Be Safe with Fireworks, Keep 911 Open for emergencies

Noise reports can be made online, through 311 mobile app, and by phone; call 911 for fireworks-related life safety or fire hazard concerns

June 30, 2015 (MINNEAPOLIS) Fourth of July fireworks are part of Independence Day celebrations, and the noise complaints and safety issues they generate lead to high call volumes at 911 call centers across the country. That’s why the City, the Minneapolis Police Department and the Minneapolis Fire Department want to make sure folks stay safe this holiday weekend and know what to do if they have fireworks-related complaints.

Fireworks safety

• Read, understand and follow the instructions on each device prior to using.
• Use fireworks with close adult supervision.
• Choose a safe place to use fireworks. Fireworks should only be ignited outdoors and away from animals, buildings, storage tanks, brush or combustible materials.
• Anyone acting in an irresponsible manner or who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs should not handle or discharge fireworks.
• Keep fireworks away from small children and store them in a cool dry location away from sources of ignition (heat and flames).
• Never ignite fireworks inside another container, such as inside a bottle or can.

Visit http://www.fireworkssafety.org/safety-tips/ for more fireworks safety tips.

What’s legal, what’s not

It’s also important to know what’s legal and what’s not when setting off fireworks in Minneapolis:

• Non-explosive fireworks are legal in Minneapolis. Examples include sparklers, cones, tubes that spark, snakes, and party poppers.
• It is legal to use these types of fireworks in your yard or on your sidewalk.
• Fireworks that explode or take off are illegal in Minneapolis. Examples include firecrackers, bottle rockets, missiles, roman candles, mortars and shells.
• It is illegal to use any fireworks on public property including roads, alleys, schools, and parks.

Noise reports

On a typical July 4^th evening, Minneapolis 911 receives hundreds of calls per hour, most of which are related to fireworks noise complaints. On a normal day, Minneapolis 911 will receive fewer than 100 calls per hour. Because of the huge volume of calls, police officers cannot be dispatched to each fireworks noise incident on or near the 4th of July.

Reducing the number of noise complaints to 911 will help ensure that 911 emergency calls are answered as quickly as possible, and that all emergency responders are available to respond to calls about more serious crimes, fires and medical emergencies.

Minneapolis 911 increases staffing during this busy period, but folks can help us make sure emergency calls are answered as quickly as possible, by not calling 911 with fireworks noise complaints. Instead, noise reports can be made online, through the 311 mobile app or by calling 311.

Residents should note that Minneapolis 311 is closed July 4, and will be open from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Sunday, July 3, but the mobile application can be used any time to make a report. City staff will review the complaint during normal business hours when offices open again and may follow up with the property owner the complaint references, but a police squad will not be dispatched.

For fireworks-related issues that pose life safety threats or fire hazards, residents should call 911 and police, fire or medical help will be dispatched.

Examples of calls that should go to 911 include:

• A situation where a person has been injured by fireworks.
• Airborne fireworks landing on a building or wooded area posing a fire risk.
• When the size of the fireworks gathering and the unruly behavior of the people involved begins to pose a threat to others.

FLYERS ARE ATTACHED BELOW

Renee AllenMinneapolis Police Department, First Precinct
[email protected]
(612) 673-5163

• FIREWORKS COMPLAINTS 2016.doc
• FIREWORKS FACTS 2016.doc

Work continues on three I-35W bridges in northeast Minneapolis
Directional closures on Johnson Street, Broadway Street switch sides beginning July 1

ROSEVILLE, Minn. – Motorists traveling on three Interstate 35W bridges in northeast Minneapolis will encounter new directional closures beginning July 1, weather permitting.

Crews will switch the directional closure from one side of each bridge to the other side.

• Johnson Street
  Northbound Johnson Street between Broadway Street and 14^th Avenue will close July 1 through mid-August.

Currently, southbound Johnson Street is closed. Southbound Johnson Street will reopen to one lane prior to the closing of northbound Johnson Street.

Northbound motorists will be detoured around the closure via westbound Broadway Street, northbound Central Avenue and eastbound Lowry Avenue.

• Broadway Street
  Eastbound Broadway Street between Buchanan Street and Johnson Street will close July 1 through mid-August.

Currently, westbound Broadway Street between Johnson Street and Lincoln Street is closed. Westbound Broadway Street will reopen prior to the closing of eastbound Broadway Street.

Eastbound motorists will be detoured around the closure via southbound Central Avenue, eastbound East Hennepin Avenue and northbound Johnson Street.

• East Hennepin Avenue
  Westbound East Hennepin Avenue at Johnson Street will close July 6 through mid- August.

Currently, eastbound East Hennepin Avenue between 10^th Avenue and Johnson Street is closed. Both directions will be open from July 1 through July 5.

Westbound motorists will be detoured around the closure via northbound Johnson St., westbound Broadway Street and southbound Central Avenue.

Motorists also can expect off-peak ramp and lane closures on I-35W from 8^th Street SE to New Brighton Boulevard.

This project will extend the lifespan of the four bridges and improve accessibility for pedestrians when competed.

For more information, please visit www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/i35wnemplsbridges/.

Experience life-changing growth while supporting your local school. Become a Minnesota Reading Corps or Minnesota Math Corps tutor and be a hero to students who struggle with reading or math. Whether you want to explore a career in education, re-enter the workforce, or give back to your community, you can make a difference as a tutor. Last year, Minnesota Reading Corps and Minnesota Math Corps tutors helped more than 35,000 children in more than 900 schools across the state. Near Logan Park, PreK and Elementary Literacy tutors are needed at the following schools for the 2016-17 school year:

• Minnesota Transitions Charter Elementary
• PICA Northeast-Neighborhood Early Learning Center
• Sheridan Arts Magnet
• Webster Elementary

As a tutor, you’ll see a student’s progress as they gain new skills and as they light up with confidence and the satisfaction of knowing they can do it. No child wants to stand out because they can’t learn as quickly as their classmates. We’re helping more kids catch up and soar on their own. And you can be part of it.

Tutors receive extensive training and support from onsite coaches. Tutors are paid a living allowance, given federal student loan forbearance, and are eligible for an education award of up to $5,775 at the end of their service. Tutors 55 or older may gift the award to their child or grandchild. Full- and part-time positions are available.

Here’s what a few tutors love about serving:

• “I give the children in our community the individualized attention they need to thrive in school. This is awesome work that makes Minnesota mighty!” – Sarah W., children’s book author and former PreK teacher
• “I absolutely love what I do! I get to come to school each day and see the kiddos I work with succeed.” – Andrea M., stay-at-home parent

Learn how you can get involved by visiting MinnesotaReadingCorps.org or MinnesotaMathCorps.org. You can also help by telling a friend or family member about openings in our community and statewide! Positions start in August for the 2016-17 school year. Send questions to [email protected] or call 866-859-2825.

Celebrate the Fourth of July during Minneapolis Red, White and Boom, a two-day celebration hosted by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. The event, held along the downtown Minneapolis Riverfront, features live music, great food, fun activities for the whole family, and the grand finale – fireworks!

On Monday, July 4, Father Hennepin Bluff Park will offer FREE family activities in the Family Fun Zone, 6–9:30 pm including balloon twisters, caricature artists, and hair and face painting. Bands performing this year are as follows:

Father Hennepin Bluff Park

6–7:30 pm Matthew Hannah

8-10 pm Funktion Junction

Mill Ruins Park

6–7:30 pm Plaid Brixx

8–10 pm Dylan Jakobsen

Boom Island Park

8:30–9:45 pm Minnesota Orchestra (NEW this year!)

The Red, White and Boom Celebration closes with a spectacular fireworks display along the Riverfront at 10 pm. For more information please go to www.mplsredwhiteboom.com.

Pre-Fourth of July Celebration

Sunday, July 3 | 7 pm | Nicollet Island

Enjoy free live music starting at 7 pm courtesy of Kerns and the Hemispheres, followed by the outdoor classic film “Field of Dreams.” Movie starts at dusk and food trucks will be on site for food purchases.

Ward One Update City Council Member Kevin Reich 350 S. 5th Street, Room 307, Minneapolis, MN 55415 (612) 673-2201 · [email protected]

You’re invited to…

A community conversation about Shoreham Yards and an activity center concept that features a velodrome, retail and multi-purpose space. This meeting is co-hosted by Columbia Park Neighborhood Association and Shoreham Area Advisory Committee.

Wednesday, July 13, 6:30 p.m.

Columbia Manor, 3300 Central Avenue NE

The City of Minneapolis is offering free home visits from energy-saving experts to income-qualified Minneapolis residents including renters. Join more than 9,000 households that have already benefited from the program. Home Energy Squad visits bring energy efficiency experts to participants’ homes to install energy-saving materials and make recommendations on energy-saving upgrades. Minneapolis households over the income limit for the free visits can still receive the visit for $70.

At the home visit a team of energy consultants will:

• Install energy-saving materials such as door weatherstripping, a water heater blanket, compact fluorescent lightbulbs, a programmable thermostat, and high-efficiency showerheads and faucet aerators.
• Test for air leaks.
• Inspect attic and wall insulation using an infrared camera.
• Recommend energy upgrades based on the test results.
• Check heating systems and water heaters for safety.
• Provide a quote for insulation and/or air sealing and the opportunity to connect with a qualified contractor if applicable.

Free visits and no-interest financing

The City of Minneapolis offers free visits to qualified households with an income less than $48,100 for one person, $54,950 for two people, $61,850 for three people, or up to $90,650 for eight people. If the Home Energy Squad recommends insulation or air sealing, income-qualified residents also have special access to zero percent financing to complete that work. Homeowners can call 612-335-5874 to confirm eligibility and schedule a visit. Funds are limited.

Home Energy Squad is provided by CenterPoint Energy and Xcel Energy in partnership with the City of Minneapolis and delivered by the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE), a Minneapolis nonprofit.

To schedule a Home Energy Squad visit, call 612-335-5874 or visit mncee.org/hes-mpls.

Car-Free and Car-Light Living:

Transportation Options in the Urban Environment

Could you live without a car? Would you live without a car? Or downsize from two to one? Significant investment has been made in the past decade in multi-modal transportation options, from light rail and high-frequency bus service to bicycle infrastructure and car- and bicycle-share programs like Nice Ride, Car2Go, HOURCAR and others, all of which make car-free and/or car-light lifestyles more viable in Minneapolis.

Join Council Member Reich and your friends and neighbors on Thursday, June 9, 6:30 p.m. at Northeast Library, 2200 Central Avenue NE for a discussion about our City’s changing transportation landscape. Guest panelists will include Gene Tierney, founder of the non-profit organization CarFreeLife; Metro Transit planner Kyle Burrows; Nice Ride executive director Bill Dossett; and Center for Energy & Environment president Chris Duffrin.

For questions or further information, contact Lisa Brock at [email protected] or 612-673-2201.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MN DOT) is presenting information about upcoming intersection signal and sidewalk ramp improvements on Highway 47/University Avenue and Highway 65/Central Avenue in northeast Minneapolis at an open house scheduled for May 26.

The informal open house will be held Thursday, May 26, from 5 – 7 p.m. at Logan Park Recreation Center, 690 13^th Ave. NE, in Minneapolis.

The proposed construction is scheduled for early July through November 2016. Work includes reconstructing the signal systems and sidewalk ramps to comply with ADA requirements at six intersections on University Avenue and Central Avenue:

• University Avenue and 3rd Avenue Northeast
• University Avenue and 5th Avenue Northeast
• University Avenue and 8th Avenue Northeast
• Central Avenue and 24th Avenue Northeast
• Central Avenue and 29th Avenue Northeast
• Central Avenue and 35th Avenue Northeast

These projects will improve accessibility for pedestrians along University and Central avenues. Open house attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the overall project and get details about specific project elements. Representatives from the Minnesota Department of Transportation, city of Minneapolis and project staff will be on hand to answer questions.

For more information, please visit www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/hwy47andhwy65/. To request an ASL or foreign language interpreter, call 651-366-4720. To request other reasonable accommodations, call 651-366-4718; the Minnesota Relay service toll-free at 1-800-627-3529) TTY, Voice or ASCII) or 711, or email your request to[email protected].

Update: schedule change

Johnson Street bridge over I-35W in Minneapolis set for repairs beginning May 16
Three other I-35W bridges scheduled for repairs through July 2016

ROSEVILLE, Minn. – Motorists traveling on Johnson Street in northeast Minneapolis will encounter a directional lane closure at Interstate 35W beginning Monday, May 16, weather permitting.

Southbound Johnson Street between Broadway Street and 14^th Avenue will close May 16 at 1 a.m. through late June. When work is finished on the southbound side of the bridge, crews will then close northbound Johnson Street through late July.

Motorists will be detoured around the closures via Broadway Street, Central Avenue and Lowry Avenue.

Three additional I-35W bridges are schedule for repairs through the end of July, weather permitting:

• Broadway Street
  Westbound Broadway Street between Johnson Street and Lincoln Street will close Tuesday, May 17 through late June. Crews will then close eastbound Broadway Street between Buchanan Street and Johnson Street in late June through late July.

Motorists will be detoured around the closure via Central Avenue, Hennepin Avenue and Johnson Street.

• Hennepin Avenue
  Eastbound Hennepin Avenue between 10^th Avenue and Johnson Street will close Wednesday, May 18 through late June.

Eastbound motorists will be detoured around the closure via northbound Central Avenue, eastbound Broadway Street and Johnson Street.

Crews will then close westbound Hennepin Avenue at Johnson Street when the eastbound side of the bridge opens in late June. Westbound Hennepin Avenue will remain closed through late July.

Westbound motorists will be detoured around the closure via northbound Johnson St. and westbound Broadway Street to Central Avenue.

• Summer Street pedestrian bridge
  The Summer Street pedestrian bridge will close May 18 through June 6. Bicyclists and pedestrians will be detoured around the closure via Broadway Street.

Motorists also can expect off-peak lane closures on I-35W from 8^th Street SE to New Brighton Boulevard.

This project will extend the lifespan of the four bridges and improve accessibility for pedestrians when competed.

For more information, please visit www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/i35wnemplsbridges/.