In a clear-cut move to streamline city operations, the Minneapolis City Council has barreled through a long list of actions – 50, to be precise – forwarded from various committees, according to a bulletin posted by Council President Elliott. On the agenda was also the introduction of a new ordinance and the passage of three honorary resolutions. Residents eager to sift through the legislative actions can view the comprehensive list here.
Scheduled for this Tuesday, and definitely not to be missed, Council President Payne is holding Community one-on-ones – a chance for constituents to directly express concerns and raise questions. In addition, the evening boasts a pre-public hearing on the much-anticipated 29th Ave resurfacing, a project born from the advocacy of local residents tirelessly voicing their concerns over the road's dire state and rampant speeding. "I'm glad that because of our resident's advocacy there will be some increased improvements along with the resurfacing," Payne stated. Slots for the one-on-ones are still open, so residents keen to make their voices heard can sign up here.
That's not all for Tuesday – the footprint of George Floyd Square is squarely in focus with the city's first visioning workshop. Anchored in determining the future of this poignant site, the meeting promises discussions about memorial locations and structuring the "Peoples Way" site to reflect community sentiment. Ensuring inclusivity, refreshments are promised alongside the all-important dialogue at the Square at the Chicago Ave Shops for those who RSVP via the City's event page.
In health policy moves, the City Council has unanimously passed an amendment – authored by Council Member Vetaw – to the tobacco ordinance, setting a precedent with one of the highest per-pack price minimums in the nation and checking price discounts at the door. This amendment is a calculated push to slash health disparities and curb the youth's initiation into tobacco use. "An increase in prices is known to decrease commercial tobacco use," Vetaw highlighted. In fact, for every 10% increase in the price of cigarettes, adult smoking drops by an estimated 3-5%, while youth smoking tumbles by 6-7%. Full details on the ordinance can be perused on the City website.
Other civic moves within the city include the formation of an African American Heritage Work Group, aiming to advise on the selection of sites for a historic and cultural context study, with applications deadlining on May 12. The City is also sounding the call for comments on its 2024 Consolidated Action Plan addressing housing and community development, which will see a public hearing on May 14.
Infrastructure is getting a revamp, with the kickoff of Lowry Ave's first phase of reconstruction, which is slated to inject new life into the road with a bevy of features such as a shared-use path, new signals, and traffic calming measures to clamp down on speeding that's surged since construction initiated. Those facing construction woes can reach out to Amanda Shotton at Hennepin County for queries or issues.
In a turn towards community engagement, the city has issued calls for event organizers for 2024's Open Streets events – a celebration that sees streets morph into a canvas for cultural expression and local business. Proposals are due May 10, and interested parties can snag more intel on organizing from the City's Request for Proposals.
Green-thumbed locals, prep for a garden tool swap scheduled for May 11 at various park locations throughout the city. A boon for garden enthusiasts, these swaps are an eco-friendly way to share resources and reduce waste. Fans of flora and fauna are encouraged to sterilize their gear to stymie the spread of bird flu and other pesky invaders.
Water quality buffs can breathe a sigh of relief, as Minneapolis water meets the new federal standards for PFAS – pollutants that lurk and loom in the fabric of many modern products. Keeping with a virtually decade-long diligence in monitoring, the City reassures that tap water is free from such insidiously intrusive chemicals. Swan dive into more details when the latest Consumer Confidence Report flows into the City website by the end of May.
Lastly, with Job Fair bells ringing on May 1, the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board opens its doors wide to potential summer staff. All positions from sports league officials to event attendants are up for grabs, with details up on the Park & Recreation Board's website. May 11 elevates local government engagement with Neighborhood Day, you can check out the City's site for more details on happenings in your hood.
