City Briefs

Cedar-Isles Master Plan Update

A completed draft of the new Cedar Lake-Lake of the Isles Master Plan will be available for a 45-day public review and comment period in January. This long-range (up to 30-year) plan includes changes to Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, Dean Parkway and a portion of Cedar Lake Regional Trail.  After the comment period, the plan will be presented to Park and Recreation Board for a public hearing and vote on final approval of the plan. The plan outlines strategies to maintain and improve these park spaces are part of Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Regional Park and will help guide funding decisions for years to come.

Minneapolis for a Better Police Contract vs. City of Minneapolis

In November, the city council approved a settlement agreement related to the lawsuit brought against the city by the group, Minneapolis for a Better Police Contract, that was formed to influence the current police contract before it was negotiated and approved. They filed the lawsuit after meetings were closed and not accessible to the public. As part of the agreement, the city will pay them $60,000 for attorneys’ fees, and will have to publish the time and location of all future bargaining sessions with the Police Officers Federation and ensure that the public may observe. Negotiations for the next contract are expected to begin this fall. 

Volunteer Advisors Needed

The Hennepin County Board is recruiting volunteers for 38 advisory and watershed district board positions through its annual open appointment process.  Appointees advise commissioners and help set policy on a variety of topics. Appointments to these positions will be made during the first quarter of 2023. There are openings on many boards including the Adult Mental Health Local Advisory Council, Library Board, Race Equity Advisory Council, Three Rivers Park District, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Board and the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Board. People can apply through Dec. 31 at hennepin.us/advisory boards. 

New Commission on Police Oversight

 There was a public hearing on Nov. 30 about an ordinance amendment that would replace the existing Police Conduct Oversight Commission with a new commission to help oversee both the police and fire departments. 

Draft 2023-2025 Vision Zero Action Plan

The draft 2023-2025 Vision Zero Action Plan, written to help end all traffic deaths and severe injuries in the city, is now out for public comment. According the plan, an average of 150 people suffered life-altering injuries or were killed in traffic crashes each year on streets in Minneapolis from 2017 to 2021, and traffic crashes disproportionately impact people in neighborhoods with lower incomes, Native American residents and people walking and bicycling. There will be an online open house to learn more on Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. In order for your feedback to influence the next draft, comments should be submitted by Dec. 11.  To learn more and comment, see www.minneapolismn.gov/news/2022/november/vision-zero-action-plan-/ 

Partnership Engagement fund

Information sessions have been scheduled for the next round of funding through the City of Minneapolis’ Partnership Engagement Fund. Using city funding community organizations can partner with neighborhood organizations on projects that support community engagement, health and safety. For more information, visit NCR’s Partnership Engagement Fund webpage or please contact PartnershipFund@minneapolismn.gov.

NRP policy changes 

People can submit comments an updated map of district boundaries for representatives on the NRP Policy Board and an updated neighborhood grievance process until Dec. 10. This new map increases neighborhood seats on the NRP Policy Board from four to eight. The new grievance to process would allow grievances to go through the neighborhood organization, city Neighborhood and Community Relations department and the NRP Policy Board. Submit comments to Steven Gallagher, neighborhood programs manager, at steven.gallagher@minneapolismn.gov.