OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Climate and Infrastructure Committee Meeting - July 9, 2026

City Council — Thursday, July 9, 2026
BodyMinneapolis, Minnesota
SessionCity Council
DateThursday, July 9, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:35:00

Transcript — Verbatim
0:30

It is 1 34.

0:34

We have quorum now.

0:37

Communications, are we ready to begin?

0:44

Good afternoon and welcome.

0:46

My name is Soren Stevenson.

0:48

I am the vice chair of the Climate and Infrastructure Committee.

0:51

I'm going to be chairing today's meeting.

0:53

I'm going to call to order our regular meeting for Thursday, July 9th, 2026.

0:59

Before we begin the meeting, I want to offer a friendly reminder to all committee members, staff, and the public that these meetings are broadcast live to enable greater public participation.

1:08

These broadcasts include real-time captioning as a further method to increase the accessibility of our proceedings to the community.

1:16

Therefore, all speakers need to be mindful of the rate of their speech so that our captioners can fully capture and transcribe all comments for the broadcast.

1:25

We ask all speakers to moderate the speed and clarity of their comments.

1:29

At this time, I'll ask the clerk to call the roll so we can verify a quorum for this meeting.

1:35

Councilmember Vito.

1:37

Present.

1:38

Warren?

1:39

Present.

1:41

Is absent.

1:42

Chadri?

1:43

Present.

1:47

Question Stevenson present.

1:49

Chair Wandsley is absent.

1:51

We have five present.

1:54

Let the record reflect we have a quorum.

1:56

I'll remind my colleagues we'll be using speaker management today, so please make sure you're signed up.

2:00

If we're still experiencing tech issues, we may need to shift to using our red tags.

2:06

For members of the public that are here for one of the public comment periods, if you wish to address the committee, we ask you to register with the clerks to my right.

2:15

You can also provide any written comments or materials to include in the public record.

2:20

Public works staff will also be available after the presentation to connect if you have specific questions.

2:27

With that, our agenda is in front of us, and we'll begin with the consent agenda reflected in items four through 22 on our agenda.

2:36

Item number three of consent.

2:39

I think there's something wrong in the script.

2:41

But item number three on consent, passage of resolution for uh gift acceptance from Equivolve.

2:50

Number four, passage of resolution for a gift acceptance from Brookings Transportation Initiative.

2:56

Number five, passage of resolution for a gift acceptance from Minneapolis Foundation.

3:01

Number six, passage of resolution for the for a resolution of support for the Minnesota Department of Transportation Highway 280 project.

3:11

Seven, setting a public hearing for August 20th for the Minnesota Department of Transportation's Central Avenue improvement project.

3:19

Number eight, passage of resolution for the land sale of two parcels at Wedge Point Park to Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

3:26

Number nine, authorizing grant applications to Minnesota Department of Transportation for 2026 Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program funds.

3:36

Number 10, accepting the low bid for the West River Road Phase 2 project.

3:41

Number 11, approving a legislative directive related to the proposed closure of the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center.

3:49

Colleagues, if there's any discussion or are there any items that anyone would like to pull for further discussion.

3:59

Seeing no further discussion, I'll move uh approval of the consent agenda.

4:05

All those in favor say aye.

4:08

Aye.

4:09

Those opposed say nay.

4:17

Next, we'll take up our public comment periods reflected in items one and two on the agenda.

4:22

Anybody who has signed up for these items will be given two minutes each to testify.

4:27

For everyone in attendance, and especially those who may participate in our hearings or comment period, let me offer this notice.

4:34

These meetings are being recorded and broadcast before the recording and broadcast are classified.

4:40

Sorry, both the recording and broadcast are classified as public data under the Minnesota Government Practices Act.

4:47

By attending and participating in these proceedings, your image and any testimony or information that you provide will also be subject to disclosure under that law.

4:56

That includes but is not limited to your attendance, your name, and other personal details you provide, as well as any testimony or comments you provide, which includes any written submissions you make which are included in the record of this meeting.

5:09

Our first public comment period is for the 2026 to 2029 climate and infrastructure committee work plan, which I'll be which I will not be presenting, but we will be uh receiving.

5:21

Um in the future, Chair Wandsley and I will be presenting it.

5:30

Um so without without a presentation, we have one person signed up to speak, Leslie.

5:49

Vice Chair Leslie may be just coming from the overflow space to join us here in chambers, so just a quick second.

5:55

And then I don't I'm sorry if I missed you earlier.

5:58

Did you formally open the public?

5:59

I didn't.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Transportation Safety███████████████████████████████31%
Engineering And Infrastructure██████████████████████████26%
Economic Development█████████████████17%
Procedural████████████12%
Environmental Justice██████6%
Community Engagement████4%
Climate Policy██2%
Budget Management█1%
Public Safety█1%
Summary of Proceedings

Climate and Infrastructure Committee Meeting - July 9, 2026

The Climate and Infrastructure Committee met on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 1:34 PM. Vice Chair Soren Stevenson presided. The committee addressed the consent agenda, heard public testimony on the committee's work plan and the Lyndale Avenue Reconstruction Project, discussed the project, received a legislative directive response on the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC), and postponed the climate equity action plan.

Consent Calendar

  • Unanimously approved items 4–22, including gift acceptances from Equivolve, Brookings Transportation Initiative, and Minneapolis Foundation; a resolution of support for MnDOT Highway 280 project; setting a public hearing for August 20 on MnDOT's Central Avenue improvement; land sale of two parcels at Wedge Point Park to Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board; grant applications for 2026 Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program; accepting low bid for West River Road Phase 2; and approving a legislative directive related to proposed closure of the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center.

Public Comments & Testimony

First Public Comment Period – 2026-2029 Climate and Infrastructure Committee Work Plan:

  • Leslie Mint, Policy and Research Director for the Minnesota Environmental Justice Table, expressed support for zero waste being a strategic objective but cautioned that wording linking waste reduction to HERC closure could imply zero waste is a prerequisite. She argued HERC would continue burning trash from surrounding areas even if Minneapolis achieved zero waste, and urged naming zero waste as a priority and calling for county closure votes.

Second Public Comment Period – Lyndale Avenue Reconstruction Project and Designation Resolution:

  • John McCartell (ZRS Fossils and Gifts, 3018 Lyndale Ave S) questioned county statistics on parking loss (claiming off-street lots were counted) and argued that bike lane benefits studies are biased or fabricated. He urged more representative input.
  • Julie Johnson (Move Minnesota, lead organizer for Livable Lyndale) advocated for safe street design, citing over 2,400 signatures, 4 rallies with 350+ attendees, and 2,700 postcards. Supported two-way bike lane, dedicated bus lane, wider sidewalks, but noted dangerous design interfaces.
  • Andrea (name not fully given) argued that Vision Zero has not reduced fatalities and cited business closures on Hennepin (Lowry, Red Cow) due to reduced access from medians. Stated safety and economic vitality should not compete.
  • Will Woodworth (resident at 28th & Lyndale) supported improvements, emphasizing safety for biking, walking, and rolling. Referenced extreme heat and city goals.
  • Jim Sherman (business owner on Lyndale) urged delay, claiming Uptown is “dead” and that Hennepin construction devastated businesses. Suggested working on other streets first.
  • Tamara Kaiser (Uptown resident) expressed heartbreak over business losses, noted hostility at meetings toward business owners, and requested 24/7 construction to shorten timeline.
  • Jay Felds (non-binary resident near Lake & Bryant) supported proceeding, citing need for underground utility upgrades and risk of losing federal funds if delayed.
  • Ben Johnson (civil engineer, Whittier resident) supported recommendation but with reluctance, criticizing the county for insincere engagement and limiting community voice.
  • Judy Longbottom (UPS franchise owner on Hennepin) reported 30% revenue drop during Hennepin construction and ongoing recovery. Asked for design protecting customer access, turning movements, parking, delivery, and winter accessibility.
  • Pam Sabi (Bryant-Lake area resident) emphasized preserving mature trees and supporting small businesses.
  • Chris Norton (Whittier resident) described dangerous biking conditions on Lyndale and supported the project for safety.
  • Noah (East Isles resident) cited Smart Growth America’s “Dangerous by Design” report showing Twin Cities increased pedestrian deaths. Supported action.
  • Stephanie Panaz (Executive Director, Uptown Association) stated businesses are exhausted from Hennepin construction and asked to pause Lyndale project to allow recovery.
  • Josh (Loring Park resident, works in Uptown) asked to pause for analysis of Hennepin impacts, more dialogue, and economic/safety assessment.
  • Anne Don Riswick (Whittier resident) represented Nomestic Cafe owners, worried about two to three more years of construction devastation.
  • Philip Schwartz (Lyndale neighborhood resident) supported project but criticized bikeway ending at 28th Street, urging extension to 31st.
  • Sunil Controlla (Como resident, bikes to Wedge Co-op) supported design but requested better connection from Bryant bikeway across Lake Street.
  • Connor Carroll (Kingfield resident) supported project, cited 57% crash reduction from lane conversion, and argued supporters are not just cyclists but community members.
  • Eric Gengi (35-year Uptown resident, business owner) argued only 3% bike, said Uptown needs to recover first; urged pause.
  • Story Schwantis (Ward 10 resident) described Lyndale as unsafe and unpleasant, praised Hennepin redesign, supported bus lane and bike lane.
  • Jerome Chateau (Chair of neighborhood land use committee) supported project but criticized street assessment policy as unfair to businesses; urged abolition.
  • Regina Berstein (transportation planner, Ward 10 resident) supported design but called for better bike/ped/transit features, criticized lack of changes at Lyndale & Lake (top crash intersection) and missing bike lane south of 28th.
  • Adesai Casasola (teacher, Ward 10) supported design, noted 47% of Whittier residents use transit/walk/bike to work, 22% car-free. Urged dedicated bus lane from day one.
  • Jeremy Winter (Uptown resident) cited study showing raised medians do not harm most businesses, argued construction itself is the issue, not medians or parking loss. Supported moving forward.
  • Tim Keen (Ward 10/11) spoke for tree preservation, warning loss of 52–67 mature trees contradicts climate policies.
  • Madeline Loger (resident near Lyndale) supported project, advocated for swift construction and aid to businesses.
  • Lauren McCarley (civil engineer) supported design but wanted bike lane extended to 31st and reduced crossing distance at Lyndale & Lake. Supported business aid.
  • Jesse Lorenz (Ward 13) expressed support with caveats (bike lane extension, business support). Noted people have died on Lyndale.
  • Nadine Shefa (Uptown restaurant owner on Hennepin) reported up to 50% revenue loss during construction, asked to pause to allow businesses to revive.
  • Mel (South Uptown resident) argued design influences behavior, called for no right-turn-on-red, closing driveways, and extending medians.
  • Alex (new Uptown resident) requested lighting focused downward to reduce light pollution.
  • Ann (owner of Lyndale Hall and building owner) worried about tree loss, three-year shutdown, crime, and assessments. Asked to reconsider.

Discussion Items

Lyndale Avenue Reconstruction Project:

  • Fontaine Burris (Senior Transportation Planner, Public Works) introduced Josh Potter from Hennepin County, who presented the project. Key points:
    • Road built in 1930s (originally Highway 169), overdue for reconstruction.
    • Pilot conversion from four lanes to three in 2022 reduced crashes by 57% and speeds below 30 mph.
    • Project scope: I-94 to just south of 31st Street.
    • Community engagement: five phases, over 50,000 points of contact.
    • Design: three lanes (one each direction with center left-turn lane); two-way bikeway on east side from I-94 to 28th Street; transit advantage lane on north end; medians; lighting; tree preservation (reduced impacted trees from 90+ to 50–60, 15 mature/healthy).
    • Parking: 76% retained.
    • Federal funding covers about half; deadline: construction must start by June 30, 2027, to retain funds; planned start 2028.
    • Construction timeline: conservative estimate of three years; county aims to minimize.
  • Councilmember Stevenson moved approval with amendments (prioritize tree preservation, explore median modifications for business access, develop construction phasing plan, and include statement on maintaining timeline and federal funds).
  • Councilmember Chowdhury seconded.
  • Councilmember Warren requested moving without recommendation.
  • Discussion: Councilmembers noted compromise; concerns about business disruption, tree loss, construction timeline, and county financial support for businesses. County Assistant Administrator Lisa Cerney noted ongoing anti-displacement efforts.
  • Final motion: Move forward without recommendation (amended by Vice Chair Stevenson, seconded by Councilmember Chowdhury).

Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC) Legislative Directive Response:

  • Nick Gerald (Director, Solid Waste and Recycling) presented response to Councilmember Rainville’s legislative directive. Key findings:
    • If city pulls trash from HERC, waste would go to South or North Transfer Station, then long-hauled to landfills (Elk River, Burnsville, Pine Bend).
    • Annual disposal costs: currently $6.65M; options range from $7.91M to $9.39M (7–26% increase for residents).
    • One-time capital: $50 per resident; upgrading transfer stations needed.
    • Emissions: additional vehicle mileage, but HERC would backfill with other trash until closure, so net CO2 impact uncertain.
    • Electricity rates: Xcel contract ended 2024; no rate info provided.
    • State waste hierarchy would need MPCA plan deviation.
  • Councilmembers noted less than 25% of HERC’s business is city waste; pulling out would not necessarily close HERC. Report was received and filed.

Climate Equity Action Plan:

  • Postponed to July 23, 2026.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent agenda approved unanimously.
  • Lyndale Avenue Reconstruction Project concept layout and resolution of support moved forward without recommendation (4–0). Final vote at full City Council on Thursday, July 16, 2026.
  • HERC legislative directive response received and filed.
  • Climate equity action plan postponed to July 23, 2026.
  • Meeting adjourned at approximately 4:15 PM.

Meeting Transcript

It is 1 34. We have quorum now. Communications, are we ready to begin? Good afternoon and welcome. My name is Soren Stevenson. I am the vice chair of the Climate and Infrastructure Committee. I'm going to be chairing today's meeting. I'm going to call to order our regular meeting for Thursday, July 9th, 2026. Before we begin the meeting, I want to offer a friendly reminder to all committee members, staff, and the public that these meetings are broadcast live to enable greater public participation. These broadcasts include real-time captioning as a further method to increase the accessibility of our proceedings to the community. Therefore, all speakers need to be mindful of the rate of their speech so that our captioners can fully capture and transcribe all comments for the broadcast. We ask all speakers to moderate the speed and clarity of their comments. At this time, I'll ask the clerk to call the roll so we can verify a quorum for this meeting. Councilmember Vito. Present. Warren? Present. Is absent. Chadri? Present. Question Stevenson present. Chair Wandsley is absent. We have five present. Let the record reflect we have a quorum. I'll remind my colleagues we'll be using speaker management today, so please make sure you're signed up. If we're still experiencing tech issues, we may need to shift to using our red tags. For members of the public that are here for one of the public comment periods, if you wish to address the committee, we ask you to register with the clerks to my right. You can also provide any written comments or materials to include in the public record. Public works staff will also be available after the presentation to connect if you have specific questions. With that, our agenda is in front of us, and we'll begin with the consent agenda reflected in items four through 22 on our agenda. Item number three of consent. I think there's something wrong in the script. But item number three on consent, passage of resolution for uh gift acceptance from Equivolve. Number four, passage of resolution for a gift acceptance from Brookings Transportation Initiative. Number five, passage of resolution for a gift acceptance from Minneapolis Foundation. Number six, passage of resolution for the for a resolution of support for the Minnesota Department of Transportation Highway 280 project. Seven, setting a public hearing for August 20th for the Minnesota Department of Transportation's Central Avenue improvement project. Number eight, passage of resolution for the land sale of two parcels at Wedge Point Park to Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. Number nine, authorizing grant applications to Minnesota Department of Transportation for 2026 Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program funds. Number 10, accepting the low bid for the West River Road Phase 2 project. Number 11, approving a legislative directive related to the proposed closure of the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center. Colleagues, if there's any discussion or are there any items that anyone would like to pull for further discussion. Seeing no further discussion, I'll move uh approval of the consent agenda. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Those opposed say nay. Next, we'll take up our public comment periods reflected in items one and two on the agenda. Anybody who has signed up for these items will be given two minutes each to testify. For everyone in attendance, and especially those who may participate in our hearings or comment period, let me offer this notice. These meetings are being recorded and broadcast before the recording and broadcast are classified.

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