City of Minneapolis News Update: Oct. 9, 2020

COVID-19
CoM news update

Oct. 9, 2020


This newsletter provides updates on the City's response to COVID-19, an overview of recovery efforts underway, efforts to transform public safety and other important news and information from the City of Minneapolis.


Election news: find what you need to know about voting in Minneapolis

Election Day is less than a month away, and here’s how to find out what you need to know about how to register, preview what’s on the ballot, and learn about where and when to vote.

Voter guide in English, Spanish, Hmong and Somali

Consult the voter guide you got in the mail or see the online voter guide in English, Spanish, Hmong or Somali for information about voting options.

More details and deadlines

You can also check the City website for details and deadlines on these and more:

  • Voting by mail. We recommend you apply by Tuesday, Oct. 20, to allow enough time to receive and return your ballot. Note: If you’re returning your completed ballot to a drop-off location, make sure to check the open hours and dates before you go. The City drop-off locations will be closed Monday, Oct. 12, for the Indigenous Peoples Day holiday, but the Hennepin County Government Center at 300 Sixth St. S. will be open for drop-offs.
  • Voting early in person. Two early voting locations are open now to serve all Minneapolis voters. Make sure to check the open hours and dates before you go.

    -Minneapolis Elections & Voter Services Early Vote Center (Minneapolis voters only) 980 E. Hennepin Ave. Closed Monday, Oct. 12, for the Indigenous Peoples Day holiday, but the Hennepin County Government Center location will be open.

    -Hennepin County Government Center (any Hennepin County voter) 300 Sixth St. S.

    -Two more Minneapolis early voting locations will open Oct. 27.
  • Registering to vote. Learn about registration options to vote in Minnesota.
  • Voting on Election Day. Many polling places have changed this year. Check the website to make sure you have the right location if you choose to cast your ballot at the polls on Election Day.

Questions about voting by mail?

Many Minneapolis voters are voting by mail for the first time ever this year. As of Oct. 7, the City has mailed out more than 141,000 requested mail ballots. If you have questions about your ballot or the vote by mail process, the Minneapolis Elections & Voter Services office is here to help.

Find more information about voting in Minneapolis at vote.minneapolismn.gov.


Note to voters: election services closed Monday, Oct. 12, for the Indigenous Peoples Day holiday

The Early Vote Center, 980 Hennepin Ave. E., is closed Monday, Oct. 12, in observance of Indigenous Peoples Day. However, early voting at Hennepin County Government Center, 300 Sixth St. S., is open Monday for all Hennepin County voters.

The Minneapolis drop-off locations for mailed ballots are also closed Monday, Oct. 12, but the Hennepin County Government Center location at 300 Sixth St. S. is open Monday for all Hennepin County voters.

The Minneapolis Early Vote Center reopens at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13.

Also on Tuesday, Oct. 13, a new mail ballot drop-off site opens at the Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Ave. S. Voters who have completed mail ballots for the Nov. 3 election will be able to go to there on foot, on bikes or in their cars and drop their ballots off to election officials.

More information is available at vote.minneapolismn.gov.


Minneapolis City offices closed Monday, Oct. 12

Minneapolis City government offices, including Minneapolis 311, will be closed Monday, Oct. 12, in observance of Indigenous Peoples Day. City offices will resume regular business hours Tuesday, Oct. 13.

There will be no change to the City of Minneapolis’ garbage and recycling pickup schedule. Households’ garbage and recycling collection will take place on Monday, Oct. 12. However, Solid Waste & Recycling’s office, help line and the South Transfer Station will be closed.

The Early Vote Center, 980 Hennepin Ave. E., will be closed Monday. However, early voting at the Hennepin County Government Center, 300 Sixth St. S. will be available for all Hennepin County voters. More information on early in-person voting options can be found on the Elections & Voter Services website.

The City’s parking meters will not be enforced on the holiday, but all other parking restrictions in the city remain in effect and subject to enforcement, including Park Board meters along Minneapolis parkways, University of Minnesota parking meters and those of private organizations that operate their own meters. Always read the information posted on the meter or pay station to be certain.

The City office closings do not affect 911 or Minneapolis police and fire emergency services.


Voter pre-registration closes Oct. 13

Tuesday, Oct. 13, is the deadline to pre-register to vote in Minnesota. Each election cycle, pre-registration closes 21 days before the election. This ensures that all voter records are updated by Election Day. While not mandatory, pre-registering to vote will save an unregistered voter time on Election Day and will decrease the amount of time they need to physically be in the polling place.

In Minnesota, we have same-day voter registration. Any voter who misses the pre-registration deadline may register or update their registration at their polling place on Election Day. To register in person on Election Day, a voter will need proof of residence.

As of the State primary Aug. 11, Minneapolis had approximately 260,000 registered voters. That’s about 85% of the estimated number of voting age citizens (18 or older) in the city, which means approximately 45,000 potential Minneapolis voters are not yet registered.


Cities of Minneapolis, Saint Paul begin installing new gateway signs, lowering citywide speed limits to 20 mph to support safety

gateway sign install

Crews have started installing gateway signs at entry points in Minneapolis and Saint Paul alerting drivers that the speed limit is now 20 mph in the cities, unless otherwise signed.

It will take about six weeks to install all of the gateway signs in Minneapolis. Saint Paul expects to complete installation of new gateway signs by the end of the year. To date, Minneapolis Public Works staff have installed 1,235 new or updated speed limit signs and will be installing 130 gateway signs over the coming weeks. Saint Paul Public Works crews have changed or installed approximately 750 new 25 mph speed limit signs and expects to install 150 gateway signs. As part of a joint education awareness campaign the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul have distributed more than 4,500 free “20 is Plenty; Slower is Safer” yard signs to community members.

The Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul announced plans to lower speed limits earlier this year to support safer streets. Slower speeds on local streets make travel safer for everyone no matter how you get around.

Learn more


City Council begins review of proposed 2021 City budget

budget

The City Council's Budget Committee has begun reviewing departments' proposed 2021 budgets and will continue through November. The City Council is scheduled to vote on budget adoption Dec. 9. 

Mayor Jacob Frey's proposed budget calls for a 5.75% maximum levy increase. With a 12% increase in the overall tax base growth, three-quarters of Minneapolis residential property owners will see a decrease in their property tax bills with the median-valued household set to experience a $59 yearly decrease. 

Public hearings on the proposed 2021 City budget are planned for Nov. 16, Dec. 2 and Dec. 9. Visit the City’s website to learn more about the mayor’s recommended budget, key dates in the approval process, FAQs and more. You can also watch a series of videos on the City’s budget process.


We Count Minneapolis: Remind your neighbors to complete the census

On Thursday, Oct. 1, a federal district court ruled a second time to extend the 2020 Census to the original modified deadline of Oct. 31. The U.S. Census Bureau has issued a statement of compliance and will continue counting communities as well as receiving census response forms until Oct. 31. 

The new deadline will allow for a more thorough process by providing additional time to account for delays in enumeration efforts due to the pandemic. While Minnesota leads the nation in self-response rates at 75%, Minneapolis still has many communities that are near the 50% threshold including: Midtown Phillips, Prospect Park, Cedar Riverside, Ventura, Como, Jordan, Hawthorne, U of M, Loring Heights and Whittier.

The census occurs only once every decade. Failing to complete the census now means that there won’t be another chance to be counted until 2030. Complete the census form online or by phone before Oct. 31 so that our communities receive the resources that are reflective of our presence and contribution. We all matter, we all add value and we all count. Count yourself and everyone in your household today by visiting my2020census.gov or calling 1-844-330-2020.

census

Free COVID-19 tests and flu shots coming up

The City of Minneapolis is offering free COVID-19 tests and flu shots. All are welcome. You do not need insurance for the test.

  • Free COVID-19 tests at Masjid An-Nur Mosque, 1729 N. Lyndale Ave.
    10 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15
    Somali interpreters will be available.
    Register onsite.
  • Free COVID-19 tests at Phelps Park, 701 E. 39th St.
    1-5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15
    1-5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16
    American Sign Language and Spanish interpreters will be available.
    Register onsite.
  • Free COVID-19 tests and flu shots at Phelps Park, 701 E. 39th St.
    1-5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16
    The flu shots are covered by insurance. If you have insurance, bring your insurance card for the flu shot. If you don’t have insurance, the flu shot is free.
    American Sign Language and Spanish interpreters will be available.
    Register onsite.
  • Free COVID-19 tests at St. Peter’s AME, 401 E. 41st St.
    2-6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22
    2-6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23
    Make an appointment if possible, or register onsite.

You can expect to get your test results in about two business days.

The COVID-19 test is free, and you do not need insurance for the test. If you need medical care but don’t have health insurance, the Minnesota Department of Health offers resources to find low-cost health care or health insurance.

Testing for other communities

Free COVID-19 tests focused on the Cedar-Riverside community hosted by Pillsbury United
1-4 p.m. every Friday and Monday
Brian Coyle Center, 420 15th Ave. S.
Note: Double-check with Pillsbury United for possible updates before heading over.

If you can’t attend one of these testing events, you can use this directory to find a testing location near you.

What to expect

Watch and share these short videos in English, Spanish, Somali and Hmong by the Minnesota Department of Health about what to expect.


Office of Violence Prevention presents community engagement timeline

The City Council has approved an outline for expansive community engagement on how to improve our public safety system in Minneapolis. Under the proposed plan, community members citywide will have opportunities to offer feedback on alternatives to policing and police responses, public health-oriented violence prevention, and law enforcement reforms and/or changes to protocols and practices.

The process is divided into four parts:

  1. Phase One (October-December 2020): A community survey and public forums focused on the current model of community safety and opportunities for changes, with a synthesis of initial themes presented to the City Council in early December along with a draft vision for consideration and adoption by the City Council.
  2. Phase Two (January-March 2021): Public forums for community members to review and confirm the themes and goals established in the first phase plus a deeper dive into ideas for a new public safety model to help inform draft recommendations of action steps to realize the established vision and goals.
  3. Phase Three (April-May 2021): Opportunities to offer feedback on draft recommendations at public forums and online.
  4. Phase Four (June-July 2021): Recommendations will be refined and finalized, incorporating community feedback gathered throughout the engagement process, with a final report to the City Council on strategies for building a new model for community safety.

Read more.


Neighborhoods 2020 next steps and timeline

Now that the public comment period has closed on the Neighborhoods 2020 draft program guidelines, the Neighborhood & Community Relations Department is reviewing the 244 public comments received and creating a summary. The comments and summary will be available on the Neighborhoods 2020 webpage before the City Council takes action.

Next steps

  • Oct. 5-12: Staff and review committee review public comments. 
  • Oct. 22: Public Health and Safety Committee makes notice of intent for public hearing.
  • Nov. 5: Public Health and Safety Committee public hearing and presentation.
  • Nov. 13: Full City Council vote.
  • Nov. 16: Budget Committee presentation to discuss the program allocations.

By voting on the program guidelines before the budget, the City Council can discuss the funding needed to implement the program as designed.

Over the next few weeks, NCR will send out more information as it becomes available. 

Find City Council meeting calendars, agendas and decisions on the City of Minneapolis’ Legislative Information Management System (LIMS).

Read more about Neighborhoods 2020 here.


City seeking comments on proposed rules, FAQs on freelance worker protections ordinance

The City of Minneapolis has drafted frequently asked questions and rules documents to provide general guidance to freelance workers and those who hire freelancers about their rights and responsibilities under the City’s freelance worker protection ordinance, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2021.

The ordinance will help prevent the exploitation of freelance workers, including many self-employed entrepreneurs who work as independent contractors. Under the ordinance, businesses that hire certain freelancers for their work in the City of Minneapolis must confirm their agreement in writing. It is an ordinance violation for a hiring party to refuse to pay the freelancer as stated in the contract or demand a freelancer accept less compensation after work has started as a condition of being paid on time.

Public comments about the clarity and substance of information in the FAQs and rules documents can be submitted online. The deadline for submitting comments is Dec. 31, 2020.

Read more


Halloween COVID-19 safety guidance

haloween

Many traditional Halloween activities can have a high risk of spreading viruses. There are several safer, alternative ways to celebrate Halloween.

If you may have COVID-19 or you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, like with all activities you should not participate in person in Halloween festivities or give out candy to trick-or-treaters.

Stay safer during the holidays

If you’re wondering how to stay safer in light of the pandemic during the holiday season, the City of Minneapolis Health Department recommends following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Minnesota Department of Health.


Home energy efficiency improvements

Celebrate Energy Efficiency Day this month to save energy, cut carbon and breathe easier.

Save energy in your home

  • Know your home's energy score; it’s like knowing a car’s miles-per-gallon rating. Each home energy score is generated by looking at the areas with the highest opportunity for energy savings in Minnesota’s climate: attic and wall insulation, heating system and storm windows. Check out local nonprofit Center for Energy and Environment's interactive map to find your home energy score.
  • Sign up for a free virtual Home Energy Squad visit.

If you’re interested in pursuing an energy efficiency improvement recommended by a Home Energy Squad visit within the last three years, there is still time to apply for a 0% energy efficiency loan through the end of the year.


Online community meetings for Twin Cities Electric Vehicle Mobility Network

Learn more about the new Twin Cities Electric Vehicle Mobility Network by attending online community meetings or share your input and suggestions through an online survey. The project is being developed by the cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, HOURCAR and Xcel Energy. It will create a network of electric vehicle charging hubs and make a new electric vehicle carshare service, powered by renewable energy, available to community members. The EV mobility network is anticipated to launch in 2021.

Online community meetings
To join an online meeting, please RSVP prior to the event at www.stpaul.gov/EV. Both meetings will be recorded and uploaded to the project website in the event you can’t attend.

  • Minneapolis meeting: 5:30-7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26
  • Saint Paul meeting: 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28

Learn more.


Fall street sweeping begins Oct. 20

Crews will sweep streets across Minneapolis next month to clean the streets before winter to keep leaves and debris out of the storm drains and ending up in our lakes and rivers as much as possible.

On Tuesday, Oct. 20, Minneapolis Public Works will begin the big task of curb-to-curb sweeping and leaf collection on streets throughout the city. During the four weeks of the comprehensive fall street sweep, crews will clean about 1,000 miles of city streets. To make sure crews can do the best job possible, temporary “No Parking” signs will be posted at least 24 hours in advance so streets will be clear of cars when they’re swept. The first signs will be posted Monday, Oct. 19, and sweeping will begin the next day. Anyone who parks on the street will need to follow posted parking rules or their cars may be ticketed and towed.

Read more and find ways to stay informed of the parking rules.


Reminder: City seeking diversity of applicants for fall openings on boards and commissions appointments

Why I Serve 2018 boards and commissions, commissioner Jerome Evans quote

A reminder as application review nears: 24 City boards and commissions have openings for appointments this fall. The City seeks applicants with a diversity of backgrounds and experiences representing the demographics of Minneapolis to strengthen the work of the City. Translation and interpreting services are available so all residents can participate.

City boards and commissions have brought forward recommendations that resulted in renter protections, wage protections and a ban on a hazardous chemical in dry cleaning. Board and commission members in the City of Minneapolis help shape key policy decisions, give community-based input into the City’s administration of services and supply valuable insights.

People can apply through the open position pages linked here and stay up to date on vacancies, position descriptions and timelines by visiting minneapolismn.gov/boards/openings. Applications are open now.


State executive order suspending evictions extended until Oct. 12; rental assistance available through Hennepin County

The governor's latest extension of the peacetime emergency means that the suspension of evictions and landlord-initiated lease terminations remains in place until Oct. 12.

This suspension will allow households to remain sheltered during the peacetime emergency. The executive order does not relieve a tenant's obligation to pay rent.

While the eviction moratorium continues, housing providers can evict a tenant when the tenant violates a lease by endangering the safety of others, engaging in certain illegal activities, or significantly damaging property. Evictions can also proceed if the homeowner or their family member needs to move into the premises or if a writ of recovery was issued prior to March 24 at 5 p.m.

Emergency rental assistance

Hennepin County offers emergency rental assistance for residents with low incomes who have been financially harmed by COVID-19. Residents can learn more and apply at www.hennepin.us/rent-help and find more information here:


COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program opens to help with housing expenses

Minnesota’s COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program has opened to cover housing expenses such as rent, mortgage, utilities or other housing-related costs. This program will help keep folks in their homes and maintain housing stability for eligible renters and homeowners in communities across the state.

People in Minnesota interested in applying for assistance can call the Greater Twin Cities United Way’s 211 Resource Helpline at 651-291-0211, visiting 211unitedway.org or texting “MNRENT” or “MNHOME” to 898-211. The 211 Helpline has dedicated multilingual staff to answer questions about the COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

For questions regarding the application process, check the COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program frequently asked questions.


Learn more about workplace safety and paid sick leave during COVID-19

Workers have a variety of overlapping protections to navigate COVID-19 and its effects in the workplace.

The State of Minnesota and City of Minneapolis can help clarify best practices and requirements for workplace safety. Watch this video and check online for more information. Call 311, or MN OSHA at 651-284-5050, to report safety problems in a business or seek additional guidance.

Every COVID-19 preparedness plan must ensure that sick workers stay home. In addition to the City’s Sick and Safe Time ordinance, the U.S. Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) ensures that workers are not forced to choose between their paychecks and public health.

In general, employees (of government or private sector employers with fewer than 500 employees), are entitled to (up to) two weeks (of fully or partially paid) sick leave for COVID-19 related reasons. Additional partially paid leave is available to care for a child, including during school closure or virtual learning. Private employers may be reimbursed with tax credits. For more information about Coronavirus Leave, call 1-866-4-US-WAGE and check out the following resources: informational video, eligibility tool, poster and FAQs


Park Board updates on encampments  

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) limits the total number of parks available for temporary encampments and the number of tents per encampment. It has also established a temporary permit that can be issued to an individual or body that agrees to be responsible for the day-to-day oversight of an encampment.

The board’s regulations respond to the growing number of people experiencing homelessness who are living in parks temporarily until dignified alternative spaces can be found. The MPRB is working with state, county and city health and human service agencies to find short, medium and long-term solutions.

For the latest information on encampment locations and Park Board actions, go to minneapolisparks.org/encampments

Learn more about the City's work with partners responding to the increase in homeless encampments. 


Statewide mask mandate in effect

mask wearing

Minnesotans are required to wear a face covering in indoor businesses and indoor public settings. Researchers have advocated for masking, calling it a simple and effective step to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. 

The state regulation reinforces Mayor Jacob Frey’s emergency regulation requiring people in Minneapolis to wear cloth face masks or coverings when they are in an indoor place of public accommodation is in effect.

Businesses are not required to provide masks to customers or employees themselves, though employers shall be required to mandate the use of masks by their staff. Non-compliance should be reported through 311. Find information on how to get a mask.  


Public health information: Slow the spread of COVID-19

maskup

City's Cultural Radio Programs

Tune into the City's cultural radio programs for COVID-19 updates. The City has programs on KMOJ 89.9 FM (English); La Raza 95.7 FM (Spanish); KALY 101.7 FM (Somali); and WIXK AM 1590 (Hmong.) Radio shows schedule


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Sign

For reasonable accommodations or alternative formats please contact City Communications at communications@minneapolismn.gov.

People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612-673-3000. TTY users can call 612-263-6850.

Para asistencia 612-673-2700, Yog xav tau kev pab, hu 612-673-2800, Hadii aad Caawimaad u baahantahay 612-673-3500.

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