The Public Meeting Index

The Licenses Committee of the Milwaukee Common Council convened on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 9:08 AM in Room 301-B of City Hall to review and act on over 30 license applications, renewals, and related motions. The meeting lasted until 2:51 PM. Chair Jocasta Zamarripa presided, joined by Vice-Chair Andrea Pratt, and Aldermen Alex Brower, DiAndre Jackson, and Larissa Taylor (substituting for excused Alderman Peter Burgelis). The agenda included Class D operator licenses, food dealer permits, alcohol licenses, tavern and public entertainment premises, as well as extended hours and hookah services. Consent Calendar - Routine approvals and unanimous actions were grouped into two motions at the end of the meeting: - Agenda Only Items: Approved 5-0, including floor plan changes for 3rd St Market Hall, stock transfer for Martha's Vineyard, and pool table addition for The House. - Warning Letter Items: Approved 5-0, issuing written warnings to Joseph Gesbeck, Juan Zorilla, Diamond Inn Motel, Red White and Blue, Steny's, and Taco Bell 31507. Public Comments & Testimony - Little Caesars (9230 W Capitol Dr): Ald. Westmoreland raised concerns about overflowing dumpsters, litter, and landscaping stones on sidewalks. Applicant agreed to enclose the dumpster, add more trash cans, and replace stone wall with wood. No neighbors testified; approved. - Play by Play (3910 W Fond du Lac Ave): Neighbors Hazel Johnson and Lydia Melton testified to chronic parking blockages, noise, and disrespect. Applicant presented a parking patrol plan. Committee approved a 10-day suspension and added geographic parking checks every 30 minutes after 10 PM. - Dunkin (914 N 27th St): Savannah Brooks (Near West Side Partners) testified about panhandling, loitering, and litter, and lack of cooperation. Ald. Bauman recommended a 10-day suspension. Applicant committed to monthly meetings; approved with 10-day suspension. - In N Out Grocery 2 (4503 W North Ave): Five community members supported the applicant, citing lack of food options and his community help (giving books to children). Ald. Stamper opposed due to recent police report (operating without license) and lack of property investment. Denied 5-0. - ACES (6081 N Teutonia Ave): Neighbor Gary Flowers opposed, calling it a nightclub and noting unlicensed operation. A supporter claimed social media posts were for engagement only. Ald. Pratt moved denial based on 300-foot rule to churches; denied 5-0. Discussion Items - Class D Operator Licenses: Richelle Gause, Allyson Rauls, and Charles Suetrong were denied for second nonappearance (5-0). Joy Dietrich (parking tickets) and Bruce Richardson (OWI completed program) were approved. Jonathan Kaul and Jeannette Tatum were held for first nonappearance. - Little Caesars: Renewed after addressing litter and safety concerns; agreed to enclose dumpster, add trash cans, and replace landscaping. - Brothers Petrol (2175 N 35th St): Applicant noted employee error on drug paraphernalia and recent OWI. Approved 4-1 (Zamarripa dissented due to police report concerns). - In N Out Grocery 2: Denied after police report showed unlicensed operation and recent OWI. Local alder opposed. - La Carreta Vieja Night Club: Held to call of chair at applicant's request for attorney and additional evidence. - Farfesh Cafe (200 W Layton Av): Applicant agreed to close at midnight instead of 2 AM; withdrawn extended hours application; approved. - The Seafood Shack Cocktail Lounge: Held for neighborhood meeting due to objections. - JB's on 41: Approved with amendment to increase surveillance cameras from 32 to 39. - McDonald's (2612 W Morgan Av): Application voluntarily surrendered; no action taken. - El Tenampa Mexican Grill: Approved with amended hours (Mon-Sat 11AM-11PM, Sun 7AM-3PM). - Mr. B's Restaurant: Approved with amendment to add hookah services (non-tobacco) and a warning letter. - El Malecon: Approved after removing bands and instrumental musicians per neighborhood request. - Oklahoma Liquor (933 W Oklahoma Av): Approved with amendment to add ID verification system and a warning letter for underage sale. - Play by Play: Approved with 10-day suspension and added parking patrol plan (formally every 30 minutes after 10 PM Mon-Thu, and every 30 minutes 10-11 PM and every 15 minutes 11PM-2AM Fri-Sat, geographic bounds including W Concordia, W Townsend, N 39th, N 40th, and W Fond du Lac). er- V&T Liquor (916 W Burleigh St): Approved with amendment to purchase an ID scanner; previous police report item had been addressed. - Corner Liquor (3500 N Port Washington Av): Approved with warning letter and amendment to include point-of-sale ID scanner. - Days Inn & Suites (1840 N 6th St): Approved with amendment to hold regular stakeholder meetings with Vine St businesses. - Cafe Colada (825 N Jefferson St): New application approved (Cuban coffee house). - Dunkin (914 N 27th St): Approved with 10-day suspension based on persistent nuisance and lack of engagement. - Nana Food & Grocery (959 N 27th St): Approved with warning letter after applicant committed to attending monthly meetings. - ACES: Denied based on 300-foot rule to churches/daycares (5-0). Key Outcomes - Denials: - Class D operators Gause, Rauls, Suetrong (second nonappearance). - In N Out Grocery 2 (5-0). - Elephant TKB (second nonappearance). - ACES (5-0, 300-foot rule). - Suspensions: - Play by Play: 10-day suspension (3-2 vote; Zamarripa, Brower, Jackson in favor; Pratt, Taylor opposed). - Dunkin: 10-day suspension (unanimous). - Approvals with Conditions: Many licenses were renewed or granted with operational amendments, such as adding ID scanners, modifying hours, increasing patrols, or requiring community engagement. - Next Steps: All approved and denied recommendations will be forwarded to the Common Council for final consideration on November 4, 2026. Applicants may file written exceptions by October 29, 2026, and may appear before the Council. - Meeting Adjourned: 2:51 PM.

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met on October 20, 2026, at 9:07 a.m. in Council Chambers (Courthouse Room 300) with all seven commissioners present. The meeting included approval of routine items, a detailed presentation on preparations for the November 3, 2026 General Election, and updates from the county manager and commissioners. Consent Calendar - Agenda of October 20, 2026 approved unanimously (motion by Jebens-Singh, seconded by Miller). - Minutes of October 13, 2026 approved unanimously (motion by Miller, seconded by Xiong). - Amendment to single source agreement with Compulink Management Center, Inc. (doing business as Laserfiche) for a subscription license agreement, for the period October 25, 2026 through October 24, 2031, approved unanimously (motion by Xiong, seconded by Miller). Resolution B2026-136. Presentation: Update on Preparations for the November 3, 2026 General Election David Triplett, Deputy Director of Property Tax, Records & Election Services, presented an update. Key points: - Absentee and early voting: Over 30,000 mail ballots sent (potentially 35,000 as of meeting day). Early voting began October 16, 2026 at four locations (Plato building, Arlington Hills Rec Center, Shoreview Library, Roseville Library). First day of early voting saw 2,700 voters countywide; Arlington Hills had over 400 voters on the first day. The early voting period is the last two weeks before the election. - Single-day campus voting: Five college campuses (St. Cates, Hamlin, St. Thomas, U of M, Concordia) hosted single-day absentee voting this year for the first time, averaging 115 voters per location, many of whom were neighborhood residents. - Health care facility voting: County is required to provide voting at 27 health care facilities; this activity concluded the previous week. Teams of paired election judges visit each location for one day. - Election day preparations: 165 polling locations across the county. Delivery requires 12 trucks over three days. Approximately 2,000 election judges are assigned, with 150 on standby. 60+ training courses offered (in-person and online). 100 student judges from local high schools are trained. Public accuracy test of voting systems scheduled for Friday, October 23, 2026 at 9 a.m. at the Plato building (noticed on county calendar). - Security and emergency planning: A stakeholder team including the county attorney, sheriff's office, property management, and communications has been established. Election judges have been trained on handling unauthorized individuals, with a duty card and dedicated emergency phone line. Coordination with local law enforcement (St. Paul, Maplewood, White Bear Lake, New Brighton, Roseville) is ongoing. The county does not transmit results via modem; judges physically bring returns to the Plato building. Sheriff deputies (8–12) are assigned to the office on election night for security and traffic control. - Communication: Q&A sessions (six before the general election, one on October 22 at 6:30 p.m.) and public appearances (Hello Ramsey series, Gen Z podcast, Three Mung TV). County website and mnvotes.gov provide ballot tracking and sample ballots. - Voting system upgrade: The current Verity system is 10 years old. The county is negotiating with the same vendor for the Vanguard 2.0 system, which includes federal security standards. Goal to bring contract to board by end of 2026. - Municipal election service contracts: Agreements reached with all but two municipalities (those overlapping Washington and Hennepin counties); action expected at the October 24 board meeting. - Commissioners expressed appreciation for the accessible and transparent process. Questions addressed early turnout (higher than typical midterm), ballot security, observer rules, polling place conduct, recount mechanisms, and certification processes at county, state, and federal levels. County Manager Update County Manager Ling Becker provided updates: - Cybersecurity Month: Tabletop exercise on October 22 for senior leaders; public event "Stay Safe Online" at Maplewood Library on October 21 at 11:30 a.m. - HR1 implementation: 28 new eligibility specialists hired (including 17.5 positions approved by the board and other vacancies); all started October 5 and 19. Supervisors also filled. Focus now on training (up to 9 months) to handle increased workload for medical assistance redeterminations. This is a $1 million driver in the 2027 budget. - Adult Detention Center overtime reduction: 36 correctional officers hired, 30 remain employed (65% diverse backgrounds, 20% women). As of October 12, 12 vacancies. Estimated $600,000 savings by year-end (originally projected $900,000); on track for $2.6 million savings in 2027. Commissioner Miller noted that residents in custody reported improvements (two deputies per pod, less lockdown). Outside Board and Committee Reports - Commissioner Moran: Attended Metropolitan Emergency Services Board Executive Committee (approved 911 Authority study, 2027–2028 lease with Metro Mosquito Control, 2027 legislative platform); library advisory board interviews; coffee with White Bear Lake Mayor. - Commissioner Xiong: Participated in Congresswoman McCollum's SNAP panel; ribbon cutting for MicroControl in Arden Hills (exceeding hiring goals, employees from 200 to 300+); library advisory board interviews; district 10 meeting with neighboring counties on greenhouse gas emissions and juvenile justice; Melsa Metro Library Governing Board (discussed e-book legislation, shared HR with Mosquito Control); Roseville community bike ride; Little Canada community connections; Victoria Street Trail open house Oct 26. - Commissioner Ortega: Met with Sheriff's Office audit committee; congratulated Undersheriff Mested on completing dissertation; MicroControl ribbon cutting; SPIP domestic abuse intervention vigil. - Commissioner McGuire: Snelling University Partners Working Group with David Triplett; Midway Diner and Pico restaurant ribbon cutting at United Village (Midway area); tour of Les Bolstad golf course with Rachel Development (140 acres, potential for housing, commercial, light industrial). - Commissioner Miller: Hosted in-district hours in Maplewood, White Bear Lake, and North St. Paul. Board Chair Update (Chair Ortega) - Recognized Ramsey County as the tenth and final jurisdiction in Minnesota to end veteran homelessness (announced October 2, 2026). Since 2015, 804 veterans have been housed through the Heading Home Ramsey collective effort. - Attended Midway Diner and Pico restaurant ribbon cuttings; toured Settled Homes tiny home village; participated in legislative agenda meeting with government relations team; hosted a property owner/manager listening session for Heading Home Ramsey County to gather input on increasing housing inventory and reducing landlord barriers. Key Outcomes - All consent items approved unanimously (agenda, minutes, Laserfiche amendment). - Received election preparation update; next steps include public accuracy test (Oct 23), Q&A session (Oct 22), and upcoming contract approvals for municipal election services and voting system upgrade. - County manager to continue monitoring HR1 and ADC hiring and savings targets. - Board will hold Housing and Redevelopment Authority meeting following adjournment, and tour M Health Fairview St. John's Hospital at 12:30 p.m. - Meeting adjourned at 10:55 a.m.

The Minneapolis Budget Committee met Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, with Chair Aisha Chugtai presiding, to review the mayor's recommended 2027 budget for four departments: Intergovernmental Relations, Neighborhood and Community Relations, the 311 Service Center, and Racial Equity Inclusion and Belonging. Eight members were present, establishing a quorum. No formal votes were taken; presentations were filed and several administrative follow-ups were requested. City operations staff also used the meeting to introduce a revised plan to consolidate communications, engagement, 311, and racial equity work into a new engagement department. Proposed Reorganization and Community Engagement Consolidation - City Operations Officer Margaret Anderson Kelleher presented a revised organizational proposal following the mayor's August budget recommendation. The revised plan would create a new engagement department combining Communications, Neighborhood and Community Relations (NCR), the 311 Service Center, and functions of Racial Equity Inclusion and Belonging (REIB), while moving Performance Management and Innovation under the Office of Public Service. REIB would no longer move to Human Resources, as originally proposed. - Kelleher said the goal is to elevate engagement, reduce duplicative overhead, bring work in-house, and build a center of excellence; savings would come partly from not having four department heads. She said the combined department would have roughly 85 employees and cited peer cities including Philadelphia, Edmonton, Durham, Charlotte, Calgary, Raleigh, and Seattle. - Councilmember Vita objected to the timing and clarity of the plan, saying the chart felt messier, that departments were being moved down to the wire, and that she wanted a briefing on prior analysis and specific cost savings. - Councilmember Palmasano expressed support for the concept of a larger community engagement department and a centralized communication strategy, and asked about REIB's future structure. - Councilmember Chavez said she did not support the proposal, warning it could dilute NCR's mission after Operation Metro Surge and hurt the communities that rely on the department's services. She asked for the report and analysis behind the plan and suggested the problem could be addressed without a merger. - Councilmember Chowdhury criticized eleventh-hour decision-making, raised employee morale concerns, noting employees had learned of possible job losses through a Star Tribune headline, and asked for combined contracting dollars and total employee counts. She said she did not want to set a precedent of consolidations three weeks before budget markup. - Vice Chair Schaefer summarized the main revisions as moving REIB from HR into the new engagement area and combining 311 with Communications and NCR. She said condensing management roles and standardizing engagement could be positive. - Councilmember Stevenson said she was concerned 311 would become a promotion tool rather than a service-resolution line. Kelleher replied that 311 would not become promotional and that information sharing already happens through scripts and engagement. - Council President Payne said he supported removing old silos, but regretted the mayor did not collaborate with the council before the budget announcement. Kelleher acknowledged the budget process was hard and said she was willing to lead change. Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) - Interim Director Steve Huser presented the mayor's recommended 2027 budget for IGR, a six-FTE department with a proposed budget of approximately $1.5 million. The proposal reduces IGR from six to five FTEs, with a net budget decrease of $44,000, personnel savings of $114,000, and a $12,000 increase for membership dues. - Huser said about 75% of the recommended budget is personnel, with contract services at approximately 20% and operating costs at approximately 12%. Professional services for lobbying firms are proposed at $2,300, and citywide membership dues are proposed at $16,600 for organizations including the League of Minnesota Cities, National League of Cities, and Metro Cities. - In response to questions, Huser said losing one FTE would be manageable through remaining staff and contract lobbyists. He said the mayor's proposal cuts an FTE, not contract services. He described the federal contract lobbyist as important because the city has no Washington, D.C.-based IGR staff, and said two state lobbying contracts add capacity and bipartisan relationships. - Councilmember Chowdhury noted the FTE added about two years ago came from the Department of Health and was a sustainability coordinator focused on climate and Public Utilities Commission work. She argued IGR demands are growing, especially around LGA and revenue, and said she was wary of cutting a lean department that should grow. Neighborhood and Community Relations (NCR) - Deputy COO Katie Topinka presented NCR; Director Karen Moe answered questions. NCR has 23.5 FTEs, a 2026 adopted budget of $12.7 million, and a recommended 2027 budget of $8.2 million. - Topinka noted a technical correction: some special revenues and expenses were unintentionally omitted from the mayor's recommended budget, with no general fund or property tax levy impact; the correction will be submitted as a technical amendment in December. - NCR supports neighborhood organizations, language access, the Office of Immigrant Refugee Affairs (OIRA), and the Office of Two Spirit LGBTQIA+. The organizational chart correction says OIRA has three FTEs, not two. - The mayor's recommended budget includes a new web accessibility (WCAG) position, but Topinka proposed using existing positions and $190,000 in contracted services instead. The mayor recommends divesting $500,000 from the Partnership Engagement Fund; base neighborhood organization funding remains $3.8 million. Six FTE reductions totaling $815,000 are proposed, but Topinka said the actual NCR reductions may be lower because vacancies and the merger are being reviewed holistically. - Councilmember Chavez asked about the history of the Partnership Engagement Fund; Director Moe explained it grew out of the Neighborhoods 2020 process and supports hyperlocal projects chosen through an annual RFP. Chavez listed funded examples including Spanish-language driver's license education, environmental justice education, Lake Street business support, Hmong language outreach, youth programs, and immigrant rights education, and said eliminating the fund would have a devastating impact; she urged restoring it. - Vice Chair Schaefer asked for historical data; Moe distinguished the Partnership Engagement Fund from formula-based neighborhood funds. Moe also said the 2026 allocation of $500,000 was used to honor 2025 contracts and no new RFP was run; unspent funds returned to the general fund. Historical data will be provided. - Councilmember Warren raised questions about unused NRP funds; Moe clarified that NRP funds are pre-allocated, subject to oversight and approval processes, and can be reallocated through proper steps. Follow-up was promised. - Councilmember Warren also said he was wary of promised merger efficiencies, citing last year's communications consolidation, and requested detailed financials for the proposed reorganization. - Councilmember Chowdhury asked why the Partnership Engagement Fund was selected for elimination; Topinka said it was the mayor's budget decision. Chowdhury requested administrative follow-up asking the mayor's office for the rationale and voiced concern about repeated cuts to programs supporting underrepresented communities. 311 Service Center - 311 Director Mwendon Zembi presented the department's recommended 2027 budget. The 311 Service Center has 43 FTEs, and the recommended budget is $7.8 million, up from $7.1 million in 2026, an increase of about $667,000 or 9%. - In 2025, the in-person service center, with five FTEs, served approximately 19,000 residents in about 25,000 transactions. The call center, with 27 FTEs, handled roughly 412,000 interactions: 247,000 agent-assisted calls, 101,000 completed through the interactive voice response system without an agent, about 32,000 emails, and about 32,000 online submissions. - IVR was introduced in late 2023 after turnover had reached about 50%; about 29% of calls are now handled without an agent, and attrition is currently about 7%. - The 2027 budget adds two positions for the South Minneapolis Community Safety Center and eliminates two positions, a net divestment of about $40,000. Salaries and fringe rise 6%; contractual services rise 16%, driven by internal service charges and the new Safety Center footprint. The call center will go from 27 to 25 agents, with possible longer waits or disconnects. - The new 311 system, Mars, had Phase A go live on Oct. 13, 2026. Phase B is scheduled to begin in January 2027 with rollout in the fourth quarter of 2027. The director said technology improvements do not automatically reduce staffing needs. - As of Sept. 30, there were five vacancies; two of those vacant positions are proposed for elimination. About 17% of the remaining call center staff are on PFML leave. Overtime was about $9,000 in 2026 and $5,000 through Aug. 31, 2026; supervisors are covering calls, which the director described as not sustainable. - Discretionary contracts include IVR service budgeted at $80,000, compared with average annual expenditure of $60,000 to $65,000, and translation services budgeted at $100,000. - Councilmember Palmasano congratulated the director on the Phase A launch. Councilmember Chowdhury thanked 311 staff for being a critical access point, including during the ICE occupation. Chair Chugtai said 311 is like 911 for non-emergency services and should not be merged into community engagement. Racial Equity Inclusion and Belonging (REIB) - Deputy COO Topinka presented REIB; Director Corbett was absent, and Equity and Inclusion Manager Isadora Collins was present. REIB has 5 FTEs, a 2026 adopted budget of $1.1 million, and a recommended 2027 budget of $677,000. The mayor recommends reducing REIB from 5 to 2 FTEs; salary and wages fall 47%, fringe 62%, and contractual services 20%, with a small increase in operating costs. - REIB's work includes racial equity consultation and technical assistance, training, support for departmental equity teams, and facilitated processes to address racial harm. Topinka said the racial equity ordinance also includes external-facing responsibilities such as community engagement guidelines, data analysis, and community advisory boards, which supports moving REIB into an engagement department. - Topinka said the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) membership will continue and that REIB's 2026-2030 strategic plan will need to be revisited because of the budget and possible reorganization. - Councilmember Chowdhury asked which two positions would remain; Topinka said analysis was still being finalized and staff would be informed before the council. Chowdhury said it was sad to see racial equity work atrophied and expected further discussion in committee of the whole. - Councilmember Vita requested a staff memo on the cost and timeline of REIB's strategic planning, noting the city invested in a plan and then proposed cutting more than half the department. - Vice Chair Schaefer asked about contractual services; Topinka noted a 20% cut in contractual services from the 2026 adopted budget to the 2027 recommendation. - Topinka said FTE reduction details would be provided at briefings the next day, after staff had been notified. Key Outcomes - All four presentations were filed with the clerk; no motion or vote was taken. - Administrative follow-ups were requested on: combined contract and spending data for NCR, 311, and REIB; historical Partnership Engagement Fund data; the mayor's office rationale for selecting the Partnership Engagement Fund for elimination; the REIB strategic plan document, cost, and timeline; and final NCR and REIB FTE reduction numbers. - The committee is scheduled to reconvene Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, for budget presentations from Finance and Property Services and Communications.

The Valdez City Council convened jointly with the Valdez Museum and Historical Archive Association for its annual corporation meeting on October 20, 2026. The session included the approval of prior meeting minutes and bylaw amendments, a detailed annual report on the museum's 2026 programs and finances, and a substantive discussion on the future of the museum's facilities, focusing on a proposal to relocate and consolidate operations into the Royal Center on Egan Street. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the October 7, 2025 Valdez Museum and Historical Archive Association meeting were approved without objection. - Bylaws amendments for the Valdez Museum and Historical Archive Association were approved. The motion carried with 6 ayes and 1 absent (Councilmember Foster). Annual Report & Financial Overview - Executive Director April Beshardine presented the 2026 annual report. Key points included 150 guided tours serving approximately 4,500 guests from May 9 to September 29, representing a 21% increase over 2025 with one fewer staff member. - The museum received an $13,800 Museums Alaska Collections Management Fund grant to develop a digital archive. - Museum education programs conducted 12 field trips and started new initiatives, including a botanical garden that won the Karen Stewart Golden Rock Award. - The museum's city funding ask has remained frozen at $535,000 for four years. The city's share of the museum's total operating budget has dropped from 90% to 60%, as museum-generated revenue has grown. Discussion: Relocation to the Royal Center - Board Position: Board President Martha Barberio and Executive Director Beshardine presented the board's recommendation to pursue renovation of the Royal Center over the options of maintaining the status quo, new construction, or adding to the current building. The board argued the current facilities are outgrown (annual visitation growing from 20,000 to 30,000 over four to five years), inefficient (duplicated staffing and utilities at an operating cost of $583/sq ft vs a projected $4.80/sq ft for the Royal Center), and cannot accommodate summer capacity or fire marshal requirements. - Financial Strategy: The museum board proposed using approximately $900,000 from its endowment ($1.56M total) to purchase the building as evidence of "skin in the game". Remaining renovation costs (estimated at up to $15M) would require future city funding and grant support. Board President Barberio stated that owning the building would improve grant eligibility. - Councilmember Support: Councilmember Lester expressed strong support for the synergies of a single facility and its potential to revitalize downtown Egan Street. Councilmember Joy asked about programmatic expansion and ADA compliance, noting an elevator already exists in the Royal Center. - Councilmember Caution: One councilmember cautioned against expanding too quickly, noting that despite a 21% increase in operational revenue, expenses matched revenue, leaving no surplus. Councilmember Shannon expressed significant hesitation regarding the open-ended financial obligation, specifically the risk of purchasing a building without committed funds for the full estimated $15M in renovations. - City Manager Recommendation: City Manager Nate recommended that the council first authorize the negotiation of the purchase and a structural inspection/evaluation of the Royal Center before committing to any design work or full project costs, to mitigate financial risk. Key Outcomes - Council Direction: The council reached a consensus to direct the City Manager to proceed with negotiating the purchase of the Royal Center and to conduct a structural inspection and evaluation of the building to determine its suitability for conversion into a museum. - Next Steps: The City Manager will negotiate the purchase and oversee the structural evaluation. The results of the evaluation and the purchase terms will be brought back to the City Council for a formal vote on whether to proceed with the acquisition and the full renovation project. - Administrative Actions: The museum board will pursue a municipal code change to explicitly allow the use of the museum endowment principal for building acquisition. Additionally, the corporate board is required to formally designate annual endowment earnings for operations or reinvestment before January 31st, a process that has not been explicitly followed in the past.

The Pittsburgh City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Council Chambers. All nine council members were present. The meeting included proclamations honoring individuals and organizations, a will of council regarding the Municipal Courts Building, extensive public comments on various community issues, introduction of new legislation, and final passage of multiple resolutions and ordinances. Proclamations - Council adopted Proclamation 2026-1019 honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Nancy Duckrey Washington, with condolences to her family. - Council adopted Proclamation 2026-1021 congratulating St. James A.M.E. Church on its 160th anniversary. - Council adopted Proclamation 2026-1022 declaring October 20, 2026, as “TeeJay Johnson Day” in Pittsburgh, commending TeeJay Johnson for his work in communications, arts, and entertainment. - Council adopted Proclamation 2026-1024 commending Brookline Pride and declaring September 12,2026 as “Brookline Pride Day.” Wills of Council -Council adopted Will of Council 2026-1018 sponsor by Councilmembercoghill, calling on Allegheny County to partner with the city on maintainance and capital costs of the Municipal Corts Building while discussions over itsdisposition continue. Councilmember Coghill later emphasized the building's declinng condition and urged the country to take ownership. Public Commens & Testimony - Nancymaine (Overbrook)v complained about alleged handleassment by police regarding her TNR (trap-nneutr) work and lack of response from city officials. - Dr. Ronald Miller (Knoxville) proclaimed 20 October 2026 as Jim Thorpe Day and criticized Council focus on sportsrather than academies, menioning concerns over CTE in NFL players. - Elizabeth Schongar (North Side) expressed ppostion to the slosure of the North Side Roots office, stressed need for permanent location for services; also urged full funding of the Housing Oportunity Fund and the Stop the Violence Fund, which she said were being cut by $10 million each in the new budget. - Ava Meadows (North Side) criticized the closure of Roots, noted lack of replacement services, and highlighted theneed for city funding for communiy resources; she shared a personal experiencce with free dental care at a mission of mercy clinic. - Lindsey Sickler (Beechview) rand about conversation with Corey O'Connor that Roots will not return to East Ohio, and that investors want to make it “restaurant road”; noted low-income housing areas nearby and that food supplies at a community center run out in one hour; called for city support. - Zoltan Julk Jakob / Jacob Poole (multiple neighborhoods) claimed he was a victi of human trafficking frm Eastrn Europe and that over100,000 peoplein the Pittsburgh metro are held in secret slavery, unableto speak out. - Unique Brown (citywide) delivered a speak on civil rights, arguing that the city celebrates historical rights but avoids contemporary injustice; called for real action rather than symbolic proclamations. - Yvonne F. Brown (Mercer Street) critiqued school closures, partrularly the potential closing of a middle school on Bedford, and recounted past inequities in school funding between neighorhoods. - Special Agent Sunshine accused the city and council of corruption and voodoo, referenced a health fair where she was denied services due to a suitcase policy, and clamed fine print waived legal rightss. - JP Jason Bolton (founder of Invariant Universal Company Limited) announced that his deep tech firm is putting down roots in Pittsburgh and will soon announce a first-of-its-kind methodology addressing AI industry problemms; offered to brief council members. Dscussion Items - Councilman Coghill provided additional comentary on the Municipal Courts Building will, detailing impending costly repairs and urging the county to accept full responsibility for the building. - Councilman Mosley reflected on the life of Dr. Nancy Duckrey Washington, noting her wide impact and the recent funeral services. - Councilwoman Salinetro moved to schedule cablecast public hearings for Bill 2026-1011 (zoning change for 1070 Banksville Avenue) and Bill 2026-1005 (park renaming). The motions carrie. Presentation of Papers New legislation introduced and referred to committees: - Bill 2026-1017 (budget transfer for city clerk professional services) – referred to Finance and Law. - Bill 2026-1023 (side yard sale program) – referred to Finance and Law. - Bill 2026-1000 (sewage plan revision for 139 N Craig St) – referred to Intergovernmental and Educational Affairs. - Bills 2026-1001 through 2026-1004 (grant agreements and easements for transportation and park projects) – referred to Public Works and Infrastructure. - Bill 2026-1005 (park renaming to Randy C. Martini Park/Field) – referred to Recreation Youth and Senior Services. - Bills 2026-1006 through 2026-1009 (budget reallignment and legal services agreements) – referred to Finance and Law. - Bill 2026-1010 (Food Justice Fund grants up to $250,000) – referred to Recreation Youth and Senior Services. - Bill 2026-1011 (rezoning of 1070 Banksville Avenue) – waived under Rule 8 and referred to Land Use and Economic Development; public hearing scheduled. - Bill 2026-1012 (agreement with MidAtlantic Solid Waste Consultants for composting initiative, $124,000) – referred to Land Use and Economic Development. - Bills 2026-1013 and 2026-1014 (appointments of Moira Egler and Katharine Wettick as assistant directors in DOMI) – referred for interview to Hearngs and Policy. - Communications 2026-1015 and 2026-1016 (grants status update and acting pay request) – read, received and filed. Key Outcomes - All committee reports from October14,2026 were read, received, and filed. - The following items received final passage, each by a 9-0 vote: - Bill 2026-0954: $25,000 settlement for Barbara Klein litigation. - Bill 2026-0945: $50 medical direction services agreement with Centerfor Emergency Medicine (five years). - Bill 2026-0951: $2,162,761.05 amendment for Homeood Park construction project (increase of $25,678.75). - Bill 2026-0952: $3,204,206.96 amendment for Charles Anderson Bridge project (increase of $350,020.85, 100% federally reimbursable). - Bill 2026-0953: $8,217,000 amended reimbursement agreement for City Steps Project (decrease of $1,653,000 from prior agreement; municipal share decreased by $26,000). - Bill 2026-0980: $8,946.90 warrant for graffiti remediation equipment. - Bill 2026-0946: $787,500 grant from Assistance to Firefighters for vehicle training/backfill (city match $71,590.91). - Bill 2026-0947: $168,950 grant for IDLH monitors (city match $15,359.10). - Bill 2026-0948: Sewage facilities plan revision for 3100 block of Smallman Street. - Bill 2026-0949: Sewage facilities plan revision for 733 N. Highland Avenue. - Public hearings were scheduled for Bills 2026-1011 and2026-1005. - Meeting adjourned after approval of minutes.

The Board of County Commissioners of Calvert County held its regular meeting on October 20, 2026. The agenda encompassed proclamations, a new county attorney introduction, public hearings on six zoning text amendments and agricultural preservation rules, a 23-item consent calendar, new business items, an ADA update, work sessions on fiscal year 2028 budget planning and a child care tax credit, and a public comment period. The Board adopted four text amendments, postponed two for further public input, approved the consent calendar, authorized a GIS contract and library agreement, and directed staff to evaluate property tax relief options and draft a child care property tax credit ordinance. Consent Calendar - 23 items were approved unanimously without separate discussion, including: apparatus grants for volunteer fire/EMS agencies; a three-year salt utilization agreement; recertification of development options; charitable gaming rules amendment; park project applications and budget amendments; NPDES MS4 annual report; home visiting program agreement; child support agreements; area plan ratification; CDBG report; heritage area grant; family leave delegation; historical society roof restoration budget adjustment; economic development letter of support; and aquatic center HVAC/roof budget amendment. Proclamations and Awards - National Veterans Small Business Week (Nov. 9–13, 2026): Recognized with a proclamation. Veterans Dave Homer and Jessica (mobile bookstore) spoke. - Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October 2026): Proclamation with statistics and remarks from advocates and officials including Calvert Safe Housing Network, State’s Attorney, and Sheriff. Board encouraged purple lights. - Cybersecurity Awareness Month (October 2026): Proclamation presented; emphasis on shared responsibility. - Phishmaster Contest Winner: Michael St. Marie (Technology Services) recognized. - New County Attorney: Bradley Neitzel introduced, effective Oct. 19, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - Paige Wynero (property owners/farmers): Objected to proposed retroactive provision in Agricultural Preservation Rules; requested changes. - Thomas Cale (individual): Criticized critical area bond process. - Myra Gowins (Calvert Citizen Janinit): Urged protection of Chesapeake Bay from development. - Pam Warner (Indivisible Calvert County): Questioned initiation of data center environmental studies; stressed legal necessity. - Patrick Flaherty (individual): Raised concerns about data center processes and commissioner accountability. - Roberto Hines (individual, Calvert Cliffs employee): Supported power purchase agreement for plant stability. - Stephanie Barone (Constellation Energy): Detailed zoning history; asked Board to consider impact on energy projects. - Amanda Delina (Treasurer): Announced reminder bills; provided constant yield rates; supported child care credit. - Michelle Tucker (individual): Suggested cost-saving measures on schools and lights. - Megan Tharanger (individual, Lusby): Requested studies and updates on data center impacts. Discussion Items - Zoning Text Amendments - TA 26-25 (electronic message centers): Postponed to Nov. 17 to allow public comment and inventory. - TA 26-26 (exception lot sunset extension): Adopted. - TA 26-27 (critical area replanting relief): Adopted. - TA 26-28 (home occupations, kennel special exception): Adopted. - TA 26-29 (ag preservation zoning updates): Postponed to Nov. 17 alongside ag rules. - TA 26-30 (Dunkirk Town Center setback correction): Adopted. - Agricultural Preservation Rules and Regulations: Public hearing held; record kept open; final consideration set for Nov. 17. - New Business - Approved three-year GIS enterprise contract with ESRI. - Approved five-year Memorandum of Agreement with Calvert Library. - ADA Self-Evaluation Annual Update: Staff reported progress on policy and barrier removal; no action required. - FY2028 Budget Planning: Board considered property tax relief options (rate reduction, homestead cap, targeted credits). Directed staff to return with detailed analysis of rate reduction scenarios, homestead cap impacts, and eligibility parameters for senior/disabled veteran credits. - Child Care Tax Credit: Board heard from providers and staff on HB 389. Directed staff to draft a local ordinance establishing a property tax credit for child care providers, with caps between $3,000 and $10,000. Key Outcomes - Adopted: TA 26-26, 26-27, 26-28, 26-30; consent agenda; GIS contract; Library MOA; closed session minutes (July 7 & 28, 2026). - Postponed: TA 26-25, TA 26-29, and Agricultural Preservation Rules to the November 17, 2026 meeting. - Approved: Open agenda and closed session summary (Sept. 29, 2026). Deferred other closed session minutes. - Directives: Budget staff to evaluate property tax relief options (including rate reduction, homestead cap, senior/disabled veteran credits); Community Resources to draft child care tax credit ordinance. - Introduction: Bradley Neitzel started as County Attorney.

The Wichita City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of silence for the victims of the striker soccer field tragedy in McPherson. The council approved the minutes of the October 13 meeting, issued four proclamations, heard two speakers on police accountability, and acted on consent items, contracts, public improvements, cultural funding, and an affordable housing program update. Councilmembers also made appointments, shared comments on recent events, and held a brief executive session. Awards and Proclamations - Child Entrepreneurs Day (November 21, 2026): Presented by the Society of Child Entrepreneurs, recognizing the Children’s Business Fair during Global Entrepreneurship Week. - Lights on Afterschool (October 22, 2026): A representative from Wichita Public Schools highlighted the Stealth program, which serves over 600 at-risk students daily at nine schools and has waitlists, noting that the program increases attendance, improves behavior, and boosts academic performance. - Dyslexia Awareness Month (October 2026): Janine Phillips of Phillips Fundamental Learning Center accepted; her center has assisted thousands of children with dyslexia through its school and curriculum programs. - 45th Annual Wichita Asian Festival (October 17, 2026): Jasmine Bowen, Miss Wichita Asian Association 2026, described the festival’s theme “Journey Across Borders” and its focus on local artists, vendors, and a scholarship pageant. Public Comments & Testimony Police accountability – Two members of the DeAndre Hill family spoke: - Stacia Hill Saunders (sister) expressed that the council’s expressions of support have not been followed by action, noted that a promised visit to a protest was replaced by a video appearance, and invited the council to the tenth protest on October 20 and to a national protest day event on October 22. - Cynthia Fitz (mother) described her son’s accomplishments and character, stated that the police “lied on” him and that she has seen footage, and asserted that Kansas “is a prejudice state” and that trust cannot be given without meaningful change. During this segment, Councilmember Shepard asked the city attorney about the status of litigation related to the DeAndre Hill case. The attorney confirmed the case is pending and advised councilmembers to refrain from public comment due to potential evidentiary issues. Shepard also asked about accessing the incident footage; the attorney stated it is a confidential criminal investigation record but offered to discuss further. Consent Calendar The council approved consent agenda items 1 through 13 with a single motion, except item 10 which was pulled. Item 10 (PUD2026-00017, a zone change request for Central Pointe PUD) was tabled indefinitely by unanimous vote (7-0) at the request of the applicant. Councilmember Johnston noted a correction: item 4 (proclamation votes) had been recorded as 6-0 but was actually 7-0. The consent items included cereal malt beverage licenses, preliminary estimates, various agreements and contracts, proclamation votes, a bond ordinance first reading, a resolution for the 143rd Street improvement project, a 2027 VOCA grant award, a 2025 CSBG budget adjustment, second reading ordinances, a planning consent item (PUD request), housing consent items (solar agreement, property sale contract amendment, 2027 payment standards), and airport consent items (none). Discussion Items Board of Bids and Contracts (October 19, 2026) – Josh Lauber, Finance, presented contracts for legal notice publication (McClatchy Media), fire sprinkler testing (Meyers Automotive Automatic Fire Protection), a skid steer loader (White Star Machinery), and a ferric sulfate contract change order (PENCO). A scrivener’s error on a purchasing form (incorrectly referencing the multimodal facility) was corrected to the West Patrol substation. Approved 7-0. Petitions for Public Improvements – Paul Gunsleman, Public Works and Utilities, presented petitions for the Kabbaz Addition (District II), a new residential development requiring phased water, stormwater, sewer, and paving improvements. The petitions represent 100% of the improvement district. Approved 7-0. 2026 Cultural Funding Operational Grant Recommendations – Lindsay Venaca, Arts and Cultural Services, reported that the Cultural Funding Committee (CFC) recommended 17 operational grants totaling $231,572 from the 2027 Cultural Funding Program budget (estimated at $595,722). Committee members spent 15–20 hours reviewing applications and 10–15 hours in meetings. Staff provide one-on-one coaching to applicants, including those not funded. Councilmember Tuttle abstained due to a potential conflict of interest. Public speakers: Matthew Roderick (Arts Council) urged the council to view arts funding as an investment in quality of life and economic future; Lon Smith (Great Plains Transportation Museum) thanked the council for supporting arts and culture. The motion to approve the allocations as recommended passed 6-0 with one abstention. Affordable Housing Fund Program Plan Updates and Expenditures – Carmen Hoffine, Housing and Community Services, presented an updated plan to acquire 21 unsold single-family homes from the Wichita Housing Authority for $1,569,000, plus up to $50,000 in carrying costs (total estimated $1,619,000). The acquisition will preserve the homes as affordable rental housing, to be offered to developers via a competitive RFP with up to $40,000 per unit in subsidy. The revised Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was corrected (requiring rehab before transfer) and approved as to form. The approved motion authorized expenditures not to exceed $1,597,351 subject to available certified expenditure authority (this figure differs from the staff’s total estimate; the approved motion reflects a slightly lower cap). The motion passed 7-0. Councilmember Appointments – Councilmembers appointed members to the Access Advisory Board: Grant Phillips (District 1), Lisa Veda and Jim Underwood (District 2), Jill Cirshan (District 4), Mary Ware (District 5), and Jared Holcomb (District 3, approved separately). A correction was made to a prior appointment (Tiana Kelly to Community Services Block Grant Review Board instead of Affordable Housing Review Board). Councilmember Comments - Vice Mayor Glasscock reported on a visit to Orleans, France, for the 50th anniversary of the Keeper of the Plains race, noting strong sister-city ties and Wichita’s historical commemoration there. Twenty Wichitans participated. - Councilmember Hoheisel offered condolences to McPherson for the weekend tragedy and thanked first responders. He also noted that the police chief’s insistence on barriers at events is justified by such tragedies. - Councilmember Shepard raised concerns about the Chapin Park encampment cleanup, seeking clarity on expenditures, risk assessment, and lessons learned. After discussion, the council agreed to add Chapin Park as the first topic under current and organizational issues at the upcoming Friday retreat. Executive Session – The council voted unanimously (7-0) to recess into executive session for ten minutes (10:25–10:35 a.m.) for legal consultation regarding upcoming mediation, citing attorney-client privilege and potential litigation. Key Outcomes - Meeting called to order at 9:00 a.m.; invocation, pledge, moment of silence, and approval of previous minutes (7-0). - Four proclamations issued for community events and observances. - Two public speakers addressed the council on police accountability; council received legal guidance on pending litigation. - Consent agenda approved with item 10 (PUD request) tabled indefinitely (7-0). - Board of Bids and Contracts report approved (7-0). - Petitions for Public Improvements for Kabbaz Addition approved (7-0). - 2027 Cultural Funding operational grants approved (6-0, one abstention). - Affordable Housing Fund Program Plan updated and $1.597 million in expenditures authorized (7-0). - Appointments made to the Access Advisory Board. - Chapin Park encampment cleanup added to Friday retreat agenda. - Executive session held (7-0) for legal consultation.

The Redwood City Planning Commission convened on October 20, 2026, to discuss a motion regarding ministerial review eligibility and height thresholds, as well as scheduling updates for upcoming meetings. Discussion Items - Motion on Ministerial Review and Height Thresholds: The Commission considered a motion stating that projects are eligible for ministerial review and to clarify increased height thresholds for the AAC and PC review. The motion was made, seconded, and passed unanimously 5-0. - Liaison Updates and Scheduling: Commissioners provided updates on attendance at a planning commission educational forum in Burlingame on the upcoming Thursday. Staff also reported on tentative scheduling for December hearings, considering cancellation of the December 1st meeting and possibly meeting on December 8th or 15th, with a confirmed meeting on November 17th. Key Outcomes - The motion regarding ministerial review and height thresholds passed with a 5-0 vote, with Commissioners Arusa Cruz, Sunagoretz, Robinson, Vice Chair Finch, and Chair Koch voting in favor. - The December 1st meeting is tentatively canceled; staff will confirm whether the December meeting will be held on the 8th or 15th. - Commissioners will attend the planning commission educational forum in Burlingame on the upcoming Thursday.

The Broward County Commission convened its regular meeting on October 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM. The meeting included the adoption of a large consent agenda, public testimony on proposed advisory board repeals and a data center moratorium, and a complex debate over a major airport janitorial services contract. Key decisions included deferring the advisory board repeals to explore legal exemptions, authorizing the drafting of a data center moratorium, and awarding the airport janitorial contract to finalize the procurement process for court review. Consent Calendar - The Commission approved the Consent Agenda (Items 1–40, 49, 53) with the exception of pulled items (5, 7, 10, 24, 40) and withdrawn items (19, 48, 50). - Approved items included board reappointments, aviation leases, Port Everglades agreements, Human Services contracts, and travel authorizations. - Commissioner Nan Rich abstained from voting on Items 7 and 10 to avoid the appearance of conflict, noting her board service with the affected organizations. Public Comments & Testimony - Items 43/44 (Advisory Boards): Nine public speakers strongly opposed the proposed repeal of the Racial Equity Task Force and the Commission on the Status of Women, as well as the removal of the LGBTQ+ seat from the Homeless Continuum of Care Board. Speakers included Bacardi Jackson (ACLU of Florida), who argued that state law SB 1134 explicitly exempts volunteer advisory boards, rendering the repeal unnecessary and potentially creating legal liability. Michael Rayner (Human Rights Board), Sidney Callaway (Urban League), and Toby Foyer (Commission on the Status of Women) urged the Commission to oppose the repeals. - Item 40 (Data Centers): Public speaker Chris Nelson supported the motion for a moratorium, advocating for a permanent ban on large-scale data centers in the county. - Item 46 (Airport Janitorial): Representatives from Sunshine Cleaning Systems supported the award, while representatives from Triangle Services requested the Commission defer the award or send it back to staff for review of local preference points. Discussion Items WSP Transit Contract (Item 5): Commissioner Rogers commended the firm for exceeding CBE goals. The $3 million contract amendment was approved unanimously. CBE QVL Ordinance (Item 24): Commissioner Geller pulled the item to raise concerns that the proposed change could allow CBE vendors on reserve lists to charge significantly more than non-CBE bidders without competition. Commissioner Davis and OESBD staff countered that the provision applies to a very narrow set of contracts (only one active CBE reserve list exists for CPA services), and that standard price reasonableness checks apply. The item was advanced to a public hearing on an 8-1 vote. Data Center Moratorium (Item 40): Commissioner Fisher introduced a motion to draft a one-year moratorium on large-scale data centers in the BMSD. Commissioner McKenzie cautioned against a broad prohibition that could negatively impact the struggling district and requested a workshop to examine precise definitions. The motion passed unanimously. Advisory Board Repeals (Items 43 & 44): Commissioners Nan Rich and others moved to defer the action to the December 8, 2026 meeting, citing the legal arguments presented by the public regarding the exemptions in state law. Commissioner Geller stated he would ultimately rely on the County Attorney's official guidance. The deferral motions passed unanimously. Janitorial Services Contract (Item 46): The Commission awarded a five-year janitorial contract to Sunshine Cleaning Systems. The top-ranked firm, Triangle Services, formally protested the removal of 25 local preference points. County Administrator Monica Sapiro clarified that approving the item as presented was the necessary final agency action to allow Triangle's pending circuit court lawsuit to proceed. The debate centered on whether the County should follow the Administrative Law Judge's ruling or overturn it. The Commission unanimously approved the item to let the court resolve the dispute. Key Outcomes - Advisory Boards: Repeals of the Racial Equity Task Force and Commission on the Status of Women, and modifications to the Homeless Continuum of Care Board, were deferred to December 8, 2026, to allow for a comprehensive legal review of statutory exemptions. - Data Centers: The County Attorney was directed to draft a one-year moratorium on large-scale data centers in unincorporated Broward County. - Airport Contract: The janitorial contract was awarded to Sunshine Cleaning Systems, transferring the dispute over local preference points to the circuit court for final adjudication. - Property Management: The sale process for the 22-acre Alpha 250 property in Pompano Beach was authorized, with an amendment allowing the Solid Waste Authority an opportunity to secure an extension from 25 cities. - Budget/Bond Rating: County Administrator highlighted the adopted FY27 budget, which lowered the overall millage rate and included the county's largest-ever investment in public safety, while maintaining a AAA bond rating.