Daily Archives: December 18, 2015

December 18, 2015 – MPD Update: Recovered Packages

MPD Update: Recovered Packages

We have recently recovered a large number of packages which were likely stolen from peoples’ homes in the metro area. If you have not already reported stolen packages to the MPD please do so, along with a description of what was inside so we can see if we have recovered it. You can report a theft with a loss of up to $1000 through the online report system at http://go.usa.gov/ckXHE or up to $5000 by calling 311 (612.673.3000 from outside of the city).

Please note: there’s no guarantee we have recovered your loss, and if there is no suspect description for your case our Property Crimes unit may not be able to assign an investigator. However, know that all reports can always be assigned later if new information comes in that could lead to a suspect/charge so it’s always important to report.

If you do report a package theft and want to email me your case number I will keep a list which I will send to the Property Crimes investigators who are assigned cases tied to the recovered packages.

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

We are hoping we can get more suspect descriptions on who is stealing these packages. Please call 911 at the time you see suspicious activity! If you are able to safely get a license plate and vehicle description (and/or description of the person) that is extremely helpful. If you have seen suspicious activity related to package thefts and want to get me that description/license plate info, please email me. If you call 911 on suspicious activity related to package thefts, you can also shoot me an email afterward with the date/time/location of the call and I will look it up and recover any license plates or other info you provided to 911 at the time, and get that as an FYI to our Property Crimes unit.

CRIME PREVENTION TIPS

Please see attached for information in English and Spanish on how to try to prevent package delivery theft. We sent this out on our e-alert list recently so you may have already received it. If you are not already signed up to receive crime trend alerts through http://go.usa.gov/ckXH8 we recommend you sign up, as you may be missing important trend information. Also check the carrier which delivered your package, or the company you ordered from, to see if they have a process for filing a claim for a lost or stolen package. You may be able to get a refund.

Please get this information to your neighbors, as we want to make sure we can find the owners of these missing packages if at all possible, and not everyone knows to report it to MPD.

BLOCK LEADER/CONTACT PERKS

Finally, a quick reminder: as a block leader/contact, you get first dibs on a number of really interesting, informative workshops in the city, which you can attend for free. You probably already got information on this but in case you didn’t, check out:

Thank you for your time and all that you do! Please feel free to contact me with further questions or concerns.

Jennifer Waisanen, Crime Prevention Specialist
Minneapolis Police Department, 5th Precinct
3101 Nicollet Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-673-5407 . Jennifer.waisanen@minneapolismn.gov

December 18, 2015 eNews – Meeting Highlights

December Meeting Highlights

December 15, 2015

Council Member Palmisano presented updates from the City Council including highlights from the recently passed budget. She also shared about a successful domestic violence pilot program that will be expanded next year. There will be public meetings coming up soon regarding small business policies, in particular regarding paid time off.

The park saw an increase in basketball registrations and have 5 more teams this year than last. The link in the sidebar of this newsletter will connect you with the online sports page for Armatage and Kenny parks (ACC/KPAC). Obviously the skating rink and warming house are not operational yet. As soon as the weather is cooperative, we hope to get skating! The Kite Festival on Lake Harriet is scheduled for January 16. There must be 8-10 inches of ice, however, for this event to take place – so stay posted. Armatage Fire on Ice event will be at our park on Friday, January 22. Watch for details coming soon. The parks also recently released a Winter Highlights flyer which shows park activities throughout the city and is a great winter resource for outdoor fun and more.

The ANA is pursuing new community engagement ideas and programming. First, we are working on a definition of what engagement means, and then will set 3 goals for 2016. We welcome your ideas, and invite you to join our engagement committee! This will be a focus at our January meeting.

Experience Southwest Goes Mobile!

With the XSWapp, you’ll be in the know on the go. It’s now easier than ever to Experience Southwest.

  • Find local events, shops, restaurants and service providers
  • Get exclusive insider updates on local businesses and happenings
  • Access special deals and discounts available through the app only
  • And find all the great events and happenings in Southwest all in the palm of your hand.

Beta testing underway. Download through Google Play now (iTunes coming soon). Please let us know if you find this useful or if you hit a glitch.

Seniors’ first choice for food and independence

Our volunteer-based shopping and delivery service gives seniors personal, reliable access to their choice of food and household essentials, so they can continue to live in their own homes.

We partner with 500 volunteers a year to take client grocery orders over the phone and enter it online, shop customer grocery orders, and provide administrative support.

If you are interested in attending an order taker training or would like to learn more about volunteer shopping and other volunteer experiences at Store to Door please contact Carolyn Swenson Volunteer Program Coordinator at 651-642-1892 or carolyn@storetodoor.org.

Toolkit for Neighbors of New Construction – Updated!

In April 2014, we created the first version of the Toolkit for Neighbors of New Construction in response to multiple requests from residents who wanted to know their rights when it came to residential construction nearby. The document provides Minneapolis residents with the information they may need when living next to a construction site. For example:

  • Who’s who in city government when it comes to construction?
  • Steps recommended to prepare for construction
  • Handling common construction management issues
  • What to do if you experience problems

We keep this Toolkit updated for you, and the latest version reflects new changes to the Construction Management Agreement.


Sign up today: the Citizens Academy starts March 17, 2016

Attend Hennepin County’s Citizens Academy to find out how we are serving you, our residents, each day in ways both big and small. Get an insider’s perspective on the workings of the state’s largest county, and take advantage of tours behind the scenes at several facilities.

Participants meet for seven evening sessions — see the full schedule below. The series is free and open to anyone who is at least 18 years old. Get more information and register at www.hennepin.us/citizensacademy.

September 18, 2015 eNews

September Meeting Highlights

  • City Council Update: Linea Palmisano was present to give some updates, including:
  • Safety Committee Update: Block leader recruitment continues. Only 16 blocks in Armatage don’t have a block leader at this point (watch for a listing of open blocks in the October Safety News).
  • Community Engagement Committee Update: Engagement ideas were gathered, including: the ANA hosting a social hour; supporting a winter festival; more activities (perhaps in partnership with the park) for kids and adults, specifically older adults; etc. More to come!
  • Summer Festival Committee Update: Overall the event was deemed a success. Thanks to Mother Nature for her support, as well as a big shout out to all our volunteers, sponsors and board members for helping make it all happen. Feedback has been collected through the Survey Monkey and direct comments, and will be reviewed as plans for 2016 get underway.
  • Other Business:
    • We welcomed three new members to the ANA board! That brings our board membership to 10 (out of a maximum 11). We continue to encourage involvement, if not on the board, on one of the above mentioned committees!
    • The ANA is considering a micro grant program. This type of program has been done in other neighborhoods such as East Harriet and Fulton, supporting such activities bully prevention workshops, Earth and Arbor Day celebrations, hosting a household hazardous waste drop-off site, etc. More to come.
    • The board received notice that Kwan’s Chinese (at 54th and Penn) has begun the application process for a beer and wine license. The new owner has “received wonderful welcoming support from our customers.” They are also considering adding outdoor seating in the near future.
    • Information about solar garden programs was shared. At this point the board would like to learn more about the pros and cons of these programs, to see if this is something we think would be a good fit for our community.

Experience Southwest

The Nicollet-East Harriet Business Association (NEHBA) would like to introduce you to our new name. Taking a cue from our expanded service area and our popular “Experience Southwest” brand, the organization is excited to announce its new name: the Southwest Business Association (SWBA). (Also you can follow them on Facebook and Twitter!)

FixIt Fund

This home improvement loan co-op brings together resources from partnering neighborhoods to offer low-interest home improvement loans to our residents. The initial phase restricted fund access with monies put into the “pot” by each neighborhood being only available to their neighborhood residents. Armatage was the largest contributor to this program, but currently has the lowest participation rate. Soon our funds with be co-mingled, and people from all four neighborhoods will access to the merged dollars from all four neighborhood associations.

Openings on City Boards

Applications are now being accepted for a number of open boards and commissions positions that the City Council and Mayor will appoint this fall. Board and commission members in the City of Minneapolis provide valuable insights, help shape key policy decisions and provide community-based input into administration of services. The City is seeking applicants with a diversity of backgrounds and experiences to strengthen the work of the City.

There are open positions on the following City boards and commissions:

Applications will be reviewed beginning October 23, 2015. However, the positions are open until filled. Visit the City’s website for a list of appointment opportunities, position descriptions and to apply:
www.minneapolismn.gov/boards/openings/index.htm.

July 18, 2015 eNews – Board Recruitment

Looking for a Board Treasurer

The duties of the Treasurer include:

  • Keeping and recording financial transactions
  • Helping prepare and track budgets
  • Preparing annual filings for the ANA
  • Acting as a representative signer along with the President

You would work with our Coordinator as needed. As a member of the board, we ask for a commitment of 3-4 hours per month (including our monthly meeting).

If this sounds interesting to you, please contact us at anacoordinator@armatage.org.

Treasurer not your thing,
but you think it could be
interesting to be more involved?

We’d love to have you consider joining our board! Time commitment is minimal (2-3 hours per month) and it is a great way to stay aware of what is going on in our neighborhood and city.

Have an idea for a committee or group you’d like to see in our area? Some ideas we have heard include a gardening group or small business networking opportunity. We have a safety and community engagement committee that are always open to new members!

Again, contact us at anacoordinator@armatage.org.