Minneapolis Committee of the Whole Meeting – May 19, 2026

The Committee of the Whole met on May 19, 2026, at 3:09 PM, with Vice Chair Aisha Chungtai presiding (Chair Chowdry absent). A quorum of 11 members was present (Councilmember Pain absent). The meeting covered consent items, a resolution supporting state legislation, a major discussion on acquiring land for a community safety training and wellness center, and a review of Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) spending.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda as amended, including a walk-on (RCA 2026-00595) for a grant application in the Neighborhood Safety Department.
• Approved consent agenda items: four seats to the audit committee; gift acceptances from the Center for American Progress and the Jewish Democratic Council of America for the Mayor; and a grant application to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention for youth gang prevention and intervention.

Discussion Items

• Resolution Supporting Allison’s Law (State Legislation) – Councilmember Chavez introduced a resolution calling on the state legislature to pass Allison’s Law, which would require law enforcement, coroners, and medical examiners to classify deaths as suicide, overdose, or accident when red flags for concealed domestic violence homicide are present. Chavez emphasized that the resolution does not absolve the city from improving domestic violence investigations. Councilmembers Wansley and Stevenson expressed strong support, noting failures by MPD and disproportionate impacts on Indigenous and Black victims. The resolution passed unanimously (11-0) on a roll call vote.

• Community Safety Training and Wellness Center – Site Acquisition and Financing – Director Barbara O’Brien (Property Services) presented a proposal to purchase a 4.77-acre site at 146 60th Street West (Ward 11) for $6 million (plus $100,000 closing costs) to develop a multi-departmental training and wellness center for 911, Fire, Police, Behavioral Crisis Response, Emergency Management, and Neighborhood Safety. The total project cost is estimated at $38 million (including acquisition). The site is currently open/paved with one structure to be demolished. Comparable properties are listed at $9.9M and $10.5M. The city has a letter of intent expiring in May 2026. Councilmember Whiting announced he would introduce a resolution on Thursday requiring council approval of a proof-of-concept and facility programming before design, with a working group and a 36-month contingency to divest if no agreement is reached. Debate was extensive:

  • Supporters (Councilmembers Palmisano, Vita, Schaefer, Warren, Whiting) argued that site control is needed before seeking state funds, the price is below market, the land could serve other city needs if the training center does not proceed, and the project would remove a gun range and training from residential North Minneapolis neighborhoods. Councilmember Vita stressed that North Minneapolis has waited for relief from the current training facility (a former school in a residential area) and that the city has purchased land before developing plans (e.g., the third precinct building).
  • Opponents (Councilmembers Wandsley, Osman, Chavez, Stevenson) argued that buying land without a clear plan is fiscally irresponsible, the city has already spent over $100 million on police facilities and wellness, the project would likely cost far more than $38 million, and the state legislature has not committed funding. Councilmember Wandsley noted that the administration is already pursuing a separate contract for outdoor range training (Forest Lake Sportsman’s Club, $300,000 over three years) and that the city should not bankrupt itself for one department. Councilmember Stevenson stated that accountability, not facilities, will improve policing.
  • Motion: Councilmember Stevenson moved to forward the item to the full council without recommendation. The motion passed 10-0 (Councilmember Rainville absent).

• MPD 2025 Spending – Response to Legislative Directive – Deputy CFO Jane DeSenza presented a memo detailing MPD’s 2025 general fund expenses. Key findings:

  • Salaries were underspent by $10.7 million.
  • Capital equipment overspent by $1.3 million (including two command trailers).
  • Travel overspent by $190,000 (total $310,000 vs. $120,000 budget).
  • Training overspent by $602,000 (total $932,000 vs. $330,000 budget).
  • Professional services overspent by $1.75 million (partly due to settlement agreement costs).
  • Other overages: printing ($57,000), parking ($290,000), radio/telephone ($376,000), repair/maintenance ($113,000), space/equipment rent ($130,000), utilities ($72,000), and more.
  • The department spent $11.3 million on contracts in 2025.
  • Critical staffing overtime (double pay) was used in 2025 but expired at year-end; $3.7 million in variable fringe costs were associated.
  • The department purchased four motorcycles ($126,000) from forfeiture funds; training and maintenance costs were not provided.
  • Councilmembers Vita and Vice Chair Chungtai asked numerous questions about specific overages, take-home vehicles, and grant funding for training. Chief O’Hara and Commander Reisdorfer could not answer many details, citing the absence of a finance director. The item was received and filed, but will be continued to the next Committee of the Whole meeting for follow-up memos.

Key Outcomes

• Allison’s Law Resolution: Approved unanimously (11-0).
• Community Safety Training Center Site Acquisition: Forwarded to full council without recommendation (10-0). A separate resolution with safeguards is expected on Thursday.
• MPD Spending Report: Received and filed; continued to next meeting for unanswered questions.
• Follow-up Memos Requested: Detailed explanations for MPD budget overages, training costs, vehicle maintenance, and grant funding trends.