City of Minneapolis News Update: Oct. 30, 2020

COVID-19
CoM news update

Oct. 30, 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.


Drop off mail ballots now at one of 13 drop-off locations

ballot drop off

With a recent court order putting mailed early ballots delivered after Election Day at risk of not being counted, City election officials urge Minneapolis voters who have yet to return their completed early ballots to drop them off at one of 13 official, staffed drop-off locations in Minneapolis.

A court-approved change earlier this year made it possible for mailed ballots delivered as late as Nov. 10 to be counted, provided they’re postmarked by Election Day, Nov. 3. Yesterday, the Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals called for all mailed ballots arriving after 8 p.m. on Election Day to be separated from the rest of the early ballots received. This is not a final decision on the matter, but ordering the separation of those ballots makes it possible for a later court ruling to prevent them from being counted.

Voters should track their mail ballot online

The City and Secretary of State’s Office recommends voters track their mail ballot status using the online ballot tracking tool. This tool, which refreshes daily at 5 p.m., tells voters when their ballots have been accepted after they mail it back. Voters who confirm that their ballots have been accepted do not need to do anything; their ballots are in and they will be counted. 

Hours extended for 13 staffed ballot drop-off spots in Minneapolis

There are 13 staffed, mail ballot drop-off locations for Minneapolis voters and, in light of this new court ruling, the City has expanded the ballot drop-off hours. Voters who have mail ballots at home are encouraged to complete and return them to one of these locations. Although voters may choose to discard their mail ballots and vote early in person instead, mail ballot drop-off sites provide an outdoor option to promote safety during the pandemic and reduce lines at Early Vote Centers.

Voters dropping off ballots from other voters can bring no more than three completed ballots (not counting their own ballots). They will need to show identification with name and signature and complete simple paperwork.

On Election Day, mail ballots can only be dropped off at one of the 13 drop-off locations until 3 p.m. and cannot be dropped off at regular polling places.

Minneapolis drop-off locations now have extended hours through 3 p.m. on Nov. 3:

  • Friday, Oct. 30, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 31, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
  • Sunday, Nov. 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Monday, Nov. 2, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 3, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

Find more voter resources on the City's Elections & Voter Services website: vote.minneapolismn.gov


Mayor Frey, Chief Arradondo discuss how City leaders are taking steps to keep people safe as Election Day nears

safety message

In a video message, Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Medaria Arradondo discuss how City leaders are working with partners to ensure public safety before, during and after Election Day on Nov. 3.

The City is taking all threats seriously and coordinating with local, state and community partners on preparedness efforts. 

Watch the video.


Know your rights to vote safely and without intimidation

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has released guidance to the public about federal and state laws that protect voters from interference or intimidation, entitled “Know your rights to vote safely and without intimidation.”

Ellison encourages anyone who experiences any interference or intimidation in voting or attempting to vote to report it to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office at 877-600-VOTE. 

Watch the video, "Know Your Rights: How to Vote Safely." 


Minneapolis plans to use HUD grant for racial equity in healthy housing

The Minneapolis City Council has voted to accept a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to improve housing conditions for families with moderate and low incomes. The work on 225 homes through the end of 2022 will address the whole home including getting rid of lead paint hazards, cockroaches, mice, and asthma triggers; adding handrails and radon mitigation systems; and weatherizing.

Oct. 25-31 is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

Lead poisoning is an environmental justice issue as about 80% of children who are lead poisoned are Black, Indigenous or people of color. Mainly caused by lead paint, lead poisoning causes permanent brain damage, steals 10 points off children’s IQs and increases impulsive behavior, which can lead to problems in school, problems learning and unintended pregnancies. But lead poisoning is 100% preventable.

Learn more


Snow Emergency information coming to household mailboxes

plow

Snow season has arrived. Minneapolis residents should watch their mail over the next several days for information on what to do when the City of Minneapolis declares a Snow Emergency. Residents can avoid a ticket and tow, and also help crews do a complete job by moving their cars when a Snow Emergency is declared. The City is sending out about 182,000 Snow Emergency mailers, one to each household in the city. The mailer has graphics and text showing the parking rules during the three phases of a Snow Emergency.

People should hold on to the mailers throughout the snow season and have them handy whenever a Snow Emergency is declared. They explain the Snow Emergency parking rules and ways to stay informed during the snow season. Following the rules can help make snow season easier for everyone. It’s also important to help neighbors and visitors know the rules.

Snow Emergencies are declared when there’s enough snowfall to warrant a complete plowing of our streets. Moving vehicles allows crews to plow the full width of the street. When the snow flies, City Public Works crews have enormous jobs to do, with more than 1,400 miles of streets, parkways and alleys that need to be cleared. Vehicles parked on the street in violation of Snow Emergency rules can be ticketed or towed.

Learn more


City secures property tax relief for properties damaged during civil unrest

The State of Minnesota has approved requests by the City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County for property tax relief for properties damaged during civil unrest.

Following the civil unrest that occurred after the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, the City’s Assessor’s Office began reviewing more than 900 properties in Minneapolis that were reported to have potential damage from the civil unrest and determined there was more than $106 million in reassessed value lost as a result of the damage. 

The amount of property tax relief for impacted property owners is estimated at more than $1.7 million for 2020. Of that, the State will be reimbursing the City and other local taxing authorities $1.3 million. The City’s Assessor’s Office collaborated with departments across the enterprise along with partners from Hennepin and Ramsey counties and the Department of Revenue to seek this relief for taxpayers.

Assessment officials have determined that just over 600 properties of the 900 properties reviewed sustained some level of damage and approximately 75 sustained significant damage or were destroyed during the civil unrest and are eligible for property tax relief.

Read more


Minneapolis presents more than 40 real-time online data sets

A new online City resource presents more than 40 different dashboards of continuously updated data. Minneapolis DataSource pulls data sets on many aspects of the City’s work and services including elections, housing, health, community safety (for example, use of force and crime statistics), outdoor air quality, city workforce demographics, and vacant and condemned properties. Minneapolis is using technology to provide services and solve city problems and sharing the data with anyone, anytime, anywhere.

Start using the dashboard to find information.


Applications open for vacancies on crucial City boards and commissions

I serve because a better world is attainable -- we just have to work for it.

Six major boards and commissions are seeking applications for people to help shape important City decisions. Most of the boards and commissions below meet between one and four times a month.

Examples of past board and commission work includes reviewing a proposed charter amendment related to the creation of a Department of Community Safety & Violence Prevention (Charter Commission), comparing national best practices with current MPD policies for officer interactions with those experiencing mental health crises (Police Conduct Oversight Commission), and reviewing zoning changes to allow new affordable housing options (Planning Commission).

Read more.


More spaces becoming available this winter for people experiencing homelessness

Partners from the City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County and State of Minnesota are coming together to encourage people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Hennepin County to come inside as winter weather arrives.

A broad coalition of government agencies, nonprofit and philanthropic partners are currently operating the largest and safest emergency shelter system that has ever existed in Hennepin County as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These collective efforts have thus far allowed us to avoid the devastating impacts COVID-19 has had on people experiencing homelessness in other cities.

There is existing emergency shelter capacity, especially for women, children and families. Emergency shelters continue to see beds becoming newly available each day, and some go unused each night. There are also around 200 current vacancies in board and lodge facilities, which provide low-barrier housing that people can access today.

Partners are also working to open new spaces that meet the individual needs of people sleeping outside before the end of the year, and to make permanent improvements to ensure COVID-19 safety guidelines continue to be met at existing and new shelter spaces, as they have since the beginning of the pandemic.

By the end of 2020, partners, including city, county, state and philanthropy, plan to invest $55 million to open at least seven sites to provide emergency shelter, low-barrier housing and protective housing for people experiencing homelessness, as well as enhance existing shelters and expand support services and street outreach. An additional 670 units of very affordable housing designated for people experiencing homelessness will have opened or begun construction by the end of this year.

Read more


Don’t let COVID-19 ruin your Halloween fun

haloween

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

These general tips are based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The City of Minneapolis Health Department encourages Minneapolis residents to follow this Halloween guidance (PDF).

Always remember, if you are sick or have been in contact with someone who is sick or has COVID-19 symptoms, stay at home and away from others.

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.

Watch a Halloween safety message from Mayor Jacob Frey


Fall street sweeping update

Street sweeping has resumed. Keep an eye on the interactive map on the website for the most up-to-date schedule, and as always, watch for signs on your street at least 24 hours before a planned sweep.

During 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. Anyone who parks on the street will need to follow posted parking rules or their cars may be ticketed and towed.


Save money and stay comfy this winter

It’s no secret that the seasons are changing. For many Minnesotans, that might come with a draft of cold air across the living room or an annual heating bill increase. No one can stop the seasons from turning, but the City of Minneapolis wants you to stay comfortable at home and keep your energy bills low, and the Home Energy Squad can help.

Their recommendations can help you improve everything from the energy performance of large equipment like furnaces, to the smaller, easier-to-overlook energy users like lightbulbs.

While usually performed in person, Home Energy Squad is now offering a free virtual home energy audit. If you are working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, you may have noticed that asking your home to act as both office and living space can really increase how much energy you use along with your monthly utility bill. After your free virtual visit, you and your energy expert may decide that the best next step is an in-person visit, which can be performed safely with health and safety guidelines in mind. Free in-person visits are available to income-qualified households.

Call 651-328-6220 or visit mncee.org/hes today for a free virtual audit that will help you discover ways to save energy in your home.


Comment period extended for draft built form regulations

built form

The City has extended the comment period for the draft built form regulations to Nov. 9. The public comment period closes with a public hearing before the Minneapolis Planning Commission, which will vote on forwarding a recommendation to the City Council.

The built form regulations will regulate the scale of new buildings and additions throughout Minneapolis. The regulations are critical to achieving the goals of Minneapolis 2040, the City’s Comprehensive Plan, which was approved by the City Council in 2018. The plan will shape how the city will grow and change over the next two decades so all residents can benefit. Under consideration now are technical aspects of Minneapolis 2040 implementation.

Minneapolis 2040 includes 14 Built Form Districts that will guide the development of new regulations, which will govern issues such as: building height, floor area ratio (FAR), lot sizes and setbacks from property lines, among other things. The new built form regulations will resolve some of the major conflicts between Minneapolis 2040 and the City’s current zoning regulations. They are also intended to provide more predictability for the scale of new buildings and additions in different areas in the city, including neighborhoods, downtown, production/employment areas and areas served by high-frequency transit. 

Minneapolis 2040 went into effect on Jan. 1, 2020, following over two years of community engagement. The plan guides growth and change with 14 key goals, including eliminating racial disparities, promoting climate change resiliency, and increasing access to jobs and housing.

Learn more


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. 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.

  • Free COVID-19 tests and flu shots at Hennepin United Methodist, 511 Groveland Ave.
    Noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7
  • Free COVID-19 tests and flu shots at East Side Neighborhood Services, 1700 Second St. NE
    Noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14

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. through today, Oct. 30
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.

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


Review of proposed 2021 City budget underway

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.


Neighborhoods 2020 public hearing Nov. 5

Now that the public comment period has closed on the Neighborhoods 2020 draft program guidelines, the Neighborhood & Community Relations Department (NCR) reviewed the 354 public comments received and created a summary to present along with a public hearing at the Nov. 5 Public Health and Safety Committee meeting. The comments and summary will be available on the Neighborhoods 2020 webpage before the City Council takes action.

Next steps

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.


State executive order suspending evictions extended until Nov. 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 Nov. 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 helps with housing expenses

Minnesota’s COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program helps 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


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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