April 17 Newsletter from Council Member Lisa Goodman
Friday, April 17, 2020 at 2:29PM
Mask made by Ward 7 resident Margaret Anderson KelliherAs I sit here writing these thoughts for our newsletter, I’m in my den overlooking a quiet street in Bryn Mawr, and I’m reminded of the slogan I’ve seen and heard so many times over the past month: Alone - Together. It is true that we are being asked to stay at home and that has been hard but through this situation we have discovered new and creative ways of connecting and by embracing the stay at home order we are truly helping ourselves and our community.
As we go through this scary and uncertain time and when we come out the other side, we know that things are going to be different. There are friends, family, neighbors and colleagues that will be affected directly or indirectly by the physical disease as well as the horrible economic impacts associated with this pandemic. We will be challenged to figure out how to comfort and support those we care about, even if we are not able to be with them in person.
Despite our best efforts, we are going to lose some of our local and beloved small businesses. Even with the extra financial assistance government is providing, there are those that will not have the necessary reserves to weather the storm. This is a definite source of sadness for many of us and at every level we will feel and experience the loss of favorite restaurants, small businesses, arts organizations, nonprofits and even neighbors who fall ill or loved one that succumb to this disease. The days and months ahead will be a time of adjustment, mourning, and allowing ourselves time to grieve these losses.
For me the biggest loss is the loss of time and important experiences that bind us together. Not being able to gather over the Passover Seder was particularly hard for me. We are also missing out on the other important life events like Easter, graduation, prom, neighborhood annual meetings, the opening of theatre productions, even fundraisers to help our favorite organizations. These are the things that bind us together and create memories when times are hard.
In the darkness there is also light. Daily I see people stepping up to do the right thing and to do what they can to care for other people. I see this in big ways through the work of the staff and leadership in the City of Minneapolis and at the State of Minnesota. I see and appreciate the commitment of our health care workers and first responders as well as our front-line workers in grocery stores including our local Bryn Mawr market. I see the small and significant ways neighbors are stepping up to help the person down the street that needs a helping hand, sharing a hot meal or a homemade mask. There are also the anonymous donations of food to hospital workers and the passionate support of local restaurants still offering food and those that are buying gift certificates to help provide a source of income, so they care for their employees.
We know that our state and community has done a really good job with social distancing to help keep the infection rate low, all the while just wanting to hug those we care about. We embraced social distancing early and now we up the ante by choosing to wear face coverings when we go out in public. We do this knowing this doesn’t to protect us but those around us. This is yet another simple and selfless action I see people take to show they care for their neighbors and their community.
I find inspiration in our collective actions, seeing businesses able to continue operating due to community support and in the ways we all continue to work to ensure the safety and needs of our neighbors and the lives saved due to flattening the curve.
We are in a unique and interesting time in our history and in the midst of the upheaval and the feelings of isolation we get to see the goodness of people and to practice kindness by caring for those around us. My wish to you all is that you continue to take care of yourselves and those around you.
Lisa
2020 Spring Street Sweeping Reminder
As we do every Spring and Fall, the City of Minneapolis is set to begin the Spring Street Sweeping the week of April 20, 2020.
- Please pay attention through the look up feature on the City Web Page so you are not caught off guard. While many of us are using our cars far less frequently, I don’t want anyone to get towed while this is underway.
- Specific schedules are not yet available but you can check the city web page for updates at http://www.minneapolismn.gov/publicworks/streetsweeping/
2020 Collection of Leaves and Bundled Brush Reminder
- Just in time as the weather continues to improve and we all find ourselves wanting to spend more time outside,
- Starting this week (Beginning April 6, 2020) Minneapolis Solid Waste will once again be accepting yard waste as part of their regular pick up services.
Coronavirus Response Resources Available for Minneapolis Small Businesses
Businesses across Minneapolis have shut their doors or changed their operations to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. This presents an unprecedented challenge, but there are resources available to support small businesses, independent contractors, and non-profit organizations in this time. To stay up to date as new information is available, visit the City of Minneapolis Coronavirus FAQs for business and check out this excellent guide from Minnesota DEED.
- Payroll Protection Program: Forgivable loans for up to 2.5 months of payroll expenses for business who keep their employees
- SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Long-term loans up-to-$2 million at 3.75%, includes an up-front $10,000 grant
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance: Unemployment benefits for those who do not typically qualify, such as independent contractors and self-employed people.
- Minnesota Small Business Emergency Loan: Interest-free loans of $2,500-$35,000 for businesses impacted by the Governor’s temporary closure orders. Loans are partially forgivable.
- City of Minneapolis Forgivable, No-Interest Loan: $5,000-$10,000 forgivable, no-interest for small businesses and self-employed people with fewer than 20 employees or under $1 million in revenue and located in certain parts of the city. The deadline is Monday, April 20 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon). Apply today!
This information may feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate it alone. The City of Minneapolis has expanded Business Technical Assistance Program services to make sure that you have an expert to talk to about your specific situation. You can also contact the City’s Small Business Team at 612-673-2499 or smallbusiness@minneapolismn.gov. We are all in this together.
Internet Service Enhancements in Response to COVID-19
U.S. Internet (USI)
- USI opened its Wi-Fi network in Minneapolis for those who may need temporary internet access.
- Select the “City of Minneapolis Public Wi-Fi” or “USI Wireless” network on your mobile device and you will be connected. The process is similar to using Wi-Fi at a coffee shop or the airport.
- A password, credit card or social security number is not is required to sign-in.
- These networks are available throughout the City of Minneapolis. Check the signal strength for your best option based on your location.
- Go to the Wireless Minneapolis webpage for the Wi-Fi coverage map.
- Contact US Internet for more information or to get help over the phone.
Comcast
- Comcast opened its Xfinity Wi-Fi network and is offering unlimited data for free.
- For a map of Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi.
- Once at a hotspot, select the “xfinitywifi” network name and open your internet browser.
- Internet Essentials is free to new customers.
- Refer to Comcast's COVID-19 resources for additional details and how to get help.
See the Get Connected guide for ongoing low cost internet and computers resources in Minneapolis.
City Extends Comment Period for Neighborhoods 2020
- The new deadline is July 15, 2020
- Check out the program information at: www.minneapolismn.gov/neighborhoods2020
- You can submit comments:
- Email: neighborhoods2020@minneapolismn.gov
- Phone: 612-673-3737
- Mail: Neighborhood and Community Relations; 105 Fifth Ave South; Suite 425, Minneapolis, MN 55401
City Extends Comment Period for the draft Minneapolis Transportation Action Plan
- The new deadline is May 22, 2020
- Check out the program or comment at: http://go.minneapolismn.gov/
- This 10 year action plan will guide future planning, design and implementation of transportation projects for all people in all the ways they get around
- Staff will hold its first online open house on the Transportation Action Plan
- Monday, April 13 (4:30-5:30 pm)
Minneapolis Property Owners Can Buy Trees for $25.00
- This year Minneapolis offers twice as many low cost trees for property owners to plant on their private property (not to be planted on boulevards)
- 22 Varieties available (including large species, flowering and several kinds of fruit trees)
- Comparable trees cost $125 at a nursery
- Trees are available on a first-come, first served basis for residents, businesses and nonprofits (limit one tree per address)
- Trees must be picked up May 16, 17 or 18 at the Minneapolis Impound Lot
- ORDER THROUGH: https://mpls-tree-sale.myshopify.com/
Situational Update as of 12pm, April 15
There are over 2 million confirmed cases worldwide. There have been over 130,000 deaths globally. CDC has issued a global Level 3 Travel Warning and recommendation that anyone returning from international travel self-quarantine for 14 days.
There are 631,187 confirmed cases in the US with new cases being updated rapidly. The US is now the country with the highest number of cases and deaths by a significant margin. A total of 26,950 deaths have been reported in the US.
There are 1,809 cases in Minnesota out of approximately 40,242 tested (combined MDH Lab + Private Numbers). There have been 87 deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota. There are 651 cases and 46 deaths in Hennepin County.
The City will begin sharing Minneapolis specific daily case counts through a public facing dashboard later this week.
Twenty-seven long-term care facilities in Hennepin County and twelve in Minneapolis have seen at least one case of COVID-19 among either a resident or staff.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has reported that social distancing may be having an impact in that COVID cases are doubling every eight days instead of the expected doubling of cases every one or two days.
MDH is using strict testing criteria to focus on the highest priority specimens, including hospitalized patients. Health care workers and those in congregate living settings such as long-term care and correctional facilities continue to be given high priority.
The Stay At Home order is in effect to May 4.
Current mitigation strategies such as the closures of bars/restaurants will stay in place through May 4, and schools will provide for distance learning through May 4
Resources
- City of Minneapolis: http://minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/index.htm
- Impacts to Services: How Coronavirus is impacting City Services.
- http://www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/WCMSP-223375
- NOTE: This link has links to dozens of city departments and services
- FAQS on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- FAQS for Businesses
- Contact the Minneapolis Small Business Team:
- 612-673-2499 (BIZZ) or SmallBusiness@minneapolismn.gov.
- Community Support
- Housing
- Resources in multiple languages
- Minnesota Department of Health
- Center for Disease Control
- State of Minnesota Dedicated COVID-19 Hotlines:
- Community (schools, child care, business) questions
- 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504 (7:00 am – 7:00 pm)
- Health questions
- 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 (7:00 am – 7:00 pm)
- Community (schools, child care, business) questions
judy.sherin@minneapolismn.gov or call at 612-673-2207
