New City Council & Clerk department
roster now available

A handy reference to the new City Council and Office of the City Clerk is now available on CityTalk. This is the most up-to-date listing of the new Minneapolis City Council, Ward offices, and the Clerk’s Office and assignments. Read more

Spread the word: deadline for Urban
Scholars applications is March 3

The City of Minneapolis is now accepting applications for the 2014 Urban Scholars program, a summer internship and leadership development program for college students interested in public service careers. The Minneapolis Urban Scholars program aims to help young people from diverse backgrounds build their professional and leadership skills.

Last year, 17 Urban Scholars were chosen from more than 135 applicants. The undergraduate and graduate students selected worked in key areas of City government. In the long run, the City hopes to develop a group of young talent who can begin careers in public service, and someday be the next generation of City leaders. Read more

Snow or no snow, Impound Lot
is a hub of activity

We all know the Impound Lot is a busy place during Snow Emergencies, but did you know it’s buzzing all year-round? For example, in 2013, Impound Lot staff assisted with the distribution of 2,000 new trees through the CityTrees program. That’s in addition to the work they do every day, helping folks get their vehicles out of the lot. Last year, staff handled 31,492 tows, released 22,189 vehicles (through October) and auctioned 2,756 regular and junk vehicles.  To better help its customers, this past year, the Impound Lot also implemented an online payment option.

Sales tax exemption rule clarified

As noted in the Jan. 8 issue of Minneapolis Matters, the City of Minneapolis is now exempt from sales tax on certain purchases. However, please be aware of how this law applies to professional contracts that your department may have with contractors.  Read more

Help Special Olympics athletes when you take a cold dip in the Minneapolis Polar Plunge

The Minneapolis Police Department, Minneapolis Park Police and other local law enforcement agencies are once again participating in the 2014 Polar Bear Plunge. This year, due to popular demand, the Minneapolis Polar Plunge has expanded to two days – the Frozen Friday on Feb. 28 and The Minneapolis Plunge and the Plunge 5K on March 1 among other events. Read more

Want to hone your public speaking skills; check out Toastmasters

Toastmasters is a learn-by-doing program, where participants practice meeting and speaking skills. The goal is to provide a supportive and positive learning environment so that every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills. Read more

Now is the time to have your
home tested for radon

January is National Radon Action Month. Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the decay of naturally occurring radium and uranium in the earth. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and the leading cause in nonsmokers. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that as many as 21,000 lung cancer deaths a year are caused by radon. Read more

Verify your home address in HRIS before W-2s
are sent

You should receive your W-2 statement by mail from the City of Minneapolis by the mandated Jan. 31 deadline. Be sure to check HRIS to verify that your address on file is accurate. Read more

Register now for biometric screening
to earn 2014
wellness points

Start earning points now toward your 2014 Wellness Program. Several biometric screenings are scheduled at various City locations, and more will be announced soon. The first is Thursday, Feb. 6. Read more

Watch for your 2014 Medica card in the mail

The correct Medica ID cards have been mailed and should arrive at your home address this week. If you do not receive your medical cards by Friday, Jan. 24, please contact the Benefits staff. Read more

Taking the online ethics refresher course is easy, convenient

If it’s been more than three years since you last completed the City’s ethics training, you must take the refresher course. You can complete the online course in about 30 minutes from any computer with Internet access. Read more

Upcoming events

Jan. 24 & 31 Roller Toaster Toastmasters

Jan. 25 Farmers market

Jan. 24, 25 & 26 January Thaw Volleyball Invitational

Jan. 29 Russell Conwell Toastmasters

Jan. 30, 31, Feb. 1 & 2 Progressive Boat Show 

Feb. 5 Russell Conwell Toastmasters 

Feb. 6 Biometric screenings

Feb. 6 – 9 Minneapolis St.  Paul RV, Vacation & Camping Show

Feb. 8 Farmers market

Today’s tip

Did you know that carbon monoxide (CO) incidents increase by more than 10 percent during winter months? Here are some important safety tips to prepare your home, garage or fish house against a buildup of this silent but deadly gas. Read more .