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Legislators to discuss 2011 Legislative Session

February 25^th Breakfast with Gary

Senator Linda Berglin, Rep. Jim Davnie, and Rep. Jeff Hayden

State legislators from south Minneapolis will take questions from residents at Breakfast with Gary on Friday, February 25^th. Senator Linda Berglin (DFL-61), Rep. Jim Davnie (DFL-62A), and Rep. Jeff Hayden (DFL-61B) will discuss their efforts to work with new Republic majorities in the House and the Senate while grappling with the state’s $6.2 billion deficit. The new majorities have already introduced bills to make Minnesota a right to work state, repeal pay equity regulations and require photo ID when voting.

Governor Mark Dayton has released plans to stabilize public school funding and state aid to cities and counties, bringing relief to local governments across the state. Three Minneapolis projects included in the bonding bill so far are $8 million for Target Center renovations, $7 million to repair and reopen the Plymouth Avenue Bridge, and $5 million for Granary Road, for acquisitions and construction of a new road. 

Breakfast with Gary is a monthly meeting held from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. the final Friday of the month at the Mercado Central, 1515 East Lake Street. $5 buys breakfast.

Urban agricultural plan: supporting a local food system

Vines at the Dowling Community Garden in South Minneapolis, one of over 100 community gardens in the city (photo courtesy of Michael Hartford).

This week the Minneapolis Planning Commission approved a new Urban Agricultural Plan. The plan grew out of the work of Homegrown Minneapolis, an initiative of the city to help grow, sell, distribute and eat more healthy, locally grown foods within the city. Funding for the plan came from a State of Minnesota initiative aimed at reducing chronic illnesses.

For residents interested in establishing a community garden in their neighborhood, 13 vacant city-owned lots are available on a first-come, first served basis to qualifying groups. Experienced community garden groups may be eligible for three to five year leases. Groups gardening for the first time will start with one year leases. A qualifying group is a non-profit group or a group with a non-profit sponsor. The garden will need to have liability insurance. Applicants should be ready to discuss the layout of the community garden, how it will be managed and how it will engage and benefit the community.

Minneapolis has over 100 community gardens throughout the city. For more information on the Minneapolis Community Gardens Pilot Program call (612) 673-2597.

As winter winds down, pothole season begins

City crews are working to keep up on patching potholes as they form.

The current weather cycle of above freezing daytime temperatures that dip below freezing at night can lead to the formation of potholes. To report a pothole for repairs, residents can call 311, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Reports can also be made online at www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/311. Public Works uses 311 reports, as well as field observations, to prioritize pothole repairs.

Up to three different road crews are out each day placing temporary “cold patches” to potholes throughout town. This allows roads to be more drivable until permanent patches can be made during the regular road construction season. Also, since these are the same crews that remove snow from city streets, their work is prioritized according to the weather and the biggest needs at a given time. Generally, street crews work Monday through Friday in two shifts: one daytime and one overnight, when traffic is lighter. In addition, a few crews work weekend shifts as well.   

Since the beginning of January, over 5,000 truckloads of snow have been removed from city streets. This is in addition to the regular plowing efforts by Public Works. More than 200 tons of temporary asphalt mix, or cold patch, have been used to fix potholes. About 16,000 of the 20,000 corners in the city have been cleared of snow piles left after plowing.

Opportunities for home improvement and energy assistance

Minneapolis residents can find information on home improvements at the South Minneapolis Housing Fair on February 26.

Two upcoming opportunities help South Minneapolis residents, one for home improvement, and the other for meeting energy bills. Minneapolis residents can find information on home improvements and financing at the 17^th annual South Minneapolis Housing Fair. The community based event is being held on Saturday, February 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at South High School, 3131 19^th Avenue South. It is free and open to the public. Nearly 100 reputable local contractors and service companies exhibit at the Housing Fair. Attendees will have access to representatives from energy, affordable housing, green homes and neighborhood associations to answer questions. There are kid-friendly activities on site. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.   

Residents also have an opportunity to receive energy assistance, through an additional $7 million in home energy assistance funds.  These funds, from the Minnesota Department of Commerce, are available to income eligible residents throughout Minnesota. Homeowners eligible for energy assistance are also eligible for emergency repairs or replacement of a non-repairable furnace. Residents can call the State Energy Assistance Information line at 1-800-657-3710 to be directed to a local assistance office. Otherwise, residents can call Center Point Energy at 1-800-729-6164 to establish a payment plan and learn how to apply for energy assistance. Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule does protect residential customers from service disconnection from October 15 through April 15. However, residents must establish a payment plan with CenterPoint Energy to ensure service is not interrupted.  

New city website helps renters track landlords

The city of Minneapolis launched a website aimed to send a message to rental property owners who don’t follow rental licensing standards. The new site posts names of property owners who have had their rental licenses revoked, properties condemned, and those who are banned from holding a rental license for five years. The website also posts lists of condemned, vacant and demolished buildings.

“Finally, renters have a place they can go to see if their landlord is one of the worst” said Gary Schiff, Ninth Ward Council Member. “Most landlords are responsible, but the few who aren’t generate the majority of complaints.”

Since 2005, the City of Minneapolis has changed more than two dozen ordinances to strengthen rental licensing and property ownership standards to protect tenants from problem landlords. Rental license revocations have increased by over 500 percent during this period.

The city has recently launched a new tiered approach for inspection of rental properties based on severity and history of code compliance. Placed in three categories, rental properties will be scored to determine the inspection cycle. Properties that require more city resources, based on history, will receive a yearly inspection. Marginal properties will be placed on a two to five year inspection cycle. Properties with proactive management will be rewarded and places on a longer inspection cycle.