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August 30, 2024
Here are a few updates from the past two weeks.
The Follwell crew deserves high praise for their remarkable achievement in hosting an ice cream social that captured the heart and soul of our community. The event was a resounding success, filled with laughter and a sense of belonging. Cheers to the team for their unwavering commitment to building a more harmonious and thriving Minneapolis community - your efforts are truly making a difference.
I had the pleasure of accompanying Minneapolis Animal Care and Control on a ride-along yesterday, during which I had the opportunity to learn from Sue Baker, a dedicated professional with twenty-six years of experience. Coincidentally, today marks her birthday.
Sue's expertise and passion for educating others make her an invaluable asset to the community. Her philosophy of helping people to ultimately help animals is truly admirable. We responded to various calls, including a dog surrender, a lost dog, and a coyote attack, in addition to an increase in requests for bat removals from homes.
I am impressed by the vital work performed by MACC and extend my gratitude for their tireless efforts in serving our city and its pets.
Welcome to the neighborhood, Flawless Beauty Factory!
Congratulations to Karla and her family on the grand opening and ribbon cutting. Thank you for investing in Ward 4. We are lucky to have you.
Make sure and stop by 4150 Fremont Ave N for any of your beauty supply needs!
Please join me in congratulating Ward 4's own Chef Marcus and Kelsey on the successful launch of their Sandwich Club MPLS food truck. Their dream of opening a restaurant in Ward 4, where they reside, was born out of a desire to foster community growth through their culinary expertise. I am confident that this achievement is merely the starting point for their future successes.
Do not miss the opportunity to visit them at 45th and Victory Memorial, Wednesday through Friday, 12-6 pm.
If you want to schedule a meeting or phone call with me, reach out to Maggie Kohl via email maggie.kohl@minneapolismn.gov or leave a message at 612-673-2204
If you have questions, comments, or concerns please contact Betsy Brock via her email betsy.brock@minneapolismn.gov or cell 612-257-5242
You can also reach me directly at my email latrisha.vetaw@minneapolismn.gov
As most of you know, I have open office hours every Friday at my ward office at 4205 Webber pkwy.
Please feel free to stop in any time between 10 am to 2 pm or email maggie.kohl@minneapolismn.gov to set up another time.
Project Information
- The Northside Greenway is a project bringing street improvements on Humboldt Ave N and Irving Ave N, from 44th Ave N to 4th Ave N. The city just kicked off public engagement to guide the project through the planning and design. Please visit the project website at https://zanassoc.mysocialpinpoint.com/northside-greenway to take a survey, add comments to an interactive map, and find out more about upcoming events.
Recent Activities
- Public Works selected a consultant team for engagement and design of the Northside Greenway who have past project experience rooted in North Minneapolis. They have begun contacting community-based organizations and local businesses about their interest in spreading the word about the project.
- Project team members walked the corridor during National Night Out, leaving fliers and cookies with an invitation to take a survey.
Upcoming Engagement
- Community engagement will be organized into three phases: vision, tools, and layout. The phase that has just kicked off is the first one. Most of the opportunities to get involved and guide the project lie ahead!
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Virtual Engagement Website: A website with project information, a survey, and an interactive map is now live at https://zanassoc.mysocialpinpoint.com/northside-greenway
- In the fall, the community partners and project team will have a “toolkit” of engagement activities to choose from. The activities they may choose include community events, door knocking, and neighborhood listening sessions.
- The project team is actively seeking community events to be present at. Right now, this includes things like a neighborhood ice cream social, the Camdentown Market, and the upcoming West Broadway open streets.
Project updates
The Project Office and city staff presented on the Supplemental Draft Environment Impact Statement (SDEIS) to the City Council on July 9, 2024.
Read City comments
Watch the presentation
In the Fall of 2024, the city council will vote on the Blue Line design. The vote will cover tracks, bridges, stations, roads, and support structures. This municipal consent process allows for public input.
Upcoming milestones
You can comment on preliminary design plans for the METRO Blue Line Extension. The project will extend the Blue Line from Target Field Station through North Minneapolis to Brooklyn Park.
Cities along the proposed route are holding public meetings to discuss the plans. Minneapolis will hold its public hearing in September:
Minneapolis public hearing
Thursday, September 12 at 1:30 pm
Public Service Center, Room 350, 250 South 4th St, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Find out how to participate in a public hearing.
You can also send your comments by email.
The project is co-led by the Metropolitan Council and Hennepin County.
Find more information on the Blue Line Extension project on the City of Minneapolis website or Metropolitan Council website.
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid has partnered with CM Vetaw to host a series of legal clinics at her ward office at 4205 Webber pkwy.
Mark your calendars
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Senior Legal Clinic - Friday, September 27th 9 am-12 pm
- Ages 60 and over - civil legal services, one-time advice only clinic
- Email ward4@minneapolismn.gov or call 612-673-2204 to schedule a time-slot
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Fair Housing 101 Training w/ Q&A - Thursday, October 3rd 5:30 pm
- Come learn about rights and protections you have as a renter or homeowner under federal and state fair housing law. Bring questions you have about your housing rights or experiences!
- For any questions or to learn more, email fairhousingtesting@mylegalaid.org or call 612-746-3752
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Transfer on Death Dead (TODD) Clinic - Friday, October 4th 10 am-2 pm
- North Minneapolis Homeowners, Minnesota has a way for you to leave your home to a loved one without a will. Come learn what a Transfer on Death Deed (TODD) is, and how it can help you build generation wealth without the expense and delay of the probate process.
- Email ward4@minneapolismn.gov or call 612-673-2204 to schedule a time-slot
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Senior Legal Clinic - Friday, October 18th 9 am-12 pm
- Ages 60 and over - civil legal services, one-time advice only clinic
- Email ward4@minneapolismn.gov or call 612-673-2204 to schedule a time-slot
The Office of Attorney General Keith Ellison will be hosting a huge clinic in North Minneapolis called the "Debt Fairness Clinic" on Saturday, October 5th from 10 am-5 pm at NorthPoint Health & Wellness, Inc.
The Debt Fairness Clinic will consist of three main components:
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“Know Your Rights” Presentations: Led by the Attorney General’s Office, these presentations will provide attendees with essential information about their rights under the new Minnesota Debt Fairness Act protections.
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One-on-One Consultations: Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with volunteer attorneys from our partner legal organizations for “advice sessions.” During these sessions, attendees will receive a brief, informal review of their debt situation, general legal guidance, and recommendations for qualified attorneys and legal organizations specializing in debt-related issues. To participate in these consultations, attendees must complete a day-of form, which includes details about their adverse parties (e.g., medical providers, creditors), followed by a conflict check. We’ll also ask that attendees bring a printed copy of their credit report; however, printing services will be available at the clinic for those who are unable to do so beforehand. The conflict check process will be managed by designated staff, and partnering legal organizations will utilize their computerized systems to assist.
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Assisting people with expungements: Our office will run an expungement clinic adjacent to the consumer credit clinic on the same site and day. We will have plenty of Assistant Attorneys General there to inform attendees about the charges and/or convictions in their record that are eligible for an expungement. We are partnering with the Legal Revolution to help inform attendees about the pardons process too.
The Arts & Cultural Affairs Department has extended the application deadline from Friday, August 30 to Friday, September 13, 2024.
Please keep in mind that applications for the Arts & Culture Vibrant Storefronts will be accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis in one or more rounds (depending on funding and space availability). The first deadline is for the first round of applications. Applications that are not funded in this first round will not be dismissed; they will be added to a waitlist as more properties & funding becomes available. In case you are interested in viewing the recorded info session, would like to download the updated NOFA or review the updated FAQ’s visit Vibrant Storefronts — Arts & Cultural Affairs - City of Minneapolis (mplsartsandculture.org).
UPDATED IMPORTANT DATES
• Application deadline: September 13, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. CST
• Applications review: September 17 to October 1, 2024
• Award notifications: October 8, 2024
• Eligible funding period: 24 months from the executed contract date
 The 8th annual Battle of the Badges returns. This year, the competition features Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Minneapolis Police, Minneapolis Fire and Minneapolis Park Police. They are vying for bragging rights over who can grill up the best BBQ. The family-friendly event includes free food, entertainment, giveaways, bounce houses and more.
Battle of the Badges 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 7 North Commons Park, 1801 James Ave. N
Find out more on the City Facebook page.
If you come across a downed power line, always assume it is energized and dangerous. Never touch or move a downed power line. Leave the area and report it immediately by calling 1-800-895-1999. Xcel Energy actively responds to power outages. You can check outage status on the Xcel Energy website.
After a storm, please give work crews space so they can safely clean up debris and downed power lines. Also, leave 911 open for emergencies.
Traffic signals
If you encounter a traffic signal that’s flashing or completely out, treat the intersection like a four-way stop yielding to pedestrians. Report issues with City streets by calling 311 or report an issue on the City website.
Tree damage
Property owners are responsible for trees on their property. Tree debris such as leaves, branches (less than 3 ft long and less than 3 in diameter) and twigs are accepted with your regular yard waste collection. Larger branches are not accepted. Find out more on the City website.
The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board is responsible for City-owned trees on the boulevards and park property. Report storm damage to them by calling 612-313-7710. Find out more on the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board website.
Tips to prepare
Get additional tips for what to do during a power outage from Ready.gov.
Read more about the City’s response to recent storms on the City website.
Minneapolis City government offices are closed Monday, Sept. 2, for Labor Day. This includes Minneapolis 311 and the Minneapolis Service Center. City offices will reopen for regular business hours on Tuesday, Sept. 3.
Minneapolis police and fire emergency services and 911 are not affected.
There is no garbage and recycling pick-up on Sept. 2. Service resumes Sept. 3.
The City's metered parking spaces are not enforced on the holiday. Other metered parking restrictions in Minneapolis may be in effect and subject to enforcement. This includes the Park Board, University of Minnesota and private organizations that operate their own meters. Always read the information posted on the meter to be certain.
Minneapolis Animal Care & Control (MACC) has received 30 reports about the scam so far. It works like this: scammers look for posts about lost pets and then contact the owners. Sometimes they spoof the City’s phone number and pose as an animal control officer. They lie about finding a pet who needs a bogus emergency surgery. They send a link to wire money, potentially defrauding pet owners of thousands of dollars.
The City wants residents to be aware. MACC will never ask for money in a lost pet situation. When MACC identifies owners of lost pets in its care, the owner must visit the shelter in person and show proof of ownership.
For more information – or if people believe they have received a scam call or text – call 612-673-6222 to talk to a MACC staff member.
Read more on the City website.
The City is recruiting members for boards and commissions to strengthen the work of the City. People with a diversity of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives are encouraged to apply.
Members are recruited twice each year, in the spring and fall. Fall applications will be accepted Sept. 1 through Sept. 30.
City boards and commissions offer a direct way for residents to advise City leadership about topics important to them.
Check for current openings and apply for positions on the City website beginning Sept. 1.
For more information call 612-673-2216 or email ABCAdmin@minneapolismn.gov.
A Home Energy Squad (HES) visit is a professional detailed review of your home’s energy efficiency.
Minneapolis residents and property owners can start their own climate legacy by getting a free HES visit from the City, while funding lasts.
Schedule a Home Energy Squad visit
Take an inside look into a HES visit: Watch a step-by-step video of a Home Energy Squad visit
This program is provided by Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy and is delivered by the Center for Energy and Environment. It is part of the City’s commitment to Creating a Climate Legacy.
Minneapolis has about 20 farmers markets for you to explore. Markets connect local farmers and gardeners with Twin Cities residents to build a sense of community over a shared love of food. Visit a local market including:
Minneapolis Farmers Market 312 E Lyndale Ave N. Every Wednesday-Sunday through Oct. 31 More information.
Northeast Farmers Market 629 2nd St E. Every Saturday through Oct. 12 More information.
Kingfield Farmers Market 4055 Nicollet Ave. Every Sunday through Oct. 27 More information.
Find a farmers market near you and explore how to multiply your SNAP-EBT dollars with Market Bucks.
More than 100 children are diagnosed with elevated lead levels in their blood every year. Lead poisoning is 100% preventable and can be detected with a blood test.
Children can get free testing with the City’s mobile testing lab. Upcoming events:
Corcoran Park 3334 20th Ave. S. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, Aug. 30
Urban Family League Family Day 2100 Plymouth Ave. N. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 31
Mexican Independence Day Lake St. & Clinton Ave. N. Noon to 7 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 15
Camden Fall Festival 4150 Dupont Ave. N. 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19
Visit one of our child lead testing events or talk with your health care provider.
Learn about lead testing, grants to remove lead hazards in your home, hear personal stories about using City grant funds, and more on the City website.
As children head back-to-school, it’s important to make sure they are up to date on all vaccines. Nearly 40% of children enrolled in Minneapolis Public Schools are behind on their childhood vaccines.
Measles is in the community, with the most cases in our state since 2017.
Talk with your healthcare provider to stay current with your child’s immunizations and visit our free vaccination and lead testing clinic this Friday.
Free vaccine clinic Corcoran Park, 3334 20th Ave. S. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, Aug. 30
Resources
Find out more about measles from the City website.
The first day of school for Minneapolis Public Schools is Tuesday, Sept. 3.
Help ensure that your student is prepared. Review their school supply list, update their calendar with important dates and help them to transition back into a regular routine.
Find more information about MPS's 2024-2025 academic calendar here.
If your child has a mental, behavioral or emotional issue that leaves you overwhelmed, Hennepin County offers help. Support is free and quick.
There are no specific criteria required for Family Response support, but concerns may include children or youths who are:
- Having a hard time with a family member or change in the home.
- Showing aggression or anger.
- Feeling down or less engaged.
- Feeling worried and concerned.
- Having issues at school.
Learn more about how to get support from the Family Response and Stabilization Service on the Hennepin County website.
The City Trees program is offering $30 trees now through Sept. 30. Minneapolis residents and property owners can purchase up to three trees per address. Choose from shade trees, fruit trees, flowering trees and evergreen trees.
Purchase a tree today while supplies last.
City Trees program
Since the program began in 2006, the City Trees program has provided more than 20,000 low-cost trees for planting on private property, with 7,500 trees distributed in the last five years.
Learn more about our City Trees program.
Low-cost trees for businesses
Businesses, nonprofits, organizations, and owners of properties with five or more units can also purchase $30 trees. Submit an application before Sept. 15.
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