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Hello to all my 3rd Ward neighbors,
This week I have spent a lot of time on the police contract. On Monday I attended the second public hearing at the Administration and Enterprise Oversight Committee. The City has conducted a historic amount of public engagement on the contract by holding four community listening sessions, five public negotiation sessions, and two public hearings.
80% of the citizens who came to speak at the public hearings asked the Council to approve the contract. The Council will hold the final vote on the contract at the July 18th Council meeting. I will be voting yes because:
- It gives Chief O'Hara greater authority over discipline, scheduling, and promotions.
- Allows for civilian investigators which will increase the number of officers on the streets.
- Raises wages to be competitive with other agencies in the metro area. The current starting salary for a MPD officer is $71,000 while a new officer in Blaine makes $91,000.
The Intergovernmental Relations Committee received a presentation from Metro Transit and Hennepin County on the Blue Line LRT extension Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement and review the City's comments so far.
At the Public Health and Safety Committee meeting we received a presentation on the new South Minneapolis Community Safety Center. This is the replacement facility for the destroyed 3rd Precinct.
As always, Henry, Patrick, and I are here to serve you. We can be reached at ward3@minneapolismn.gov. Please report all issues to 311 before contacting us so there is a paper trail and staff are already aware of the issue when we speak with them. You can contact 311 by simply dialing 311, email them at Minneapolis311@minneapolismn.gov or by submitting a 311 Contact Form.
Your neighbor,
Michael
The annual Minneapolis Sister Cities Day celebration featuring an afternoon of entertainment to honor the City of Minneapolis’ international connections – will take place on Sunday, July 14, from 12:30-5 p.m., at Nicollet Island Pavilion. This is a family-friendly event and is free and open to the public. The afternoon festivities will include musicians and performers representing many of Minneapolis’ 12 sister cities, as well as informational displays and crafts for people of all ages. In addition, complimentary make-your-own ice cream sundaes and other refreshments will be available while supplies last.
This year’s celebration will be highlighted by the recognition of the 10th anniversary of Minneapolis’ sister city relationship with Bosaso, Somalia. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and members of the Bosaso-Minneapolis Sister City Committee will be on hand to mark the special occasion.
Show your support for Black business development in Minneapolis with the City’s annual Black Business Week, July 22-28.
Highlights include:
- Black Business Week kickoff.
- Doing business with the City mini conference.
- Career and networking fair.
- Emerging developer project tour and social hour: Coliseum building
- East African business resource fair.
- West Broadway business area tour, discussion and networking event.
- Pop-up markets.
Watch a video featuring local Black business owners, view a full list of events and register for events on the City website.
This month, the City launched the first Narcan vending machine.
The pilot program provides a free life-saving resource for people in need. It is located outside Fire Station 21 in an area that has seen a high amount of substance use and overdoses. So far this year, there have been 74 suspected overdoses and four suspected fatal overdoses. Between 2017 and 2021, there were 38 opioid-related deaths in the area.
Vending machine details
- Fire Station 21, 3209 E. 38th St.
- 24-hour access.
- Free to community members with no barriers.
Watch the news conference and hear from Minneapolis resident Christopher Burks who was saved by Narcan six times.
Find opioid and substance use resources on the City website.
Recent measles cases in Minnesota and Chicago serves as a reminder to protect yourself and your loved ones from this highly contagious disease.
Measles can easily spread and lead to serious health complications, including death. Vaccinations provide the best protection.
If you are not vaccinated and are notified that you have been exposed to measles, you must quarantine for 21 days to prevent spreading the disease. Quarantine can lead to significant life disruptions.
Read more about the importance of protecting yourself from measles on the City’s website.
As part of the Climate Legacy Initiative, the City’s Green Cost Share program is helping Minneapolis residents make weatherization and other energy-saving improvements to their homes.
Owners of single-family or 2- to 4-unit residential properties can receive funds to make their property more energy efficient through rebates of up to $14,000.
From insulation to air-source heat pumps, the City can help you save money on utility bills and make your home more comfortable year-round.
Minneapolis resident Jamie Laudert received City funds to make her 100-year-old home energy-efficient year-round.
Watch Jamie’s video.
Apply for funds to make your home more energy efficient on the City website.
The City of Minneapolis is calling on individuals, cultural groups, arts spaces, schools and neighborhood organizations to become Cultural District ambassadors. In this role you can engage deeply with your community, celebrate its rich cultural heritage and contribute to the vibrancy of our city. Join us in creating a thriving, connected, and dynamic community experience.
The City's seven Cultural Districts are:
- 38th Street
- Cedar Avenue South
- Central Avenue
- East Lake Street
- Franklin Avenue East
- Lowry Avenue North
- West Broadway
The deadline to apply is 4:30 p.m. Friday, July 26.
Apply on the City website.
The Transit Assistance Program offers discounted transit fares for low-income residents, making it easier to commute to work, school, medical appointments and other essential activities. With a reduced fare TAP card, riders pay just $1 per ride, even during rush hour.
Now, qualifying riders can sign up for a TAP card at the Minneapolis Service Center in downtown. With its location near high traffic areas like the Government Center and Metro Transit’s Blue and Green light rail lines, the service center will be easily accessible by thousands.
Minneapolis Service Center
Public Service Building, skyway level
505 Fourth Ave. S.
Find out more about the new location on the City website.
Start your enrollment on the Metro Transit website.
This year’s celebration of the City of Minneapolis takes place July 24-27.
Mark your calendar for the parade, fireworks, music, triples tennis, water ski show, on-the-go AquaTivities and more.
Find details on the Aquatennial website. |
