Snowplowing on Hennepin County Roads

Via a December 28 Hennepin County e-newsletter:

During winter storms, you may have see one of our big orange trucks with the blue H on the door. Hennepin County plow drivers responsible for more than 2,200 lane miles we are responsible for maintaining. Keeping Hennepin County roads safe during the winter is our priority.

Here's a little more background on our snow and ice removal work:

Plowing and de-icing

Crews head out from five stations across the county -- in Medina, Bloomington, Minnetonka, Orono and Osseo. There are 66 routes.

•The first shift may start as early as 2 a.m. This allows the drivers to plow and treat with de-icing materials before traffic gets heavy.

•The primary goal is to make all travel lanes passable.
•Routes take approximately five hours to complete. Drivers continue their work until their shift is complete.

Keep in mind that traffic volume affects snow plowing operations. When traffic congestion exists, plowing takes longer. When traffic volume is high, melting/removal may take longer.

Post storm clean up

Post storm clean up begins on the first regularly scheduled shift after a storm.

Clean up includes:

•Deicing and removing compacted snow and ice from the pavement.
•"Winging” on roadsides to create additional space for snow storage.
•Removing snow from bridge sidewalks and approaches, as well as from obstacles (e.g. guardrails and bollards).

Be safe

You have a role to play, too.
•Plan ahead for snow days – give yourself extra time.
•Know the road.
•Be patient – slow down and give plows room to work.
•Never use cruise control.

Remember, just because a road is plowed, doesn’t mean it’s okay to speed up. The de-icing materials crews on the road need time to work.

This information and additional detail can be found at www.hennepin.us/plowing.

Minneapolis Park and Rec Board Snow Removal Procedures

From a December 28 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board e-newsletter:

MPRB’s snow removal procedures

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) crews have been working to remove the snow that fell throughout the park system this weekend.
 
After each accumulating snowfall of at least two inches, MPRB maintenance crews work to safely remove snow from parkway trails, parking lots and countless sidewalks.
 
The MPRB will clear snow in the following order of priority:
1. Parking lots
2. Perimeter sidewalks
3. Interior pathways (51 miles of Grand Rounds bike trails are cleared for shared use by cyclists and pedestrians)
4. Ice rinks (when open – visit www.minneapolisparks.org/rinks for rink statuses)
Parkways will be cleared of snow by the City of Minneapolis. For information about snow emergency parking rules and routes for city streets and parkways, visit www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/snow.
 
Every effort is made to have snow removed throughout the Minneapolis Park System within 24 hours after the end of a snowfall. Please note that in the event of blizzard conditions, snow removal timelines may be delayed. Patience and understanding in these circumstances is appreciated.
 
To report an area within the Minneapolis Park System that needs snow removal attention, please email maintenance@minneapolisparks.org or call Customer Service at 612-230-6400 between 8 am¬–4:30 pm, Monday–Friday.

3rd Avenue Redesign Project

Details on the project that will transform 3^rd Ave S in Downtown Minneapolis

Project Type:

Protected bikeway and landscaping improvements

3rd Avenue S Redesign Info Sheet

3rd Avenue S Streetscape Opportunity Plan

Project Location:

3rd Avenue S from 1st Street S to 16th Street E

Construction Start Date:

2016

Duration of Construction:

One to two construction seasons

Traffic Impact:

TBD

Contact: Matthew Dyrdahl 612-673-3642

Project Updates:

Updates on the project will be posted here.

New Years Eve at Spoonriver

Join Brenda, Tim and the staff at Spoonriver to celebrate the New Year!

Coming in January from the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul - Wim Wenders: Portraits Along the Road

Wim Wenders: Portraits Along the Road

Wim Wenders is cinema’s preeminent poet of the open road, soulfully following the journeys of people as they search for themselves. During his over-forty-year career, Wenders has directed films in his native Germany and around the globe, making dramas both intense and whimsical, mysteries, fantasies, and documentaries. With this abbreviated retrospective of seven of his films—from early works of the New German Cinema (Alice in the Cities, Kings of the Road) to one of the art-house 1980s blockbuster that made him a household name (Paris, Texas) to the inquisitive nonfiction look at world culture (Buena Vista Social Club) — audiences can rediscover Wenders’s vast cinematic world.

Also, see Wim Wenders’ newest narrative feature Every Thing Will Be Fine, starring James Franco and Charlotte Gainsbourg, screening January 8-14.

Schedule:

December 17
 7:00pm – Buena Vista Social Club
January 15
 7:30pm – Paris, Texas
January 16
 1:30pm – Alice in the Cities
 4:30pm – Wrong Move
 7:30pm – Kings of the Road
January 17
 1:30pm – Until the End of the World (Director’s Cut)
 7:30pm – The American Friend

See full scheduled thru January 24

Nominations Sought for Third aWards

Join Council Member Frey for his 2nd annual State of the Ward Address and Third aWards. Awards of the year will be given for Leader, Local Business, Neighborhood Project/Initiative, and Youth Leader.

“The Third aWards are a chance to acknowledge our amazing residents and small business owners that help make the Third Ward a dynamic place,” said Council Member Jacob Frey.

Individuals interested in making a nomination should write a brief description of the accomplishments that deserve recognition. Please submit Third aWards nominations to heidi.ritchie@minneapolismn.gov, fax (612-673-3940) or by mail to Council Member Jacob Frey, 350 South 5th Street, Room 307, Minneapolis, MN  55415 by Wednesday, January 27, 2016.

The State of the Ward and Third aWards will take place Wednesday, February 3, 2016 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Minneapolis Event Center, 212 2nd Street SE. Please R.S.V.P early by calling 612-673-3126 or emailing zack.farley@minneapolismn.gov.

Ring in This New Year’s Eve with Miller Lite Free Rides®

Miller Lite is partnering with Metro Transit and J.J. Taylor Distributing to provide free and safe transportation for Twin Cities residents and visitors on New Year’s Eve. Free rides are available on all Metro Transit bus, light rail, and commuter rail routes beginning at 6:00pm December 31, until the end of regular service. This is the fifth year Miller Lite is providing the safe ride service for residents of the Twin Cities, in partnership with Metro Transit.

Riders can access specific route information by visiting MillerLiteFreeRides.com.

Scenes from the December 19 Mill City Farmers Market

Beth Dooley and Mette Nielsen signed copies of The Birchwood Cafe Cookbook and In Winter's Kitchen at the December 19 Mill City Farmers Market inside the Mill City Museum.

Spectacular eggs from Women's Environmental Institute (WEI).

The musical stylings of Michael Keyes and Nick Jordan.

The goat!

 

The 12 Days of Yoga - Unlimted Pass Today thru December 31 at YogaFit Northeast

Bring peace of mind to your busy holiday schedule while getting a great workout.  YogaFit Northeast Minneapolis is offering an Unlimited Holiday Pass - get 12 days of unlimited yoga for just $24.  The unlimited pass is valid from 12/19/15 - 12/31/15.

 

Rocky and Troy: PaintNite at The Depot

The Adventures of Rocky and Troy continue - this time it's PaintNite at The Depot, which I've been wanting to try for a long time.  PaintNite is fun and easy, and if you don't want your picture you can always give it to someone who paints - they'll be happy to reuse the canvas.

We started by checking out some of the cool statues positioned between The Depot and the Stone Arch Bar.

A gin and tonic for inspiration.

No one can resist Troy's happy little mug.  :)

West River Parkway Will Remain Closed Until Fall 2016

West River Parkway will not temporarily open this winter

After re-evaluation, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) has decided to keep West River Parkway closed between Fourth Street and the Franklin Avenue Bridge through early fall 2016. This determination is based on several factors related to the MPRB’s slope repair project and Hennepin County’s Franklin Avenue Bridge project, including timelines of projects, safety of the public, site security and seasonal construction limitations.

Previously, the MPRB had announced plans to reopen the segment of parkway from January through March. The roadway had been expected to close again for several months starting in April for bridge deck replacement on the Hennepin County’s Franklin Avenue Bridge. The MPRB’s slope repair will also resume in the spring. The county is using the current closure to proceed with important construction activities near and above the parkway.

The June 2014 mudslide was an unprecedented, catastrophic event which uncovered many issues on the slope that the current stabilization project must address before the project is complete. Located in the Mississippi River gorge, the slope stabilization project has been designed to shore-up one of the last segments of very steep slopes along the river with a series of retaining walls. Complicating matters, the steep slope is made up of unstable soils over a limestone bed rock that continues to leach ground water into the steep sloped soils causing the surface of the embankment to slough off and be very difficult to work on safely.

The MPRB and Hennepin County will continue close coordination of their two projects, repair of the slope and rebuild of Franklin Avenue Bridge. For details or to subscribe to email updates, visit www.minneapolisparks.org/currentprojects and select West River Parkway Slope Repairs or visit www.hennepin.us/franklinbridge.

Winter Park Highlights is Your Guide to Fun in Minneapolis Parks

Via a December 15 e-newsletter from the Minneapolist Park and Rec Board:

Stay active and have fun all winter long

Plan a winter of fun with the help of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's (MPRB) latest Park Highlights brochure. Explore the outdoors on trails, snowshoes or ice skates. Prefer to stay indoors? Enroll in an art, craft or fitness class. The publication features a sampling of the programs, classes, events and activities in parks and recreation centers from January to April.

Winter Park Highlights will arrive at Minneapolis recreation centers and libraries this week and is available on the MPRB website.

December 17 and 18 - Spring Finn & Co Open Studio at the Foundry Building

Visit Talin Spring of Spring Finn & Co  at her studio in the Foundry Building, 125 N 1st Street.  Open December 17 and 18, 11:00am - 6:00pm both days.  Talin is an art vendor at the Mill City Farmers Market.

Wilde Roast Café to offer livable wage, paid safe and sick time (PTO)

Stating that their staff is their restaurant’s most valuable asset, the owners of the Wilde Roast Café in Minneapolis today announce livable wage increases and paid safe and sick time for its workers.

The owners know that their staff’s work is what determines the success or failure of the business – and that too often workers across the state are left exhausted at the end of the day. The owners want to encourage the staff to have quality family time, time to recover from an illness, or take time to care of a family member when needed.

Wage increases for all non-tipped employees will start in mid-December and will rise incrementally until April 18 . These wage increases will amount to $14/hour for hosts and dishwashers and $15/hour for all cooks.

Safe and sick time will be implemented starting in the first full pay period in January. Employees will be able to take time off for sickness or to take care of a family member that is ill or take a mental health day.

“We are family here. We care for these people as much or even more than our own families,” said co-owner Dean Schlaak. “We are a team, and we appreciate each one of them.”

As restaurants strive to keep ahead in their highly competitive business, maintaining employees has never been issue at Wilde Roast Café. Some employees have been with the business for four and five years. Ensuring staff have time to recover from an illness and not worry about paying the bills just seems like the right thing to do for the Wilde Roast’s owners – especially when it comes to food safety and employee illness.

This March, the Wilde Roast Café will celebrate 12 years serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, wine, beer and desserts in the Northeast neighborhood. 

In the News Last Week

Update: Progress on the Downtown 2025 Plan from the Downtown Council

Toro switches local ad agencies to Mill District Based Periscope

Unique gifts from Wilson & Willy's in the North Loop

Now open: The Pint Minneapolis

Minneapolis now owns more than half its upper river shoreline

Minneapolis shredder operator proposes move if MPCA backs off regulations

Downtown Minneapolis park ideas bubbling in planning for next 25 years

North Loop makes another Top List

CPM plans five-story apartment complex in Marcy-Holmes

The Sheridan Room opens in former Modern Cafe space

Bourbon, cigars and lingerie: Newly expanded Flirt Boutique plans guys' night out, more

Streetscapes: No tears for teardown of forgettable TCF Bank building

NICOLLET HOTEL BLOCK PROJECT BACK ON TRACK

United Properties announces new partner for Nicollet Hotel Block project

United Properties taps big partner for Nicollet Hotel Block project

United Properties announces new apartment development partner for Nicollet Hotel block

NYE’S PROJECT IN DOUBT

Heritage panel OKs shorter Nye's plan, but will developer go along?

Nye’s site developer ponders next step after HPC attaches strings

Scenes from the December 12 Mill City Farmers Market - Christmas is Coming!

A throng of shoppers kept the vendors on their toes during a wild December 12 Mill City Farmers Market inside the Mill City Museum.  If you missed it, be sure to mark your calendar for Saturday the 19th - the Market will be open 10:00am to 1:00pm. You'll find all kinds of Holiday treats!  :D

Below, the Tamburinos head out with a beautiful fresh tree from Jeff Nistler.

A chocolate Santa from St. Croix Chocolate Company.

Adorable - kids having special gifts wrapped right at the Market.  This is a free service, so be sure to take advantage of it December 19!

Cherry Flowers of Page & Flowers has gift boxes of Infused Vinegars and coffee bag wall art. 

Sunrise Creative Gourmet has Divinity, a Holiday favorite.

An exquisite box of cookies (including melt-in-your-mouth meringue mushrooms) from Susan of Very Prairie tells the recipient just how special they are!

This versatile bench from wood craftsman Joel Nichols can hold a lot of weight, but is surprisingly easy to lift and move around.

Tree ornaments from Create Laser Arts. 

Paper products from Red Cruiser.

Jewelry from Larissa Loden.

And groceries!

The loaves from Heritage Breads are like edible art.

The goat! (Nancy - the goat is naked - what's up with that?)

Franklin Avenue Bridge Construction Update

Franklin Avenue Bridge construction update December 2015
Via a December 10 e-newsletter from Hennepin County:

The Franklin Avenue Bridge reconstruction project has been fortunate to have good weather the past few months. Crews have been able to keep working all around the project site. And the threat of winter weather -- whenever it may come -- is not stopping work either.

Thanks for your continued patience and being safe around the construction area. With construction activity still occurring, please be aware that construction vehicles will continue to travel through the area.

Construction contiues

Down along the river, crews continue their work in the cofferdams (dry work areas in the river). By setting up an enclosure, they can create a warm environment to continue restoration of the pier. The picture below shows crews working on Pier 2.

Crews have set up a similar enclosure to allow them to continue to work on Span 1 over West River Parkway. Crews are working on the arch and other areas under the deck. 

More than 300 completed panels are in the casting yard at Bohemian Flats. Next year, these panels will be floated down the river and hoisted up to the bridge deck. Others will be cast in place. The new bridge deck will be made up of 366 panels.

 

Bike and pedestrian path on the bridge remains open

The bicycle and pedestrian path on the bridge will remain open during the winter, and the City of Minneapolis crews will be clearing the path after snow falls.

For Information

Information Hotline: 888-474-8929

Email: franklinbridge@hennepin.us

Website: www.hennepin.us/franklinbridge

Minneapolis Can Call Itself the Mill City Again

City of Minneapolis Passes Two Zoning Code Text Amendments Allowing Increased Flexibility in Commercial Use Regulations

The Minneapolis City Council unanimously voted to pass a zoning code text amendment today that increases the flexibility in regulations governing limited production and processing uses and the size of commercial uses generally.  A companion amendment allowing small-scale grain milling was also passed by the Council.

Authored by Ward 2 Council Member Cam Gordon, the “commercial sizes” text amendment increases the maximum size allowance for commercial uses in all commercial zoning districts and the High-density Office Residence District (OR2).  The amendment will also allow for a broader range of uses in buildings with OR2 zoning.   The adopted changes will streamline the development review process and allow for appropriately-sized commercial uses throughout the city. The modifications to the OR2 zoning district will make this district a more viable option for mixed-use buildings with small-scale, neighborhood-serving uses. 

“I am excited to see how this opens up opportunities to allow more small businesses to bring increased vitality and services to our commercial areas as well as provide economic opportunities and quality jobs for residents,” said Ward 2 Council Member Cam Gordon.

The amendments  also overhaul the regulations for limited production and processing by increasing the maximum allowed size of such uses from 1,200 square feet to 5,000 square feet and make limited production and processing a permitted use in all commercial districts where a conditional use permit is currently required.  The small-scale grain milling text amendment allows for artisanal grain milling in more parts of the city as a standalone use or for an onsite bakery. The former flour milling capital of the world will be able to produce more goods made from Minnesota wheat and Minneapolis milled flour with the passing of the text amendment.

“If you are known as the Mill City, milling really should not be a prohibited activity,” said Ward 3 Council Member Jacob Frey and author of the small-scale grain milling text amendment. “In Northeast Minneapolis we are quickly becoming the standard for locally made products, and I’m proud that the newest edition will be freshly milled flour and baked breads.”

Most of the conditional use permits for limited production and processing in recent years have been for food and beverage production uses. In recent years, entrepreneurs have opened small-scale establishments throughout the city that create cured meats, chocolate, beer, spirits, honey and other food and beverage products. This has helped fill commercial storefronts and provided uniqueness to Minneapolis.  With the adopted changes, these types of businesses could now be established administratively, without a public hearing before the City Planning Commission. 

“With these changes, we will now be able to open our small mill and bakery in the FOOD BUILDING in NE Minneapolis,” said Steve Horton, long time baker and former co-owner of Rustica. “Our goal is to procure grain mainly from Minnesota and mill it into flour that is sold to local kitchens and retail customers as well as mix doughs that will become our wholesale bread line.”

The text amendments support City goals of being a hub of economic activity, innovation and supportive of entrepreneurs. Planning staff anticipates that the amendment will support job creation and continue the artisanal food and beverage production trend that has taken root in the City. 

Staff presented the ordinances to the City Planning Commission on November 2, 2015, which unanimously recommended approval to the City Council’s Zoning & Planning Committee. The Zoning & Planning Committee also voted in support of the ordinances on December 3, 2015 and forwarded it to the full City Council for review on December 11, 2015. The ordinances will be in effect as of December 19, 2015. Additional information on the commercial sizes and grain milling amendments can be found in City staff reports prepared for the City Planning Commission.

Volunteer for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Winter Conditions Study Pilot

Via a December 10 City of Minneapolis e-newsletter:

The City of Minneapolis is seeking volunteers to participate in the 2015-16 Bicycle and Pedestrian Winter Conditions Study Pilot. As part of a larger bicycle and pedestrian winter maintience research project, the City is conducting a field study to document the winter conditions of our bicycle and pedestrian facilities. The study will include over 90 locations across Minneapolis. We need gracious volunteers such as yourself to help us document the snow and ice on our streets, sidewalks and trails. Volunteers will sign up to conduct 5-minute observations at locations of their choosing (pick one on your commute!) throughout the winter.

To learn more and sign up to volunteer, simply complete this form.

The form will take less than 10 minutes and provides an overview of volunteer tasks and responsibilities before giving you the opportunity to sign up. There are a limited number of volunteer spots at each location, so don't hesitate to sign up if you are interested.

As always, thanks to all our wonderful volunteers. We could not do this without you!

This Saturday (Dec 12): A-Mill Makers Market at A-Mill Artist Lofts

Local artists now call the A-Mill Artist Lofts home.  Check out the cool stuff they're creating and do a little Holiday shopping this Saturday from 10am – 2pm at the A-Mill Makers Market event.

Meet the makers and residents of the Pillsbury A-Mill, enjoy a snack and music and help celebrate the artists’ new home. Paintings, jewelry, CDs, ceramics, book-art, fiber and more!