Friends and neighbors,
I’m sure you’ve heard by now that a major winter storm could bring over 20 inches of snow between now and Friday. Below you will find important information and resources to prepare for the interruption the storm will bring and how to navigate local snow emergency procedures.
But first, a picture of my kids sledding with Grandma.
SNOW EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Parking
Given the forecast, we expect Eden Prairie to declare a snow emergency along with other areas of the metro. Once snowfall reaches two inches, restrictions will go into effect. During a Snow Emergency, do not park on city streets until noon the next day. Given that this storm is predicted to last into Thursday, make a plan now to make sure you have a safe place to park your vehicle until it is safe to do so on the street again.
Streets maintenance crews work to maintain safe and passable roadways throughout a Snow Emergency, and perform a full curb-to-curb cleanup from 3 a.m. to noon, weather permitting. Snow Emergency declarations are posted at edenprairie.org/News and on Facebook. You can subscribe to City News for email and text notifications.
For more information on Snow Emergencies in Eden Prairie, click here. You can find the city’s snow plow routes here.
Staying safe
During a blizzard, it becomes increasingly difficult for emergency vehicles to travel, so the importance of being cautious is heightened. The Red Cross has a great guide on how to stay safe during the storm and prepare for an emergency. Do not travel unless absolutely necessary. Be sure to bundle up if planning to play in the snow – and feel free to send snowman pictures my way!
CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT
As you may be aware, Minnesota has been facing an untenable increase in the theft of catalytic converters. In addition to other public safety legislation, I’ve been working alongside my colleagues to address this challenge for years. Last night, the Minnesota House passed HF 30, a bill that I have proudly co-authored.
This bill adds additional requirements that scrap metal dealers must follow when purchasing catalytic converters, including a requirement that any catalytic converter be marked with an identifying number that connects it to the vehicle from which it was taken. The bill requires registration with the Department of Public Safety before purchasing scrap metal. It also establishes criminal penalties for the unauthorized possession or purchase of a catalytic converter.
BANNING CONVERSION THERAPY
Last night, we also passed HF 16, which bans conversion therapy for minors and vulnerable adults. Conversion ‘therapy’ is a dangerous and discredited practice that has traumatized many LGBTQ+ Americans and leads to increased rates of self-harm and suicidality. A number of my Republican colleagues joined us in supporting this bill and I’m thankful that we were finally able to do our part to put a stop to this harmful practice.
EARNED SICK AND SAFE TIME
All Minnesotans deserve the opportunity to be successful, but too many must choose between work and taking care of a new baby, a loved one, or themselves. The time to act is now, and DFLers have been taking firm action to address these problems. Last week, we passed legislation that would guarantee, at a minimum, one hour of paid Earned Sick and Safe Time for every 30 hours worked, up to at least 48 hours per year. I was proud to vote in favor of this bill. It is currently working its way through the committee process in the Senate, and we’re hopeful that it will be headed to the Governor’s desk soon.
KEEP IN TOUCH
There are a lot of exciting things on the horizon this session, so be sure to follow my Facebook page for timely updates.
Please continue to share your questions, ideas, and feedback with me throughout the legislative session. You can reach me by email at rep.carlie.kotyza-witthuhn@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-6828. You can contact my new Legislative Assistant, Ella, at 651-296-3918 or via email at ella.schultz@house.mn.gov.
It is an honor and a privilege to represent you at the Capitol.
All my best,
Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn