Covering life, work, and play in the Historic Mill District and Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront neighborhoods. Have an opinion, local news or events to share? Contact us.
Please join the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA) the weekend of August 8 and 9 to help cleanup around the downtown community. They are hosting two events:
Saturday, August 8, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Sunday, August 9, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Please meet at the Bark Park at 205 Park Avenue to pick up gloves and garbage bags.
The City is planning to construct a new stormwater tunnel in Downtown Minneapolis. The new tunnel will be parallel to the existing tunnel located under Washington Avenue between Nicollet Mall and Chicago Avenue and under Chicago Avenue between Washington Avenue and the Mississippi River. The new tunnel will increase stormwater capacity and will reduce possible safety hazards and failure of the existing stormwater tunnel.
The project is currently in the design phase and includes community outreach activities to inform the public on project schedule and staging. The final design for the parallel tunnel is anticipated to be completed in early 2021 and construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in late summer/early fall 2021.
The link to the virtual open house will be posted the morning of July 21, 2020.
Via a July 17 update from the City of Minneapolis
10th Ave Bridge and Watermain Project
This project will rehabilitate the historic 10th Ave SE bridge over the Mississippi River and W River Pkwy. A new water main will be installed under the river as part of the project.
Latest Project News
Construction Update Meeting - Friday, July 24, 2020 - at 10:30 a.m.
Project staff will hold a virtual construction update meeting next Friday using GoTo Meeting. Members of the public are invited to join the online meeting and hear updates on construction progress and speak with project staff.
Please use this link to join the 10th Ave Bridge Online Construction Update Meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/784924461
You can also dial in using your phone:
United States: +1 (224) 501-3412
Access Code: 784-924-461
The bridge was closed on March 30th and the contractor has been actively working on repairs. For more details on the repairs, schedule and bridge deck changes, please see the latest Construction Update or go to the project page 10thavebridge.com
What's Coming Up
The bridge will remain closed to all traffic including, vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians until Summer 2021.
West River Parkway (roadway only) will be closed to motor vehicles through November 1, 2020. The adjacent trail will remain open for bicyclists and pedestrians.
Work requires the use of heavy equipment that will increase noise, vibration, and dust in work areas.
Access to adjacent apartments and businesses will remain open during the construction activity.
Bridge Contact: Meseret Wolana, meseret.wolana@minneapolismn.gov or 612-673-3527
Water Main Contact: Peter Pfister, peter.pfister@minneapolismn.gov or 612-661-4906
Article by Lynn Kittel, Photos provided by the Bridgewater Lofts Art Committee
Although it seems like a lifetime, it wasn’t too long ago that concepts like lockdown and quarantine were reserved for made-for-TV disaster movies. Social distancing was the bailiwick of bird watchers, and walking a few hundred yards to the car in the mall parking lot was akin to traversing the Appalachian Trail.
Fast forward to spring 2020.
As the novel coronavirus continued its deadly race around the world, we paced our homes, longing for a small breath of fresh air, to walk and run and play in a world not enclosed by four walls. We realized our bond to the natural world was an integral part of life, one that could nourish and sustain us not just physically but emotionally, as well.
This newly embraced philosophy is the inspiration for “Earthbond,” the current art exhibit at the Bridgewater Lofts condominiums in the eastern loop of downtown Minneapolis. Running through September 12, the exhibit features nine artists whose subject matter and/or working materials have a direct connection to nature.
“Although we’ve been hosting exhibits for several years now, we knew it was going to be challenging to mount a new show under the Governor’s stay-at-home orders,” stated Bridgewater Friends of the Arts Co-Chair Dianne Walsh. “We also knew that having art throughout the building was going to be critical to maintaining a positive outlook and keeping beauty in our lives. We were pleased to find artists who were willing to participate, even as they and their peers were withdrawing to their personal spaces.”
Moira Bateman (moirabateman.com) is an artist whose affinity for the natural world expresses itself in the abstract. She notes: “It is important to me that I give some control of my artistic process away to nature.” She often will go to “wild places” to gather raw materials for her works. Her “Flow” series, which has been shown in the Bowery Gallery in Chelsea, NYC, utilizes beeswax and hand stitched silk fabric that has been stained using tannins and sediment from natural waterways.
Moira Bateman, Flow Series
Fiber sculptor Barbara Riegel Bend’s (barbbend.com) creative use of reclaimed zippers is well known to her friends and followers, and she is never without an ample supply to use in her three-dimensional art. Her pieces range from the whimsical “Little Fish Sticks” with their charming button eyes to the churning shoreline waters captured in “River Rocks”.
Barbara Riegel Bend, Little Fish Sticks
Another artist who has turned recycling into an art form is Heather M. Cole (designHMC.com). Her interest is in transformation, “both the concept of changing or having a new purpose and the physical change from one thing to another.” In the case of her ethereal yet highly functional lighting designs, we can certainly say that the plastic milk jug never looked quite so chic.
Heather Cole, Urchin
Kathleen Krishnan (kathleenkrishnan.com) was originally a plein air painter, documenting her subjects directly in nature (think Renoir or Monet). Today, her camera is a critical tool, allowing her to capture nature verbatim and letting those photos launch her into a “visual memory” or “invention” to be translated to canvas. Krishnan, a lifelong nature walker, feels that her work exudes a sense of déjà vu. “I hope my paintings elicit this type of response for anyone who views them, conjuring their own personal memories.”
Kathleen Krishna, Garden Path
The mediums of choice for metalsmith Jane Driess (itsjanellc.com) and jewelry designers Megan Wiley (soliddesignstudios.com) and Kristen Iburg-Meyer (elementsbyk.com) aren’t paint, fabric or canvas but hard and unforgiving elements that are literally pulled from the earth itself. In their skilled hands, silver, gold, iron and semi-precious stones are transformed into functional, wearable art. Dries’s “It’s Jane” line includes the hand-hammered sliver shot glasses and serving pieces now on display in the Bridgewater exhibit along with Wiley and Iburg-Meyer’s bracelets, necklaces and pendants.
Jane Driess, Hammered Silver Cups
Meghan Wiley and Kristen Iburg-Meyer Jewelry
Ceramic artist Denise Tennen (denisetennen.com) returns to the Bridgewater with a new collection of works from her Poetry Orb series. Resembling the rocks that are found along the shoreline of Lake Superior, these small, smooth ovoid forms are meant to be held and even caressed as a means of relaxation or as a conduit for meditation.
Denise Tennen, Orb Series
Birch trees, fields and wetlands are the purview of Mary Welke (marywelke.com) who is a 2020 recipient of the Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Initiative Grant. Focused on the process of nature, her work is notable for a quiet, meditative quality as well as a dense textural surface. Among her pieces currently on display at the Bridgewater is “Crescendo.” Stand close. You may hear the crackle of fire racing across an American prairie.
Mary Welke, Crescendo
Let them Eat Cake! You almost imagine the voice of the infamous Marie Antionette emanating from the fantastical collages of Dominique Winders (treslechesartgallery.com/). Best known for her oversized post-apocalyptic tribal jewelry/sculptures, Winders also creates allegorical assemblages brimming with what she calls “little secrets.” Her biography notes that “Each piece takes the perceiver on a journey of both the future and the past…What would you remember if there was nothing left to remind you?”
Dominque Winders, Everybody Dance Now!
Turbulent color and bold, dense textures are the hallmarks of Alison Price,(alisonpricestudios.com) who along with fellow artist Kathleen Krishan co-founded Tres Leches Gallery in the Northrop King building in Northeast Minneapolis. Her unique aesthetic is a perfect complement to the exhibit and includes works from her various series. “Shifting” brings us a bird’s eye view of submarine trenches in the Philippines and the Greenland Seas. The “Purely Structural” series showcases her commitment to maintaining a zero waste studio. Each 12 x 12 piece is a one-of-kind delight and utilizes texture, patina, paint, glass, paper and other extreme mediums to create works that compel and intrigue us.
Alison Price, Purely Structural
As we view the works of Price and all of these artists it reminds us that even the most common things in nature are meant to be treasured. That we can choose to see only the infinite landscape or an all-encompassing sunset but lose sight of the minute details that are soon lost to time. We’re reminded always of those lines by Joni Mitchell: “Don’t it always seem to go. That you don’t know what you’ve got til its gone.”
Morrissey Hospitality announces Central N.E. will open Thursday, July 16th to serve the Minneapolis community. Located in the heart of NE Minneapolis at 700 Central Avenue NE, this new restaurant will be serving elevated American cuisine made from scratch and innovative cocktails made with Minnesota spirits.
Central N.E.’s carefully crafted menu features a variety of small plates that offer a smattering of delicious bites in perfect portions before diving into other dishes to further tantalize your taste buds. The open kitchen allows for the culinary to infuse seamlessly with the dining room and bar. The counter seating even allows for a front row seat into the culinary orchestra.
“Morrissey Hospitality is thrilled to be in partnership with Andy and Mary at Central N.E. Their passion for the neighborhood and business aligns with our passion for providing high quality food, drinks, and authentic hospitality. The Northeast neighborhood is animated and energetic, and we look forward to being a part of this community and add more energy to the neighborhood,” said Elizabeth Morrissey-Brown, Principal at Morrissey Hospitality.
“The mouthwatering craft cocktails or the vibrant dining and bar space might draw you in to Central N.E., but the familiar flavors, warm ambiance, and friendly service is what will make you a regular,” said Elizabeth.
Central N.E. owners, Mary and Andy Cohen, are excited to open their new restaurant. “We are very pleased to serve the NE neighborhood and beyond with our new concept - Central NE. We are excited about both food and beverage menus, created with the neighborhood in mind and executed with the experience and expertise Morrissey Hospitality brings to the table. We look forward to welcoming diners and hope that this spot will be a place for the neighborhood to enjoy for years to come.”
Central N.E. will open with their dinner menu available for in-store dining and take out which includes gluten friendly and vegan friendly items. Central N.E. has hopes to expand into brunch and lunch service in the future.
Call (612) 354-7947 for reservations, https://www.central-ne.com
Hours Of Operation:
Restaurant / Kitchen / Bar/ Patio:
Sunday & Monday closed
Tuesday – Saturday 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
(take-out also available via website or phone # above)
Public Hearings on Revised 2020 City Budget
The City Council’s Budget Committee will hold two public hearings, July 14 and 22, on proposed revisions to the City’s 2020 budget. The City is facing approximately $156 million in projected revenue losses because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Revised budget proposal
Mayor Jacob Frey presented the second phase of his revised budget proposal to the City Council’s Budget Committee July 9. The proposal avoids mass layoffs of City employees by relying on existing spending freezes, use of cash reserves, program cuts and furloughs. The budget also prioritizes preserving housing, economic development and racial equity work that will benefit the communities of color who have been hit hardest by COVID-19.
Frey’s Phase 1 response to the impact of COVID had included spending and hiring freezes and has saved approximately $58 million to date.
Public hearings
Engage and share your voice in this process during two online public hearings:
The City Council is scheduled to hold a budget markup July 17 and vote July 24 on a revised 2020 budget.
You can watch the online meetings and participate in the online public hearings.
For more information about the City’s budget, visit minneapolismn.gov/budget.
Public Hearings for Proposed Charter Amendment Creating New Department of Community Safety and Violence Prevention
The Minneapolis Charter Commission is seeking public comments on a proposed amendment to the City charter related to the future of public safety. People can submit their comments online or provide them directly to members of the commission at a public hearing July 15 or July 21.
The proposed amendment, submitted by the City Council, proposes removing the Police Department from the charter and adding a new Community Safety & Violence Prevention Department. Under State law, the Charter Commission is required to review and submit its recommendation(s) on the proposed amendment before a ballot question can be presented to voters.
The virtual public hearings will take place
Participation instructions will be published on the City’s website. If you’re interested in speaking at either or both of the public hearings, you can pre-register using the online registration form.
Other ways to comment:
Under state law, the Charter Commission has at least 60 days to complete its review and submit its recommendation to the City Council. The statutory deadline for submitting questions on the Nov. 3 general election ballot is Friday, Aug. 21. If approved by voters, the changes would become effective May 1, 2021
The Hennepin County Response to Homelessness
Hennepin County is the government entity that is the lead agency for addressing the topic of homelessness. The remainder of this newsletter is a republishing of Commissioner Marion Greene's newsletter where she shares detailed information on what is being done by Hennepin County.
As of today, there are 50 private rooms available for families with children at People Serving People and St Anne’s and we want to get all families out of encampments and inside as soon as possible.
At both People Serving People and St. Anne’s, families can find safe shelter from the elements, staff trained in trauma informed care and connections to quality childcare, healthcare, education and housing services. Additionally, as a right-to-shelter community for families with children, the county will work with families to make shelter arrangements even if these agencies no longer have rooms available
We continue to implore all families with children to contact the Hennepin County shelter team at 612-348-9410 to arrange to get them into one of these safe places today. Outreach workers on the ground in city parks are aware of this and have helped connect some families to shelter. We want all to come inside and avoid the risks that are present at encampments. Please share this information broadly so we can help get more families out of harm’s way.
We know that the COVID-19 pandemic is particularly threatening to our most vulnerable neighbors. As soon as the Hennepin County board issued our emergency declaration in mid-March, we expanded the entire shelter system to be CDC-guidelines-compliant, we also expanded it on a massive scale to shelter significantly more people, and we took immediate action to protect just under 600 of the most vulnerable (older people and people with comorbidities). We responded to the urgent need by asking willing Hennepin County employees to work in and run new shelters. Hennepin County shelters now operate 24-hours a day and offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner so residents have a safe place to reside full-time.
These enormous efforts are the reason we have not seen widespread outbreaks in our homeless community as many other urban centers across the country have experienced. Hennepin County is spending almost $3 million per month for this response.
In addition, at the time of the civil unrest in Minneapolis, Hennepin County participated in the state-led effort to move about 130 people experiencing unsheltered homelessness from the Sabo Bridge, Stevens Square and Cedar encampments (also offered to folks on the Greenway) to two area hotels leased and managed by Avivo and Start Today.
Hennepin County in partnership with the city is deploying our Healthcare for the Homeless team to provide health supports to people at encampments across the city. Our Homeless Access and non-profit outreach teams are similarly working in encampments. They attempt to connect people to openings in housing, shelter and other services.
County and city staff and services have Are currently overextended at levels previously unheard of after standing up, staffing and maintaining hundreds and hundreds of new units of protective and isolation space since the days that followed the State of Emergency Declaration while also converting our entire homeless and housing system to be responsive to COVID-19.
On May 13 Hennepin County and the City of Minneapolis communicated to the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) that we could not safely stand up any additional hotel sites. This was before the murder of George Floyd and the resulting uprisings stretched our shelter system even further
These actions taken together have led to the largest and safest shelter system we have ever had in Hennepin County. Today, including the state’s most recent encampment evacuation to hotel sites, there are:
Three months ago, there were:
Additionally, our family system still operates under a right-to-shelter for families with children and we have more than sufficient capacity to serve and shelter families
Mass testing at both our family shelter and one of our hotel sites recently found zero COVID+ test results for guests and staff. As of last week there had been a total of ~100 COVID+ cases among people experiencing homelessness in Hennepin County (as per MDH). While there is still a long road ahead of us, positive cases among people experiencing homelessness stayed flat thus far and have been declining steadily in recent weeks.
This effort has required unprecedented levels of funding. Hennepin County and partner staff have volunteered to be redeployed from their traditional work to offer support and step into roles they’ve never had before. This response has stretched our capacity and that of our nonprofit partners to a level that is unsustainable without additional support.
The economic impacts of COVID-19 are further threatening to exacerbate these challenges. To prepare for the risk of thousands of people newly threatened with homelessness, Hennepin County recently announced $15 million for rental assistance for low income households who cannot afford their housing costs due to COVID-19.
Please help us share this resource widely: https://www.hennepin.us/rent-help.
These unprecedented efforts still fall short of meeting the extraordinary need in our community. There are very real public health risks that are unavoidable in large, concentrated encampments that must be considered in our collective response to this situation. As described above, we will continue to deploy our Healthcare for the Homeless team to provide health supports to people at Powderhorn Park and other encampments across the city. Our Homeless Access and outreach teams will similarly continue to work tirelessly to connect people to services and the shelter and housing that is available.
The county and city’s previous experience with large encampments has taught us that the larger encampments get, the more dangerous they become. That is especially true for those staying within them. This was true before factoring in the global pandemic that requires social distancing to keep vulnerable individuals and our community safe.
The City of Minneapolis has been a close partner of the county’s in this work. If you would like information specifically about the City’s overall homeless response system and encampment response the city’s webpage here: http://www2.minneapolismn.gov/cped/housing/WCMS1P-081097.
Our region’s lack of affordable housing does the most harm to people with very low incomes—those making 30% of the Area Median Income (or about $30,000 for a family of four). People of color are disproportionally represented in this group and even more disproportionately represented in who experiences homelessness. In Hennepin County:
The math is simple, people can’t afford housing and there is not enough of it.
Every year, the county invests about $134 million, primarily state and federal funds, to support a range of affordable housing and shelter response strategies. This funding allows us to:
As I mentioned above, from the beginning of the year to the end of May, our community has moved more than 700 people in Hennepin County directly from homelessness into permanent housing. This work makes a difference for the people served but unfortunately it is not nearly enough.
Last year the Hennepin County board adopted a new strategy to proactively drive construction of 1,000 new units of housing affordable to those with the lowest income, including housing specifically designed for people who are chronically homeless or medically fragile.
This is an innovative 10-year strategy that the we estimate will cost the county $90 million and require continued investment from state and city funding partners. We have already awarded $6 million to fund seven new supportive housing projects which will create 212 physical units of housing for people experiencing chronic homelessness and people with severe addictions.
If you’ve read this far, it is clear how closely Hennepin County and the City of Minneapolis are collaborating, and partnership with the State of Minnesota is woven through this work as well. Here is the list of joint initiatives the city and county are working on that the state hopes to join:
People often ask ‘what can I do to help,’ so here is an answer, to the best of my ability. These challenges require all of us working together with the urgency that the moment requires. Here are a few things you can do right now to help.
Thank you again for your passion for this work. It requires good faith collaboration and strong partnerships across government agencies, the public and private sectors and, especially, community and people with lived experience of homelessness. And to reiterate, shelter and encampments are not acceptable solutions; only housing is.
The City’s Response to Homelessness
Minneapolis has experienced an unprecedented growth in homeless encampments since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are several large encampments citywide with the largest currently at Powderhorn Park in south Minneapolis. There are roughly 100 encampments throughout the city, most of which are small in size.
Response
The City is working with Hennepin County to help connect people experiencing homelessness to housing, shelter and services while preserving dignity and respect. The response includes:
Affordable housing
Housing ends homelessness, and the City and County have significantly increased investments in affordable housing development in 2019 and 2020, with priority for housing serving people experiencing homelessness.
Find out more on the City website.
COVID-19 Situational Update as of July 8
Health Incident Command updates
As the MHD continues to respond to COVID-19, we are applying an equity lens to all our work in conjunction with partners across the City enterprise.
Case investigations: The Health Department is conducting over 50 case investigations and contact follow-ups for individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 per day. 86% of all cases reported in Minneapolis have been interviewed, 9% are lost to follow up (insufficient contact information or non-returned calls), 2% refuse the interview, and 3% represent new cases not yet interviewed or cases in long-term care facilities which are investigated by the state health department. Currently, the MHD has 25 investigators, including six non-MHD enterprise staff. Of case investigations conducted, 37% were done in a language other than English.
Testing: The testing team is beginning to plan for a community testing event at Sagrado Corazon church in south Minneapolis. This will be planned with the church and its community partners, as well as the Minnesota Department of Health. This community testing event will focus on the Latinx community; however, it will be open to all. The MHD is in conversation with community groups and Healthcare for the Homeless about coordinating testing for individuals sheltering at or near Powderhorn Park.
Personal Protective Equipment: The Health Department continues to receive requests for masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer. Last week, we distributed 2,730 cloth masks and 191 bottles of hand sanitizer. Much of what was distributed went to supporting safe practices as people congregate at and around the George Floyd memorial site at 38th and Chicago. The remainder was distributed in response to various community requests across the city. Broadly, we continue to seek to balance the needs of clinics and health care providers with the needs of other priority populations including low-income individuals, BIPOC communities, low-income multi-family housing properties, faith communities, people experiencing homelessness, and community-based organizations.
Health inspections: Health inspectors completed a sweep of 24 bars in downtown, Uptown, and Dinkytown. Nine bars were closed. The 15 open bars all had COVID-19 plans in place. Health inspectors stressed COVID-19 safety messages. Additionally, COVID-19 plans are reviewed at all routine health inspections. The Park Board opened 20 wading pools on July 4, and the MHD is reviewing COVID-19 plans at the pools as they inspect.
Homelessness response: The MHD continues to work closely with others across the City enterprise, the State, County, and the Park Board to respond to the urgent and long-term needs of the unsheltered homeless population. Tent encampments of various sizes can be found at approximately 38 parks across the city, including more than 560 tents at Powderhorn Park. Health Department staff are coordinating different health care needs at the encampment such as wound care, harm reduction, mental health, HIV and hepatitis testing. In addition, the MHD is providing on-site services such as hand washing stations and syringe drop boxes to help maintain safe and hygienic environments.
Food security efforts: Unemployment, disrupted transportation services, and public safety concerns are significantly impacting food security for individuals and families across the city. Multiple City departments are collaborating to provide leadership and support for emergency food relief efforts.
Food retail: Health inspectors completed a final walk-through of the temporary Cub Foods community market on Lake Street. The 13,000 square foot space, which includes grocery and pharmacy services, opened on Wednesday, July 8. The temporary market on West Broadway has started construction and is scheduled to open in late July. Cub is offering shuttle service from these two locations to nearby stores for those who seek a larger selection of food and goods.
Free food distribution: Demand at food shelves and free food distribution events continues to increase. City staff are co-hosting a weekly food distribution at Powderhorn Park for 600+ Latinx households and a growing number of other community members. As needs are identified among food shelves and community groups, the MHD is making connections to available resources such as state and county funding opportunities. Staff are also convening partners to help foster collaboration and address barriers such as the need for language translation at pop-up events.
Community engagement: A pilot effort is being proposed which will provide COVID-19 education and help address social isolation among Somali elders in public housing high rises. Financial support will be provided to a community-based group working with this population. If the pilot program moves forward, both the Health Department and Neighborhood and Community Relations will be involved.
Heat emergencies The Health Department is connecting with area hospitals to maintain situational awareness on hospital use related to extreme heat. Community spaces usually available for people to cool off, such as libraries and park buildings, are not available this year. Several strategies are being vetted to cope with extreme heat events including mobile cooling shelters using busses and development of emergency cooling site plans with the Park Board.
The City specific COVID email address is: COVID19@minneapolismn.gov.
Via a July 10 e-announcement from the Minnesota Historical Society:
The Minnesota Historical Society is working on plans to welcome back visitors to the Minnesota History Center, to Mill City Museum, and for tours at the Minnesota State Capitol later this year.
Earlier MNHS announced that Split Rock Lighthouse and Jeffers Petroglyphs will once again be open for visitors beginning July 15. Birch Coulee Battlefield, Lower Sioux Agency, Marine Mill and Traverse des Sioux are already open to the public.
While the remaining MNHS historic sites and museums will not have regular open hours for the rest of the year, staff at a number of sites are working on limited offerings including programs that could accommodate guests onsite. View an open/close grid.
In order to ensure the health and safety of guests, staff and the community, MNHS is limiting the number of daily visitors at Split Rock Lighthouse and Jeffers Petroglyphs. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online or through the box office at 651-259-3015. A limited number of tickets will be available for walk-ups.
New protocols designed to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19 can be viewed on the health and safety procedures page of each website, which can be found on our visit page.
MNHS is following recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control, and will adjust reopening plans as necessary.
For more information, visit our website at mnhs.org/covid-19.
About the Minnesota Historical Society
The Minnesota Historical Society is a nonprofit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. MNHS collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs and publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, MNHS preserves our past, shares our state’s stories and connects people with history.
Ward 3 Friends -
My regular Wednesday coffee hours will be cancelled this week and next while the Charter Commission takes up the Council's proposed public safety charter amendment for this year's ballot. Then, starting on Thursday, July 23, they will move to THURSDAYS at 5:00 P.M. for the foreseeable future.
I encourage you to read the proposed charter amendment and submit public comment to have your voice heard (more info below). There are also two scheduled public hearings: next Wednesday, July 15 at 4:00 P.M. and Tuesday, July 21 at 6:00 P.M.
We are also amending the 2020 Budget this month to address revenue shortfalls due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Public hearings on that amended budget will be held on July 14 and July 22; more details on those are below as well.
I look forward to continued discussion with you on both of these critical items and more in the weeks to come.
En Avant,
Steve
Comments Sought on Proposed Changes to the City Charter
The Charter Commission holds its first public hearing July 15
The Minneapolis Charter Commission is seeking public comments on a proposed amendment to the City charter related to the future of public safety. People can submit their comments online or provide them directly to members of the commission at a July 15 public hearing.
The proposed amendment, submitted by the City Council, proposes removing the Police Department from the charter and adding a new Community Safety & Violence Prevention Department. Under State law, the Charter Commission is required to review and submit its recommendation(s) on the proposed amendment before a ballot question can be presented to voters.
The first of two virtual public hearings takes place at the next Charter Commission meeting, 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 15. Participation instructions will be published on the City’s website.
Other ways to comment:
Minneapolis Charter Commission
City Hall – Room 304
350 South Fifth St.
Minneapolis, MN 55415
(Virtual) Coffee With Your Council Member
I have normally held regular open community office hours at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, at a rotating neighborhood coffee shop in Ward 3 for constituents to drop by, ask questions, and raise any issues you see in the community.
While we are practicing social distancing, I am holding my community office hours remotely on Microsoft Teams.
Due to the Charter Commission meetings and Public Hearings, meetings are cancelled for the next two weeks. Then please join me for my coffee meetings on their new regularly occurring time on Thursday nights:
Click to join in Microsoft Teams or by phone: 612-276-6670, 933 303 746#
Anyone can join a Microsoft Teams web meeting. A free software download may be required, depending on how you join the meeting (computer, Android or Apple device).
If you have questions or a topic to discuss, email David.Zaffrann@minneapolismn.gov to RSVP.
Public Hearings Scheduled for July on Revised 2020 Budget
The City Council’s Budget Committee will hold two public hearings in July on proposed revisions to the City’s 2020 budget.
The City faces a significant revenue shortfall as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and needs to make cuts to the City’s roughly $1.5 billion budget.
Mayor Jacob Frey will brief the City Council's Policy & Government Oversight (POGO) Committee on a revised 2020 budget July 9, and staff will present the revised budget to the City Council July 10.
Public hearings
Engage and share your voice in this process during two online public hearings:
You can watch the online meetings and participate in the online public hearings.
The City Council is scheduled to vote July 24 on a revised 2020 budget.
For more information about the City’s budget, visit minneapolismn.gov/budget.
Training Opportunities From Minnesota Peacebuilding Leadership Institute
When terrible things happen, like COVID-19, racism, police brutality, our peace is stolen from us. Most people want to build peace back into their lives and community.
These 2-hour online trainings are partially funded by the City of Minneapolis’ Office of Violence Prevention to promote racial trauma healing, resilience, and restorative justice for all who live, work, and/or play in Minneapolis.
Pay-what-you-can up to $30 Click to register:
This 2-hour online training teaches basic concepts, models, and strategies of the 5-day Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience - STAR Training. STAR is a research and practice-supported community education training integrating neuropsychology, trauma healing and resilience, restorative justice, nonviolent conflict transformation, and broadly defined spirituality for increasing cultural competence. All are welcome to join us. Space is limited to 30.
This training is for everyone: laypeople, paraprofessionals, and licensed professionals. This training is not only for “staff.” Training objectives:
1. Learn and reflect on the various types of trauma and common responses to psychological trauma for increased racial healing and equity.
2. Learn and reflect on the links between unhealed trauma and cycles of harm and violence experienced by all people.
3. Learn and reflect on the basic STAR trauma healing and resilience models and associated practices for increased racial healing and equity.
4. Explore ways to apply trauma healing, resilience, and restorative justice practices toward building peace within your sphere of influence.
Via a July 6 Press Release
Twin Cities startup OnUp Protein Water helps athletes recover from hot summer fitness activities with a refreshingly delicious protein and electrolyte water.
OnUp Protein Water, a women-owned Twin Cities startup, is focused on helping people stay healthy and refreshed in the summer heat.
“Our fundamental belief at OnUp is that exercise is an important part of your day that allows you to be better at the rest of your day," said Erin Hoekstra, co-founder of OnUp Protein Water and a resident of the Mill District. “Getting the right recovery is key, especially during the summer when you lose water and nutrients through sweat.”
“As athletes ourselves, we were seeking a beverage that had everything we wanted and nothing that we didn’t,” added Ilene Rauscher, co-founder of OnUp Protein Water. “We knew that we needed protein after a workout, but chugging a thick, chunky shake just isn’t refreshing. We also didn’t want something with piles of sugar in it. We couldn’t find anything that tasted delicious and had the nutrition profile we wanted, so we created our own.”
Co-founders Erin Hoekstra (left) and Ilene Rauscher
OnUp is the perfect recovery beverage for people, whether they are training for a virtual marathon, going for a walk, returning to the gym, working in the yard, or doing yoga in the park. OnUp is packed with 22g of whey protein, the right amount to trigger muscle repair. It also has sodium and potassium, the two electrolytes that we sweat out in the highest quantities, but are needed to help the body absorb and use the fluids that we drink. OnUp has 0g of sugar, nothing artificial, and is available in four refreshing fruit flavors.
OnUp is available at Kowalski’s, Lakewinds, Linden Hills Co-op, Fresh & Natural, Tim & Tom’s Speedy Mart, and lululemon Mall of America. It is also available at gyms throughout the Twin Cities and online with free home delivery in the Twin Cities and a money back guarantee.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
About OnUp Protein Water
OnUp Protein Water was launched in the Twin Cities by co-founders Erin Hoekstra and Ilene Rauscher in Summer 2019. At OnUp, we believe that exercise is an important part of the day that allows you to be better at the rest of your day. We strive to bring a clean-tasting and refreshing protein recovery to all workouts and to inspire you to go onward and upward to a better you. OnUp is a refreshingly delicious recovery beverage that rehydrates with filtered water, replenishes with electrolytes, and repairs with 22g whey protein. For more information, visit www.onupwater.com, Instagram or Facebook.
La Pistola Walk-Up Seafood and Ham Bar at Eastside Draws on the Cuisine of Spain
La Pistola is the new offering of award-winning Chef Jamie Malone. The carefully curated menu is available to order online for takeout while preparations begin to reopen its patio and dining room.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Eastside Eat + Drink is flinging open the doors of its street-side bar for a new twist on a Pop-up, La Pistola, a Walk-up Seafood and Ham Bar, patterned after the amazing gastronomy of Spain.
After placing your order for such delicacies as Lobster and Fries with Alabama White Sauce, White Anchovies with Sourdough Bread or Hand-Sliced Magnalista Ham with Bread, Butter and Sea Salt - patrons will be given a map of nearby parks where they are encouraged to dine al fresco. In addition, sweets such as Lemon Blueberry Ice Box Cake and beverages, ranging from a selection of wine by the bottle to Violet Lemonade, are available. Classics like the Smash Burger with Fries and Flatbread Pizza with Tomato, Olive, and Caper are perfect for an evening picnic with friends and family.
Full menu LAPISTOLAMPLS.COM
Via a July 3 e-announcement from Preserve Minneapolis:
We are excited to announce its first-ever virtual walking tour schedule.
This is the organization’s ninth year exploring the city’s architectural and cultural treasures with the public.
The first tour is July 11 and features the brew houses of Lowry Hill East, documenting our city’s brewing history through those who built houses in the newly developed Lowry Hill and Sunnyside suburbs of the late 19th century.
Join experienced architects and historians as Preserve Minneapolis visits nearly every corner of the city’s historic neighborhoods, buildings and landmarks. These tours reveal hidden stories of the past that has shaped Minneapolis from its earliest days.
Tours cost $5 plus a $1 transaction fee. Register online
July 11
Brew Houses of Lowry Hill East
The first families of Minneapolis brewing in the 19th century were the Glueks, Muellers, Orths and Heinricks. After the breweries consolidated around 1890, the second generation desired to live among the new middle class in the newly developed Lowry Hill and Sunnyside suburbs.
July 14
Closing Time: Saloons, Taverns, Dives and Watering Holes of Minneapolis
Bars, taverns, saloons, and speakeasies have been part of the cultural, social, and physical landscape of downtown Minneapolis since its founding. Drawing from the 2019 book “Closing Time,” this tour will cover more than a dozen downtown spots virtually, some closed for decades, some still waiting to reopen.
July 16
Milwaukee Avenue Historic District
A 1970s public agency’s renewal plan called for demolishing approximately 70% of the 46 houses in the 35 block Seward West neighborhood, including all of the houses on Milwaukee Avenue. However, a neighborhood organization, the Seward West Project Area Committee (PAC), thwarted that plan.
July 18
Warehouse District
The Minneapolis Warehouse Historic District is the state's largest commercial district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The tour will discuss the overall history of the district, the history and architectural styles of individual buildings, and the architects who designed them.
July 23
East Lake of the Isles Residential Home Tour
The development of the Lake of Isles neighborhood occurred between 1886 and 1911. It was closely tied to the development of the Minneapolis Park System. Hennepin Avenue to the east acquired a major streetcar line in 1891. This encouraged major commercial development on Hennepin and residential development on the east shore of Lake of Isles from 1905 – 1915. This tour will explore the architectural styles popular during this development period.
July 26
Alphabet Streets: Discovering Prince’s Minneapolis Through Place
By the time Prince was 18, he was a fully realized and accomplished artist who could walk into the Sound 80 studio in Minneapolis's Seward neighborhood and write, produce, record, sing, and perform all the instruments on his demo tape, and then land a major recording contract with Warner Brothers by the time he was 19. As we visit his Northside and Southside residences, the schools he attended, the locations where his first band started and practiced, and recording studios where he worked as a session musician while still a teenager, we'll learn how the Great Migration brought Prince's ancestors to Minnesota, why Prince attended various schools throughout Minneapolis, and how growing up in this city produced the specific experiences which enabled his musical career.
July 30
Lowry Hill
The tour will explore sixty homes on Lowry Hill. We will see the works of 24 architects and several master builders. The tour will touch on the history of Lowry Hill and Thomas Lowry Park. We will talk about individual architects, master builders, and some of the original owners. We will interpret the variety of architectural styles represented here.
Aug. 8
Dinkytown: Forever Young
John Pillsbury’s decision to locate the University of Minnesota on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River in 1858 set the stage for Dinkytown’s destiny as a dynamic commercial district that has inspired generations of people to explore new ideas and try out new personas. This tour will explore Dinkytown’s early commercial years, signature buildings, legacy businesses, and its role in the student protests of the 1960s.
Aug. 16
Tangletown
Explore the winding streets, impressive homes, and creek environment of the neighborhood originally known as Washburn Park. Learn about landmark sites such as the Washburn Water Tower, the Harry Wild Jones House, Washburn Memorial Orphan Asylum (where Justice Alan Page Middle School now stands), and the Minnehaha Creek, parkway, bridges, woods, and trails.
Aug. 18
Northside Former Synagogues and Neighborhoods
This tour will explore the early 20th century former synagogues and other institutions that were at the heart of the predominantly Jewish community of the Near North Side and their present uses today.
Aug. 22
Como-Harriet Streetcar Line
Enjoy a virtual exploration of the abandoned and reconstructed Como-Harriet Streetcar Line. We will begin our tour in Uptown and finish at 44th & France. Along the way, participants will catch glimpses of the route, both as it looks today and how it appeared to long-ago passengers. The tour will include remnants of the original Twin Cities Rapid Transit streetcar line, the former Lyndale Hotel site, the Museum’s car barn, and the Linden Hills business district.
Aug. 25
Nicollet Mall
Nicollet Avenue has been Minneapolis’ main shopping street for more than 100 years. In the 1960’s, to compete with suburban shopping malls that were drawing customers away from downtown, eight blocks of Nicollet were closed to automobile traffic. On this virtual walking tour, we will investigate the histories of the Mall itself and of 15 buildings and spaces that face the Mall, including the IDS Crystal Court, Dayton's, the Loring Greenway, and Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Aug. 29
Downtown Public Art
The City of Minneapolis has long maintained a vital program of public art. Public art has been part of civic projects dating back to the completion of the City Hall in 1906 with its majestic Carrara marble statue. This tour will touch on important examples within downtown Minneapolis associated with many important historic and contemporary buildings in Minneapolis.
Aug. 31
Lakewood Cemetery: Creating a Landscape of Memory
This tour explores the grounds and monuments of Minneapolis’ most fabled cemetery, including two outstanding buildings designed by Minneapolis architects in collaboration with nationally noted designers: the 1910 Byzantine Revival Chapel and the 2012 Garden Mausoleum.
Sept. 10
Red Cedar Lane and Environs
Red Cedar Lane, once chosen as the “Best street in the Twin Cities” by Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, is a beautiful secret — easily missed as you drive by its narrow intersection with Upton Avenue near Minnehaha Creek in South Minneapolis. On and near Red Cedar Lane you’ll see several houses designed by William Gray Purcell, in association with Frederick Strauel.
Sept. 12
Nicollet Island
In 1866 – one year before the city’s incorporation – a referendum that would have made Nicollet Island a public park failed. Instead the island developed as a microcosm of the city, with its own industrial, commercial and residential zones. Then in the 1970s and 1980s, the city succeeded in making much of the island into parkland after all. The tour takes in the entire 40-acre island, from the south tip overlooking St. Anthony Falls to the intact 19th century neighborhood at the north tip.
Sept. 14
Architect Avenue
Learn the unique history of this tucked away little-known street in the farthest northeast corner of the City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County. What is the connection to Minneapolis Streetcar magnate Thomas Lowry? Why is the street called Architect Avenue and who were the architects?
Sept. 20
The Sunnyside Addition – Minneapolis’ First Streetcar Suburb
In the early 1890’s, the area bounded by Franklin Avenue on the north, 24th Street on the south, Hennepin Avenue on the west, and Lyndale Avenue on the east was farmland. It became Minneapolis’ first and best streetcar suburb. Visit the Sunnyside Addition with us. View historical photos, see what is here, and understand why we fight for the preservation of its historic architecture.
Downtown real estate market update from Cynthia Froid Group:
Hello to everyone. You may have noticed that we are sending out our newsletter on Thursday this week as our office is closed Friday, July 3, in observance of the Fourth of July, holiday weekend. No matter what you are doing to acknowledge and celebrate the long holiday weekend, I hope you can take some time to rest and relax and as always, in everything you do – please be safe!
As we reported last Friday, the Minneapolis City Council voted to move the question about the future of the Minneapolis Police Department and the idea of creating a new department called, Community Safety & Violence Prevention onto the Minneapolis City Charter Commission. This starts the process for the people of Minneapolis to vote on this idea. The Charter Commission is now tasked with gathering public input and determining if this initiative should be on the ballot this fall. Under state law, the Charter Commission has at least 60 days to complete its review and submit its recommendation back to the City Council. The article below this message tells how you can share your public comments with the Charter Commission.
How to Share Comments with the Charter Commission on the Proposed Police Reorganization
Information on this and a way to comment is available at this web page: http://www2.minneapolismn.gov/charter/public-safety
Additional information (also found on that web page) is below.
Public Safety Transformation
The City Council has proposed an amendment to the City Charter to be referred to voters in November. If approved by voters, that amendment would create a new Community Safety & Violence Prevention Department and remove the Police Department from the Charter.
The proposal has been referred to the Charter Commission for its review as required by state law. The deadline to submit a ballot question this year is August 21.
Learn how the Charter can be amended and view current proposals for amendments.
You may submit comments for the record on this proposal. Your comments will be included in the public record and shared with the Charter Commission.
Your data will be added to the public record.
Information you provide is subject to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. This law classifies certain information as available to the public upon request.
COVID-19 Situational Update as of Noon, July 1, 2020
Health Incident Command updates
As the Minneapolis Health Department (MHD) continues to respond to COVID-19, we are applying an equity lens to all our work in conjunction with partners across the City enterprise.
Case investigations: The Health Department continues to conduct over 30 case investigations and contact follow-up for individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 per day. 86% of all cases reported in Minneapolis have been interviewed, 10% are lost to follow up (insufficient contact information or non-returned calls), 2% refuse the interview and 2% represent new cases that we have yet to speak with. Currently, MHD has 21 investigators, including five non-MHD enterprise staff. Of case investigations conducted, 43% were done in a language other than English.
Testing: MHD staff continue to support state-led testing as local public health liaisons at long-term care facilities in Minneapolis. On June 23, staff supported testing at the Minneapolis Apartments; 214 residents and 53 staff were tested. MHD staff will be supporting MN National Guard testing at two long-term care facilities next week (July 9 and 10). As well, we are working with community partners and clinics on how to support ongoing testing efforts and requests for community testing.
Personal Protective Equipment: Last week, we distributed 5,117 cloth masks and 271 bottles of hand sanitizer. As the volume of requests increases, we seek to balance the needs of clinics and health care providers with the needs of other priority populations including low-income individuals, BIPOC communities, low-income multi-family housing properties, faith communities, community clinics, people experiencing homelessness, and community-based organizations. From a public health standpoint, we are looking to increase distribution of resources based on data telling us where new COVID-19 hot spots are occurring.
Communications and outreach: With the significant uptick in confirmed cases among young adults and increased reopening of bars, restaurants, youth sports, and other social gatherings, there is renewed emphasis on the need to wear face masks and practice physical distancing. Health Department staff are working with the City’s Communications team to develop key messages geared at encouraging young adults to wear cloth face masks. These messages will be incorporated into a variety of communications strategies including a short video featuring Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx.
Health inspections
o Health inspectors are canvassing more than 20 bars located in Downtown, Uptown, and Dinkytown, including three bars that were linked to recent clusters of confirmed cases among young adults. Inspectors are reviewing businesses’ COVID-19 preparedness plans and offering guidance for table layout and other strategies to prevent the spread of the virus.
o Health inspectors and Business Licensing staff are also supporting adult entertainment venues in implementing appropriate safety and mitigation strategies for employees and customers. Written guidance on developing COVID-19 plans was provided to business owners and managers.
Homelessness response: MHD continues to work closely with others across the City enterprise, the State, County and the Park Board to respond to the urgent and long-term needs of the unsheltered homeless population. Tent encampments of various sizes can be found at approximately 35 parks across the city, including more than 400 tents at Powderhorn Park. Additional encampments of note include approximately 55 tents at a city-owned lot on 23rd/14th, about 15 tents at 26th/14th , and 30 tents between 12th/14th along the Midtown Greenway. Health Department staff are coordinating on-site services such as hand washing stations and syringe drop offs to help maintain safe and hygienic environments.
Housing supports: The economic impacts of COVID-19, coupled with the already limited supply of affordable housing options, pose a challenge to many individuals and families. To prepare for the risk of thousands of people newly threatened with homelessness, Hennepin County recently announced $15 million for rental assistance for low income households who cannot afford their housing costs due to COVID-19. Please help share this resource widely: https://www.hennepin.us/rent-help.
Food insecurity response: The Health Department, in partnership with other City staff, is convening, coordinating, and assisting community groups in addressing urgent food access needs, especially in the areas hardest hit by grocery store closures resulting from the civil unrest. We are actively supporting community-led pop-up food distribution events happening across the city. This week, City staff hosted calls with operators of these events to share information about funding opportunities, identify needed support and resources, and encourage new collaborations. Staff are also working with the University of Minnesota Institute on Environment to co-develop GIS maps identifying current grocery, local food and hunger relief assets and gaps. This information will be shared with City leaders soon to aid in advocacy and decision-making. We are also actively participating in conversations with retail partners to help establish and promote temporary grocery services, including Cub’s temporary grocery and shuttle service on Lake Street (launching July 8) and in North Minneapolis (launching later in July).
Community engagement: The COVID Community Engagement team managing the work of the Shared Power Advisory Committee (SPAC) has conducted a hotwash (consisting of 3 meetings) to determine what worked, what needs work, and what could be carried forward to ensure that the City continues to center equity and elevate the voices of underrepresented communities in its response and recovery efforts. Over the next four weeks, individual interviews will be conducted with City staff and SPAC membership to gather more complete data about the model. In the meantime, the BIPOC Impact Report, charged to the Health Department from the SPAC, will also be a focus of staff work.
Public health leadership: Commissioner Gretchen Musicant will participate in a national roundtable call, “The path to Zero: Suppressing COVID-19 through Testing, Contact Tracing and Supported Isolation” on July 2. Commissioner Musicant and three other public health officials will discuss proposals about testing and contact tracing for COVID-19. The roundtable is sponsored by U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Bill Cassidy, Lisa Murkowski and Tom Carper.
The City specific COVID email address is: COVID19@minneapolismn.gov.
Mayor Frey, Chief Arradondo Roll Out Tighter Rules on Officer Body Camera Review and Reporting
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Medaria Arradondo have announced the first of what will be a series of new public safety policy reforms. The new policies, driven by Arradondo and approved by Frey, effectively tighten rules for officer body camera review and reporting by preventing Minneapolis officers involved in critical incidents – including the use of deadly force – from reviewing body camera footage prior to completing an initial police report for the critical incident. The updated policies are designed to better capture officers’ perceptions and factors believed to exist at the time an officer acted.
The policies also provide clearer direction to supervisors regarding immediate on-scene communications, remove past barriers on such communications, and clarify time requirements for reporting.
City Leaders Provide Update on Violence Prevention Efforts, Ongoing Recovery Work and COVID-19 Response
Officials from the City of Minneapolis shared updates on violence prevention efforts, COVID-19 response, ongoing building recovery work, and the status of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights investigation among other topics.
Watch the recorded video on the City’s YouTube channel.
Office of Violence Prevention Launches Web Presence
The City of Minneapolis Office of Violence Prevention has a new web presence describing its work within the City’s “transforming public safety” content. The office uses a community-focused public health approach to address the roots of violence, intervene at the first sign of risk, and lead healing in its aftermath.
The Office of Violence Prevention approaches violence prevention with this these things in mind:
Participate and learn more
The Office of Violence Prevention formed in 2018 building on Health Department violence prevention work since 2006. The work has been a national model for other cities across the country.
“20 is Plenty” Speed Limit Yard Signs Available July 6
Minneapolis and Saint Paul are in the process of implementing new, lower speed limits to support safer streets. Slower speeds on local streets make travel safer for everyone no matter how you get around.
The new speed limit starting this fall will be 20 mph in both cities unless otherwise signed. To help get out the word about the new speed limits and the importance of slower speeds for safety, the City has yard signs available for community members.
You can pick up your “20 is Plenty” yard sign at any Minneapolis fire station. Signs will be available from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays July 6 to July 24 while supplies last. Due to COVID-19, signs will be available outside the stations for no-contact pickup. Signs come with metal stands. Find your nearest fire station here.
You can learn more about new speed limits here.
Voters are Encouraged to Vote by Mail this Election Year
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is encouraging voting early by mail, and Minneapolis Elections & Voter Services supports this and other CDC and Minneapolis Department of Health recommendations to make sure every voter in Minneapolis can safely cast their ballots this election year.
Early voting begins for State primary and special election – Council Ward 6
Early voting has begun for the Aug. 11 State primary and special election – Council Ward 6. Ballots may be cast early by mail or in person at the Early Vote Center, 980 East Hennepin Ave. Requested mail-in ballots are now being mailed to Minneapolis voters.
Changes to voting by mail
Any Minnesota voter can vote early; no reason is needed. However, due to a recent court action, some of the requirements for voting by mail have changed. These affect witness requirements and the deadline for returning your ballot. Currently, these changes only apply to the State primary.
For the State primary, a voter’s ballot will count as long as it is postmarked on or before the day of the primary (Aug. 11) and is received in the mail no later than two days after the primary (Aug. 13). This is a change from previous election law requiring mail ballots to be received by the day of the primary. Please note that if voters deliver their ballot in-person to the Elections & Voter Services office, it still must be returned by 3 p.m. on the day of the primary.
More information on how to vote by mail is available at vote.minneapolismn.gov/voters/bymail.
Voting at the Early Vote Center
The Early Vote Center, 980 East Hennepin Ave., makes early in-person voting more convenient for Minneapolis voters. It’s especially helpful to people who need language support or other special accommodations, such as curbside voting. And while we are in a pandemic, voting early can help people avoid lines and crowds at polling places on the day of the election.
The Early Vote Center’s hours are 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday (closed Friday, July 3). The center will also have Saturday hours for the last two weekends before the primary. All early voting hours are posted on the Elections & Voter Services website.
Election judges needed
Election judges are needed for the State primary Aug. 11 to serve voters in local polling places. Election judges are paid $17.15 per hour for their service, which includes training. Depending upon schedule and preferences, people can choose which elections they work in, and whether they want to be at a polling place close to where they live or anywhere else in Minneapolis.
Serving as an election judge provides an opportunity to learn about the election process and is an important service to our community. Judges who are fluent in a second language are especially needed to provide additional language support in the polling place, including Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Oromo, Lao, Vietnamese, Russian and American Sign Language.
Find out more about this opportunity at vote.minneapolismn.gov/judges or call 311.
Voters can save time by taking these three steps
What’s on the ballot?
Minneapolis voters will cast ballots for the following primary races:
State law allows voters to bring materials into the polls to help complete their ballots, and the sample ballot is the best tool available for this purpose. By downloading and printing their sample ballots (which are customized to their specific ward and precinct), voters can practice marking their ballots. They can bring this marked-up sample ballot as a reference to the voting booth when completing their official ballots. This is the best way to reduce the time spent waiting in lines.
Find sample ballots for all 134 Minneapolis precincts here: vote.minneapolismn.gov/voters/ballot.
Public Hearings Scheduled for July on Revised 2020 Budget
The City Council’s Budget Committee will hold two public hearings in July on proposed revisions to the City’s 2020 budget.
The City faces a significant revenue shortfall as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and needs to make cuts to the City’s roughly $1.5 billion budget.
Mayor Jacob Frey will brief the City Council's Budget Committee on a revised 2020 budget July 9, and staff will present the revised budget to the City Council July 10.
Public hearings
Engage and share your voice in this process during two online public hearings:
You can watch the online meetings and participate in the online public hearings.
The City Council is scheduled to vote July 24 on a revised 2020 budget.
For more information about the City’s budget, visit minneapolismn.gov/budget.
Fourth of July Reminder: Be Safe with Fireworks, Keep 911 Open for Emergencies
Fourth of July fireworks are part of Independence Day celebrations, and the noise complaints and safety issues they can generate lead to high call volumes at 911 call centers across the country. That’s why the City wants to make sure folks stay safe during fireworks season and know what to do if they have fireworks-related complaints.
Fireworks safety
What’s legal, what’s not
When to call 911
For fireworks-related issues that pose life safety threats or fire hazards, residents should call 911 for police, fire or medical help.
Examples of calls that should go to 911 include:
Find tips on calling 911 here.
Make noise reports online
Instead of calling 911 for Fourth of July noise reports, people are asked to make noise reports online (link here, or search “fireworks” on the City website); the reports will be reviewed during normal business hours. Noise reports can also be made through the 311 mobile app, to minneapolis311@minneapolismn.gov or by calling 311. You can also text “fireworks” to 311898 to enter a fireworks complaint on the City’s website.
Reducing the number of noise complaints to 911 will allow emergency calls to be answered as quickly as possible. On a typical Fourth of July evening, Minneapolis 911 receives hundreds of calls per hour, most of which are related to fireworks noise complaints. On an average day, Minneapolis 911 receives 80-100 calls per hour. Because of the volume, police officers cannot be dispatched to each fireworks noise incident around the Fourth of July but calls will be prioritized to ensure public safety.
Residents should note that Minneapolis 311 is closed July 3 and 4, but reports can be made 24/7 online, on the 311 app or at minneapolis311@minneapolismn.gov. City staff will review the complaint during normal business hours when offices open again and may follow up with the property owner the complaint references.
Via the City of Minneapolis e-news and website:
Fourth of July fireworks are part of Independence Day celebrations, and the noise complaints and safety issues they can generate lead to high call volumes at 911 call centers across the country. That’s why the City wants to make sure folks stay safe during fireworks season and know what to do if they have fireworks-related complaints.Via a June 29 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board:
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) has made the difficult decision to move the Minneapolis Music in the Parks events to a virtual format. The MPRB’s priority is the health and safety of our park visitors, Music in the Parks performers and our employees. To learn more about virtual concerts please subscribe to email updates by clicking on the link below. You can also view our most recent virtual concerts here, and learn about our summer virtual programs by visiting the Summer 2020 page.
Check out highlights from our first month of virtual concerts by clicking on the links below:
Traditional Country meets Americana meets Twangy Rock, as the Kari Lynch Band brings a performance to us straight from her Nashville, TN living room!
Enjoy this great LIVE concert from The Red Hot Django Peppers as they burn up the Swing "Gypsy Jazz", or Hot Club Swing style.
The Belfast Cowboys and Rich Mattson and the Northstars
These two great local bands were scheduled to kick off our Music in the Parks Series, and while they couldn't grace our Lake Harriet stage this year, these two great videos of their past park's performances will have you dancing in your living room!
If you are enjoying these great virtual options, please send us some FAN MAIL! The Music and Movies in the Parks events have moved virtual for 2020 due to COVID-19, so in place of gathering together we want to hear your favorite memories and stories from summers past concerts and movies. You can write to one of your favorite artists, the staff, your favorite venue or a loved one you attended an event with. We want to hear about your favorite shows, best moments and milestones that were celebrated at these great outdoor events so that we can all be reminded of what makes Minneapolis Parks great! Share this form to keep the fan mail coming!
. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . .
The MINNEAPOLIS RED, WHITE AND BOOM EVENT INCLUDING MUSIC AND FIREWORKS HAS GONE VIRTUAL. Based on public health data, the Governor’s forecast, and concern for the health and safety of employees and park visitors, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Red, White and Boom outdoor programming. Please be safe and enjoy the holiday.
RED, WHITE AND BOOM BINGO!
Get out and enjoy the beautiful parks of Minneapolis and keep your eyes open for things that are red, white and blue. Visit www.mplsredwhiteboom.com to download your own bingo card and play with your family and friends.
RED, WHITE AND BOOM COLORING SHEET
What do you think about when you think the Fourth of July? Draw your thoughts and submit them to us! Our staff will select three winners to go in our MPRB Newsletter, our website and on Facebook. Submit entries via email to: concerts@minneapolisparks.org. Include your first name, age and city of residence.
Editors Note: Mill District resident Doug Verdier continues to document the progress of the Water Works project.
Lots of activity outside in various places as the park layout begins to take shape. Much interior work is also being done within the future pavilion as well.
New access to Water Works Park under construction through woonerf under the iron bridge on 1st Street just below 3rd Avenue.
The City Council’s Budget Committee will hold two public hearings in July on proposed revisions to the City’s 2020 budget.
The City faces a significant revenue shortfall as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and needs to make cuts to the City’s roughly $1.5 billion budget. Mayor Jacob Frey will brief the City Council’s Policy & Government Oversight (POGO) Committee on a revised 2020 budget July 9 and staff will present the revised budget to City Council July 10.
The public can then engage and share their voices in this process during two online public hearings:
You can watch or participate in the online meetings.
The City Council is scheduled to vote July 24 on a revised 2020 budget. For more information about the City’s budget, visit minneapolismn.gov/budget.
Private utility work continued north of 7th Street.
What's Coming up
For more information on this project contact: Construction Manager: hennepinCM@minneapolismn.gov or 612-255-4049, www.hennepindowntown.com
Via a June 25 News Release:
ImpactSKU announces Companies for Preview Program
10 startups will participate in Twin Cities 1st virtual Accelerator
The 6-week ImpactSKU Preview Program kicks off Aug. 4th and includes programming on such topics as Vision +Purpose, Market Validation + Positioning, Social Impact and Channel Strategy. Throughout the program, participants will have access to a roster of CPG experts. They also will develop pitches for the 2020 Showcase @ Twin Cities Startup Week.
ImpactSKU was scheduled to launch its first cohort in June. But with COVID-19 creating an unprecedented situation, the decision was made to pivot to a virtual program to give the startups a glimpse of the accelerator’s full program. The full program will launch in 2021.
“We are thrilled with the companies participating in the ImpactSKU Preview,” said Connie Rutledge, CEO of FINNOVATION Lab and Executive Director of ImpactSKU. “They are some of the Twin Cities most innovative startups. We believe the programming and mentorship they will get out of the program will help accelerate their growth and provide invaluable support during these volatile times.”
ImpactSKU is for purpose-driven ventures with business models that support environmental sustainability, fair labor practices, ethical supply chains, and healthy communities. By focusing on social impact, the program aims to support entrepreneurs who know that long-term growth is based on business practices that protect the planet’s resources and nurture wellbeing for everyone.
ImpactSKU is a partnership between Austin-based SKU – the nation’s first CPG accelerator and FINNOVATION Lab, supported by two of Minnesota’s great CPG companies: The Stable and 301 Inc., General Mills' venture arm.
Minneapolis-based ImpactSKU has selected the 10 consumer-packaged goods (CPG) startups who will participate in the Preview program. The 10 ImpactSKU Preview companies are:
Atlas Provisions
Atlas Provisions was founded by Sarah Pritzker, who wanted to bring interesting, delicious foods from around the world to U.S. consumers. The company’s Popped Lotus Seeds, available in flavors like Chipolte Lime, Chocolate Sea Salt and Truffle Salt, are made from the ancient lotus flower in India. Atlas Provisions partners with low-income farmers from around the world to introduce new foods to U.S. consumers while providing their growers with new economic opportunities.
Coconut Whisk
Founders Bella Lam and Myles Olson founded Coconut Whisk to help health-conscious families avoid recipe fails by providing easy-to-make baking mixes. The company’s products include mixes for pancakes, cookies and muffins. With every online purchase, the company donates a vegan meal to a kid in need through our partnership with feedOM & Food For Life Global.
Dog Threads
Dog Threads started in the summer of 2014 when Gina and Scott Davis we were looking for a festive party shirt for their dog Thomas to wear to an annual 4th of July barbecue. They created a one-of-a-kind Hawaiian print button-down shirt for him and realized there was a big potential market. Dog Threads sells a wide range of shirts and sweaters for dogs, with matching styles for their human owners. Dog Threads donates a portion of every sale to various non-profit dog rescue programs.
Hippy Feet
In the months after Michael Mader suffered a traumatic brain injury, he developed the idea for a sock company that could help the homeless, recognizing that his fate could have been different if he didn't have a support system around him. He partnered with Sam Harper to launch Hippy Feet, which sells a wide range of socks and t-shirts. Each product sold allows us to provide transitional employment to young people ages 16-24 who are experiencing homelessness.
Humble Nut Butter
Husband and wife duo John and Jess Waller wanted something savory to spread onto a cracker but found that all their options were sweet. This craving lead them to their own kitchen to experiment until they found the perfect balance of flavors to meet their snacking needs. The result was Humble Nut Butter, which is available in Sundried Basic Cashew, Truffle Herb Walnut and Spiced Maple Pecan. In addition to sourcing wholesome ingredients, Humble Nut Butter is committed to building an inclusive workforce.
K Mama Sauce
KC Kye grew up eating spicy Korean food and had a difficult time finding quality Korean food and sauces when he moved to Minnesota. He developed K-Mama Sauce - available in original, spicy and gluten-free - to add an authentic, delicious kick to appetizers, salads, soups, and entrees of any style. K-Mama donates 30 percent of its profits to charity, including local and national organizations that provide affordable housing, promote access to higher education and provide food for the hungry.
Let’s Dish
Darcy Olson started Let’s Dish in 2003 as a retail meal assembly concept, where people can come in to put together meals. What started as a small Express freezer case of finished frozen meals in the front of their stores has become a huge growth opportunity to sell healthy frozen foods, including main dishes, side dishes, appetizers and desserts. Their focus on health and wellness extends to giving back to the community and finding ways to combat hunger.
Mostly Made
Mostly Made was founded in 2015 by Jillian McGary, who struggled to find time to cook nutritious meals for her children while working a full-time job. With no background in food or manufacturing, she began the journey of turning her “cooking hacks” into a brand. Mostly Made sells a line of packaged, non-perishable gluten-free fillings that can be combined with fresh ingredients in minutes to create healthy meals. For every five products customers buy, Mostly Made donates a meal portion to Ronald McDonald Charities.
Panache Apple Inc.
Panache Apple grew out of founder Ameeta Jaiswal-Dale’s love of apples and her desire to bring back heirloom apples alongside dessert apples to promote the sustainable orchards and agricultural practices. She created a line of artisan apple juice infusions in such flavors such as ginger Cheeky Zing, turmeric Samatva Swing, mint Green Vigor and elderberry Bold North to boost immunity, relieve stress and reduce inflammation.
Twiggy Fresh
Growing up in Somalia, Umar Ahmed used a twig from the Salvadora persica tree to clean his teeth. After moving to the United States, he decided to combine his desire to protect the environment with his entrepreneurial spirit to create an eco-friendly alternative to the plastic toothbrush to reduce waste. He launched Twiggy Fresh in 2018, creating a 100 percent natural toothbrush made from bamboo and natural nylon bristles.
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Excepts from Hennepin County's June 24 Green Partners Newsletter:
Environmental education resources
Big River Journey Online is the next best thing to a riverboat field trip on the Mississippi River! Filled with fun and exciting video clips and interactive learning modules about birds, boats, bugs, water quality and much more, the new Big River Journey Online allows kids to explore the mysteries of the Mississippi from school or home. Kids can peak into an eagle’s nest, spy on a romp of otters, spend time in a riverboat pilot house, imagine a waterfall greater than Niagara on the Mississippi, and solve river crimes.
Each of six learning modules plus a Welcome Aboard module features an introductory video along with topic specific multi-media interactives, videos, games, reading, word-finds and more. Teacher resources include assessments and other “go deeper” opportunities. The program was developed by the National Park Service, Hamline University’s Center for Global Environmental Education, and Mississippi Park Connection. Big River Journey Online is targeted for upper elementary grades and is available for free!
Project Learning Tree videos
The Project Learning Tree community is creating video demonstrations of some favorite PLT activities that students or participants can easily do at home. These are also great to share with parents for ideas of activities families can do together!
New online lessons available from Wolf Ridge
As learning remains primarily online for schools, organizations and families, Wolf Ridge continues to release online, standards-based lessons. Students explore Wolf Ridge and their own backyards, experiencing nature from a variety of perspectives including science, history, culture, art, and literature. The following five lessons have been released since our last newsletter.
Geology
If we know how to read them, rocks can tell us a story of how our landscapes were created. Geologic history shows us the shaping forces of our land long ago. Participants in the geology lessonwill learn about the rock cycle and see how geologic forces shaped the land, use a bedrock map, and create a rock cycle model.
Food and farming
Who grows your food? Have you ever met your farmer? Visit the Wolf Ridge farm to meet Sarah who helps grow tons of food. Participants in the food and farming lesson will explore the farm-to-table chain, track nutrition and physical activity for 2 weeks, and gain a better understanding of dietary habits and where food comes from.
Spring Plants
How can close observation and documentation of plant characteristics help us understand their success in ecosystems? Participants in the spring plants lesson will gain an understanding of flowering plants and how features like their shapes and colors help them reproduce, follow a plant in their neighborhood or yard as it grows and changes, make observations of flowering plants in their area, and create nature journal entries for a few of them that documents their features and labels their parts.
Frogs and toads
Go behind the scenes with the pond singers. Before you know it, you’ll be personally acquainted with the frogs and toads around you. Participants in the frogs and toads lesson will learn about what species live in Minnesota and understand their life cycle via metamorphosis, learn how frogs serve as an indicator species where they live, and solve math problems about frog survival rates.
Mysterious animal signs
kWhat is living in your neighborhood? What can we learn about animal behavior from the evidence they leave behind? Join us for this adventure, and don’t forget to bring your powers of observation! Participants in the mysterious animal signs lesson will solve a mystery with naturalists, explore and interpret some animal signs, and use knowledge of the animals to write a story about their interpretation of animal signs.
Boys and Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities responds to increased need in south Minneapolis
The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities have an environmental education grant to help youth learn about natural ecosystems and recycling at their Minneapolis clubs and at the Voyageur Environmental Center in Mound. Due to increased need in south Minneapolis communities, they are placing volunteers to help with sorting and packing food and supply donations at their Southside Village and Little Earth Clubs. Learn more and get involved.
Spark-Y provides victory gardens to inspire a movement of growing healthy good
Spark-Y recently gave away 750 free victory gardens to individuals, families, and organizations in Minneapolis in partnership with the African American Community Response Team (AACRT). The goal of the victory gardens is to inspire a movement of growing healthy food on our decks, homes, and community spaces.
Each victory garden contains a variety of vegetables so that young people and their families can learn to grow their own produce at home. At the request from the community, a Victory Garden site will be dedicated to George Floyd. Spark-Y also developed a series of videos and resources to provide instructions and inspiration for growing your own victory garden.
Three Rivers Explorer Club: outdoors every week afterschool
During the school year, youth at Robbinsdale, Plymouth, Sandburg, and Brooklyn Center middle schools participated in an outdoor afterschool environmental education pilot program called Explorer Club. This youth-driven club taught by Three Rivers Park District educators met weekly in all weather conditions. Activities focused on building relationships and inspiring authentic and positive experiences in nature. Favorite activities included snowball fights, exploring wildlife cameras, fat tire biking, snow sledding, guided plant and animal walks, meeting live animals, playing outdoor games, and building snow and stick forts.
Through spending time outdoors, students created a deeper connection with the natural environment surrounding their schools. Students also had a chance to volunteer at the outdoor “Embrace the North Festival” at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park. In the spring, the Explorer Club moved online and continued to provide weekly lessons plans, providing ideas for students to continue to connect with nature at home.
Youth Environmental Activists of Minnesota (YEA! MN) featured in Minnesota Conservation Volunteer magazine
Youth with Climate Generation's YEA! MN program were recently featured in the Minnesota DNR’s Conservation Volunteer magazine for their work planning the youth climate justice summit. The summit involved teaching other youth how to effectively talk to elected leaders about climate change. Read the full article.
Mill City Times | 35W Bridge Memorial | Mill District Block Party | Mill City Media
Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at 7:10AM