Minneapolis Climate & Infrastructure Committee Meeting Summary

Meeting Information

• Date: February 20, 2025
• Title: Regular Meeting of the Climate and Infrastructure Committee
• Present: Katie Cashman (Chair), LaTrisha Vetaw, Jason Chavez, Emily Koski, Aurin Chowdhury (joined late)
• Absent: Jamal Osman
• Guests:
  • Hazel Wolf (Public Works)
  • Melissa Barnes (MnDOT)
  • Suzanne Murphy (Xcel Energy)
• Votes: 3 (Consent agenda, Farview North assessment, Xcel Energy MOU)

Highlights

• Farview North Residential Resurfacing Project and Special Assessments of $846,767.42
• Biochar Production Partnership with Xcel Energy
• MnDOT’s Rethinking I-94 Project Update and Discussion
• Street Vendors License Agreements for 2025 Shared Bike and Scooter Program

Discussion

Farview North Residential Resurfacing Project

The project involves resurfacing local streets bounded by Third Street North to Dupont Avenue North and 26th Avenue North to Lowry Avenue North. The total assessment amount is $846,767.42. Several residents expressed concerns about the financial burden of the assessments, particularly for elderly and low-income residents. Public Works staff explained payment options including a 5-year payment plan and deferment options for seniors and disabled residents. Despite public concerns, the committee approved the assessments.

Vote: Approved unanimously

Biochar Production Partnership

The city presented a partnership with Xcel Energy to receive utility line maintenance vegetation for Minneapolis biochar production. The program will convert 3,000 tons of wood waste into 500 tons of biochar, removing equivalent of 3,600 tons of carbon dioxide. The facility will be located in the Innovation District near Huntington Bank Stadium. Committee members expressed enthusiasm for the program’s environmental benefits and community engagement aspects.

Vote: Approved unanimously

Rethinking I-94 Project

MnDOT presented updates on the I-94 corridor project between downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. The presentation sparked significant debate about traffic patterns, environmental impact, and community needs. Committee members, particularly Chair Cashman and Councilmember Chowdhury, questioned MnDOT’s dismissal of at-grade alternatives and emphasized the city’s goals for reducing vehicle miles traveled and increasing transit usage.

Chair Cashman noted: “For me, it feels like slowing down traffic, reducing vehicle miles traveled, having safe transit options is a priority.”

No vote required - discussion only

Public Comments

Farview North Assessment Comments

• Paul Bellfloor: Expressed concern about $3,600 assessment on his corner lot property, suggesting the burden would impact his ability to rehabilitate the property.
• Lynn Nordgrin: Presented 34 objection petitions, citing financial hardship for neighborhood residents. Described community involvement in neighborhood improvement efforts.
• Akeisha Everett: Single mother and homeowner noted that her property taxes already equal her mortgage payment, making additional assessment burdensome.
• David Loose: Thanked Public Works for recent traffic improvements around Farview Park but expressed concerns about assessment costs.
• Syed and Rosanna Backus: Described ongoing hardship from previous sidewalk assessments, noting issues with tree roots causing infrastructure damage.