpls, the Department of
Employment and Economic Development (DEED), the Minneapolis Park and Recreation
Board, and Project for Pride in Living.
To learn more about STEP-UP
or to access the online STEP-UP application, visit the City of Minneapolis website.
The City has launched an online survey to gather feedback
for the Impound Lot Facility Improvement Project from Minneapolis residents.
Project organizers will use survey results to identify additional improvement
ideas and understand community perceptions about the impound lot.
The project is in the master planning phase, which will
determine whether to renovate and expand the existing impound lot building or
replace it with a new structure. Additionally, the facility’s footprint will be
reduced and new landscaping, fencing and security improvements, and energy
efficiency improvements will be made. Construction is expected to start in
summer 2017 and take about a year to complete.
The impound lot is
located at 51 Colfax Ave. N., just west of downtown Minneapolis. It is open for
customers Monday-Saturday 8 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sundays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (except for
City holidays). The impound lot takes in about 32,500 vehicles each year.
The survey is available in
English, Spanish, Hmong and Somali. Take the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MplsImpound..
Board
member applicants are needed for the Minneapolis Telecommunications Network
(MTN). MTN operates the public access channels for the City of Minneapolis on
Comcast’s and CenturyLink’s cable communications systems. The network maintains
and operates production studios; it also provides access to video training and
equipment for Minneapolis residents. MTN’s mission is to operate a media center that helps residents develop skills to
increase the social, civic, and economic equity, and freedom of expression in
our community via the transformative art of creating and broadcasting media.
Board members participate in regular board meetings
and serve on at least one committee.
Applications will be accepted until the open position is filled. The application review process
will begin Dec. 12.
Find
more information or apply here.
The Tangletown Neighborhood
Association (TNA) is seeking a Coordinator who can take board ideas and run
with them to make things happen. TNA needs someone who is organized and
has great ability to follow through with little to no supervision. The
Coordinator works closely with volunteer board members and officers, and is a key
part of the team. Beyond interacting with board members and neighborhood
residents, the Coordinator will have a great support system via the Southwest
Coordinators group and various City contacts.
This is part-time contract position. To
apply, email resume and references to info@tangletown.org.
The Seward Neighborhood Group
(SNG) is hiring a Community Facilitator for Seward Towers, two 320 unit
affordable housing buildings located in the Seward neighborhood.
Duties:
- Maintain communications with SNG supervisor and
Towers management. Attend quarterly SNG
staff meetings.
- Be available to the residents for assistance
with their concerns with Seward Towers and its managements at regular hours in
each Tower (minimum of 4 hours/week in each building). Provide translation as possible for adults
with limited English.
- Work with building management as well as
relocation and construction personnel to maintain clear and consistent
communication with residents during final phase of renovation.
- Assist with monthly resident Discussion Groups
by posting notice of meetings, distributing reminder fliers, preparing the
agenda, arranging for outside speakers, and following up on issues raised at
the meetings.
- Recruit and support Resident Representatives to
the Seward Towers Corporation Board of Directors.
- Provide support for the weekly Sewing Circles.
- Promote resident participation in community
activities and events outside the Towers.
- Collaborate with staff and volunteers of other
organizations (CommonBond, SNG, Redesign, etc) on projects for the benefit of
the residents
- Keep timesheet of hours worked and assignments
completed for each pay period (twice a month).
- Other tasks as required to complete Community
Facilitation Workplan.
Candidate Requirements:
- Good communications skills and proficiency in
English.
- Ability to relate well with people of all
backgrounds and be welcoming to the diverse population of the Towers.
- Ability to work well independently and follow
through on commitments while maintaining good communication with staff and
volunteers from partner organizations.
- Availability to work a flexible schedule.
- Knowledge of at least one of the following
languages is preferred: Somali, Oromo, Amharic.
This is a fulltime position; however, qualified candidates
seeking less than fulltime work are welcomed to apply. Hourly rate $16-$19, depending on
qualifications. SNG provides health
insurance and paid vacation and sick time.
To apply, send letter of application and resume including
at least two references to admin@sng.org or
SNG/Community Facilitator Position, 2323 East Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
55406. Application deadline is January
4, 2017.
The Minneapolis Police Department has completed the
introduction of body-worn cameras to the police force. The cameras will now be
worn by officers who respond to 911 calls in all five police precincts. The citywide rollout is a culmination of
community input to enhance accountability and transparency.
After years of studying, testing and evaluating, officers
began wearing body cameras in the 1st Precinct back in July. The
introduction of the cameras puts Minneapolis at the forefront of cities across
the country that are using them to help improve interactions between police
officers and residents. Body cameras are now a recommended best practice for
policing.
The use of body-worn cameras comes after the finalization of
MPD’s body-worn camera
policy, which was developed with extensive feedback from and involvement
with community. The cameras are an important tool in providing
transparency in government and in helping improve relationships between police
and community.
Snow season is here. Snow Emergencies are declared whenever there’s enough snowfall to
warrant a complete plowing of our streets. To get that done, people need to
follow the parking rules and move their vehicles so crews can plow the full
width of the street. When the snow flies, City Public Works crews have enormous
jobs to do, with more than 1,500 miles of streets, parkways and alleys that
need to be cleared. It’s important for drivers to follow the Snow Emergency
parking rules so plows can do the best job possible clearing snow. Vehicles
parked on the street in violation of Snow Emergency rules can be ticketed or
towed
Residents,
workers and visitors have a number of ways to learn when Snow Emergencies are
declared and what to do when they are. We’re advising drivers to put many of
these tools to use, not just one or two. The more ways people use to learn
about a Snow Emergency, the more prepared they will be to do their part, and
the less likely they will be to be towed because they didn’t know one was
declared. Learn all the ways to stay informed about snow emergencies at http://www.minneapolismn.gov/snow/index.htm
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