Wednesday, September 22, 2021
Discovered a breakdown in communication between City and County regarding a polling place in Webber-Camden (Precinct 4–6). It is currently slated to be at Hamilton Manor, which has limited accessibility due to the Webber 44 reconstruction project. Connected the necessary City and County staff to ensure there will be adequate accessibility by Election Day.
Spent two and a half hours in the Policy and Government Oversight committee meeting this afternoon. Almost all of that time was spent discussing the Hiawatha Maintenance Facility Campus Expansion in East Phillips (aka the City’s new water yard). We have been deliberating over this project for years. The action taken today was to move forward with the water yard on that site, but not include the training and the truck storage facilities. This gives 3 acres to community for community-led development.
Worked with Hmong American Partnership to get flyers in Hmong and English about Main Street COVID-19 business relief grants to do outreach along Lowry Ave N to support Hmong-owned businesses.
Got meetings on the calendar to meet with City staff and community members to discuss a plethora of issues ranging from exploring expanding the scope of work for the Police Conduct Oversight Commission, City-owned land where homeless encampments are emerging, traffic calming/speed bumps policy, and more.
After getting guidance from the City Attorney’s Office, my colleagues and I decided to not begin the legislative process of operationalizing the Department of Public Safety for if it passes in November. Since the Police Department exists in ordinance, the 30-day deadline is arbitrary. Based on this guidance, a preliminary ordinance to get into compliance is no longer necessary. This gives us far more time to just go ahead and build out the full ordinance.
Spoke with State Senator Bobby Joe Champion to discuss options related to state funding to improve the Dowling Avenue Bridge before the end of its useful life (which is 30 years from now).
Reviewed the materials for the Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee, where I am a member representing the City of Minneapolis, and the Public Health and Safety committee agenda setting.
