May 18, 2017 eNews

Annual Meeting Highlights

  • Brief presentation regarding the construction to take place at Armatage Montessori (see below).
  • Brief park updates, including an announcement that all parks are going completely tobacco free.
  • Board elections were held (see below).
  • Updates from City Council Member Linea Palmissano
    • Because of the annual increase in crime during summer months, Minneapolis Police and engaging in Strategic Safety Partnerships. Organizations are welcome to connect with the MPD to discuss opportunities.
      • Concerns raised over rising crime, but statistically we have little to no change over the past 5 years, but more awareness through social media.
      • Concerns about policing levels and lack of patrolling in our area. Mostly a result of our low crime levels.
        • Discussion about our staffing levels in comparison to other areas in the country. Refer to this website with data on officers per capita. Minneapolis has about 20 officers for every 10,000 residents, compared to the average for cities of comparable populations of about 19.
    • Organics collection has exceeded its city-wide participation goal ahead of schedule (goal was 40% by July and we were at 42% in March).
    • Gypsy moth spraying communication efforts successful as her office as well the the MDA hotline received no calls. Conditions were ideal and maximum benefits should be gained. Second, and final, application to take place within the next week or so.
    • 54th Street construction should be complete by late September.
  • Updates from Hennepin County Commissioner Marion Greene
    • The Hennepin County Commission is made up of seven districts. We are in District 3 and the district also includes St. Louis Park. They function much like a corporate board of directors, and help oversee a $2 billion budget. Much of their budget goes towards safety net services, such as health and human services. They also look after county bridges and roads, our county library system and waste disposal.
    • The County be encouraging cities to get involved in organics recycling. In a recent study, organics was the number one area where we could reduce garbage that goes to the burner. Organics can be put toward other uses, so expanding involvement would have many levels of benefit.
    • The County offers microgrants to support small businesses in setting up recycling and composting programs.
    • Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) poses a big threat to our tree canopy which the county deems a natural resource. It is estimated that we will lose 17% of our trees due to EAB. Hennepin County is utlizing gravel bed nurseries to help reduce costs and support the growth and replanting success of new trees.
    • The Southdale Library building will be redeveloped. The county courts have moved to Bloomington and other services into Southdale Mall. It will most likely be a multiuse facility, but ideas are still being generated.
      • Affordable housing was mentioned, which is a County priority

Welcome to our board members – new and old!

There were three new people elected to the board on Tuesday night: Joel, Jim and Stephanie. We look forward to having their insights and energies working for Armatage! Continuing on the board are: Tara, Kelly, Laurel and Judy. Along with other members who are in the middle of their 2-year term, we have 11 members, filling all seats on our board. You can read about our members on our website. Officer elections will take place at our meeting on June 20.


Steve Johnson as ANA President

Steve during is time as president on the ANA in the 90s

Thank you to Steve “The Mayor of Armatage” Johnson!

After 25 years on the Armatage neighborhood board, Steve has been a part of what makes Armatage great. From nearly its inception, Steve as been engaged in helping improve our neighborhood. He was at the groundbreaking for the development of the park and school facilities we see today. We are certain we will see The Mayor at future meetings and Armatage events, and hope he enjoys his much earned retirement!


garage sale
Armatage-Kenny Neighborhood-wide Garage Sales

It’s not too late to register your garage sale for Saturday, June 3! Turn in your registration form by Monday, May 29 to be included on the printed map! Forms available for download on our website. An online map will be available before the sales.


Sign up for Adult Tennis Lessons this summer at Minneapolis parks!

10-week sessions available for Beginner, Advanced Beginner, or Intermediate lessons

Registration is now open for Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) Summer Tennis Lessons! With expert coaching from a USTA-trained instructor, our new, innovative program will have you rallying back-and-forth in no time.

We offer a variety of 10-week sessions across different skill levels and locations. Lessons begin in June.  Adult Tennis Lesson Information


National Night Out 2017

There’s still plenty of time to register a National Night Out event for your block, and as a block leader, get a free street permit for block segments that qualify! The highlight of many block clubs is this relaxed, annual get-together, a reunion of neighbors. Need some convincing? Just click on this “highlight reel” from just some of of the events during our 2016 National Night Out. Over 1,200 events took place around Minneapolis and “a fun time was had by all” as they celebrated police-community partnerships.

Natonal Night Out 2017 falls on August 1st this year — always the first Tuesday in August. You can register by using this link — 60 seconds to reserve your NNO packet which includes MOA Nickelodeon Universe Mystery Tickets for kids, and a street permit for most blocks. Permits are free for our block leaders who register by July 18!

We’re looking forward to another record year for the Minneapolis Police Department’s and the community’s participation in National Night Out! Register now!