January 15, 2021 eNews

January 19, 2021 Meeting Agenda

All are welcome. Register to attend this month’s meeting at http://bit.ly/ANAmtgs

  • Welcome and Introductions
  • Special Election for Open Seat (see below for more info)
  • New Business
  • Reimagining Mini Grants
  • Committee Updates: Green Team
  • Coordinator Update:
    • Holiday Light Tour Final Numbers
    • Armatage Play Area Public Hearing
    • NCR Survey on Neighborhood Election Day
    • Block Leader Outreach
  • ANA Visioning and Board/Committee Expectations Part 3

Armatage Special Election

The ANA is holding a special election for an open board seat. To learn more about the duties, time commitment and to register to run by Sunday, January 17 at 11:59pm, visit https://armatage.org/january-2021-special-election/

All residents (aged 18 and over) and designated neighborhood business or institution representatives are eligible to vote. We encourage you to register to attend the January 19 meeting to cast your vote live if possible. Register to attend at http://bit.ly/ANAmtgs

Online voting will also be open on Tuesday 1/19 from 9:00am-6:30pm through a link posted at armatage.org. Voting will close just after the meeting starts and election results will be announced live on Zoom and the following day on our website.

Free Events to Learn More AND Limit Your Use of Plastic

The Armatage Green Team is hosting a series of great events to help you learn about the problems with plastic, why recycling alone isn’t the answer, and practical strategies to rethink your purchasing and drastically limit your use of plastic. Open to all even if you don’t live in Armatage. Register at https://armatage.org/plastics/:

  • Through Jan 31: Get a link to screen the groundbreaking film, The Story of Plastic, and learn the real truth behind the global plastic pollution crisis from the comfort of your home.
  • Jan 21 at 8pm: Join the community conversation on The Story of Plastic on Zoom. We’ll talk through the film and with discussion questions on where we go next.
  • Jan 28 at 7:30pm: Attend our free virtual workshop on The Problem with Plastic & Practical Alternatives with the City of Minneapolis, Eureka Recycling & Tare Market!

Winter Reading Circle

We’re excited for our first-ever Reading Circle, hosted by the Armatage Green Team! This will be a slothful book club: each month, neighbors will read one section of All We Can Save – Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis and come together as a group to discuss. Sign up for the first meeting on Monday 2/1 at 7:00pm on Zoom at armatage.org/reading-circle/

Need a book? Times are tight and we can help: email anacoordinator@armatage.org and we will bring you a copy.

Armatage Play Area Public Hearing

Submit your comments for the public hearing on the plans for a new playground at Armatage Park. The hearing will take place on Wednesday, January 20 at 6:30pm at the MPRB Board of Commissioners meeting.

If you’d like to comment, please do so by registering to call in to the meeting or by emailing jringold@minneapolisparks.org before 12:00pm on January 20.  The hearing follows eight months of planning and a comment period on the concept plan; construction is planned for this year. Learn more and sign up for updates at https://bit.ly/armatagepark.

Armatage Business Directory

Do you work for a neighborhood business?  Or do you live in Armatage and have your own small business? We’d like to help promote you!

The Armatage Neighborhood Association (ANA) is updating our website’s Business Directory this winter. If you’d like to be included or update your listing, please send information about your business and your website to our Coordinator, Lauren, at anacoordinator@armatage.org.

Learning Options for Grades Pre-K-5

Beginning next month, Pre-K through 5th-grade students in Minneapolis Public Schools can learn in-person or through distance learning. Let MPS know which option is best for your family by completing this registration form by next Friday, January 22: bit.ly/MPSLearningForm

Trying to decide between in-person learning and distance learning? 

New Stay Safe MN Guidelines

Changes to the Stay Safe MN order start today! Visit https://mn.gov/covid19/stay-safe/overview/ to learn more about how Governor Tim Walz is adjusting the dial.

Please Clear Your Sidewalks

Sidewalks are a critical part of our transportation system that help people of all ages and abilities safely walk or roll to where they need to go. Here’s a refresher on the City’s rules: Minneapolis ordinance requires property owners of houses and duplexes to clear sidewalks within 24 hours after a snowfall and all other property owners must clear their sidewalks within four daytime hours.

City inspectors are out actively looking for sidewalks that aren’t cleared in addition to responding to complaints reported through 311. Failure to maintain your sidewalk could result in a warning letter and, if left uncleared, a bill from the City (average: $239). Call 311 to learn more about resources available to people who may need help clearing their sidewalks. Find more information about snow clearing on the City’s website.

Public Hearing Notice

The City Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, January 25, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. to Amend Title 20 of the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances related to Chapter 537 on Accessory Uses and Structures. The purpose of the amendment is to eliminate the owner-occupancy requirement for certain accessory dwelling units.  View the public hearing on Comcast Channel 14 or 799 or live on www.minneapolismn.gov/tv/citycounciltv. Submit comments or participate by phone in the meeting by using the following website: www.minneapolismn.gov/meetings/index.htm.

If you have questions about the project, please contact Andrew Frenz, Senior City Planner, 612-673-3790, andrew.frenz@minneapolismn.gov