Minneapolis Working to Clear Debris After Weekend Storms

The City of Minneapolis and Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board are working together to remove trees and reopen city streets following the Friday night's storm. 

In addition, a tree debris collection has also been planned for July 1-12 to help residents dispose of tree debris from yards.

The following was issued Saturday afternoon by the city and MPBR:

If there’s storm damage in your neighborhood, or if your area doesn’t have power, please check in with your neighbors, especially if they are elderly or may need assistance. With more storms in the forecast, please help your neighbors stay safe.

Downed power lines

Residents should stay away from downed power lines and report their location to Xcel Energy at1-800-895-4999. All downed power lines, even if they're not moving or sparking, are dangerous and should never be approached. To report an outage, or to receive outage information or restoration estimates, customers are asked to call Xcel Energy's outage line at 1-800-895-1999.

Traffic signals

Traffic signals are out in areas without power. It's important for drivers to remember that if the signal at an intersection is not working, treat the intersection as a four-way stop.

Street flooding

This morning, there is still some localized street flooding in parts of town. City crews are out clearing catch basins where needed help the water better drain away into the storm sewer. If you have a catch basin along the curb at your home that's clogged with leaves, folks can help by clearing those out, but only do so if you're sure it’s safe.

Tree Removal and Reopening of Streets

Park Board and City crews have been busy since 7 a.m. this morning assessing tree damage and removing trees to reopen streets. Major streets are their first priority, followed by secondary streets. Crews will continue to work through the weekend and as long as necessary until all streets are open and all damaged city boulevard trees have been removed.  To expedite the process, crews are bringing tree debris to a temporary transfer area t 37th Street and 5th Ave in Northeast Minneapolis before moving all materials to the Park Board’s site at Fort Snelling for processing.  

For information or to report a down tree blocking a sidewalk or street, please call 612-313-7710or email forestry@minneapolisparks.org. The Park Board's Forestry Department has set up a storm response team to respond to calls today until 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 23 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.    

Tree contractors

Since there are so many downed trees in yards throughout the city, many residents will be looking for a contractor to take care of the problem. It's important to make sure the tree company you use is licensed, because unlicensed companies may not be insured for damage they might cause to your property, and their workers may not be properly trained to protect themselves and your property from damage. Here are some things residents should know when choosing a tree company:

• To find out if a tree service contractor is licensed in Minneapolis, look at this list on the City’s website.
• A licensed contractor must submit a copy of a written estimate to the property owner for approval prior to any work to be performed.
• Licensed Tree Service contractors have marked vehicles and display a City of Minneapolis license decal.
• Licensed Tree Service contractors maintain insurance in the event of damage to your property, your neighbors’ property, or if anyone is injured on the job site. 
• In addition, the City requires that each tree service company hire at least one employee who has a current certification as an arborist or a college degree in urban forestry or arboriculture. This ensures the company is educated in plant health, pests and pathogen control, and other aspects of urban forestry

Tree Debris Collection

Park Board crews will collect tree debris that can be brought to the boulevard beginning July 1 through July 12 for properties affected by the storm. This service is for property owners clearing their property of tree debris after storm damage only-it is not for contractors doing work for property owners or for regular tree pruning.  It is only for tree debris, not construction or other materials.

Here's how residents in the area can prepare downed trees and branches for collection:  

• Move larger limbs, branches, and trunks to the boulevard area in front of your house. Park Board crews will pick up and dispose of these items at no charge.
• Property owners adjacent to tree debris placed on the boulevard are asked not to park vehicles near the debris, to help crews in the removal process. “No parking” signs may be posted and enforced to facilitate the cleanup operation.

Park Facilities

The Park Board's primary focus is the safety of residents, clearing streets and removing downed boulevard trees. A number of the Park Board's 47 recreation centers are without power and are closed. Columbia and Hiawatha golf courses are currently closed; all other courses are open with some limited access.  A number of park amenities such as fishing docks and trails have been impacted. More detailed updates on parks, recreation centers, and other amenities will be available later this afternoon. Visit www.minneapolisparks.org for updated information in the “News and Events” section and/or subscribe to get weather-related emails by clicking on the red envelope icon at www.minneapolisparks.org, submitting your email address and selecting the “Weather” topic.