Category Archives: School

May 16, 2019 eNews

ANA Annual Meeting & Board Elections

Tuesday, May 21
6:30 – 8:00 pm
Armatage Recreation Center

Join your neighbors for free pizza and donuts from Sleepy V’s at the Annual Meeting & Board Elections on May 21! The ANA is excited to hear from you and to share our work over the past year and all the great things we have in store for 2019, including a new Armatage Neighborhood Mini Grants program! Hear from Council Member Palmisano, weigh in on what’s happening in the neighborhood and elect our 2019-2020 Armatage Neighborhood Association Board.

Join the Armatage Neighborhood Association Board

Love our neighborhood and want to get more involved? Run for one of four open seats on the ANA board at the Annual Meeting on May 21. Elections are low stress and once elected, the time commitment for board members is usually 5-8 hours per month, which includes our monthly neighborhood meeting on the third Tuesday from 6:30-8:15pm.

If interested in running, please email our Coordinator, Lauren, at anacoordinator@armatage.org with a short bio including why you would like to join the board. Still thinking about it? You are welcome to decide to run at the event, too! Renters are an important part of our neighborhood and are especially encouraged to run.

Apply for an Armatage Neighborhood Mini Grant!

How can we make our neighborhood a better place and engage our neighbors? If you have ideas and want to implement them, the ANA has just launched a new Armatage Neighborhood Mini Grants program. Grants are available for up to $1,000 and subject to the City requirements that prohibit spending on food or entertainment. Get all your questions answered at armatage.org/programs/mini-grants or at our Annual Meeting on May 21.

The deadline to apply for a Mini Grant is June 15. Award notifications will be made by August 1, 2019 and grant recipients will have up to a year to complete their projects. Questions? Please contact us at anacoordinator@armatage.org.


Kenny/Armatage Garage Sale

Friday, May 31 &
Saturday, June 1
8:00am – 4:00pm

Our neighborhood garage sale is a great way to get a lot of bang for your buck! Clear out your clutter and make a little cash. Again this year, we will partner with our friends in the Kenny neighborhood to amp up the traffic to this event. Registration is free this year and due to the growing popularity of weekday sales, you have the option to register your sale for Friday, May 31 in addition to Saturday, June 1. Maps of this year’s sales will be available online and at both the Kenny and Armatage Rec Centers by Thursday, May 30.

To participate, register at armatage.org/events/garage-sales/ by Tuesday, May 28. If you have questions or experience issues registering online, please contact the ANA office at anacoordinator@armatage.org or 612-466-0296.


Renting? Apply for a Rain or Native Garden

Renting in the neighborhood? We’re looking for renters who have a bit of yard space and would like to work with their landlord to add a low cost rain or native garden! We know that not being the property owner can be a barrier so our Green Team will help you get approval from your landlord and offer assistance to help get your garden established, even if you move. Visit https://armatage.org/programs/rain-gardens/ to apply by May 24 or email us at anacoordinator@armtage.org.

Armatage Green Garden Tour

Saturday June, 1 • 10:00am – 12:00pm

While you’re out checking out neighborhood garage sales on June 1, stop and visit alternative lawns, rain gardens, native gardens, and pollinator habitat in The Green Team’s first ever Armatage Green Garden Tour. Look for a map the week of May 27th with addresses and garden information posted at armatage.org.

Have a rain garden, alternative lawn, native or pollinator garden? Please email anacoordinator@armatage.org if you’d like to showcase your yard in the tour!


Comprehensive District Design Meetings

Over the next few years, MPS must reimagine how it serves the Minneapolis community. The district hopes you will join them at one of several meetings to discuss initial recommendations. See below or view the full schedule of meetings and a timeline here. Light refreshments, beverages, school-age childcare and interpretation will be available.

May 16 • 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Southwest High School
3414 West 47th Street

May 20 • 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Wilder Building
3345 Chicago Avenue South

May 21 • 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Davis Center
1250 West Broadway Avenue


Call for Input on City of Minneapolis and University of Minnesota Survey!

Do you want to make your neighborhood a better place? The City of Minneapolis and the Sustainable Healthy Cities Network at the U of M are conducting a survey about how our neighborhoods affect our lives and well-being. Results will be shared with local government to build better cities through better neighborhoods.
Take the survey at: bit.ly/MyNeighborhoodMyLife


Join Metro Transit at one of the upcoming Open Houses (no formal presentation, come anytime) to learn more about the E Line Bus Rapid Transit that would provide faster service along a large portion of Route 6 through Southwest Minneapolis. Weigh in on the routing options being considered and some early ideas about connecting bus service. Visit metrotransit.org/E-Line-Project to learn more.

Southwest High School, Cafeteria
3414 West 47th Street
Monday, May 20 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Walker Library, Bde Maka Ska Room
2880 Hennepin Avenue South
Wednesday, May 22 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.
(Joint meeting with the METRO B Line

Fulton Farmers Market Opens Saturday

Fulton Farmers Market, located in the parking lot of Lake Harriet United Methodist Church near 49th & Chowen, re-opens for the season this Saturday, May 18 and will run every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. through October 26. Make it part of your weekly Saturday morning routine to shop for locally grown and produced foods while connecting with your neighborhood community! Sign-up for the weekly e-newsletter to learn about each week’s vendor line-up and events at www.neighborhoodrootsmn.org

July 16, 2019 Agenda

  • Welcome & Introductions
  • Park Update:
    • Ice Skates
    • Fall Activity Registration
  • Guest: Ira Jourdain, Minneapolis Public Schools Board Member, on MPS Comprehensive District Design
  • Summer Festival
    • Screen printing
    • Event volunteer schedule
    • Board t-shirts
    • Zero waste (Green Team)
    • Tables and raffles
    • Set up and take down
  • Other Business
  • President’s Report
    • Neighborhoods 2020 community message
  • Minutes – approved via email
  • Treasurer Report – financials emailed
  • Committee Updates
    • Green Team:
      • Save the date for Mpls Litter Be Gone Clean-up – Oct 5
    • Mini Grants:
      • Approve 2019 Grant Recipients
  • Coordinator Update
    • Business facade grant application
    • Washburn Tot Lot Celebration volunteers
    • NCEC elections
    • Website PHP upgrade
    • No ANA meeting in August

***
Upcoming meetings/events
Jul 17 – NCEC Elections (6:00 pm, Crown Roller Mill – 105 5th Avenue South)
Aug 6 –  National Night Out
Aug 11 – Summer Festival (4:00 – 7:00 pm)
Aug 22 – Washburn Tot Celebration (5:30-7:30 pm)

May 9, 2019 eNews

ANA Annual Meeting & Board Elections

Tuesday, May 21
6:30 – 8:00 pm
Armatage Recreation Center

Join your neighbors for free pizza at the Annual Meeting & Board Elections on May 21! The ANA is excited to hear from you and to share our work over the past year and all the great things we have in store for 2019, including a new Armatage Neighborhood Mini Grants program! Hear from Council Member Palmisano, weigh in on what’s happening in the neighborhood and help elect our 2019-2020 Armatage Neighborhood Association Board.

Join the Armatage Neighborhood Association Board

Love our neighborhood and want to get more involved? Run for one of four open seats on the ANA board at the Annual Meeting on May 21. Elections are low stress and once elected, the time commitment for board members is usually 5-8 hours per month, which includes our monthly neighborhood meeting on the third Tuesday from 6:30-8:15pm.

If interested in running, please email our Coordinator, Lauren, at anacoordinator@armatage.org with a short bio including why you would like to join the board. Still thinking about it? You are welcome to decide to run at the event, too! Renters are an important part of our neighborhood and are especially encouraged to run.

Tuesday, May 14
7:00-9:00 • Red Wagon Pizza

Join your neighbors for free pizza and conversation at our third Neighborhood Happy Hour of 2019! With the Annual Meeting and Board Elections coming up on May 21, this is a great, informal chance to talk with current board members, meet neighbors 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.


Free Document Shredding at Armatage Park

All are invited to a free Shredding Event this Saturday, May 11 from 10:00am – 12:00pm sponsored by the O’Neil Group of KW Integrity Lakes! Shred and recycle any confidential documents and enter to win a $100 Ace Hardware gift card courtesy of the O’Neil Group and Perl Lending.

  • Should you bring bank statements? YES
  • Tax returns? YES
  • Other confidential documents? YES
  • Junk mail? NO
  • Newspapers/Magazines? NO

Apply for an Armatage Neighborhood Mini Grant!

How can we make our neighborhood a better place and engage our neighbors? If you have ideas and want to implement them, the ANA has just launched a new Armatage Neighborhood Mini Grants program. Grants are available for up to $1,000 and subject to the City requirements that prohibit spending on food or entertainment. Get all your questions answered at armatage.org/programs/mini-grants or at our Annual Meeting on May 21.

The deadline to apply for a Mini Grant is June 15. Award notifications will be made by August 1, 2019 and grant recipients will have up to a year to complete their projects. Questions? Please contact us at anacoordinator@armatage.org. 


Kenny/Armatage Garage Sale

Friday, May 31 &

Saturday, June 1
8:00am – 4:00pm

Our neighborhood garage sale is a great way to get a lot of bang for your buck! Clear out your clutter and make a little cash. Again this year, we will partner with our friends in the Kenny neighborhood to amp up the traffic to this event. Registration is free this year and due to the growing popularity of weekday sales, you have the option to register your sale for Friday, May 31 in addition to Saturday, June 1. Maps of this year’s sales will be available online and at both the Kenny and Armatage Rec Centers by Thursday, May 30.

To participate, register at armatage.org/events/garage-sales/ by Tuesday, May 28. If you have questions or experience issues registering online, please contact the ANA office at anacoordinator@armatage.org or 612-466-0296.


Renting? Apply for a Rain or Native Garden

Renting in the neighborhood? We’re looking for renters who have a bit of yard space and would like to work with their landlord to add a low cost rain or native garden! We know that not being the property owner can be a barrier so our Green Team will help you get approval from your landlord and offer assistance to help get your garden established, even if you move. Visit https://armatage.org/programs/rain-gardens/ to apply by May 24 or email us at anacoordinator@armtage.org.

Armatage Green Garden Tour

Saturday June, 1 • 10:00am – 12:00pm

While you’re out checking out neighborhood garage sales on June 1, stop and visit alternative lawns, rain gardens, native gardens, and pollinator habitat in the first ever Armatage Green Garden Tour. Look for a map the week of May 27th with addresses and garden information. Sponsored by the Armatage Green Team – please email anacoordinator@armatage.org if you’d like to showcase your yard in the tour!

Minneapolis Public Schools Comprehensive District Design

Over the next few years, MPS must reimagine how it serves the Minneapolis community. The district hopes you will join them at one of several meetings to discuss initial recommendations. See below or view the full schedule of meetings and a timeline. Light refreshments, beverages, school-age childcare and interpretation will be available.

May 13 • 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Edison High School
700 22nd Ave NE

May 16 • 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Southwest High School
3414 W. 47th Street

May 20 • 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Wilder Building
34th & Chicago

May 21 • 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Davis Center
1250 W. Broadway


Join Metro Transit at one of the upcoming Open Houses (no formal presentation, come anytime) to learn more about the E Line Bus Rapid Transit that would provide faster service along a large portion of Route 6 through Southwest Minneapolis. Weigh in on the routing options being considered and some early ideas about connecting bus service. Visit metrotransit.org/E-Line-Project to learn more.

Southwest High School, Cafeteria
3414 West 47th Street, Minneapolis
Monday, May 20, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Walker Library, Bde Maka Ska Room
2880 Hennepin Avenue South, Minneapolis
Wednesday, May 22 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.
(Joint meeting with the METRO B Line)

Fulton Farmers Market Opens May 18

Fulton Farmers Market, located in the parking lot of Lake Harriet United Methodist Church near 49th & Chowen, re-opens for the season on May 18 and will run every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. through Oct. 26th. Make it part of your weekly Saturday morning routine to shop for locally grown and produced foods while connecting with your neighborhood community!

Did you know that you can actually do your grocery shopping at Fulton? Meat, eggs, produce, fruit- we have it all, grown by local farmers. We have a number of new vendors this season, as well as your longtime favorites. Visiting the market is a great way to get kids out of the house in the morning or show out-of-town friends and family what Minnesota is all about. Gather around for story time at 9:30 a.m. each week followed by live music from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.. Sign-up for our weekly e-newsletter to learn about each week’s vendor line-up and events at www.neighborhoodrootsmn.org

Neighborhood Roots, the organization that runs Fulton, Kingfield and Nokomis farmers markets, relies on volunteers to make your markets happen. If you are interested in getting more involved with your neighborhood market this season, we’re always looking for more people to help with set-up and teardown each week as well as people to help with weekly activities. Even a few hours a month helps make your market happen! Please send an email to volunteers@neighborhoodrootsmn.org.

 

Upcoming Metro Blooms Workshops

Unseasonable warmth, long periods of drought, and flooding rains are the new normal in Minnesota. Metro Blooms is offering three different workshops to share practices for building resilience in your yard so it can withstand these challenges. Most workshops cost $15, but scholarships are available upon request.

  • Resilient Yards Workshop: A framework for understanding resilience including site planning, raingardens, turf alternatives, trees, other plantings and more, as well as one-on-one design assistance for your yard.
  • Turf Alternatives Workshop: Your guide to a low-maintenance lawn that require less watering and fewer chemical inputs, with instructions for establishing it.
  • Healthy Soils Workshop: Learn how to lay the groundwork for healthy soil that helps plants thrive, filters and cleans water, prevents erosion and is teeming with life.

Learn more and register at metroblooms.org/workshops

April 18, 2017 Minutes

Armatage Neighborhood Association Meeting

Meeting was called to order at 6:35 pm by Denis Houle.

ANA board members in attendance: Tara Brown, Kelly Falsani, Denis Houle, Steve Johnson, Michael Kootsikas, and Laurel Luxenberg, Judy Vecere

Others in attendance: Nikki Lindberg (ANA Coordinator), Nikki Frederich (Park Coordinator), and 4 other Armatage Residents Chris Sorenson, Joel Federer, Jim Hoch, and Stephanie Eagan.

Park Update (Nikki Frederich, Park Director)

  • Egg hunt – 150 registered kids and 50 showed day of. Great feedback on bounce house, face painting, live bunnies
  • Spring sports in full swing – baseball, softball, full track and field team
    • Need track and field coaches April 27-June 2 Tuesdays and Thursdays
  • Fields can be reserved. Call at 2pm on Friday for the following week. In-house team gets priority (for Armatage and Kenny)
  • Summer Registration is out for all events now

Committee Updates

2017 Goals and Priorities – Need to set goals

Welcome Bags (Michael) – 8 companies are participating

Green Team (Tara)

  • Reminder that we will have a table at the Movie in the Park June 19th about lawn care
  • Metrobloom opportunity has received 19 requests. We have 10 openings. Potential to provide those beyond the first 10 the opportunity for yard consultation.

Coordinator Updates (Nikki Lindberg)

Summer Festival Team

  • Leadership roles have been assigned – Coordinator will reach out to
  • Food vendors are all interested in coming back
  • Band lined up, face painter, skateboard and MPLS Tap
  • Striving for a Zero-Waste Event
  • Event will be Sunday, August 13th 3-7pm

Annual Meeting Update

  • Red Wagon and Pizzeria Lola will provide food
  • Marion Green can come speak. Representative Palmisano will be present
  • Door prizes to encourage attendance – Potted plants
  • Meet and Greet Format
  • Mailer to alert

Financial Audit Update

  • Procedural audit with the city. Nikki working with Michael Wilson (CPA for ANA). Judy involved as well.
    • Main actions are to review by-laws and polices (e.g. financial policy)
    • Board to review and make additional comments
    • Resident offered to review invoices
    • Questions were asked: Do we ever publish our spending? Is there a potential for a neighborhood meeting based solely on funding?

Kelly entered meeting

Neighborhoods 2020 Dialogues

  • Dialogues are about Neighborhood Funding
  • May 8th at 6pm for MLK Park (40th & Nicollet) is the events. Please RSVP

Garage Sale (June 3rd) – Armatage and Kenny

  • Open Streets in Kenny on Lyndale June 3th
  • Group to do fundraiser bake sale

Movie in the Park (scheduled for June 19th)

  • Movie: Peewee’s Big Adventure
  • Green Team to have a booth giving tips
  • Food truck for desserts
  • Bike shop to give tune ups

Welcome bags – Request to order 250, could get them for $8.50. Ordered 125 last year

  • Motion made by Michael, seconded by Laurel. Motion carried

Future of FixIt Home Improvement Program

  • Fulton, Kenny, Lynhurst and Armatage have created Fix-It Home Improvement. Current provider no longer to maintain home program. New: Provider wants $10,000 annual fee and 13% origination fee.
    • CEE already runs their own program: Could we handle that?
    • Goals: Armatage remain a desirable place to live
    • Ideas for alternatives: buy down on someone’s interest rates
      • Home Energy Audits: cover residents $70
      • Grant program to homeowners
      • Design or architect fees
      • Subsidize home buyer education classes – ex. Ice Damn class
      • Sponsor home improvement options
        • Resident shared matching programs are very effective
        • Rebate for higher efficiency machines

Summer Intern – Neighborhood college student $10-12/hr for a total of $1,000

Gypsy Moth Update – First treatment May 1- May 15. Second treatment will be 7-10 days later 

Treasurer Update (Judy Vecere)

  • Previewed via email. Highlighted in meeting. Budget is on track and cash flow is good.

Unfrozen Funds from the City 

Secretary Report

  • Approved

New Business

  • Received a letter from Armatage Montessori to seek zone approval for relocating doors and security

Meeting was adjourned at 7:51 pm. Steve motion to adjourn.

October 11, 2016 eNews

October Meeting Agenda

October 18, 2016
6:30pm in the Armatage Community Center

  • Welcome
  • City Council Update
  • Park Update
    • Other park amenities to explore
Additional picnic tables/benches
A/C
Shade trees/structure
  • Committee Updates
    • Safety
November Safety meeting, new Inspector invited
    • Community Engagement
Plan to engage with renters
  • Coordinator Update
    • 2017 calendar
    • Community Participation Program (CPP) 2017-19 (see below)
    • FixIt Loan
  • Treasurer Report
Bank accounts (2?)
  • Secretary Report (minutes approved by email)
  • New Business
Solar gardens • pollinators • ash borers

Please submit agenda items at least 3 days in advance.

District 6 School Board debate schedule for October 27

7 pm • Lynnhurst (1345 W Minnehaha Pkwy)

Hear from School Board candidates in person or learn more online!




Neighborhood Priorities

In August the Minneapolis City Council approved the revised Community Participation Program (CPP) Guidelines and the three-year allocations for the years 2017-2019. CPP funds can be used to support neighborhood organization’s community engagement activities and related administrative expenses, as well as to fund work on priorities identified in approved Neighborhood Priority Plans. We will be discussing these priorities and plans during our October meeting. Resident input is welcome!

You can find more information on the NCR website at: http://www.minneapolismn.gov/ncr/programs/WCMSP-185369.


Halloween at the Park

Friday, October 28 • 6:00-8:30pm • Armatage Park
(weather permitting)

Wagon Rides • Bonfire • DJ • S’mores & Popcorn
Mini donuts and hot drinks by Sweet Dreams will be available for sale.
Costumes Encouraged

Pumpking Carving Contest

Bring your carved pumpkin to the park and be entered to win prizes!
Thursday, October 27 • 2:00-9:00 pm or Friday, October 28 • 2:00-4:00 pm
Pumpkins will be on display during the event.
(You can take your pumpkin home with you after the judging!)

Trunk-or-Treat

Decorated vehicle stations (click for ideas), stationed throughout the parking lot at Armatage Park, will hand out treats.

Get your group together to come up with your display idea!
Space is limited, so be sure to register soon!

Registration is free and we provide the treats*, you just come up with a fun idea, and join us Friday night for the fun!

Be creative! But please remember, this is a family event, so nothing too gory.

Set-up will start at 5:00 pm and all displays must be ready by 6:00 pm.
An adult must stay with the vehicle throughout the event.
We ask that you plan to stay until 8:30 pm, unless otherwise directed that night.

*Treats will be provided by the Park and the ANA. Some treats will be non-candy, and indicated with a Teal Pumpkin.

Trunk-or-Treat Vehicle Display Registration

Due October 22

Mail or deliver to the park or email the following details to anacoordinator@armatage.org
Group/Organization Name • Concept/idea
Main Contact Person• Phone (okay to text?) • Email

trunk_treat_flyer2016

Sewer smoke testing

What is smoke testing?

Smoke testing is used to locate cracks, leaks or faulty connections that allow rain water in the sanitary sewer system. During the test, workers send white smoke into the sewer system. The smoke will come out through holes in manhole covers, plumbing vent pipes and other locations where rain water can get into the sewer system.

When will the test be done?

Tests will take place in the late summer and fall. Residents and property owners should receive a notice by mail (pdf) prior to testing. A second notice will be placed on the front door one-to-three working days before the test. Each test lasts approximately 30 minutes.

Why is the testing being done?

The City is working to keep costs down for our customers and protect the environment. When rain water enters the sanitary sewers, it increases the amount of sewage we need to pay to treat. Also, during intense storms, a large influx of stormwater into the sanitary sewers can overwhelm the system, triggering a combined sewage/stormwater overflow. The City has done a lot to reduce the chances of these kinds of overflows, but more work is needed.

What should I do to prepare?

Pour a bucket of water down your basement floor drain and any toilets, sinks or showers that have not been used within a month. This water should fill the traps and reduce the chance of smoke entering your home or business. Smoke may still enter through missing or broken cleanout caps, or defective plumbing that needs repair.

Call 612-673-3543 for special notification if you or someone in your home has mobility limitations, respiratory conditions or other health concerns that may be aggravated by the smoke.

Save the Date


Armatage Happy Hour
Armatage Neighborhood Happy Hour

Thursday, Nov 3 • 4:00-6:00
Cafe Maude

Meet neighbors, share ideas, express concerns!
Appetizers provided. Cash bar (but great happy hour specials).


Inaugural Armatage Winter Tree-Lighting & Charity Drive

New this year!
Friday, November 25
7:00pm at Armatage Park

The ANA is holding a tree-lighting ceremony at the park on Friday, November 25, at 7 p.m., to bring the neighborhood joy and warmth during the winter months. To help spread some of this good cheer, at the tree-lighting event we will be collecting diapers and formula for area charities (Crisis Nursery & People Serving People). Watch for more details!

Anonymous Crime Tips

Want to partner with us to fight crime? All four of the methods below allow you to submit a crime tip anonymously to the Sheriff’s Office. We need your tips about drug activity, cold cases, suspicious activity, or general crime.

  • Call: 1-888-988-TIPS (8477)
  • Text: 847-411, start your text with “HCSOtip” then enter your tip
  • App: Search “HCSOtip” to download the app
  • Online: HennepinSheriff.org then fill-out the form

Do NOT use these tip services if you need an urgent response. In case of emergencies, call 911.

Swap Spot

Do you buy or sell online items from sites like Craig’s List? If so, try our Swap Spots for a safe place to conduct in-person transactions.

Swap Spots are designated public places where residents may exchange items that they have purchased/sold online. This allows people to have a public location to make legal transactions.

Swap Spots are located in the lobby of three Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office facilities.

  • Sheriff’s Water Patrol, 4141 Shoreline Drive, Spring Park, MN
  • Enforcement Services Division, 9401 83rd Ave. N., Brooklyn Park, MN
  • Public Safety Facility, 401 S. 4th Ave., Minneapolis, MN

Swap Spots are available during regular business hours of operation: 8am-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, excluding holidays.

September 10, 2105 eNews

ANA Meeting

Sept 15 at 6:30

Current Agenda*

  • Welcome
  • City Council Update
  • Park Update
  • Committee Updates
    • Safety Update
    • Community Engagement
    • Summer Festival Recap
  • Coordinator Update
    • FixIt Loan Update
    • October Newsletter
    • Future of newsletter
    • Board development
  • Treasurer Report
  • Secretary Report
  • New Business
    • New board members
    • Micro loan program
    • Kwan’s on-sale application
    • Solar gardens

*Please submit agenda items at least 3 days in advance.

Airport Changes

Starting August 27, the FAA announced that, weather permitting, it would begin allowing limited use of Runway 35 for arriving aircraft at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) after having temporarily suspended arrivals on that runway a month ago due to changes in safety requirements. The procedures being tested do not create new flight paths; however, residents who became accustomed to the suspension of Runway 35 arrivals will observe arrival activity once again now that the suspension is lifted.

Proposed 2016 Hennepin County budget
includes 4.5% property tax levy increase

“The proposed budget represents thoughtful consideration about the current and future needs of Hennepin County,” Hennepin County Administrator David Hough said to the board. “The proposed budget you will consider today and in the coming months, reflects our recommendations on how to best position the county for the future and maintain or enhance our commitment to serve residents.”

In November, property owners will receive a notice that shows the impact of the county maximum levy on their properties, as well as the impact of taxes proposed by other local units of government, such as cities and school districts.

2016 Budget Hearing Schedule

The board will hold a series of public hearings on the proposed 2016 budget in the County Board Room of the Hennepin County Government Center in downtown Minneapolis. Some meetings have already taken place, but many are still scheduled, including:

Monday, September 14, 9 a.m. to noon
Budget Hearing for Public Safety

Tuesday, September 22, 1:30 p.m.
County Board adopts 2016 maximum tax levy and budget.

Friday, September 25, 9 a.m. to noon
Budget Hearing for Health Human Services and Public Health (follow-up if needed)

Monday, November 2, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Capital Budgeting Task Force (CBTF) Report/Capital Presentation/Fees

Tuesday, December 1, 6 p.m.
Board holds Truth-in-Taxation public meeting

Thursday, December 10, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Budget Amendments

Friday, December 11, 10 a.m. to noon
Budget Amendments

Friday, December 11, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (if needed)
Budget Amendments

Tuesday, December 15, 1:30 p.m.
County Board will approve the 2016 budget and levy at its regularly scheduled board meeting.

 

Back to School Time

  • Volunteer MPS actively works to support the learning and achievement of all students in Minneapolis Public Schools. They provide training to community volunteers who engage in meaningful volunteer assignments that meet a demonstrated need in our schools. Check out opportunities and programs online.
  • The Board of Education invites you to take the online survey and share the characteristics you look for in the next MPS superintendent. The online survey is available now through September 17th and is accessible in Spanish, Somali, Hmong, and English. CLICK HERE to take the Community Superintendent Search Survey. More details about the process are available online.
  • Do you need before or after school childcare? If so, Rec Plus provides affordable childcare for children ages 5-12 (must be in grades K-6) at neighborhood recreation centers. Activities include games and sports, arts and crafts, homework help, field trips and nutritious snacks.
  • We understand homework can be hard but our homework help program is here to HELP you!  Reduce your stress and stop in for Homework Help – it is free, offered throughout the city with varying hours, though not at Armatage park at this time.

Minneapolis Park & Recreation

  • Field trips to your kids favorite destinations
  • Create a gingerbread house
  • Brush up on art history with a hands-on program
  • Party yourself in shape at Zumba
  • Learn a new instrument
  • Make it a playdate at Preschool Drop-In Playtime

All this and more through our neighborhood parks. Check it all out in the MPRB fall activity guide.

Minneapolis Bike Tour
Sept 20

The Minneapolis Bike Tour is a family oriented, recreational tour which takes place on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at 8 am. The tour is great for all ages and abilities and spans the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway System. The Minneapolis Bike Tour was created to bring cyclists together and support bike related initiatives. Proceeds from the Minneapolis Bike Tour will benefit bike safety and education events for Minneapolis youth as well as bike trail improvement projects throughout the system.

Washburn Games
Sept 27

The Washburn Games is a noncompetitive sports sampler for children ages 4-12. The Games features over 20 different sports, a great way for kids to test our what sports they like before they are signed up for a sport they don’t like! Besides getting active, youngsters also have the opportunity to learn about community giving. Children are encouraged to raise funds before the event to support local nonprofit Washburn Center for Children, Minnesota’s leading children’s mental health facility.  Children who raise $100 or more are entered into a fun prize drawing, including Water Park of America tickets, passes Wild Mountain, and a $1,000 educational scholarship. All children who come to the Games will receive a medal, T-shirt and goodie bag! It’s day full of family fun, community building and getting active!

The event will be held on Sunday, September 27th between 1:30-4:30 PM. It will be held at Bryn Mawr Meadows, located at 400 Morgan Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55405. There is a $10 registration fee and readers can sign up and learn more at www.washburngames.org .

Understanding Traffic Circles

Traffic circles are becoming more and more prevalent as cities look to install low-maintenance, bicycle-friendly traffic calming devices. A traffic circle is a small, circular island (much smaller than an actual roundabout) at the center of the intersection that slows traffic, causing vehicles to maneuver around the circle. Armatage residents have likely seen the traffic circle recently installed at 58th & Upton as part of the Upton bicycle boulevard project. At 40th & Zenith, a traffic circle is being tested to control speeds on Zenith and prevent additional right-angle crashes. The test consists of yield signs facing all legs of the intersection, orange delineators for the circle itself, and signage in the center of the intersection directing traffic to move in a counter-clockwise direction (to the right). This test circle will be removed before winter snow removal activities begin. If you have comments about the circle, I encourage you to call 311 to share your thoughts.

The maneuvering around traffic circles, however, is still new to many of us. The key point to remember is this: all cars must slow on approach and yield to vehicles already in the traffic circle. If you’d like a refresher on how to drive safely around a traffic circle, check out the diagram below, and watch this video (while the diagram and the video covers roundabout use, most of the principles still apply).