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Greetings Ward 11,
An update regarding the Mayor’s proposal for a comprehensive Community Safety Center which would include the 3rd Precinct…
I, alongside Council Member Jason Chavez (Ward 9), and Council Member Johnson (Ward 12), all of whom are Council Members who represent wards within Minneapolis’s 3rd Precinct boundaries, introduced a legislative directive seeking critical information missing from Mayor Frey’s proposal to build a new comprehensive Community Safety Center which would include the 3rd Precinct. The legislative directive follows many public letters from Mayor Frey that did not include specific information City Council Members need to perform their legislative, policymaking, and oversight functions… Click here for more information on “Council Member Koski, Chavez, and Johnson’s Legislative Directive Regarding the Mayor’s Proposal for a Community Safety Center”.
A few updates about the upcoming weeks!
The South Minneapolis Seniors Fair is on Wednesday, October 25th from 9:30 AM-2:00 PM at Pearl Park Recreation Center (414 E Diamond Lake Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55419). It will feature workshops, an elected officials panel, a resource fair, and a free lunch. The Seniors Fair is hosted by Council President Andrea Jenkins and I, collaboratively sponsored by the City of Minneapolis, Trust Inc., Comcast, Xcel Energy, and CenterPoint Energy. |
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The next Ward 11 Monthly Meeting is on November 14, 2023 from 7:00 PM-8:30 PM at Pearl Park Recreation Center (414 E Diamond Lake Rd, MPLS, MN 55419).
In Gratitude,
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I, alongside Council Member Jason Chavez (Ward 9), and Council Member Johnson (Ward 12), all of whom are Council Members who represent wards within Minneapolis’s 3rd Precinct boundaries, introduced a legislative directive seeking critical information missing from Mayor Frey’s proposal to build a new comprehensive Community Safety Center which would include the 3rd Precinct. The legislative directive follows many public letters from Mayor Frey that did not include specific information City Council Members need to perform their legislative, policymaking, and oversight functions.
Ward 11 residents have unanswered questions about the future of public safety in our city. We have a duty as good stewards of public dollars to seek information about the vision, direction, budget, and timeline for the Community Safety Center. Just as a person building a new home would not agree to pay for it until they have a proposal, or more information, we need a proposal before we can make decisions about the Community Safety Center, we need more than just an address.
The legislative directive makes the following requests of the mayor:
- Provide the proposal for the comprehensive Community Safety Center
- Share the site analysis and the rationale for choosing 2600 Minnehaha Avenue over other site options
- Provide a financial analysis that includes acquisition costs, prep costs, development costs, and other costs associated with the project
- Share any anticipated public engagement, provide more detail as to how the community will be informed of and involved in the development
- Provide a review of the 3rd Precinct Engagement report, Minneapolis Safe and Thriving Communities Report and the Settlement Agreement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, and how they align with the proposal
- Provide the projected timeline
- Provide recommended next steps
Our vision for public safety broadly – and specifically, the vision for a future Community Safety Center – is critical to having a safe, thriving, inclusive, and equitable city. In order for us to vote confidently for this proposal, we need to be provided information that we have not yet received. I look forward to working with the mayor and his team to provide this information to the city council ahead of a vote.
The City Council Members plan to introduce this legislative directive at the Committee of the Whole meeting on October 17, 2023 at 1:00 PM. The City Council is expected to vote on it at their regularly scheduled City Council meeting on October 19, 2023 at 9:30 AM.
To view Council Member Koski, Chavez, and Johnson’s Legislative Directive Regarding the Mayor’s Proposal for a Community Safety Center, click here.To view Council Member Koski, Chavez, and Johnson’s Legislative Directive Regarding the Mayor’s Proposal for a Community Safety Center, click here.
The Star Tribune released an article regarding the Legislative Directive titled “Third Precinct debate could run well past Election Day, as Frey faces resistance on his site choice”, click here to read it.
Council Member Koski has been leading ongoing, multijurisdictional conversations between the City of Minneapolis, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, and Hennepin County regarding increasing safety for pedestrians, bikers and vehicles at the intersections of Cedar Ave & Edgewater Blvd/Cedar Ave & Nokomis Pkwy
In October 2022, she hosted a Community Meeting on the intersections of Cedar Ave & Edgewater Blvd/Cedar Ave & Nokomis Pkwy and invited the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board and Hennepin County, so they could discuss the work that has been done at the intersections, introduce the proposed pilot project which would test improvements to the intersections, and receive community input about the future of the intersections.
As a result of all this work, they’ve moved forward with the implementation of the proposed pilot project, which includes…
- Closing Median at Edgewater Blvd, Right In, Right Out Onto/From Edgewater Blvd Only, for a 6-Week Evaluation Period
- Installing Bollard Median on the North Side of the Cedar/Lake Nokomis intersection.
- Converting the Two Northbound Through Lanes to One Through and One Left Turn Lane
- Installing Northbound Left Turn Lane Arrow
- Installing Eastbound Right Turn Arrow
- Improving Traffic Signal Visibility
The improvements have been installed.
We are seeking feedback/input form Ward 11 residents on the improvements! Visit the project page to give feedback/input (www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/cedar-ave-nokomis-pkwy/).
If you have any questions, please reach out to the Ward 11 Office (Ward11@minneapolismn.gov; (612) 673-2211).
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Council Member Emily Koski and Council President Andrea Jenkins are hosting the South Minneapolis Seniors Fair on Wednesday, October 25th from 9:30 AM-2:00 PM at Pearl Park Recreation Center (414 E Diamond Lake Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55419).
The Seniors Fair will feature workshops, an elected officials panel, a resource fair, and a free lunch.
Schedule:
- 9:30 AM: Doors Open
- 9:45 AM-10 AM: Welcoming Remarks
- 10 AM-10:30 AM: Mindful Mornings
- 10:30 AM-11:30 AM: Workshop Session #1
- 11:30 AM-1 PM: Resource Fair & Free Lunch
- 12 PM-1 PM: Elected Official Panel
- 1 PM-2 PM: Workshop Session #2
Workshops:
- Personal Safety and Crime Prevention
- Traffic Calming and Snow Removal
- Writing Our Memories, Our Stories
- Using Today's Technology
Elected Officials Panel:
- Council President Andrea Jenkins
- Council Member Emily Koski
- Hennepin County Commissioner Angela Conley
- Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt
- Other Elected Officials may be added as available.
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The next Ward 11 Monthly Meeting is on November 14, 2023 from 7:00 PM-8:30 PM at Pearl Park Recreation Center (414 E Diamond Lake Rd, MPLS, MN 55419). |
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South Lyndale Liquors
5516 Lyndale Ave S, MPLS, MN 55419
On October 4th 2023, South Lyndale Liquors owner Dan Campo and the Campo family opened their newly constructed store, at 5516 Lyndale Ave. S. in Minneapolis.
The new building is twice the size of the former location at 53rd and Lyndale Ave S, which was in operation for 48 years, The new South Lyndale Liquors includes a cheese store, a deli counter and a meeting room.
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Crews are preparing to sweep streets across Minneapolis this month and November to clean the streets before winter. Street sweeping helps keep leaves and debris out of the storm drains and from ending up in our lakes and creeks and the Mississippi River.
Minneapolis Public Works will begin the big task of curb-to-curb street sweeping throughout the city Tuesday, Oct. 17. 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 hot pink “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. 16, 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.
Ways to Stay Informed of the Parking Rules:
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Interactive web feature – The Street Sweeping Schedule Map is available on the City’s website. Visitors to the website will be able to find out which week their street is scheduled to be swept. Then, on the weekend before each of the four weeks, the schedule for the upcoming week will be broken down to show which day of the week streets are scheduled to be swept.
- “No Parking” signs – City crews will post “No Parking” signs at least 24 hours before sweeping any streets. Parking will be banned from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the day a street is swept. However, the “No Parking” signs will be removed as soon as possible after a street has been completely swept to allow people to resume parking after the signs are removed. Vehicles not in compliance with “No Parking” signs may be ticketed and towed to the Minneapolis Impound Lot. The sweeping takes several steps, so people should not resume parking until the signs are removed.
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Email and text alerts – You can sign up to get an alert automatically emailed or texted to you at the start of street sweeping.
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Social media – The City will use Facebook and Twitter to post periodic street sweeping updates and information.
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Videos – Street sweeping is explained in English, Spanish, Somali and Hmong on the City’s YouTube channel and on Minneapolis City TV.
Clean Streets Mean Healthier Water:
Minneapolis streets are swept completely curb to curb with enforcement of parking rules once in the spring and again in the fall. You can do your part by not pushing leaves, grass clippings or other debris into City streets. It’s bad for our lakes and waterways, it can cause safety hazards and it’s against the law.
Leaves that wash into storm drains end up in our lakes and creeks and the Mississippi River. They may quickly begin to break down, creating pollutants that overfertilize lake water and help harmful aquatic plants and algae grow. The murky lake water that results is not good for swimming or fishing. It can also harm wildlife and pets.
Learn more about street sweeping.
Apply to the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Citizens Advisory Committee!
The Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) is a volunteer advisory group appointed by the MCWD Board of Managers. The CAC assists the Board by advising and supporting the Board of Managers. CAC members engage in the following activities:
- Consider issues relevant to the function and purposes of the MCWD.
- Examine, refine, and build on the strategy and communications for MCWD key initiatives.
- Review and advise on budget, capital improvement plans, and other projects or activities.
- Advise and assist in decision-making.
- Raise issues of public concern.
The CAC is made up of 14 members from across the watershed. CAC members serve two-year, staggered terms and must live within the watershed boundary.
MCWD recruits seven members for the CAC each autumn. MCWD is currently accepting applications for 2024 appointment until October 16, 2023. To learn more about serving as a CAC member, read the latest Position Description.
The Citizens Advisory Committee meets every other month but occasionally holds supplemental meetings to discuss timely initiatives. CAC meetings are typically held on Wednesday evenings at the MCWD office.
To visit the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Citizens Advisory Committee webpage, click here.
To apply to the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Citizens Advisory Committee, click here.
27 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. City boards and commissions offer a direct way for residents to advise City leadership about topics important to them. Translation and interpreting is available so all residents can participate.
Applications will be accepted through Oct. 31.
Boards, Commissions and Advisory Committees:
The City of Minneapolis has more than 50 volunteer-based boards, commissions and advisory committees that help shape key policy decisions, represent their community in the City’s administration of services and supply valuable insights. Boards and commissions have brought forward recommendations that resulted in:
- Renter protections.
- Wage protections.
- Bicycle safety infrastructure.
- Gender-neutral restrooms.
- Public art.
- A ban on a hazardous chemical in dry cleaning.
- The 2023 Climate Equity Plan.
- Paid sick and safe time.
- The Minneapolis Food Vision.
Find more information about the openings on the City website.
Read more about boards and commissions on the City website.
The Minneapolis Civil Rights Department is educating renters and property owners about the City’s ordinance against public assistance discrimination in housing. This includes discriminating against people using Section 8 housing choice vouchers. The ordinance is now in effect and enforceable after facing years of legal challenges.
The housing discrimination amendments to the civil rights ordinance, approved by the City Council in March 2017, prohibit property owners from denying people the opportunity to apply for available housing. They also prohibit property owners from refusing to rent to people because they use public assistance to pay their rent or because of the requirements of a public assistance program. The amendments also prohibit property owners from treating potential public assistance renters differently from other renters.
How to Submit a Complaint:
Renters who believe they have faced discrimination because they use public assistance should contact the Civil Rights Department. How to file a complaint:
- Call 311 or 612-673-3012.
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File an online complaint form.
- File a complaint in person at the Civil Rights Department, City Hall, 350 Fifth St. S., Room 239.
Information Sessions:
Civil Rights staff members are hosting information sessions in the community to educate people about the ordinance.
- 2-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24. Sabathani Community Center, 310 E. 38th St., community room
- 2-7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13. Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC), 2001 Plymouth Ave., Plymouth room
Read more on the City’s website.
Upcoming office hours, the monthly Twin Cities immigration forum and a citizenship resource fair will offer resources for immigrants and refugees.
Office Hours:
1-4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 16 Wednesday, Oct. 25 Wednesday, Nov. 1 Monday, Nov. 6 South Minneapolis CareerForce, 777 E. Lake St.
During office hours, immigrants and refugees can connect to City and community resources and opportunities in the areas of housing, legal services, food and more.
Immigration Forum:
Twin Cities monthly immigration forum 4:30-6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12 Join online over Microsoft Teams. Or call in (audio only) at +1 612-276-6670 with meeting ID 365504388#
A monthly forum offers immigration-related updates to the community.
The topics covered include:
- Federal immigration news and resources.
- City, community and advocacy organization updates.
- Other topics important to immigrant, refugee and new American communities.
Watch past forums on the City's YouTube channel.
Find dates and links to join the meetings on the OIRA events calendar.
Resource Fair:
U.S. citizenship and immigration resource fair 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 COPAL Primero de Mayo Worker Center 3521 E. Lake St.
The citizenship and immigration resource fair will include:
- Legal service providers giving an overview on the citizenship application process.
- Answers to your questions about citizenship and immigration.
- Information about interest-free loans to pay the citizenship application fee through the New American Loan Program.
- Information about wage theft, labor law violations and Drivers Licenses for All.
- Resources such as English classes, job opportunities and more.
This event is part of a one-year citizenship campaign by the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul to help residents learn about and apply for United States citizenship. Monthly events alternate between Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
Learn more on the City website or contact the office directly by email. or call 612-394-6018.
October is Adopt a Dog Month, and Minneapolis Animal Care & Control is decreasing adoption fees in hopes of finding new homes for all of the available dogs.
For the month of October, adoption fees for dogs and cats will be $50 for nonresidents and $31 for Minneapolis residents.
Find information on adopting animals, volunteering, and supporting Animal Care & Control on the City website.
Are you interested in working in the solar industry? Sign up now for free solar training and certification beginning Oct. 9.
Jobs in clean energy and solutions for climate change are some of the fastest growing and best paying in the nation. Young adults, people of color and women are encouraged to register. No experience or prerequisites are required.
Training includes working with electricity, introduction to solar energy work, basic photovoltaics and a site tour. The 56-hour credentialed training is administered by Midwest Renewable Energy Association.
While the training is free, you may also qualify for a stipend if you meet income qualifications.
Register now for the next training Oct. 9-19.
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