City of Minneapolis sent this bulletin at 09/20/2024 05:34 PM CDT
Council Member Linea Palmisano
September 20, 2024
Deputy Chief Kathy Waite is presented an Honorary Resolution alongside her MPD colleagues; CM Palmisano speaks with constituents at Office Hours; Tono celebrates its grand opening and ribbon cutting
Dear Neighbor,
I have spent the past six months working with MPD and advocating for the renewal and expansion of the City’s ShotSpotter contract. ShotSpotter is a system of gun detection sensors used by first responders to pinpoint where a gun was discharged. The City has strategically placed these sensors in areas with the highest rates of gun violence, like North and South Minneapolis in the Phillips and Powderhorn neighborhoods.
This tool is used in many other cities, but it is especially helpful to the depleted police department here. Data shows the benefits of this technology: in areas with ShotSpotter technology, police spend an average of 22-30 minutes on site; in areas where the City doesn’t have this technology, officers spend on average 44 minutes on site. That’s a big difference for a department that is operating at nearly 50% staffing. In addition to reducing officer response time, it aids in tracking suspects and improves the collection of shell casings and evidence necessary for investigations–and eventually prosecution.
Based on shots fired data, MPD recommended a three-year contract extension for this technology along with a 2 square mile expansion of the coverage radius. I proposed advancing the full expansion to the entire City Council. Despite my efforts to advance this, these proposals were voted down by Council Members Cashman, Ellison, Wonsley, and Chughtai. They instead advanced a proposal with reduced geographical coverage and length. You can watch my comments in support of the full contract, known as “Option 1.”
Because my colleagues did not allow that option to advance out of committee, only the reduced contract came before the full City Council. I voted in support of the reduced contract and know this tool will positively affect our most vulnerable communities, especially amidst the nationwide gun violence epidemic.
I also had the opportunity to spend time in community with you and celebrate the people and places that make our City so special! I hosted Office Hours at Turtle Bread, celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Tono Pizzeria + Cheesesteaks at 50th & Washburn, and took part in presenting Deputy Chief Kathy Waite with an Honorary Resolution.
The Residential Appraisal Team will begin working in Fulton next week. The Residential Appraisal Team drives their own vehicles but wears fluorescent vests and carries City identification. They will work through neighborhoods as a team, going up and down the streets, knocking doors, and leaving door tags if they need access to the interior.
The Senior Citizens Property Tax Deferral Program allows property taxpayers who are 65 years or older, and whose total household income is $96,000 or less, to defer a portion of their homestead property taxes until some later time. It provides senior citizens whose property taxes are high relative to their incomes, but who wish to stay in their homes, an option for paying their property taxes.
Apply by November 1 to defer your property taxes the following year. You may apply in the year you turn 65. Once accepted, you do not need to reapply yearly. You will need:
A copy of this year’s property tax statement
A report detailing any mortgages, liens, or judgments on the property
If you do not know what kind of property you have, contact your county recorder. You can apply:
Lynnhurst Park Pop-Up Vote Center 1345 W. Minnehaha Pkwy Monday, October 28 from 11 AM-6 PM
Curbside Voting is always an available option. There will be dedicated staff outside ready to serve voters. Simply look for the tent/signage in the parking lot. Ballot drop-off of mail ballots will be available at all Early Voting options.
Any Minneapolis resident may also vote at the Hennepin County Government Center. Visit the Hennepin County Elections website for more information.
As of today, northbound and southbound vehicle traffic can travel through the intersection.
Construction of the bus platform pavement and shelter foundations will occur after the roadway pavement is complete with installation of shelters, pylons, and other station features to follow.
Sidewalks will remain open on at least one side of the street and pedestrian access will be maintained to homes and businesses.
Eastbound and westbound traffic is anticipated to be reopened the week of October 7.
After this week, four-way traffic is expected to remain open for the duration of the project.
METRO E Line staff will hold office hours at: Jones Coffee – Linden Hills 2814 W. 43rd St., Minneapolis Wednesday, September 25 from 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Stop by to ask questions about the E Line project!
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 formats 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 ayuda, llame al 311. Rau kev pab, hu 311. Hadii aad caawimaad u baahantahay, wac 311.
