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Hello to all my 3rd Ward neighbors,
I want to update you all on my work with my fellow Council Members on the budget, the new Labor Standards Board, and an update on a very exciting housing project at 200 Central Ave.
The budget process will be in its final stage the next few weeks. All Council Members must submit their amendments to the Mayor's proposed budget by 5pm on November 20th. I will not be asking for any new funding and will not vote for any new funding given the proposed 8.3% property tax levy increase. In cooperation with several other Council Members, I will be proposing a budget cut to all departments. In next week's newsletter I will explain my amendment in more detail.
With the lack of growth in new construction and the continued drop in value of downtown buildings, every renter and homeowner is facing increases in property tax for years to come. As a City, we have to tighten our belt, just as residents have had to do.
At the Council meeting this week a resolution establishing a Labor Standards Board passed. The board will recommend workplace regulations such as wages, benefits, and training for the City Council to enact. I voted against it for several reasons. First, the authors refused to hold a public hearing for workers and employers to give feedback to us on the proposal. As a Council we have been steady in offering the opportunity for public input on a wide range of proposals and topics. Second, the authors did not provide an estimate for how much it will cost to administer. Third, this will add another layer of regulation to our small business community. Putting the City in the role of a labor union will not fill empty storefronts in Downtown, Uptown, Lake St., Central Ave, or West Broadway. Our tax base is shrinking and we need to add businesses, not intimidate them away.
The owner of the empty lot at 200 Central Ave SE has found a potential funding source for the proposed 360 unit apartment building. A national non-profit developer, whose mission is to ensure permanent affordability, is interested in backing the project which will have 72 units at 50% area median income (AMI), and 90 units at 80% AMI. The rest of the units would be market rate.
Thank you to the safety club walkers of the Sheridan neighborhood. I joined them Tuesday night for a walk along 13th Ave NE, speaking to the dog walkers and dropping in to say hello at the busy restaurants.
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
Yard waste collection ends for 2024 on your garbage day the week of Nov. 25-30. Make sure to properly prepare it for collection and set it out for pickup (at your curb or alley collection point) by 6 a.m. on your collection day. Yard waste must be in an approved reusable container, compostable bags (paper or BPI certified compostable plastic), or bundled with string or twine.
Read more about preparing yard waste on the City website.
With more dark hours this time of year, you might notice lights out more on parkways or in parks. If you see a light not working, contact:
For parkway lights
The City of Minneapolis 311 Service Center: Call 311, email or report it on the City website or the app.
For path and trail lights in parks
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board customer service: Call 612-230-6400 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday or email anytime.
If you witness someone damaging a light, call 911 regardless of location.
Minnesota homeowners and renters can apply for energy assistance to help keep their homes warm this winter.
By applying for Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program, homeowners and renters may also qualify for Minnesota’s Weatherization Assistance Program and receive free home improvements to help save energy and ensure a warm, healthy, safe home.
Find more information and apply on the Minnesota Commerce Department website.
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days for cooking in the U.S. Did you know that cooking accidents are the leading contributor to house fires in the U.S.?
If you have a cooking fire:
- When you’re cooking, keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turning off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it’s completely cooled.
- Never use water on a stove fire. Water will spread grease and flames, and it’s dangerous around electricity.
- For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
- Get out. When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
- Call 911 or the local emergency number after you leave.
Find more safety guidance around fires from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Minneapolis 311 and the Minneapolis Service Centers downtown and in the East Lake Community Safety Center will close Thursday, Nov. 21, for one day. The team will focus on strategies to enhance service and better support residents.
They will resume regular business hours Friday, Nov. 22.
How residents can get information when 311 services are closed
Residents can get City information and make reports online whenever 311 is closed or leave a message for a call back.
- Residents can find information about City topics or departments on the City website.
- Residents can tell the City about issues from barking dogs to graffiti using an online form.
- Residents can dial 311 or 612-673-3000 and leave a message for a call back when business hours resume.
As always, call 911 for emergencies.
About the 311 Service Center
The 311 Service Center offers City information and services online on the City website; over the phone at 311 or 612-673-3000; and in person at 505 Fourth Ave. S., skyway level, and the East Lake Community Safety Center, 2228 E. Lake St. |
