Item Coversheet

Board Action Request
20-0229

Item Description:
Support state, regional, and local efforts to secure state and federal aid for emergency protective measures relating to civil unrest, and for disaster relief for properties that were damaged during civil unrest; amend the 2020 state legislative platform
Resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners supports state, regional, and local efforts to secure state and federal aid for emergency protective measures undertaken by Hennepin County and other local governments during the civil unrest in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding communities, following the death of George Floyd; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners supports state, regional, and local efforts to secure state and federal aid for businesses, residences, and other properties that were damaged during the civil unrest; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the County Administrator or his designee is directed to seek all necessary aid from state, federal and/or other sources to address emergency protective measures taken and to restore and rebuild damage incurred from the civil unrest and the declared state and local emergencies; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the 2020 state legislative platform be amended by adding the following item under a new heading Emergency response and recovery:

 

Support legislation providing state and federal aid to communities, small businesses, non-profits, and local governments to compensate for emergency protective measures undertaken and to rebuild properties and infrastructure damaged during the civil unrest following the death of George Floyd.

Background:

Since the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, thousands of demonstrators have engaged in peaceful protests, but some individuals have engaged in unlawful, violent, and dangerous activity, which threatened the safety of peaceful demonstrators, residents, and first responders in Hennepin County, and caused unprecedented property damage in Hennepin County.

 

On May 28, 2020, in response to widespread civil unrest and unlawful activity, Governor Tim Walz declared a Peacetime State of Emergency in Minnesota, to provide safety and protection to the people of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding communities, and to activate the Minnesota National Guard, and on May 29, 2020, Governor Tim Walz implemented a temporary nighttime curfew in the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, in an effort to restore peace and safety to those communities. On May 29, 2020, Minneapolis, St. Paul, and several other cities in Hennepin County also declared local emergencies and implemented temporary nighttime curfews in response to the civil unrest. 

 

During the week of May 25, 2020, many Hennepin County facilities and properties required extensive emergency protective measures, such as barricades, fencing, window protection, and other physical security actions, as well as dedication of staff resources. Some Hennepin County facilities and properties were extensively damaged by vandalism, fire, and water damage. Initial estimates of the damage is in excess of $2.5 million. In addition, more than 400 businesses have reported property damage caused during the week of May 25, 2020, with rebuilding costs currently estimated at more than $500 million.

 

The necessary resources to restore and rebuild damaged properties may exceed the resources available within Hennepin County, and additional resources may be needed from state and/or federal sources, particularly to rebuild damaged residences and businesses. The state has sought a federal disaster declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Hennepin County may pursue state aid through the upcoming special session of the Legislature, and also supports efforts to secure federal aid through legislation or through reimbursement from FEMA.

Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval