City briefs - Feb 15, 2024

The presidential nomination primary will be held on March 5. The election is partisan and only open to candidates seeking to run with one of the three participating major parties in Minnesota: the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, the Legalize Marijuana Now Party, and the Republican Party. Voters must choose only one party to vote in. Early voting started in January. People can register to vote at their polling place on Election Day by showing proof of residence. For more information, visit www.hennepin.us/residents#elections 

 

City and county staff have shared preliminary design details for Franklin Ave between Lyndale Ave. and Chicago Ave. that is scheduled to be reconstructed in 2025. The plan includes a 3-lane design with center turn lanes, sidewalk and bike or shared use paths on both sides, boulevards with green space, and the removal of parking. It is scheduled to be reviewed by the Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory committees later this month and the City Council’s Climate and Infrastructure Committee on March 14.

 

In February, the city will start accepting grant applications to repair failing private sewer pipes and connections to the public sewer. Up to 35 homeowners can receive grants between $5,000 to $10,000 to assist with repairs. The Metropolitan Council funds these grants. More information is available at the city’s website or by calling 311.  

 

The city is applying for a federal grant to renovate the Nicollet Ave. bridge over Minnehaha Creek. They reported that parts of the bridge are significantly deteriorated, in poor condition and require repair or replacement to extend the useful life of the structure. This project is programmed for repair in 2026. The application is for up to $35,000,000 in federal funds through the Bridge Investment Program, and would require a 20% local match (up to $8,750,000). 

 

In January, City Council Members Jason Chavez, Aisha Chughtai, and Aurin Chowdhury introduced three ordinances related to camping and temporary housing. One would develop rules for outdoor sheltering options for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Another would establish a humane encampment response policy, and the last would mandate regular reports about outcomes for those experiencing homelessness related to encampment removals. 

 

In January, the city held online and in person meetings on a traffic camera pilot program being planned to help decrease driving related crashes and injuries. The pilot program will have 10 cameras at intersections where there have been reported accidents. Owners of vehicles recorded violating traffic rules would be sent a ticket. They would have a legal status like a parking ticket and would not be connected to a person’s driving record or driver’s insurance. A state law change is needed before the program can move forward. If the needed legislation passes this session the program would likely start the spring 2025. 

 

The city council has approved new appointments to the Heritage preservation committee. The new members from the southwest wards include Kelly Fischer from Ward 9 and Toshihiko Karato for Ward 13, both for a three-year term, beginning Jan 1, 2024, and ending Dec 31, 2026. The council and mayor also approved Madeline Lohman and Brian Elliott, both from Ward 11, to serve on the Workplace Advisory Committee for two-year terms, beginning Jan 1, 2024 and ending Dec 31, 2025.  Katie Severt for Ward 7, Stephanie Randolph for Ward 8, Sonja Mydels for Ward 10, and Jasmine Bloomdahl for Ward 10 have been appointed to serve on the Public Health Advisory Committee for the coming year. 

 

The city council has authorized a new waste disposal contract with Hennepin County, for an estimated $13,065,000, for processing and disposal of solid waste collected by the city through Dec 31, 2025. All the trash is planned to be burned downtown at the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center incinerator. The cost is based on a rate of $74 per ton for the first year, and $77 per ton for the second year.