City of Minneapolis sent this bulletin at 04/01/2024 04:34 PM CDT
Council Member Linea Palmisano
April 1, 2024
Dear Neighbor,
I’d like to start by making a correction to a statement made about rideshare usage in my last e-newsletter. I mistakenly wrote there were 300,000+ daily rides being taken in our metro area. The correct statistic is 400,000+ rides weekly between the rideshare companies of Uber and Lyft. I apologize and want to be proactive to correct that information as we all delve into what is next and find a way forward- hopefully one where we are able to maintain this type of transit for those that need it through Uber, Lyft, and other entrants who can find their way into the market.
I voted against this ordinance, and to uphold the Mayor’s veto of it but as you likely know, that sentiment did not prevail. And I have received outreach from hundreds of residents who rely on these services and, because of this ordinance, are concerned about being without reliable transportation on May 1. I am certain my colleagues, especially those who supported this proposal, have been receiving a similar volume of emails from concerned and disappointed residents. I am grateful my colleague CM Jenkins was responsive to these concerns and brought a motion to reconsider the Rideshare Ordinance. Because of this, the ordinance will once again come before the City Council at our regularly scheduled April 11 meeting. I hope the majority of my colleagues will be willing to instead support a sensible compromise–with rates reflective of the data we’ve received from the state report– which carefully analyzed and took a “pro driver” approach to give a range that ensures drivers earn minimum wage or a full suite a benefits for the full time they work, from being present on the driver app through heading to pick up a rider. It is incredibly important to not disrupt service for riders who greatly depend on this for critical transit needs and medical necessity.
I had the opportunity to testify in support of HF2828 and HF3672 before the House Public Safety and Finance Policy Committee last month. HF2828 would allow municipalities to prohibit or restrict dangerous weapons in local government-owned or leased buildings and land. As there has been a swift and large increase in contentious meetings at all levels of government–county, school board, and city alike–this kind of regulation would protect everyone’s right to attend public meetings while also ensuring their safety. Currently, the City of Minneapolis does not have the ability to prohibit guns in City Council chambers; this bill would grant us that authority.
HF 3672 would repeal the state preemption of local units of government regulating firearms, allowing each municipality to regulate firearms in a way that suits their unique community. As Minnesota’s largest municipality, Minneapolis’ public safety needs vary significantly from that of even neighboring suburbs, but especially rural areas. This bill would allow for that nuance and specificity rather than a “one size fits all” approach.
Gun violence in any form is devastating for victims and communities. I am grateful for Representative Hussein and Representative Pinto for carrying these bills and appreciated this opportunity to speak in support of common sense gun regulations for safer communities.
As you know I am a steadfast and longtime supporter of preventing, healing and reducing domestic violence. Domestic violence situations are some of the most complicated calls for help to manage. Recently, I attended a MPD training session specifically on the devastating effects of domestic assaults, specifically strangulation, and how infrequently they are charged or even attempted to be charged against the perpetrator. Strangulation is a historically difficult charge to prove, and one of the strongest indicators of eventual domestic homicide. MPD and our city attorneys are working on this training to do better for the victims of these types of brutal attacks. I am working with the City Attorney's Office, our Domestic Violence Witness Advocates and our Community Navigators to change this. It is a complex problem and also requires cooperation from Hennepin County, but I am up for the work it will take to stand up for victim’s rights and bring them the justice they deserve.
Property valuation notices were mailed on March 15. You can view the City Assessor's 2024 Assessment Report, which was presented before the Budget Committee. Here are some important figures and dates to be aware of:
The city’s property tax levy increased by 6.2% for 2024 assessments.
In the 13th Ward, this means the median home has had an estimated market value increase of 4.8%.
If you disagree with your classification and valuation you can appeal:
To the Local Board - Most issues can be resolved by contacting the assessor named on your valuation notice. If you and the assessor do not come to an agreement, you can appear before the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization (LBAE). If you have not contacted the assessor prior to April 4, your assessment changes must be heard by the LBAE. The LBAE will convene on April 15.
To the County Board or Minnesota Tax Court - You can appear before the Hennepin County Board of Appeal only after appearing before the Local Board. You may also appeal to Minnesota Tax Court, but must appeal before April 30, 2024.
The City of Minneapolis Public Works Department has scheduled a water main renewal project in the 13th Ward. This project will begin in April and is scheduled for completion in November.
The purpose of this project is to remove the mineral deposits from cast iron pipes and install a lining to prevent future mineral build up which can limit proper water flow. This cement lining is certified for use in potable drinking water pipes. The costs associated with this project will not be assessed to your property.
Please note that the renewal project in your neighborhood is one of many being delivered throughout the city this season. These projects are delivered in multiple phases by different specialty crews to efficiently utilize their time. As such, there will likely be periods of minimal activity in your area, but please be assured the project is progressing.
Please join us for a Public Meeting to learn more about the process, ask questions, and provide input on traffic calming project in the 13th Ward on S Chowen Ave between W 46th St and W 48th St; and W 48th St between S Chowen Ave and S Zenith Ave!
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Painter Recreation Center 620 W 34th St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Through the Neighborhood Traffic Calming process, Minneapolis Public Works is finding ways to make your neighborhood streets safer and eliminate risky driving behaviors. We have identified several areas for traffic calming treatments to be implemented in 2024. Learn more about the City's upcoming Neighborhood Traffic Calming projects.
From early April into summer 2024, CenterPoint Energy crews will return to Armatage for three projects. This work is in conjunction with the City of Minneapolis' Pennhurst South Residential Resurfacing.
Project 1: Crews will return to areas affected by CenterPoint's 2023 work to permanently restore the areas that received winter restoration.
Project 2: Crews will replace a small-diameter plastic main, move inside meters outside by appointment, replace and/or reconnect service lines to the first main, and replace a large-diameter steel main.
Project 3: Crews will only move inside meters outside by appointment and replace service lines as needed.
From early April into summer, CenterPoint Energy’s contractors Michels Corporation and Q3 Contracting will move inside meters outside by appointment, replace some natural gas service lines as needed, and restore the affected areas.
One of the best parts of my job is getting to meet with my constituents, learn more about you and hear your questions, concerns, hopes and dreams for our shared community.
If you'd like to schedule a time to meet with me, send me an e-mailand my staff will help get it scheduled. Please let me know what you'd like to talk about and a convenient place to meet—a coffee shop, a park, your home, my office, etc. I try to reserve Fridays for constituent meetings, but can work them in other times, as necessary, too.
We've moved while work is being done in City Hall. Our office is in: Room 100, Public Service Center 250 South 4th St. Get directions
For reasonable accommodations or alternative format please contact 311. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612-673-3000. TTY users call 612-263-6850. Para asistencia, llame al 311. Rau kev pab 311. Hadii aad Caawimaad u baahantahay 311.
