Hennepin County Updates from Jan Callison

Excerpts from Commission Callison's November 1 e-newsletter:

Revenue Bonds Approved For A-Mill Lofts The board, acting as the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HCHRA), gave preliminary approval to issue up to $55 million in tax-exempt multifamily housing revenue bonds to assist in the construction of a residential rental development – the A-Mill Artist Lofts – in the historic Pillsbury A-Mill at 301 Main St. S.E. in Minneapolis. The $138-million project will include 251 units of affordable rental housing for low- and moderate-income people. Anticipated opening is in the fall of 2014. Debt service on the bonds will be paid from project revenues and other assets pledged by the developer. File photo by Bill Klotz Resolution Opposing Voter ID Amendment Approved The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners gave final approval to a resolution, offered by Board Chair Mike Opat, opposing the Photo Identification Constitutional Amendment (commonly called voter ID). The resolution highlights several issues with voter ID: The language on the ballot is significantly different than the language in the actual amendment, and there are many unresolved details – including what kinds of valid “government-issued” photographic identification will be required. In Hennepin County, there has been no evidence – proven or anecdotal – of voter impersonation – the only type of fraud that could be addressed by voter ID. The amendment raises many serious questions about Election Day registration – a hallmark of the Minnesota voting system – and leaves many unanswered questions surrounding the proposed provisional voting system. The amendment will likely cost millions in taxpayer dollars to operate, and could result in unfunded state mandates that would have a permanent impact on Hennepin and its cities – potentially resulting in higher property taxes or the elimination of services. Constitutional amendments should not be used to stifle, prevent or restrict voting in any way, but should expand and guarantee voting rights and encourage voter participation The board is responsible for the conduct of elections in Hennepin and is uniquely positioned to speak to the integrity of the elections system – including the quality of county and city elections staff; the safeguards that are in place to ensure that elections are fair and that only qualified voters vote; and the training of election judges that takes place. No Salary Increase For Commissioners In 2013 The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners, on a vote of five in favor and one opposed, approved a resolution providing a zero-percent increase in their salaries for 2013, and a 2.5-percent increase in 2014. State law requires that any adjustments in commissioners’ salaries must be adopted before the general election to take effect Jan. 1 of the following year. In 2014, commissioners’ salaries will increase 2.5 percent, continuing the practice of board salaries lagging behind staff increases by a year. Hennepin commissioners have not received any salary increases since 2009. Look for more news at www.hennepin.us/news. 'History Day Hullabaloos' Provide Assistance For National History Day Projects What: National History Day is an inter-disciplinary research project for students in grades 6-12. Experts will offer their assistance at free “History Day Hullabaloos” to students needing help with their projects. Librarians, Minnesota Historical Society staff and mentors from the University of Minnesota will help students narrow their topics, develop their projects, find the best resources, and strategize how to complete their projects in workable phases. This school year’s theme is “Turning Points in History: People, Ideas, Events.” Students choose a topic related to the annual theme, develop a thesis, research the topic using primary and secondary resources, and develop a research paper, exhibit, documentary, performance, or website. Students are advanced from their school to the regional, state and national competitions. When: Saturdays, Dec. 1, Jan. 26, and Feb. 16; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Hennepin County Library -Minneapolis Central, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis Where: Hennepin County Library – Ridgedale, 12601 Ridgedale Dr., Minnetonka History Day Hullabaloo is sponsored by Hennepin County Library, in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society. More information is available in the news release.