Need some help with energy bills/ rent this winter?

Posted on February 23, 2021 by staff

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (EAP) Information

If you are having troubles paying your energy bills, I encourage you to apply for Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program that offers eligible residents help to pay their energy bills so they do not have to choose between life’s necessities.

The Energy Assistance Program:

  • Serves both renters and homeowners.
  • Provides benefits to pay for home heating ranging from $200 to $1,400, with an average benefit of about $500.
  • Benefit amounts are based on the household’s heating costs, household size, and income.
  • Provides help with energy disconnections, no/low fuel in the tank, and homeowners’ furnace repairs.
  • Eligibility is based on the household’s past 3 months of income and assets are not counted.

Visit mn.gov/commerce/eap.jsp to learn more or call 1-800-657-3710 to connect with your local service provider.

Emergency Rental Assistance For Minneapolis Residents

The City has received a direct allocation of $12.8 million from the Treasury Department to provide emergency rental assistance to Minneapolis residents. The emergency rental assistance program should become available to residents in March. Under federal rules, landlords can apply for funds on behalf of tenants and tenants can also apply for funds on their own behalf.

The City will be updating our Coronavirus Housing page with more details as we have them, and will also notify Minneapolis residents through channels like this as we finalize information about how to apply and what the eligibility requirements are. In the meantime, you can continue to contact the Tenant Resource Center for assistance. There are some resources currently available through Emergency Assistance and other ongoing programs. The Tenant Resource Center can also be reached at (612) 767-9737.

Posted in Neighborhood Issues, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Comments Off on Need some help with energy bills/ rent this winter?

CPNA Board/General meeting Monday February 22, 2021 6:30pm

Posted on February 21, 2021 by staff

The  Board /General Meeting for the Columbia Park Neighborhood will be held Monday February 22, 2021 at 6:30 pm via ZOOM.  Please follow the link below or call in at the number that is part of the ZOOM invitation below.  We have provided links to the documents which are part of the meeting in the agenda.  If you will need paper copies please let Liz know and they will be printed for you to pick up.

For reasonable accommodations, alternative formats, translation services, please contact CPNA staffer Liz at 612-390-3735 or contact at columbiapark dot org. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may use a relay.

Elizabeth Wielinski is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: CPNA Board and General Meeting Monday February 22, 2021
Time: Feb 22, 2021 06:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 979 9262 5209
Passcode: 306643
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Meeting ID: 979 9262 5209
Passcode: 306643
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/abpH4nk6g

Columbia Park Draft Meeting Agenda for Monday February 22, 2021

6:30 – Call to Order for Board Actions

6:31 – Approval of the Agenda

6:35 – Approval the CPNA Draft minutes for January 25, 2021 meeting

6:39 – Treasurer’s Report- Receive and File: none for January

6:45- Open Time

6:59 – General Meeting

7:00 – New Business

           Elliot Fisher… fence

           Gregg Graton Proposed triplexes on 37th AV at 5th ST NE

           NRP: Proposed changes to neighborhood plan modification approval process

                     Comments due April 6th… NRP Policy Board seeks public comments on proposed changes to neighborhood plan modification policy (govdelivery.com)

            Train Park Playground on 27th AV NE on CP property ( a joint effort with the Holland Neighborhood)

7:40 – Old Business

            Metro Blooms…postpone again

            Non-Profit status update

            Neighborhood Organization Recognition Requirements

7:45– Crime and Safety Update

7:50 – Announcements/ Communications.

            AFCAC Meeting Tuesday 2/23/2021  see what’s happening on the upper river

            Zoom Connection:  Web: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88605275975

Community Forum: The State of the Cooperative Economy

Join Council Member Kevin Reich and special guests from Nexus Community Partners, Eastside Food Co-op, Northeast Investment Cooperative, Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative, and Fair State Brewing Cooperative for a community conversation about the current state of cooperatives and the cooperative economy on

Tuesday, February 23, 6:30-8 p.m.

Join on your computer or mobile app

Click here to join the meeting

Or call in (audio only)

+1 612-276-6670,,160441228#   United States, Minneapolis

Phone Conference ID: 160 441 228#

Learn more about the cooperative business model as a tool for community development and economic empowerment and meet some of the Eastside’s thriving cooperatives. We’ll also talk about the City of Minneapolis’ Cooperatives Technical Assistance Program (C-TAP) and how that initiative supports the development of local cooperative businesses.

COMMUNITY SOLAR OPPORTUNITY

Emerge Second Chance Community Solar Garden: Subscribers Wanted!

Did you know you have an opportunity right in Ward 1 to use renewable solar energy, save on your electric bill, reduce pollution and promote local green jobs? The Second Chance Community Solar Garden is installed on the Emerge Second Chance Recycling facility at 1179 15th Ave SE in Minneapolis and we are signing up subscribers now for a projected early summer launch!

Community solar gardens (CSG) are solar arrays on a larger roof (in this case, Emerge) whose electricity is shared by more than one property. CSGs are an opportunity for Minneapolis neighbors to participate in the solar energy revolution, regardless of income, credit score or whether you rent or own, and get a credit on their electric bill. And there are options to participate with no upfront money. The only requirement is that you pay your own Xcel electric bill and not a landlord or third party.

BENEFITS of Community Solar Gardens:

  • Enables renters or those with roofs unsuitable for solar to use renewable energy and get a credit on your electric bill.
  • Enables participation regardless of income or credit score, with a Pay-As-You-Go option that does not require upfront money.
  • Energy bill credits move with you, even if you move homes.
  • Make your money back (& then some…) with an estimated 8 year Return on Investment (ROI) with the Pay Up Front Option.
  • Subscriptions can cover up to 120% of your annual electricity usage.
  • Electricity rates are locked in for 25 years.
  • Quality assurances, turn-key maintenance and energy guarantees.

Community Solar – Minneapolis Climate Action (mplsclimate.org)

Northeast Winter Market

Saturday, March 6th

11am – 1pm

University Ave & 7th Ave NE Minneapolis

Parking lot of St Boniface Church

COVID-19 | NEFM (northeastfarmersmarket.com)

8:00- Adjourn

Posted in Community Gardens, CPNA Agenda, CPNA Meeting, CPNA Minutes, Crime and Safety, Local Services, Neighborhood Issues, Northeast Area Issues, Public Meetings, Railroads | Tagged | Comments Off on CPNA Board/General meeting Monday February 22, 2021 6:30pm

Comment Opportunity on Hennepin County Climate Action Plan

Posted on February 16, 2021 by staff

Climate Action Update banner

Reminder: Opportunities to provide feedback on the Climate Action Plan

Hennepin County has released a draft of our first Climate Action Plan (PDF). The county is gathering feedback on the plan through online meetings and a comment form through Wednesday, March 3.

Cover of the draft Climate Action Plan

Online community meetings

The county is holding two online meetings where county staff will present core goals and strategies. Anyone interested in the county’s response to climate change is encouraged to attend.

Using online facilitation tools, participants will complete polls about the goals and strategies, offer comments, and ask written questions that will be answered through a moderated process. Meetings will be held:

  • Monday, February 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Monday, March 1 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Sign up to attend a meeting now by completing the RSVP form.

Both sessions will have the same agenda, so you only need to attend one session. Information about how to access the meeting will be emailed a few days prior to the event.

Comment form

Individuals who wish to offer feedback on the plan but do not want to attend an online meeting may share their comments through an online feedback form.

Learn more

County staff will summarize the feedback and made final edits to the plan in March. The board would take up formal adoption of the plan, which will include a final public comment process, in April.

Read more about the plan development and previous community engagement efforts process at hennepin.us/climateaction.
Posted in Special Events | Tagged | Comments Off on Comment Opportunity on Hennepin County Climate Action Plan

Tax Prep Help from Prepare and Prosper

Posted on February 3, 2021 by staff

Prepare + Prosper

Financial wellness for everyone
Free Tax Preparation + Financial Services
Whether your return is simple or complicated, we can help you. We offer free tax preparation and financial services to help you make the most of tax time and your refund.

Our services are provided by a team of 550+ IRS-certified volunteers who are passionate about taxes and finances.

With us, free really does mean free.
Individuals making less than $35,000 and families or self-employed making less than$55,000 qualify. All tax returns are double-checked for accuracy to make sure we’re getting you the maximum refund.

www.prepareandprosper.org

651-287-0187

contact@prepareandprosper.org

Posted in Local Services | Tagged | Comments Off on Tax Prep Help from Prepare and Prosper

What’s that smoke???

Posted on January 25, 2021 by staff

Columbia Golf Course & Columbia Park

Brush pile burns begin at
Columbia Golf Course,
Columbia Park next week

In the coming weeks, visitors at Columbia Park and Columbia Golf Course may smell or see smoke from controlled burns of brush piles. The burns are scheduled to begin the week of January 18 and continue periodically through February.

 

This activity is part of the current project to improve stormwater management and restore habitat at the golf course and park. The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) is leading construction; the City of Minneapolis and Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) are among the partners (details below).

 

About the brush pile burns

Buckthorn, honeysuckle and other woody invasive species are being cleared and gathered into brush piles; controlled burning is recommended as an efficient and effective way to manage this type of debris, reducing impacts from heavy hauling equipment.

 

The controlled burns will be conducted by a contractor that has obtained all required permits and notifies local municipal police and fire departments. MPRB customer service staff and the Park Police Department are also notified; signs at the site will inform park and golf course users of this activity.

 

About the habitat restoration

Later this year, cleared areas will be planted with trees and seed mix for plants that are native to the region. In all, nearly 20 acres will be restored as woodland, oak savanna and prairie habitats, enhancing the local ecosystem and aiding in stormwater management.

 

About the Project 

The Northern Columbia Golf Course and Park Stormwater BMPs project is a joint effort to improve water quality, mitigate flooding, improve ecological systems and enhance recreational opportunities in Northeast Minneapolis, as part of the Northeast Stormwater Management Initiative. Partners include the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization,

Board of Water and Soil Resources, City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County and Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

MPRB project contact

Andrew Schilling

Planning Services Division, Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board

ASchilling@minneapolisparks.org / 612-230-6466
Posted in golf, Neighborhood Issues, Special Events | Comments Off on What’s that smoke???

CPNA Board/ General Meeting Monday January 25, 2021 6:30pm

Posted on January 22, 2021 by staff

The  Board /General Meeting for the Columbia Park Neighborhood will be held Monday January 25, 2021 at 6:30 pm via ZOOM.  Please follow the link below or call in at the number that is part of the ZOOM invitation below.  We have provided links to the documents which are part of the meeting in the agenda.  If you will need paper copies please let Liz know and they will be printed for you to pick up.

For reasonable accommodations, alternative formats, translation services, please contact CPNA staffer Liz at 612-390-3735 or contact at columbiapark dot org. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may use a relay

Elizabeth Wielinski is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: CPNA Board/General Meeting
Time: Jan 25, 2021 06:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/99811741047?pwd=WGpBNXA0VVZpd2t0YXVwN2JPZzhiQT09

Meeting ID: 998 1174 1047
Passcode: 450793
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Meeting ID: 998 1174 1047
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Columbia Park Draft Meeting Agenda for Monday January 25, 2021

6:30 – Call to Order for Board Actions

6:31 – Approval of the Agenda

6:35 – Approval of the CPNA Draft minutes for Monday November 16, 2020

6:39 – Treasurer’s Report- Receive and File:  revised statements for 2020 and January of 2021
(transposition of 70.45 to 70.54 in Garden account)

022020 Treasurer’s report revised

062020 Treasurer’s report revised

082020 Treasurer’s report revised

092020 Treasurer’s report revised

112020 Treasurer’s report revised

012021 Treasurer’s report

6:45- Open Time (this is an opportunity for community members to speak on a topic during the meeting, this period is for up to 15 minutes total)

6:59 – General Meeting

7:00 – Old Business

Approve working with CEE to design a flyer to go to the neighborhood about the new programs for the upcoming 2021 construction season. (copy of new CEE contract)

Status of 510c3 application

Rain Gardens with Metro Blooms:  postpose again to the February 2021 meeting

7:15 – New Business

Transfer more funding into our CEE managed loan programs for the neighborhood by passing

the following motion to…

“Reallocate $25,000 from the Neighborhood Priority Reserve Fund to the Home Improvement and Home Buyers Programs priority”

Review the new Neighborhood Organization Recognition Requirements and check to see where we may have deficiencies.

7:30 – Crime and Safety Update

7:50 – Announcements/ Communications.

Northeast Winter Market

February 6th, 11am-1pm

Parking lot of St. Boniface Catholic Church

629 2nd Street NE Mpls 55413

Support your local vendors!

Mini Maintenance Workshops: Managing Snow and Ice

With more snow on the way before spring arrives, it’s not too late to consider how you can manage snow and ice while using less salt.

Salt is an important tool in winter safety, but it also permanently pollutes our rivers, lakes, and streams. Learn ways to prevent slippery sidewalks using methods that reduce pollution in local waterbodies for your home, community building, or office with MWMO staff in this brief Zoom workshop!

This program is free, but registration is required. Each option is the same workshop (and the same workshop as those held in December 2020); choose what works best for your schedule, and register by following these links:

February 1 from 12:00-12:45 p.m.

February 3 from 6:00-6:45 p.m.

If you are unable to attend and want to learn more about how to manage snow and ice, check out our Snow and Ice Removal resource page!

Upcoming Ward One Forum: An Eastside Community Solar Garden

Tuesday, January 26, 6:30-8 p.m.

Join Council Member Kevin Reich and representatives from Minneapolis Climate Action (MCA) to discuss a Community Solar Garden that’s coming soon to the First Ward and ways our community can participate and benefit.

MCA has been working with Emerge Enterprises and minority enterprises Renewable Energy Partners and S3 Solar Service Solutions to install the Second Chance Community Solar Garden on the roof of Emerge’s Second Chance Recycling Facility in the Mid-City Industrial neighborhood. The system is estimated to be fully operational by early March, 2021, offering opportunities for community members to become subscribers. Shares can be purchased up front and a portion of the shares will be reserved for pay-as-you-go subscribers that can participate regardless of income, credit score, or whether they rent or own their own home. Anyone who pays an electric bill can participate and receive a credit on their electric bill.

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85945006134

Meeting ID: 859 4500 6134

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Meeting ID: 859 4500 6134  Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kctNsGpjuc

Public comment period for new MPRB Comprehensive Plan, Parks for All, extended to July 18

This plan contains language that would have the park board possibly be selling parkland for affordable housing

Brush pile burns begin at
Columbia Golf Course,
Columbia Park next week

In the coming weeks, visitors at Columbia Park and Columbia Golf Course may smell or see smoke from controlled burns of brush piles. The burns are scheduled to begin the week of January 18 and continue periodically through February.

This activity is part of the current project to improve stormwater management and restore habitat at the golf course and park. The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) is leading construction; the City of Minneapolis and Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) are among the partners (details below).

About the brush pile burns

Buckthorn, honeysuckle and other woody invasive species are being cleared and gathered into brush piles; controlled burning is recommended as an efficient and effective way to manage this type of debris, reducing impacts from heavy hauling equipment.

The controlled burns will be conducted by a contractor that has obtained all required permits and notifies local municipal police and fire departments. MPRB customer service staff and the Park Police Department are also notified; signs at the site will inform park and golf course users of this activity.

About the habitat restoration

Later this year, cleared areas will be planted with trees and seed mix for plants that are native to the region. In all, nearly 20 acres will be restored as woodland, oak savanna and prairie habitats, enhancing the local ecosystem and aiding in stormwater management.

About the Project 

The Northern Columbia Golf Course and Park Stormwater BMPs project is a joint effort to improve water quality, mitigate flooding, improve ecological systems and enhance recreational opportunities in Northeast Minneapolis, as part of the Northeast Stormwater Management Initiative. Partners include the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization,

Board of Water and Soil Resources, City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County and Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

MPRB project contact

Andrew Schilling

Planning Services Division, Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board

ASchilling@minneapolisparks.org / 612-230-6466

8:00- Adjourn

Posted in CPNA Agenda, CPNA Meeting, CPNA Minutes, Crime and Safety, Neighborhood Issues, Public Meetings | Tagged , | Comments Off on CPNA Board/ General Meeting Monday January 25, 2021 6:30pm

CPNA End of Year Greetings

Posted on December 23, 2020 by staff

snowflakes-275x300The Columbia Park Neighborhood Association wishes you a safe holiday season and a Happy New Year.  Our next virtual meeting is Monday January 25, 2021 (delayed a week due to the MLK holiday).

Posted in Neighborhood Issues | Comments Off on CPNA End of Year Greetings

Public Notice of Funding Reallocation

Posted on December 20, 2020 by staff

At the January 25th 2021 Zoom meeting of the Columbia Park Neighborhood Association we will be voting to transfer more funding into our CEE managed loan programs for the neighborhood by voting on the following motion to…

Reallocate $25,000 from the Neighborhood Priority Reserve Fund to the Home Improvement and Home Buyers Programs priority.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact the neighborhood staff person Liz Wielinski at contact@columbiapark.org or at 612-390-3735 by phone or text.

Posted in Neighborhood Issues | Comments Off on Public Notice of Funding Reallocation

CP Holiday Train Concert 2020 live at HOME

Posted on December 7, 2020 by staff

CP holiday trainSATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020 AT 7 PM CST

CP Holiday Train at Home Virtual Concert

Online with Facebook Live

 The 22nd annual #CPHolidayTrain is back. And this year, its first—and only—stop is your home! Although the train might look a bit different this year, we’re keeping the spirit of Christmas alive with a virtual concert via Facebook Live on December 12 at 6 MT to raise money for food banks across North America. Celebrate the holidays with us and listen to great music, including performances by Serena Ryder, The Trews, JoJo Mason, Logan Staats and Kelly Prescott.

In this year of extraordinary need, we hope you’ll join us in helping put food on the table for families, friends and neighbors in need by making a donation to our national food banks:

Make a donation to Food Banks Canada at https://foodbankscanada.akaraisin.com/…/donations/start

Make a donation to Feeding America at www.feedingamerica.org/HolidayTrain

We’ll see you soon! 🎄

Posted in Railroads, Special Events | Tagged | Comments Off on CP Holiday Train Concert 2020 live at HOME

Check out the Draft Parks Comprehensive Plan

Posted on December 1, 2020 by staff

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) published a draft of Parks for All, the MPRB 2021 Comprehensive Plan. Parks for All is a new comprehensive plan will set MPRB priorities and policy direction for the next decade. Minneapolis community members, park users, MPRB staff and partners are encouraged to review the plan and send feedback during a 70-day public comment period that ends Monday, Jan. 18, 2021.

Following the public comment period, the draft plan will be revised based on public input and presented to MPRB Commissioners for review and approval. Use the link below to view the draft Parks for All plan, give feedback on it and learn more about the processes and input used to create it.

Draft Parks for All Plan

Posted in Parks | Comments Off on Check out the Draft Parks Comprehensive Plan