Community Update from Ward 3 Council Member Steve Fletcher

Editors note: We've reached out to elected officials and community leaders for updates to the new issues facing Downtown Minneapolis residents. We will be publishing these updates and notices until the Coronavirus emergency subsides. Send updates to dave@millcitymedia.org

Friends -

I'm full of gratitude to our community during a challenging time. I'm seeing local businesses taking steps to protect their employees and customers, Minneapolis city staff and leaders stepping up in big and important ways, and lots of individuals offering help to neighbors. Thank you!

The city’s first responsibility is to maintain critical services. Some of the unseen emergency preparedness work that we do day to day will pay dividends this month, as redundancies in our water filtration system and other critical infrastructure ensure that tap water is still freely flowing and safe, garbage is still collected, first responders are available for emergencies, and more.  I’m very proud of our city staff, who are working tirelessly to maintain a high level of service while adapting to pandemic protocols. For more, the city’s website has a page dedicated to COVID response. http://minneapolismn.gov/emergency/coronavirus

Like all employers are advised to do, we’re encouraging city employees who can do their jobs from home to do so. That includes my own Ward 3 office staff, who will be available by phone and e-mail, and continue to do great work supporting Ward 3 constituents.

We’ll also be canceling or postponing all non-essential in-person meetings, and looking for ways to engage more online. More details on this are below.

Today, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey declared a local public health emergency to respond to the threat posed by COVID-19. Under City Ordinances, the mayor is granted additional powers, authorities, and responsibilities upon the declaration of a local emergency.

The mayor’s declaration, which I support, must be voted on by the city council within 72 hours. Mayor Frey has requested that the emergency declaration remain in effect as long as the State of Minnesota peacetime emergency declaration remains in effect. 

Under this declaration, Mayor Frey is closing or limiting access to bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and coffee shops in Minneapolis and will be in close communication with state leadership on the process. Operations will be limited to delivery, takeout, and drive thru orders. The new rule will be effective and enforceable starting at noon tomorrow. This is a tough decision, but the right one, and necessary. 

Consistent with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the city will halt issuance of new permits for any gatherings of 50 or more people. The local emergency declaration will also allow Minneapolis Emergency Management to request and coordinate aid and resources from jurisdictional partners.

Last week, our Public Works director announced that the city would suspend water shutoffs for non-payment for the month ahead. Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy have pledged the same for their utilities. Additionally, USI Wireless and Comcast have opened up their public wi-fi hotspots for free access.

Mayor Frey and Council President Bender have also been in contact with the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office regarding eviction enforcement in Minneapolis.

While we continue to coordinate with private partners and government partners at every level on the healthcare response, we’re simultaneously coordinating to craft an economic response to cushion the blow for small business owners, freelancers, and tipped employees. Here's some valuable information on state #COVID resources for workers and small businesses. Unemployment Insurance will help employees who lose hours or are laid off. Small Business Disaster Loan info will be available there as soon as the federal government releases guidelines. https://mn.gov/deed/newscenter/covid/    

In the meantime, anything you can do to orient whatever consumer spending you’re doing toward neighborhood local businesses, know that they’re all in need of our support right now, and will be when we’re on the other side of this, too.

We have some difficult days ahead. Stay healthy, help others where you can, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it. My office is here to help, as are many other community resources. Call (612) 673-2203 or e-mail steve.fletcher@minneapolismn.gov with requests, ideas, and feedback. We’ll get through this together, as a community.

En avant,

Steve Fletcher

Ward 3 City Council