Category Archives: Snow Emergency

November 10, 2022 eNews

Nov 15, 2022 Meeting Agenda

Come one, come all to the Armatage Monthly Meeting next Tuesday, Nov 15 at 6:30pm!  We have fabulous speakers on the agenda including new Hennepin County Commissioner Debbie Goettel and Minneapolis School Board Representative Ira Jourdain. Meetings also now kick off with comments from community members so please come share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas!

  • Welcome and Introductions (6:30pm)
  • Comments from the Community (6:35pm)
  • Park Update – Armatage Park Director Dillon Clements (6:45pm)
  • Hennepin County Update – County Commissioner Debbie Goettel (6:50pm)
  • Minneapolis School Board Update – Representative Ira Jourdain (7:10pm)
  • Welcome Bag Program (7:20pm)
  • 2023 ANA Budget (7:35pm)
  • Staff Contracts (7:50pm, closed portion of the meeting)
  • Approval of Minutes & Financials (8:10pm)
  • New Business (8:15pm)

Give Today to Support the ANA

We hope you’ll join us in supporting the Armatage Neighborhood Association with a Give to the Max Day donation this year. Give to the Max Day is Nov 17, but you can give early today. With your help, the ANA works to make Armatage a place where all are welcome, empowered, and connected through community-building events, environmental work, safety initiatives, advocacy and communications that keep you informed and engaged.

Big or small, EVERY donation matters!  Give today at givemn.org/organization/Armatage-Neighborhood-Association  As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, every donation to the ANA is tax-deductible and eligible for an employer match.

Upcoming Road Closures

There will be several street closures over the next two weeks due to CenterPoint Energy’s ongoing Upton Ave S Pipeline Replacement Project.

  • 50th St at Upton Ave S: closed 11/8 and reopening on 11/15.
  • 54th St at Logan Ave S: closed 11/15 and reopening on 11/23.
  • 54th St Eastbound between Penn and Oliver Aves S: closed on 11/15 and reopening on 11/2; one lane of Westbound traffic will be maintained.

Please note that W 50th and W 54th Streets will NOT be closed at the same time.

Give Feedback on the Mayor’s Proposed City Budget

Give feedback on Mayor Jacob Frey’s recommended 2023-2024 City budget through a public hearing or online comment. The proposed 2023 budget is $1.66 billion and the 2024 budget is $1.71 billion. The proposed tax levy increase for 2023 is 6.5% and is expected to be 6.2% in 2024.  Visit the City’s website to learn more about the mayor’s recommended budget, key dates in the approval process, FAQs and more.

City budget public hearings – learn more about participating here:

  • 6:05pm • Tuesday, Nov 15, room 317, City Hall, 350 S Fifth St.
  • 6:05pm • Tuesday, Dec 6, room 317, City Hall, 350 S Fifth St.

Online comments (click here to submit) will be entered into the public record and shared with the mayor and council members. The City Council is scheduled to vote on adopting the budget on Tuesday, Dec 6.

Field + Festival Holiday Market at Wagners

Field + Festival’s popular holiday markets at Wagner’s Garden Center are BACK! Check out the food and maker market series every Saturday and Sunday from 10am–2pm this holiday season. The fun happens inside the Wagners greenhouses, a warm escape perfect for holiday shopping!

Check out each week’s participating vendors and learn more at https://www.fieldandfestival.com/events

Neighborhood Roots Winter Markets

Neighborhood Roots Winter Markets return to Bachman’s with music, fresh food and beverages, produce, crafts, and gifts from local farmers, bakers, and artisans. This market series will take place outdoors (November and December) and indoors (January – March) at Bachman’s and will feature all your favorite vendors from the Kingfield, Fulton, and Nokomis Farmers Market.

The first winter market is this Saturday, November 12 in the NE Parking Lot off of Lyndale from 10am – 2pm. For more information, visit www.neighborhoodrootsmn.org/winter-markets. Pets are not allowed at the market. Service animals are always welcome.


Southwest High School Open House

Southwest High School is hosting a Prospective Student Open House on Tuesday, November 29 at 6:30 p.m. If you have an incoming high schooler for the 2023-2024 school year, come check out the event and learn about all the fabulous offerings at our community high school. For more info, visit southwest.mpls.k12.mn.us

Are You Signed up for Snow Emergency Alerts?

Snow season is approaching (noooooo!). The City of Minneapolis mailed out snow emergency info last week so now is a great time to make sure you’re signed up to receive alerts.  You can sign up for text, email and phone alerts and download the Minneapolis Snow Emergency smartphone app at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-around/snow/snow-emergencies/snow-updates/

When a Snow Emergency is declared, parking rules take effect so plows can clear the streets. Plowing the streets completely requires vehicles parked on streets to move. We all have to work together to do our part and follow the parking rules so plows can do the best job possible and we can avoid a ticket and tow.

November is National Native American Heritage Month

What started at the turn of the century as an effort to gain a day of recognition for the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the U.S., has resulted in a whole month being designated for that purpose.

If you’d like to learn more, or want to celebrate the month with your family, the Meet Minneapolis has an excellent website that shares events, local restaurants, and retailers that honor our Indigenous people’s heritage. Celebrating Native American Heritage Month in Minneapolis | Meet Minneapolis | Meet Minneapolis

One of the very first proponents of an American Indian Day was Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca Indian, who was the director of the Museum of Arts and Science in Rochester, N.Y. He persuaded the Boy Scouts of America to set aside a day for the “First Americans” and for three years they adopted such a day. Rev. Sherman Coolidge, an Arapahoe, called upon the country to observe such a day. Coolidge issued a proclamation on Sept. 28, 1915, which declared the second Saturday of each May as an American Indian Day and contained the first formal appeal for recognition of Indians as citizens.

The year before this proclamation was issued, Red Fox James, a Blackfoot Indian, rode horseback from state to state seeking approval for a day to honor Indians. On December 14, 1915, he presented the endorsements of 24 state governments at the White House. There is no record, however, of such a national day being proclaimed. Sadly, it took until 1990 for President George H. W. Bush to approve a joint resolution designating November 1990 “National American Indian Heritage Month.”

Native Americans have been living in America for a very long time. They are not a single nation but include a variety of cultures, nations, and languages. Some people believe that they have been living on the sub-continent for over 30,000 years. The 10 largest Native American tribes are Navajo, Cherokee, Sioux, Chippewa, Choctaw, Apache, Pueblo, Iroquois, Creek, and Blackfeet, according to census data from 2010. The government of Native Americans serves as the model of federated representative democracy. The government system of the U.S. is based on the system in which the power is distributed amongst the central authority and smaller political units.

Thank you to Armatage neighbor, Sheila Dingels, for this write-up!

November 3, 2022 eNews

Halloween Tour Results are In

Thank you to everyone who hosted a display, participated in, or voted in this year’s Halloween Tour!  The results are in and voting was close this year!

Huge thanks to Book Club for generously donating a $50 gift card to each of the following displays:

  • Best use of Pumpkins: 5642 Oliver Ave S (bottom left)
  • Spookiest: 5621 Morgan Ave S (top left)
  • Kenny Neighborhood Fave: 5428 James Ave S (bottom right)
  • Armatage Neighborhood Fave: 5821 Sheridan Ave S (top right)

Give Today to Support the ANA

We hope you’ll join us in supporting the Armatage Neighborhood Association with a Give to the Max Day donation this year. Give to the Max Day is Nov 17, but you can give early today. With your help, the ANA works to make Armatage a place where all are welcome, empowered, and connected through community-building events, environmental work, safety initiatives, advocacy and communications that keep you informed and engaged.

Big or small, EVERY donation matters!  Give today at givemn.org/organization/Armatage-Neighborhood-Association  As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, every donation to the ANA is tax-deductible and eligible for an employer match.

Get Ready to Vote in the 2022 Election

The November 8 election is almost here so make sure you’re ready to cast your ballot! We’ve included helpful links below but if you’ve got more questions, https://vote.minneapolismn.gov is sure to have the answer!

Field + Festival Holiday Market at Wagners

Field + Festival’s popular holiday markets at Wagner’s Garden Center are BACK! Check out the food and maker market series every Saturday and Sunday from 10am–2pm this holiday season. The fun happens inside the Wagners greenhouses, a warm escape perfect for holiday shopping!

Check out each week’s participating vendors and learn more at https://www.fieldandfestival.com/events

Pumpkins Can Go in Organics Recycling

When you’re done with your carved pumpkins and other gourds, you can put them in your green organics recycling cart. They don’t need to be bagged but do remember to remove any candles or lights first.

If you haven’t signed up for organics recycling yet, you can also put them with your other yard waste. Added synthetic materials such as paint, permanent markers, glitter or jewels make that part of the pumpkins non-compostable, and then they have to go in the black garbage cart.

Find more information on organics recycling on the Solid Waste & Recycling webpages.

21-Day Equity Challenge

In 2021, the United Way of Olmstead County challenged Minnesotans with a powerful opportunity for learning, action, and growth. The concept was simple – spend 10-15 minutes a day learning about equity and justice issues. Although you cannot sign up to receive daily emails any longer, all 21 days of activities can still be accessed on their website. Activities include watching short videos, reading articles, and listening to music; all things you can do from the comfort of your home. More than 1500 Minnesotans participated in October of 2021; will you challenge yourself to participate now? Access the activities here: 21-Day Equity Challenge | United Way of Olmsted County (uwolmsted.org)

“We must see who benefits from their race, who is disproportionately impacted by negative stereotypes about their race, and to who power and privilege is bestowed upon – earned or not – because of their race, their class, and their gender. Seeing race is essential to changing the system.” – Reni Eddo-Lodge

Thank you to Armatage neighbor, Sheila Dingels, for this write-up!

Keep Leaves Out of the Street

Please do your part to protect our local waterways and keep your leaves out of streets and storm drains. Collect leaves and other yard waste and place them next to your regular recycling and garbage containers for city crews to haul. You can also use leaves as mulch in your garden, mow them into your lawn, or add them to your backyard compost.

In Minneapolis, it is illegal to rake leaves from your yard into the street (Title 17, § 427.270 of the Minneapolis Code). Decomposing leaves wash into storm drains and eventually end up in Minneapolis’ lakes, streams, and the Mississippi River where they over-fertilize the water and help harmful aquatic plants and algae thrive. The result is murky water that isn’t good for swimming or fishing and harms wildlife. Thanks for doing your part this fall! Visit minneapolismn.gov/ solid-waste/yardwaste/ for more information or call 612-673-2917.

Street Sweeping is Underway

Watch the progress, look up your sweeping date, and get all your street sweeping questions answered at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-around/parking-driving/street–sweep/

Crews will post temporary “No Parking” signs at least 24 hours in advance so streets will be clear of cars when they’re swept. Anyone who parks on the street will need to follow posted parking rules or their cars may be ticketed and towed.

Are You Signed up for Snow Emergency Alerts?

Snow season is approaching (noooooo!). The City of Minneapolis mailed out snow emergency info last week so now is a great time to make sure you’re signed up to receive alerts.  You can sign up for text, email and phone alerts and download the Minneapolis Snow Emergency smartphone app at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-around/snow/snow-emergencies/snow-updates/

When a Snow Emergency is declared, parking rules take effect so plows can clear the streets. Plowing the streets completely requires vehicles parked on streets to move. We all have to work together to do our part and follow the parking rules so plows can do the best job possible and we can avoid a ticket and tow.

Help Needed: Racial Housing Covenant Interviews

Do you live in a home that had a racial housing covenant? Daniel Rosenblum, a visiting PhD researcher working with the Mapping Prejudice Project, is looking for residents from Armatage who would be open to participating in interviews. This would be a great opportunity to share your perspective on your home, neighborhood, racial covenant histories, and recent events in Minneapolis in relation to covenant data compiled by the Mapping Prejudice Project.

To sign up, contact Daniel Rosenblum at rosen918@umn.edu or 267-337-0670.

December 16, 2021 eNews

Navy & light blue graphic that says "Armatage Monthly Meeting" next to a photo of a tree in holiday lights at Armatage Park next to the skating rink. Further down, the graphic reads "Tues, Dec 21 6:30-8:30pm Community members welcome! Register to attend on Zoom at bit.ly/ANAmtgs"

December 21, 2021 Agenda

Please join the last Armatage Monthly Meeting of the year this Tuesday, December 21 from 6:30-8:30pm on Zoom. Neighbors are encouraged to attend. Register at bit.ly/ANAmtgs

  • Welcome & Introductions (6:30pm)
  • Park Update – Jordan Nelson, Armatage Park Director (6:35pm)
  • President Midterm Election (6:40pm)
  • ANA Committee Work Plans (6:50pm)
  • Safety Rebate Program Changes (7:25pm)
  • Approval of 2022 ANA Budget (7:45pm)
  • Coordinator Report (8:00pm)
    • ANA Web Updates & Financials
    • 2021 Fundraising
    • Holiday Light Tour Wrap-up
    • Staffing Update & Holiday Schedule
  • New Business (8:15pm)

Graphic with holiday lights at night in the background and text that reads "Armatage Holiday Light Tour, Friday 12/10 through Sun 12/19 from 5-8pm. More info at armatage.org"

Holiday Light Tour Ends Sunday

Friday, Dec 10 – Sunday, Dec 19
5:00-8:00pm

Enjoy the colorful city streets and light displays of the Armatage Neighborhood this holiday season!  The tour runs from 5:00-8:00pm each night through Sunday, December 19. Check out this year’s tour map at https://armatage.org/holidaylights/  Please be courteous and respectful of neighbors on your adventure and minimize the amount of time your car is idling. If you leave your vehicle, please maintain social distancing.

Once you’ve visited every stop on the tour, visit https://armatage.org/holidaylights/ to vote for your favorites! Voting closes at 12:00pm on December 20 so don’t wait to get your votes in! To keep things as fair as possible, please refrain from voting until you’ve visited each and every address on the tour. The three addresses with the most votes will each win a $50 gift card to an Armatage business.

Image shows children walking up a sledding hill with sleds in hand.

Socially Distanced Sledding at Armatage Park

Tues, Dec 21 & 28
1:00-3:00pm

Come hit the slopes! As you probably know, Armatage Park has one of *the best* sledding hills in Southwest along Penn Ave. Limited sleds are available at the recreation center, so bring one if you can and plan to distance.  Please register in advance here so staff know how many to expect.

(Can’t make it this week?  You’ll have more chances for socially distanced sledding each Saturday January 8 – February 12 from 10:00am-12:00pm at Armatage Park. Learn more here.)

Sign up for Southwest Voices

We’re happy to announce that the Armatage Neighborhood Association will be partnering with Southwest Voices, a local news and information service covering SW Minneapolis. Southwest Voices has a free daily newsletter with information on how to get involved with the city, fun local events, restaurant openings and closings, live reports from School Board, Park Board, and City Council meetings, and information about community happenings. Sign-up at SouthwestVoices.news.

The ANA will receive a portion of each membership fee from people that sign up from our neighborhood, so if you sign up to support Southwest Voices, you’re also supporting the ANA. As a civic news organization that believes that good local journalism starts with listening, Southwest Voices wants to hear from you! Shoot them a note at info@southwestvoices.news or a text message at 612-204-2887 to share what you’d like to see covered and follow them on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Image shows a City of Minneapolis press conference from Dec 13, 2021 with diverse attendees and sign language interpretation

New Minneapolis Crisis Response Teams

The City of Minneapolis launched a behavioral crisis response teams pilot project. Canopy Roots will provide crisis intervention, counseling, and connection to support services as an alternative to police responders.  Two mobile units will operate throughout Minneapolis 7:30 am to midnight, Monday through Friday, and eventually ramp up to service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Each vehicle will have a team of two behavioral health responders and outreach supplies, such as water, socks, snacks and toiletries.

People should continue to call 911 for help with behavioral crises. 911 dispatchers will gather information and determine if the incident is eligible for a mobile behavioral health team response. The teams will not respond to incidents involving firearms or violent behavior. The Minneapolis Police Department will only be on scene if dispatch determines the need to clear the scene first or the response teams request assistance to complete their work. Learn more about the behavioral crisis response teams here.

Image of a traffic circle at a Minneapolis snowy neighborhood intersection.

Take the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Survey

Minneapolis Public Works wants your input on a proposed process to address traffic safety concerns and traffic calming requests on neighborhood streets. The process provides a way for community members to request traffic calming and for Public Works to review those requests fairly, transparently and equitably. We know traffic calming has been a priority for neighbors for a long time and we hope you’ll weigh in!

Find more information about the proposed traffic calming process and share your feedback by Dec 31 here. After reviewing feedback, Public Works will finalize the process early in 2022 and share details in the spring about how to request traffic calming measures.

Make This Holiday Season Low Waste

Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling has a TON of helpful resources to help you celebrate low waste holidays, find answers to your “where does this go?” recycling questions, and more!

The image shows a group of recreational skaters of all ages and abilities wearing masks and skating outdoors on a rink on a lake.

Minneapolis Ice Rink Updates

Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board staff are hard at work preparing the ice for this year’s skating, hockey and broomball season!  None of the rinks or warming houses are open yet, but you can watch the progress using this interactive rink map.

Do you have old or outgrown skates that are still in great condition? Parks (including Armatage Park) would love to adopt them!  You can do the park staff a big favor by making sure they’re in ready-to-go condition and freshly sharpened for new skaters.

Graphic with full shelves of books in the background and text that says "Join the 2022 Armatage Reading Circle. Sign up at bit.ly/2022readingcircle"

Sign up for the Next Armatage Reading Circle

Hello neighbors! Interested in joining a book club? Have past book clubs overwhelmed you with the pace of reading and content overload? Well, then consider joining our slothful book club. Each month, we will read a small chunk of a book and then get together to discuss questions focused solely on that chunk. That way, the pace is more manageable and the questions feel more relevant.

Last year, we read All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis and are currently looking for a new title for next year! The goal would be to start in Jan/Feb 2022 and it would last anywhere from 6 to 9 months based on the book we choose. If you’re interested in joining and/or have titles that might be worth sharing with your neighbors, please sign up at https://bit.ly/2022readingcircle

Image of a Minneapolis Public Works blue dump truck with an orange plow attached in the midst of plowing a city street.

Are You Signed up for Snow Emergency Alerts?

When a Snow Emergency is declared, parking rules take effect so plows can clear the streets and emergency vehicles and other cars can then get around and park. Plowing the streets completely requires vehicles parked on streets to move. We all have to work together to do our part and follow the parking rules so plows can do the best job possible and we can avoid a ticket and tow.

You can sign up for text, email and phone alerts and download the Minneapolis Snow Emergency smartphone app. Keep your app updated to make sure you have the latest version. Learn more at minneapolismn.gov/snow.

Pledge to Salt Smart to Protect Water

Did you know that Minnesota is over salting our roads and sidewalks? Learn more with the City of Minneapolis educational program, the Salt Mini-Course. Winter road and sidewalk de-icing salt can be hazardous to our safety and our environment. Safety is the priority when applying de-icers, and over application of salt is actually LESS effective. More salt does not mean more melting!

Take the pledge to salt smartly with the self-guided Minneapolis Salt Mini-Course! Residents and businesses can learn about the consequences of over salting, and what we can do to help protect our beloved Minnesota waters from the permanent pollutant of chloride salt. Click here to learn more or reach out to program coordinator, Léa, at lea.payette@minneapolismn.gov

Graphic that says "Keep Minneapolis walkable. Clear your sidewalks. Call 311 to report unsafe sidewalks" over a picture of a person shoveling a snowy sidewalk.

Remember to Shovel Your Sidewalks

Sharing this friendly reminder that Minneapolis ordinance requires property owners of single family homes and duplexes to clear sidewalks within 24 hours after a snowfall, and all other property owners must clear their sidewalks within four daytime hours. Clearing snow and ice from sidewalks helps people of all ages and abilities safely walk or roll to where they need to go. Sidewalks are a primary mode of transportation for many people in the city and should be open for everyone.

In addition to relying on complaints reported to 311, City inspectors will also be out in neighborhoods actively looking for sidewalks that aren’t shoveled. Failure to shovel and maintain your sidewalk could result in a warning letter and, if left uncleared, a bill for the City to remove snow from your sidewalk. A typical bill is $229. People should call 311 to learn more about resources available to people who may need help clearing their sidewalks.  Learn more here.

Free Dog & Cat Adoptions

Minneapolis Animal Care & Control currently has NO adoption fee for cats and dogs over six months old! Are you ready to adopt a new furry family member just in time for the new year?

Visit the City website for more information.

Personal Safety & Carjacking Prevention

ICYMI, the Minneapolis Police Department released tips around personal safety and carjacking prevention in response to the uptick in carjackings, robberies and home invasion.  We’ve shared some of the tips below – see the full list here.

Personal Safety:

  • Be aware of your surroundings. Look at who and what is around you and take note of anyone following you closely, especially while driving home.
  • Always keep your doors locked, even while you are home.
  • Be aware of what’s happening to others around you and call 911 if you see signs that someone is being threatened or assaulted.
  • Never leave your car running while unattended and never leave a key inside a parked vehicle.
  • Keep some distance between yourself and a stranger who approaches you. Staying more than arm’s length away means someone can’t grab your bag or you, as easily.

Carjacking Prevention:

  • Don’t sit in your car with the door unlocked or with the windows rolled down.
  • Have your license plate memorized. This can help in a fast recovery and arrest.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Call 911 and use your key fob or other car alarm if you feel a threat.
  • Keep your distance between the car in front of you so that you can drive around it if needed to get away fast.
  • Be wary of how carjackers lure victims. These include bumping your car, pretending to be stranded motorists or flashing their lights as if there were something wrong with your car.

Roll up your sleeves Minnesota graphic showing a person with a mask and a bandaid to indicate recent vaccination.

COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters

With the omicron variant hitting Minnesota, getting a COVID-19 booster for anyone 16 and up who is at least 6 months past their second dose AND getting children ages 5 and up vaccinated is more important than ever. Visit mn.gov/vaccine to use the Vaccine Locator Map (more options listed below).

Find a Vaccine:

Vaccines work. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, get a free vaccine as soon as you can. About nine out of 10 Americans live within 5 miles of a COVID-19 vaccination site.

December 2, 2021 eNews

Graphic with holiday lights at night in the background and text that reads "Armatage Holiday Light Tour, Friday 12/10 through Sun 12/19 from 5-8pm. More info at armatage.org"

Sign up for the Holiday Light Tour by Dec 7

We need more houses and apartments to sign up for the second annual Armatage Holiday Light Tour! Any winter holiday or theme is welcome so bring your love of Hannukah, Kwanzana, New Year, the Winter Solstice, and/or Christmas!  If you live in the neighborhood and love to decorate for the holidays, please sign up by Tuesday, December 7 at 11:59pm at https://armatage.org/holidaylights/

Please plan to have lights on and decorations up throughout the tour, which runs from December 10 through December 19 from 5:00-8:00pm. Your address will be published on the tour map, which will be light at armatage.org/holidaylights/ next week. Visitors will be able to vote for their favorites and the three displays with the most votes will each win a $50 gift card to a local business!

Graphic with full shelves of books in the background and text that says "Join the 2022 Armatage Reading Circle. Sign up at bit.ly/2022readingcircle"

Sign up for the Next Armatage Reading Circle

Hello neighbors! Interested in joining a book club? Have past book clubs overwhelmed you with the pace of reading and content overload? Well, then consider joining our slothful book club. Each month, we will read a small chunk of a book and then get together to discuss questions focused solely on that chunk. That way, the pace is more manageable and the questions feel more relevant.

Last year, we read All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis and are currently looking for a new title for next year! The goal would be to start in Jan/Feb 2022 and it would last anywhere from 6 to 9 months based on the book we choose. If you’re interested in joining and/or have titles that might be worth sharing with your neighbors, please sign up at https://bit.ly/2022readingcircle

New Feature: Armatage Neighbor Spotlight!

If you have an Armatage neighbor you’d like us to honor, we’d love to spotlight them in the Armatage eNews and on social media!

To submit a Neighbor Spotlight, please send an email with a short description and a picture to anacoordinator@armatage.org Check out out first Neighbor Spotlight of Green Team member Sarah Komoroski below!

Image shows two people, one man and woman with their dog. They are in the snow with pine trees in the background.

Neighbor Spotlight: Sarah Komoroski

Did you know that Armatage neighbor and Green Team member Sarah Komoroski (above, right) attended the COP26 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow this year?

We couldn’t be more proud and excited for Sarah and are excited to hear moreabout her experience at an upcoming Green Team meeting! She’s pictured here with husband Ethan and pup Sanford. Go Sarah!

Graphic with a microphone on a stand that has a sign hanging from the handle. The sign reads "public hearing"

Final City Budget Public Hearing

The City of Minneapolis will hold its final public hearing on the 2022 City Budget on Wednesday, December 8 at 6:05pm. The City Council is scheduled to vote on the budget on December 8, too.

Find out how to watch the public hearing, send in a comment for the public record, or sign up to speak during the hearing at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/meetings/ **If you’re thinking of speaking, the deadline to register is no later than 3:00pm on December 8.**

The proposed 2022 $1.599 billion City budget includes a 5.45% levy increase. Visit the City’s website to learn more about the mayor’s recommended budget, key dates in the approval process, FAQs and more: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/budget/

Life on the Southside Free Event

In this virtual event from the Hennepin History Museum on December 7, African-American elders will share memories and stories about life in the integrated middle-class community on the Southside of Minneapolis before and after 35W. This program will highlight the narratives showcased in the Hennepin History Museum exhibit, Human Toll: A Public History of 35W. Speakers include: Mr. Louis Moore, Mr. Anthony Scott, Mrs. Nelda Huggins, and moderator, Dr. Ernest Lloyd.

**Register for this Zoom event at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/life-on-the-southside-tickets-212727141607   Photograph from the John F. Glanton Photographic Collection

Image shows a recent snowfall in an urban neighborhood with snow dusting a tree, a street lamp, a fence and two houses in the distance

Get Ready for Winter Weather

Winter in Minnesota can be tough with extreme cold, whiteout blizzards and power outages. Children, older adults and people with chronic illness are especially at risk during cold months. Here are a few tips to get ready:

  • Sign up for weather alerts on your device and download apps such as the free FEMA app.
  • Know important weather terms:
    • Winter weather advisory means that snow, sleet or freezing rain is accumulating.
    • Winter storm watch means that conditions are right for a storm to happen.
    • Winter storm warning means that a storm is happening.
  • Have a plan to stay home safely if the power goes out. Check in with neighbors, friends and family.
  • Have a plan to stay safe while you travel. Don’t crowd the plow. Have supplies in your vehicle such as boots, a blanket and a shovel.

Graphic shows a diagram of underground water lines that run from a water main to a home. The property owner is responsible for the curb valve, water service line, and water meter. The City is responsible for the water main.

Tips to Keep Your Pipes from Freezing

Water in your service line can freeze during very cold winter weather and prevent it from getting to your faucets. This can happen when:

  • The depth of the frost reaches the depth of the service line.
  • Your basement is not heated where the water service line enters your home.

While water mains are maintained by the City, lines that bring the water from the mains into homes and buildings are the responsibility of property owners. If your service line is frozen, you’ll need to contact a qualified contractor who specializes in thawing frozen service lines. Call 311 for information on contractors who do this type of work.

Most service lines are buried deep enough to not freeze in the winter. If your water service lines have not frozen in the past, they are unlikely to freeze now. Find more information including tips on preventing water lines from freezing on the City website.

Side by side before and after images of an Armatage curb. In the first before image, there are many leaves covering the curb and storm drain. In the second, volunteers have cleaned the curb and bagged up all the leaves.

Still Have Leaves in your Yard or Drains? We Have Options!

Yard waste collection has ended for the season but there still lots of leaves falling, including into our storm drains where they cause flooding and lead to all kinds of problems in our lakes and the Mississippi River. The pics above were from a volunteer clean-up earlier this month and WOW – what a difference! Thanks to Armatage Green Team members for sending this in!

For leaves on lawns, consider mulching them with your lawn mower to give your grass a nutrient boost, which is quick and easy.  If you find yourself with full yard waste bags and nowhere to take them, here are a few low cost options:

Take the Minneapolis Salt Mini-Course

Did you know that Minnesota is over salting our roads and sidewalks? Learn more with the City of Minneapolis educational program, the Salt Mini-Course. Winter road and sidewalk de-icing salt can be hazardous to our safety and our environment. Safety is the priority when applying de-icers, and over application of salt is actually LESS effective. More salt does not mean more melting!

Take the pledge to salt smartly with the self-guided Minneapolis Salt Mini-Course! Residents and businesses can learn about the consequences of over salting, and what we can do to help protect our beloved Minnesota waters from the permanent pollutant of chloride salt. If you’re interested in learning more, visit https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/environmental-programs/salt/ or reach out to program coordinator, Léa, at lea.payette@minneapolismn.gov

Picture that shows a storm drain with leaf debris and says "not clearing organic debris from storm drains can lead to..." next to a picture of a lake with lots of green algae and text that says "...algae in our local waterways."

Psst! It’s a Great Time to Adopt a Storm Drain

Did you know storm drains flow directly into our local lakes and the Mississippi River? Rain can carry leaves, trash and other debris and nutrients that can, in abundance, harm our waters. Just five bags’ worth of leaves can deliver one pound of phosphorus to a water body and result in up to 1,000 pounds of algae blooms.

Adopting a storm drain near you at adopt-a-drain.org is a simple, yet effective step in preventing this.

New Zero Waste Store, Zeroish Co!

Interested in reducing your household waste? One of the easiest and most effective ways to do this is to reduce or eliminate single-use plastic packaging. And that’s where new nearby store, Zeroish Co, at 50th & Penn and https://www.zeroishco.com/ can help!

Zeroish is a shop where you can find hundreds of sustainable everyday items (think bathroom consumables or kitchen cleaning products, as examples) and eco-friendly gifts. They aim to give people the tips and tools to make positive changes within their means, without the pressure of achieving the “perfect” zero waste lifestyle. Not sure how or where to start? Bring a few empty mason jars and an open mind to the store and let them be your guide!

-Ethan, Armatage Green Team member

Image shows a group of neighbors in front of a two story home with solar panels holding signs that say "we went solar" next to a Solar United Neighborhoods informational table

Interested in Rooftop Solar?

If you’re interested in going solar, 2022 is a great time to do it with help from neighbors. Your participation will also help Minneapolis reach its goal to generate 10% of electricity needs with local solar. This is part of the City’s climate action plan to reduce greenhouse gases. We’re already at 6% today!

Twin Cities Region Solar Co-op

Twin Cities Region Solar Co-op helps make rooftop solar more accessible for Minneapolis homeowners. The solar co-op joins neighbors together to get the best price and service from a solar installer, tap into the expertise at Solar United Neighbors, and learn about solar incentives. The City of Minneapolis is partnering in this effort. Learn more from Solar United Neighbors.

Xcel Energy’s Solar*Rewards to Re-open in 2022

With Xcel Energy’s Solar*Rewards Incentive Program, if you produce more energy than you need, the extra energy is added to the grid, and excess energy will be credited to your bill.

Roll up your sleeves Minnesota graphic showing a person with a mask and a bandaid to indicate recent vaccination.

COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters

With the omicron variant hitting Minnesota, getting a COVID-19 booster and getting children ages 5 and up vaccinated is more important than ever. All adults are now eligible to get a booster. Visit mn.gov/vaccine to use the Vaccine Locator Map.

Upcoming Minneapolis Vaccine Clinic – learn more here:

  • Saturday, Dec. 4 (9 a.m.-noon) Park Avenue United Methodist Church, 3400 Park Ave. Pfizer (12 and older, Pfizer boosters available, walk-ins welcome)

Other Ways to Get a Vaccine:

Vaccines work. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, get a free vaccine as soon as you can. About nine out of 10 Americans live within 5 miles of a COVID-19 vaccination site.

December 3, 2019 eNews

Support Armatage on #GivingTuesday

#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving celebrated on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. With so many nonprofit organizations doing incredible work, we hope you are able to find great causes to support today.

Help the ANA continue to serve our community by making a donation to our nonprofit organization today. Even a donation of $5 or more helps fund community programs right here in Armatage.

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Give Feedback on the Proposed City Budget

There are two more public hearings for people to share thoughts on Mayor Jacob Frey’s recommended 2020 City budget of $1.6 billion. The City’s revenues come from a variety of sources with property taxes accounting for about 23% of the budget.  Comments can also be submitted online to be shared with the Mayor and Council Members. The City Council is scheduled to vote on adopting the budget Wednesday, December 11.

Budget public hearings at City Hall:

  • December 4 at 6:00pm: Truth in Taxation hearing to get community input on the total levy amount.
  • December 11 at 6:00pm: Opportunity to respond to the City Council’s amendments, for Council to make any further changes based on that, and then a vote to adopt the 2020 budget.

Visit the City’s budget website to learn more about the budget and key dates and watch a video about how to participate in the budget process. You can also watch budget hearings on Minneapolis City Council TV. Tune to SD channel 14 or HD channel 799 on Comcast or SD channel 8001 or HD channel 8501 on CenturyLink. You can also watch archived meetings on the City of Minneapolis YouTube channel.

The 2020 Census is Hiring!

Check out one of the December 4 hiring events above or see the census job openings in Minnesota and apply here.

Check out what’s happening locally with the 2020 Census and sign up for updates at http://minneapolismn.gov/census/


3rd Annual International Festival

Sunday, December 8
1:00-5:00pm
Central Gym (3400 Fourth Ave. S)

The Minneapolis International Festival will be celebrating the different cultures in the City of Minneapolis and surrounding communities with music, dance, art, cultural learning booths, exhibits demonstrations, food AND MORE.

Admission is free.  Learn about all the many amazing cultures that make Minneapolis such a wonderful place to live. Visit the website to learn more about the event!

Tree Lights & Supply Drive for Crisis Nursery

While the ANA isn’t hosting a Tree lighting event this year, the annual neighborhood-sponsored holiday lights are up in Armatage Park along the east side of the building.

You can still drop off new, unopened formula, diapers, pull-ups, children’s toiletries, new with tags clothing and more to benefit the Greater Twin Cities Crisis Nursery now through December 20. Check out the Crisis Nursery’s full donation wish list here and look for a donation bin in the lobby of the Armatage Rec Center.


Snow Emergency Resources

Sign up now, stay informed throughout the season, and avoid getting ticketed or towed:

  • Hotline: Call the automated 612-348-SNOW hotline. The hotline includes information in English, Spanish, Somali and Hmong.
  • The City’s website: Go to minneapolismn.gov/snow to find out whether a Snow Emergency has been declared in many languages. Also, check out the street lookup, which lets you put in an address or a neighborhood to see where you can park during a Snow Emergency.
  • Phone calls to residents: Minneapolis uses automated phone calls to notify residents when Snow Emergencies are declared. The system can place thousands of calls per hour. You can add your cellphone or unlisted landline number to the alert system by signing up at minneapolismn.gov/snow.
  • Social media: Like Minneapolis Snow Emergency on Facebook and Twitter.
  • Email and text: See minneapolismn.gov/snow/snow_esubscribe for more details.
  • Read more details here…


Comment on Public Works’ draft Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan

The City of Minneapolis is seeking public comment on the draft Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan for Public Works – a plan that identifies priorities for removing accessibility barriers in the City’s public right of way.

The City is accepting comments on the draft plan through Dec. 27. It is a supplemental plan to the City’s ADA Action Plan, a comprehensive policy document for the City of Minneapolis to comply with the Title II requirements of the ADA. The draft plan was last updated in 2012.

Open house on draft ADA Transition Plan for Public Works
4:30-6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16
Minneapolis Central Library, Doty Board Room, 300 Nicollet Mall

Read more…

Folks walking on a bustling Minnehaha Ave at Open Streets Lake + Minnehaha

What’s your vision for Open Streets Minneapolis?

Our Streets MN is partnering with the City of Minneapolis to reflect on Open Streets Minneapolis and evaluate how to make the events more meaningful and sustainable after the 2020 season. Could you let them know what you’d like to see in Open Streets Minneapolis events in 2021 and beyond? 

Click here to take the five question survey.

February 28, 2019 eNews

February 19 Neighborhood Meeting Highlights

  • Southwest Parks & Minnehaha Parkway Regional Trail Master Plans: Madeline Hudek from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and Mike Jischke who volunteers on the Minnehaha Parkway Regional Trail Citizen Advisory Committee attended to give an update on the new Initial Concept Designs for each park space in SW Minneapolis and along Minnehaha Parkway. Residents asked questions and voiced concerns around the proposed smaller parking lot at Armatage Park, changes around more soccer and fewer baseball/softball fields, real vs. artifical turf, and the lack of a walkable neighborhood dog park. (See the designs and how to weigh in on both plans here).
  • The board edited and approved its 2018 Annual Report for the City of Minneapolis.
  • Neighborhoods 2020: the City recently released a draft framework that would change how neighborhood organizations like the ANA are governed and funded.  Funding changes are likely and that could have a big impact on the programs, events, and services the ANA offers. The board discussed the proposed changes outlined in the framework, the recent Neighborhoods 2020 workshop at the Community Connections Conference on February 2, how to weigh in, and strategies to engage residents in the process.
  • The ANA plans to launch a new Mini Grant program this spring. The board discussed the proposed guidelines and application drafted by the Mini Grant Committee, made edits, and voted to approve proceeding with the program. The board will vote on Mini Grant initial funding at its March 19 meeting.
  • The Green Team met on February 6 and discussed zero waste at the upcoming summer festival, the upcoming 2019 rain garden project and reserving a few rain garden slots for renters (with property owner approval), offering additional grants for rain garden applicants who meet income guidelines and the upcoming Fix-it Clinic on March 9. Email anacoordinator@armatage.org to get involved.

Upcoming meetings/events

Mar 9 – Fix-it Clinic (12:00-4:00 pm)
Mar 12 – Neighborhood Happy Hour (7:00-9:00 pm)
Mar 19 – Monthly Meeting (6:30-8:00 pm)

Winter Parking Restrictions

This is a friendly reminder that parking is banned on the even side of non-snow-emergency routes until April 1 or until our huge snowbanks melt enough that the City can lift parking restrictions sooner.  Let’s cross our fingers for that happening before April 1.  See all the details including instructions on downloading a snow emergency/winter parking app for your phone at http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/snow/.

Neighborhoods 2020 – Comment Now Through March 31

Want to keep the Summer Festival, Halloween at the Park, Happy Hours, rain gardens, Fire on Ice, forums on pressing community issues, or security rebates? These and more are all services provided and supported by the Armatage Neighborhood Association. Funding for neighborhood groups like ANA and the events we support runs out next year.

The City of Minneapolis is reviewing new guidelines, funding, and whether neighborhood organizations will continue to exist to support our community’s needs. The vision of Neighborhoods 2020 is to have an inclusive community where all people are valued, all communities are engaged, and leadership mirrors the great diversity of the city. View the new recommendations at http://www.minneapolismn.gov/ncr/2020 and submit your comments in support of continued funding and support for neighborhoods in one of the following ways:

Please cc the ANA at anacoordinator@armatage.org and Council Member Linea Palmisano at linea.palmisano@minneapolismn.gov on your comment. Thanks for making your voice heard.

Armatage Fix-it Clinic: March 9

We’re a little over a week out from the upcoming Fix-it Clinic on Saturday, March 9 from 12:00pm – 4:00pm at the Armatage Recreation Center (2500 West 57th Street). Fix-it Clinics allow anyone to bring in broken small household appliances, clothing, electronics, mobile devices and more and receive free guided assistance from knowledgeable volunteers with repair skills to disassemble, troubleshoot and fix your items.

Fix-It Clinics teach valuable troubleshooting and basic repair skills, build community connections, and reduce the number of repairable items that are thrown in the trash. For more information, visit http://www.hennepin.us/fixitclinic or contact program coordinator Nancy Lo at nancy.lo@hennepin.us or 612-348-9195.

Tuesday, March 12
7:00-9:00 • Red Wagon Pizza

Join your neighbors for free pizza and conversation at our second Neighborhood Happy Hour of 2019! There is so much happening at the City, with our parks, and throughout Armatage. This is a great, informal chance to meet neighbors, talk with current board members, and hear all about what’s going on in the neighborhood. A friendly reminder that pizza is free, drinks are extra, and help tipping our servers is always appreciated.

Southwest Parks and Minnehaha Parkway Initial Designs Released

Initial Concept Designs are out for each Southwest Minneapolis park and for the Minnehaha Parkway Regional Trail.  We’ve posted the design options for Armatage Park, the Washburn Tot Lot, the 58th & Oliver Triangle and Minnehaha Parkway on the ANA website at https://armatage.org/southwest-park-plan-initial-concept-designs/  All Southwest park designs are searchable at minneapolisparks.org/sw and full Minnehaha Parkway designs are at minneapolisparks.org/minnehahacreek.

Share your feedback:

  1. Take the online surveys for both projects:
  2. Drop off a comment: All 13 Southwest Minneapolis Recreation Centers as well as MPRB Headquarters and Parade Ice Arena have a printed packet of concept designs, along with comment cards and drop-off boxes.

All about shoveling

snow-shoveling
Keeping our sidewalks free of ice and snow is the neighborly thing to do, and it’s the law. For your own benefit and to help your neighbors, people pushing strollers or using wheelchairs, and the many people in Minneapolis who walk, please do your part.

Minneapolis Ordinance requires that property owners clear sidewalks after the end of a snowfall within:

  • 24 hours for single family homes and duplexes
  • Four daytime hours for apartments, commercial buildings and all other properties (daytime hours begin at 8 am)

When you shovel snow and clear ice:

  • Shovel the sidewalks on all sides of your property, the full width of the sidewalk down to the bare pavement.
  • Remove all ice from sidewalks.
  • Pile snow into your yard and boulevard. It’s against the law to shovel snow into streets and alleys.
  • If you have a corner property, clear pedestrian ramps at the street corners and crosswalks to the street gutter.  You are not required to clear snow ridges or piles left by the plows beyond the gutter.  City crews will make an effort to return to do this work as quickly as possible, but with some 16,000 corners to clear across the City, it may take a while.  However, your neighbors would appreciate it if you could clear the pile, or at least an opening sooner to help shorten the wait and provide a clear passage.

Avoid the cost of having the City clear your sidewalk

  • If the City of Minneapolis gets a complaint or discovers that a sidewalk is not properly cleared, Public Works will inspect the sidewalk and give the property owners a chance to clear it.
  • If the sidewalk has not been cleared upon re-inspection, the property owner may be issued a citation with a fine, and crews will remove the snow and ice from the sidewalk. Property owners will be billed for this service, and unpaid bills will be added to property tax statements.

Remember

  • You are responsible for clearing ice on your sidewalk as well as snow. Ice can be more dangerous and intimidating than snow.
  • The sooner and more completely you shovel, the less likely it is that the snow will become compacted ice which is much more difficult to remove.
  • Arrange for someone to shovel anytime you are away.
  • Shovel around your garbage carts and recycling bins. If you don’t, the City will do it for you and charge a fee. For information, see Solid Waste & Recycling.

Need help?

Want to go the extra mile?

  • Report snow and ice on sidewalks.
  • Are there neighbors on your street who are elderly, have a disability or may have a hard time shoveling for any reason? Work with your neighbors to give a hand and ensure your entire block is safe and accessible to all.
  • Download this snow shoveling flyer (pdf) to tell others about the rules and importance of sidewalk snow clearance.

Snow Emergency Rules

snow emergency route sign
Snow Emergencies are called after significant snowfall and before 6 p.m. on any given day. At 9 p.m. that day, Snow Emergency parking rules go into effect.

You can be notified about Snow Emergencies in several ways:

Snow Emergency Day 1: No parking on Snow Emergency Routes
Day 1 – 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. (overnight)

Do not park on either side of the street with the red sign:
Snow Emergency Route. Snow plows will clear those streets first.

  • Park on either side of non-Snow Emergency routes (these streets DO NOT have the red sign: Snow Emergency Route).

After a street is fully plowed, feel free to park there, even if Snow Emergency parking rules are still in effect. Fully plowed means the street is completely cleared and plowed as wide as possible. Plows may come through more than once, so make sure that it is fully plowed as wide as possible before parking.

What is a Snow Emergency Route?

See Snow Emergency Route/Day 1 Parking Rules Map

 

Snow Emergency Day 2: No parking on EVEN side of non-Snow Emergency routes
Day 2 – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

At 8 a.m., Day Two parking rules begin.

Do not park on the EVEN side of non-Snow Emergency routes.
(Example: house address number: 1356 Maple or 2512 17th Ave.)

  • Do not park on either side of parkways.
  • Park on the odd side of non-Snow Emergency Route streets (example: house address number 1359 Maple or 2513 17th Ave.).
  • Park on either side of streets with the red sign: Snow Emergency Route.

After a street is fully plowed, feel free to park there, even if Snow Emergency parking rules are still in effect. Fully plowed means the street is completely cleared and plowed as wide as possible. Plows may come through more than once, so make sure that it is fully plowed as wide as possible before parking.

What do ODD and EVEN mean?

What is a parkway?

See Day 2 Parking Rules Map

 

Snow Emergency Day 3: No parking on the ODD side of non-Snow Emergency routes.
Day 3 – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

At 8 a.m., Day Three parking rules begin.

  • Do not park on the ODD side of non-Snow Emergency Route streets (example: house address number 1359 or 2513 17th Ave.).
  • Park on even side of non-Snow Emergency Route streets. (Example: house address number: 1356 Maple or 2512 17th Ave.)
  • Park on either side of streets marked with the red sign: Snow Emergency Route and you may park on parkways.

After a street is fully plowed, feel free to park there, even if Snow Emergency parking rules are still in effect. Fully plowed means the street is completely cleared and plowed as wide as possible. Plows may come through more than once, so make sure that it is fully plowed as wide as possible before parking.

See Day 3 Parking Rules Map