Minneapolis Super Committee of the Whole (Part 2) – March 4, 2026

This was the adjourned continuation of the March 3 Super Committee of the Whole, chaired by Councilmember Oreen Chowdhry. The committee completed all remaining agenda items: a staff directive on a public safety training facility, the 2025 annual traffic camera report, a new appointed position for Director of Police Health and Wellness, and a presentation on the impacts of Operation Metro Surge. All items considered will be forwarded to the full City Council on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

Consent Calendar

• No consent calendar items were listed or discussed. The meeting took up only items on the discussion agenda.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were received during this meeting.

Discussion Items

1. Staff Direction on Public Safety Training Facility Research (Councilmembers Palmasano & Whiting)

• Director Hawkins (MPD) presented the staff direction, which asks legislative research staff to conduct an analysis of national best practices, comparable city facilities, and costs. The goal is to benchmark Minneapolis’s planned training facility.
• Councilmember Wandsley expressed concerns, noting that for three years the administration had failed to provide requested details on public safety capital planning. She highlighted that a nearly $40 million facility is being proposed while alternative safety programs face cuts.
• Vice Chair Chughtai provided context: the administration briefed council on the facility two weeks ago; the council redirected some capital funds last budget cycle to other safety initiatives.
• Councilmember Stevenson successfully moved to add an amendment (to be introduced at the full council meeting) requiring a look at what training the city currently cannot do.
• After discussion, the committee voted unanimously (11-0) to approve the staff direction and forward it to the full council.

2. 2025 Annual Traffic Camera Report (Ethan Foley, Public Works)

• Foley presented the pilot program’s results: five camera locations launched in October 2025. Speeding violations (10+ mph over limit) dropped more than 50% across all locations from October to December.
• Over 33,000 violations were processed; a first offense results in a warning, second in a free safety course, then $40–$80 fines.
• Expansion plans include adding as many as 11 new locations by May 1, 2026, with a mix of permanent and mobile cameras, including some capable of red-light enforcement.
• Councilmembers raised questions about data privacy, coordination with county/state roads, and the impact on areas like parkways and bridges. Foley stated the program prioritizes locations with high injury-crash histories and proximity to schools.
• The report was filed without a vote.

3. Director of Police Health and Wellness (Appointed Position)

• Brenda Miller (Classification Supervisor) presented the new position, graded 12, salary range $132k–$157k. The position would oversee a new Health and Wellness Division within MPD, combining health/wellness, safety, and early intervention.
• Sergeant Hanneman and Dr. Martyr (MPD Health & Wellness Unit) explained that the position is required to meet recommendations from the consortium report and to achieve compliance with the settlement agreement / Alifa monitor. They cited rising stress: 89 therapy visits in January 2026 alone, and 15 members on PTSD leave since January.
• Funding: $127k from a vacant compliance specialist position and $67k from reducing the Hennepin County embedded social worker contract (from 4 to 3 workers).
• Several councilmembers opposed cutting the social worker position, arguing it would harm community safety services. Councilmember Stevenson moved to refer back to staff to find alternative funding; she later withdrew the motion after Councilmember Palmasano requested waiting until the full council meeting.
• Councilmember Chavez moved to move the item without recommendation, which was seconded and carried. The item will go to the full council on March 5, 2026.

4. Operation Metro Surge Presentation (Chief Brian O’Hara)

• Chief O’Hara provided a detailed timeline of the 12-week surge (December 4, 2025–February 24, 2026), including three officer-involved shootings (two fatal) by federal agents, crowd-control challenges, and MPD’s operational response.
• Key statistics: 50,000 calls handled, approximately 6,000 more than usual; over 1,000 cancelled days off; 527 active sworn officers; $6.4 million in overtime costs through February 8.
• Councilmembers questioned MPD’s duty to intervene when federal agents used force. The chief read the policy: officers may intervene verbally or physically when they have a reasonably safe opportunity and means against clearly excessive force. He acknowledged no officer self-initiated a report of witnessing such force, but said specific incidents could be reviewed.
• Other topics: unmarked vehicles, community barricades, officer wellness, and overtime budget outlook.
• The report was filed.

Key Outcomes

• Staff direction on training facility approved 11-0 and forwarded to full council.
• Traffic camera annual report filed.
• Director of Police Health and Wellness position moved without recommendation (voice vote) and will be considered by the full council on March 5, 2026.
• Operation Metro Surge presentation received and filed.
• The meeting adjourned after completing all agenda items.