Minneapolis residents should be reminded that the City’s Inspection Services Team is still out this summer. The team says it sees common complaints come into the city every year.
These serve as good reminders to keep neighborhoods clean and beautiful: Mow grass that reaches 8 inches or taller. Trim or cut back vegetation that hangs over sidewalks or the edges of alleys to keep them accessible to people and vehicles. Mow vegetation that hangs over the street; it should be trimmed to the curb line. Prune and maintain the health and integrity of trees. (Residents with hazardous trees may qualify for help through the Condemned Trees Assistance). And discard rubbish like loose or overflowing trash, scrap wood, brush piles, animal feces, etc. to prevent rodents from setting up residence in yards.
If you receive a notice from the City to correct an issue, you should address it by the due date on the letter. After that time, either the City or a hired third-party takes care of the complaint at the property owner’s expense!
Take heed of air quality and rules for fires. While backyard fires provide a place for friends and neighbors to gather, recreational fires contribute to 55% of the state’s poor air quality. It can have a significant impact on people with health problems, older adults and children. It can also be linked to strokes, heart attacks and asthma. Residents can be “Minnesota nice” by limiting fires, and skipping fires on windy days and when smoke blows directly at neighbors’ houses.
The Minneapolis ordinance includes the following items: Know that recreational fires are only allowed between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m.; keep fires small, less than 3 feet wide and 2 feet high; keep fires at least 25 feet from buildings; burn when wind speeds are less than 10 mph; and keep a hose or fire extinguisher nearby.
Don’t forget care for your four-legged friends! Minneapolis Animal Care and Control (MACC) urges pet owners to refrain from keeping pets in hot cars. “The old adage holds true: if you’re hot, they’re hot,” said Danielle Joerger, MACC supervisor. “We would love a summer season without any calls about pets in dangerous conditions. Let’s keep our pets cool and hydrated.”