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Hello to all my 3rd Ward neighbors,
This week I want to give you an update on the discussion the City Council is having about ShotSpotter technology. While this public safety tool is not used in the 3rd Ward, the technology is very helpful in aiding public safety in North and South Minneapolis where there are high levels of gun violence.
Chief O'Hara spoke at the Administration and Enterprise Oversight Committee this week in support of renewing the City's ShotSpotter contract. He explained how the technology helps dispatchers quickly identify when and where shots have been fired as well as the number of shots. All patrol officers have the ShotSpotter app on their phones and in many cases are able to respond to the shots fired immediately.
Community Safety Commissioner Barnette and Chief O'Hara have recommended that additional ShotSpotter coverage be added to the Loring Park, Whittier, and Uptown neighborhoods. Those areas produced 32% of shots fired calls in the City and the citizens deserve the additional resources.
Over 1,000 cities in the US use this technology as it:
- Provides better response to shots fired calls.
- Helps the investigation of gun crimes.
- Give data that helps MPD develop its overall gun violence strategy.
ShotSpotter can pinpoint the location of gunfire (within 3 feet) which allows police to quickly locate gunshot wound victims and provide aid. Despite these benefits, the proposed expansion and contract extension was tabled to the next committee meeting.
A big thank you to all the volunteers in the 3rd Ward who hosted National Night Out. We all enjoyed the beautiful Summer weather and the company of our neighbors.
Council Member Rainville at National Night Out with a volunteer from A Mother's Love
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
Changes are coming to 1st Avenue N in Downtown Minneapolis. The City wants to hear your thoughts for the future of 1st Avenue N and what you envision for the street. The survey closes on August 31, 2024.
Everyone planning to cast their ballots on Election Day, Aug. 13, should check the location of their polling place. Find your polling place on the Minnesota secretary of state website.
See tips to save time voting and read more on the City website.
Voting early
Anyone who can vote in Minneapolis on Election Day can vote early at the Early Vote Center, 980 E. Hennepin Ave. Note that the Early Vote Center is closed for voting on Election Day, and you should vote at your polling place. See the hours on the City website.
Return your mail ballot
All mail-in ballots need to be received by Aug. 13 to count. The City recommends returning mail ballots in person to avoid a late delivery. Ballots can be dropped off during regular business hours at Minneapolis Election & Voter Services, 980 E. Hennepin Ave., or at the Hennepin County Government Center, 300 Sixth St. S. On Election Day, Aug. 13, completed mail ballots will be accepted until 8 p.m.
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.
Benefits of trees
Trees provide shade, lower utility bills, increase property value, clean the air, collect stormwater, provide habitat for wildlife, and improve mental health and well-being.
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.
Mayor Jacob Frey will deliver his 2025 budget address at 1 p.m. Aug. 14.
Watch the budget address live on the City of Minneapolis YouTube channel.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month and the start of back-to-school kickoff time. As caregivers get their children ready to head back to school, ensuring their vaccinations are up to date should be at the top of the checklist.
Nearly 40% of children enrolled in Minneapolis Public Schools are behind on their childhood vaccines. If you’re a parent or guardian, talk with your healthcare provider to stay current with your child’s immunizations. It can help your family avoid missing school, activities, work, family events and vacation.
Resources
Listen to City health experts talking about the importance of vaccinations this month:
- English, 5-6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14, on AM950 Native Roots Radio Network
- Hmong, 2-3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, on WIXK AM1590
- Spanish, 3-4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27, on La Raza 95.7 FM
- English, 1-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28, on KMOJ 89.9 FM
The City’s 100th electric vehicle has gone into service. The City is driving an ambitious policy for a Public Works fleet with no emissions. This is just one part of the City’s Climate Equity Plan to reach aggressive climate goals over the next 10 years.
Besides the 100 electric vehicles now on city streets, 41 more have been delivered and 11 more are on order. Forty-nine fleet charging stations are installed with another 43 scheduled for this year.
The City’s new Climate Equity Plan set a goal to slash climate pollution by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2050. The plan's initiatives also aim to weatherize all homes, reduce utility bills, train workers for green jobs, and plant more trees.
Air pollution is linked to increased rates of cancer, heart and lung disease, asthma and allergies. Carbon dioxide pollution, a greenhouse gas, causes climate change. Cars and trucks are the largest contributor of air pollution within Minneapolis and are a significant source of greenhouse gases. |
