 Residents are invited to join City of Minneapolis staff and officials during three public forums to hear about proposed changes to the community role in the City’s police oversight structure.
The City Council’s Public Health and Safety Committee is scheduled to hold a public hearing 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30 following the public forums. Learn more about participating in public hearings.
The proposed Community Commission on Police Oversight would serve as a single community-driven group responsible for the civilian roles in reviewing misconduct investigations and providing the public facing oversight body for transparent discussions on policing practices, presentations from City officials or staff, and community input.
The goal of these reforms is to increase transparency and the ability for commissioners to effectively monitor and identify policing patterns, trends, and outcomes for discussion at public meetings of the full commission. If you need an interpreter or a disability-related accommodation, such as captioning, wheelchair accessible meeting site or materials in an alternative format, please contact Zack Farley with the City Clerk’s Office at 612-673-2216 or email zachary.farley@minneapolismn.gov by Tuesday, Nov. 15.
Public forums
-
North Minneapolis session 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17 Dream Shop, 3701 Fremont Ave. N.
-
South Minneapolis session 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21 Powderhorn Recreation Center, 3400 15th Ave. S., Multipurpose Room
-
Virtual session 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28 Join the virtual session on Microsoft Teams.
There is one remaining upcoming public hearing for people to provide feedback on Mayor Jacob Frey’s recommended 2023-2024 City budget. Comments can also be submitted online at the City’s website.
The proposed 2023 budget is $1.66 billion and the 2024 budget is $1.71 billion. The proposed tax levy increase for 2023 is 6.5% and is expected to be 6.2% in 2024. 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.
Comments submitted online will be entered into the public record and shared with the mayor and council members.
Remaining City budget public hearing
- 6:05 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, Room 317, City Hall, 350 S. Fifth St.
Learn how to participate in public hearings.
The City Council is scheduled to vote on adopting the budget Tuesday, Dec. 6.
|
 The City Council and Mayor Jacob Frey approved an ordinance that prohibits people from blocking access to or from a reproductive health care facility in Minneapolis. The ordinance still protects the First Amendment rights of anti-abortion protesters.
In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision striking down Roe v. Wade in June, Planned Parenthood clinics across the Twin Cities, especially in Uptown, have experienced a rise in aggressive protests that have created unsafe environments for those who use the clinics. Clinic protection ordinances have been held by the courts to be content-neutral restrictions.
In addition to prohibiting people from obstructing access to or from a reproductive health care facility, the ordinance prohibits the occupation of driveways and allows clinics to install permanent markings on the driveway to indicate its boundaries. Enforcement of the ordinance would fall under the jurisdiction of the Minneapolis Police Department.
 The City is working on reducing the impact of climate change in Minneapolis. Residents can take part in shaping the new climate equity action plan.
Between 2012 and early 2013, the City updated the Minneapolis Climate Action Plan by working with members of the community as well as the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
Over the past several months, the Sustainability division conducted intentional engagement with the City’s cultural communities as a part of their first phase engagement process for the new Climate Equity Action Plan. These listening sessions have provided valuable early input into the Climate Equity Plan (CEP) planning process. The second phase of engagement will be completed by the end of the year, with the final phase and plan review presented to council by April 1, 2023.
The Climate Equity Plan technical work groups and Steering Committee met in October. Over the next 5 months, goals and strategies will be discussed and prioritized.
How to participate in the process
Take the community survey or sign up to participate in a working group to provide your input into the future of climate action and resiliency in Minneapolis.
 The City of Minneapolis has released a draft of the 2023-2025 Minneapolis Vision Zero Action Plan, which outlines priorities for the next three years to advance the City’s goal of ending traffic deaths and severe injuries by 2027. The City is taking public comments on the plan through Dec. 11.
The updated plan builds on the work of the 2020-2022 Vision Zero Action Plan and draws on information in the 2022 Vision Zero Crash Study to inform priority actions. An average of 150 people suffered life-altering injuries or were killed in traffic crashes each year on streets in Minneapolis from 2017 to 2021. Traffic crashes disproportionately impact people in neighborhoods with lower incomes, Native American residents and people walking and bicycling.
The plan features 17 strategies and 70 actions to be implemented between 2023 and 2025. Highlights from the strategies and actions include four focus areas:
- Make safety improvements on high injury streets.
- Reduce dangerous vehicle speeds.
- Work to implement a speed safety camera pilot for automated enforcement.
- Evaluate alternative approaches to traffic enforcement.
Share feedback, learn more about the draft plan
Next steps
A final 2023-2025 Vision Zero Action Plan will be brought to the City Council for approval in early 2023 after incorporating any changes based on public feedback.
Read more about the draft plan.
The yard waste collection season will end the week of Nov. 28. City customers’ garbage day the week of Nov. 28-Dec. 2 will be their last 2022 pickup of leaves, brush and other yard trimmings. There will be no additional 2022 yard waste service after the last scheduled pickup.
Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling customers can set properly prepared yard waste at their alleys or curbs next to their garbage carts by 6 a.m. on garbage day. Set yard waste out in a reusable container, in compostable bags (paper or BPI-certified compostable plastic – look for the BPI logo) or bundled with string or twine (no wire or tape).
Other requirements
- Reusable containers must be 32-38 gallons in size and at least 26 inches high with sturdy handles. Reusable containers are lifted and emptied by hand; they must be easily managed. Yard waste is not allowed in City-provided containers.
- Any container, bag or bundle must weigh less than 40 pounds.
- Branches must be less than 3 inches in diameter and cut to less than 3 feet or shorter.
Bags marked “biodegradable” or “degradable” do not meet the State law and are not accepted.
Nobody should rake leaves into the street. It’s against the law and bad for our lakes, creeks and river.
For questions about leaf and brush pickup, customers can check the City website or call Solid Waste & Recycling at 612-673-2917 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.
|
Snow season is here. Hold onto the information you get in the mail 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.
Sign up now, stay informed throughout the season
There are several ways to know when the City has declared a Snow Emergency. We suggest getting information about Snow Emergencies in more ways than one. The more ways you use to learn about a Snow Emergency, the less likely you will be towed.
- Hotline: Call the automated 612-348-SNOW hotline. If a Snow Emergency is in effect, the hotline will have recorded information on that day’s parking restrictions that drivers need to follow to avoid tickets and tows. The hotline includes information in English, Spanish, Somali and Hmong.
- The City’s website: Go to the City’s website to find out if a Snow Emergency has been declared. Information on Snow Emergencies is available in many languages. Also, see the Snow Emergency parking map, which lets you put in an address or a neighborhood to see where you can park during a Snow Emergency.
- Phone calls to residents: Minneapolis uses automated phone calls to notify residents when Snow Emergencies are declared. The system can place thousands of calls per hour. Sign up for phone alerts.
- Social media: Like Minneapolis Snow Emergency on Facebook and Twitter.
- Email and text alerts: Sign up to get Snow Emergency alerts emailed or texted to you.
More information about Snow Emergencies.
|
Steve Horsfield, Executive Director of Simpson Housing Services provided a notice to the Lyndale Neighborhood that carpenters and electricians and HVAC installers are preparing the former Zion Church building for construction to welcome Simpson Housing staff and guests in early December. Before Simpson officially opens their doors, they are inviting Lyndale neighbors to come tour their new temporary space!
An Open House/House Warming date and time will be announced soon, and its timing will occur post-construction and pre-operation. If you want to receive a special invite to tour the new Simpson Housing Extended Stay Shelter which will be housed at 128 West 33rd Street. To get notifications simply fill out this form or call 612-455-0841.
Like a regular house warming, there will be snacks and drinks provided, as well as a chance to talk with current volunteers and to sign up for future volunteer opportunities, including preparing and serving food to guests.
|
Four more free at-home rapid tests are available to all Minnesota households ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday through the State’s online ordering program. Minnesotans can also place orders through the Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 public hotline at 1-833-431-2053 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays. Language assistance is available.
Testing and COVID-19 medications
If you are at a high risk and develop symptoms that could be COVID-19, get tested right away. Prescription medication is available to help prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death. Talk to a health care provider to learn if you qualify for COVID-19 treatment and where to get it. Learn more about COVID-19 medication at COVID-19 treatments.
The federal government has a Test to Treat locator to help find participating sites. There, you can take a COVID-19 test and, if positive, be assessed by a provider onsite. If you are eligible for treatment, you can receive and fill a prescription for pills at the same time. Some of these sites require appointments. Learn more at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Test to Treat site.
Other ways to get a COVID-19 test
-
COVID-19 community testing sites across Minnesota are continuing to offer free COVID-19 tests to all. A number of these sites provide onsite nasal rapid testing, a helpful tool for younger children where saliva testing may be more challenging.
- You can use Minnesota’s Find Testing Locations webpage to find COVID-19 testing at local pharmacies, hospitals and clinics near you.
- Food banks, local public health agencies, community groups and other community health organizations may also have free tests available.
Costs for over-the-counter, at-home COVID-19 tests are now required to be covered by health plans offered by Medicare, insurance companies, employers and groups. In some circumstances, Minnesotans can receive free tests by showing their insurance card at a store. Check with your health plan before buying at-home tests to ensure you’re following the necessary steps to have costs covered.
When to get tested
Find up-to-date guidance on when to get tested on the Minnesota Department of Health website.
|
Can you help animals in need? Minneapolis Animal Care & Control has launched its new animal foster program, giving the public the opportunity to volunteer to temporarily provide animals with extra care, attention and homes.
Fostering is a great way to provide animals with care, play, exercise and socialization. Pets that are placed with volunteers in the foster program may include:
- Those too young or small for adoption.
- Those recovering from surgery or illness.
- Those who need temporary housing because of domestic violence situations.
- Those temporarily displaced by an emergency or natural disaster.
- Those who could use a break from the shelter environment.
Minneapolis Animal Care & Control will provide all supplies and medical care for foster pet care.
Applicants must be willing to commit to housing an animal and have the ability to get to and from Minneapolis Animal Care & Control, 212 17th Ave. N. Staff will contact applicants after their application is reviewed to discuss the program and will work with them to provide the best matches possible.
Learn more and apply.
|
Learn about the Bryant Neighborhood 2023-2024 Strategic Plan at their Annual Meeting on Dec. 3
Bryant Neighborhood Organization is growing!
BNO has taken on several initiatives in our neighborhood in the recent years and is looking forward to building and deepening that work with our 2023-2024 strategic plan. As part of this plan, we will be moving $440,000 from outdated city strategies to support Gardening and Healthy Eating Programs, Bilingual Neighborhood Communications and Newsletters, Block by Block program, and Anti-Racism Organizing.
Please join us at our Annual Meeting to celebrate our neighborhood, hear more about the future of our work, and vote on this plan modification and board member elections.
Saturday, December 3 from 10 am - 12 pm
Seward Co-op, 317 E 38th St
For more information on our work, check out our website at welovebryant.org.
Join MN Black Box for their Gifts of Joy Holiday Bazaar on Dec. 18
When: Sun, December 18, 2022, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: Capri Theater - 2027 West Broadway Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55411
The ONE Holiday Shopping Event you don't want to miss!
Why? Because you are going to absolutely love this shopping experience!
Come share space, network, build community and shop for some fabulous items for the Holidays! And yes.. we mean Holidays! Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa
This Bazaar is going to have something for everyone!
- Live Jazz while you shop!
- Free face painting for the kids.
- Complimentary massages for the adults.
Come enjoy time in the Paradise Community Hall with family and friends!
More information can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gifts-of-joy-holiday-bazaar-tickets-431501210737
|
2022 Holidazzle schedule
Holidazzle is back in Loring Park Fridays through Sundays Nov. 25-Dec. 18. This year’s festivities will include food, gift vendors, Santa, interactive art exhibits and much more.
Visit the mpls downtown council’s Holidazzle website for more information.
Staying informed this winter
Winter in Minnesota can be tough with extreme cold, whiteout blizzards and power outages. Children, older adults and people with chronic illness are especially at risk during cold months. Take steps in November to prepare for severe winter weather:
Guidance for Renters
There are rules in Minneapolis that give renters the right to a warm home in the winter. From Oct. 1 to May 15, every rental unit must have heating facilities that are safe and effective.
Rental property owners are responsible for keeping the heat working, no matter who pays the heat bill. If heat isn’t working, start by contacting the owner, manager or maintenance person at your building. They should respond quickly to restore your heat. If the heat can’t be fixed right away, like if the furnace needs to be replaced, then the property owner needs to provide temporary heating sources. If you don’t have space heaters, the property owner needs to provide two space heaters to each rental unit for as long as the heat isn’t working.
If the rental property owner or manager does not take immediate steps to restore heat, you can report it to the City, and an inspector will respond to you on the same day. Call 311 or 612-673-3000 to report no heat or low heat from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends.
Outside of 311 hours, call 911 to report low heat or no heat. The 311 agent or 911 dispatcher will take your contact information, and an inspector will contact you to set up an inspection as soon as possible.
Cold weather rule
The cold weather rule is a state law that applies to all residential utility customers, whether they own or rent their homes. Utility companies cannot shut off your electric or natural gas service between Oct. 1 and April 30.
The utility company must offer you a payment plan that is reasonable for your household’s financial situation.
If the bill is in your name, call the utility company if you need to set up a payment plan.
Help making payments and winterizing
Energy Assistance Programs can help families make utility payments and provide assistance on weatherizing your home. For Minneapolis residents, the provider is the Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County.
Tips to keep your pipes from freezing
Find more information on the City website including tips on preventing water lines from freezing.
|
|
