Minneapolis Committee of the Whole Meeting - July 28, 2026
Minneapolis Committee of the Whole Meeting – July 28, 2026
The Minneapolis City Council Committee of the Whole met on July 28, 2026, at 6:33 p.m. with Chair Oreen Chowdry presiding. Ten members were present, constituting a quorum. The meeting included reports from standing committees, a consent calendar item, two discussion items, two presentations, and a settlement agreement subcommittee session. Key actions included forwarding the 2026 NIBIN modernization grant application without recommendation and approving a staff directive on budget process analysis.
Consent Calendar
- Food Hall Licenses – Special Law Approval: The sole consent item was approved unanimously. The item, submitted by the Intergovernmental Relations Department, allows for expedited licensing of food hall establishments.
Discussion Items
- 2026 NIBIN Modernization Grant Application: Commander Chris Brown of MPD presented a $300,000 federal grant (over five years) to replace outdated ballistic imaging equipment. The grant is non‑competitive and would fund technology upgrades for the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), which the MPD has used since 2002. Councilmember Chavez objected to the grant’s Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) language referring to “illegal aliens” and “alien” apprehension, arguing it dehumanizes immigrants and risks implicating the city in federal immigration enforcement. City Attorney Amy Schott stated the language does not require actions violating the city’s separation ordinance. Councilmember Palmasano expressed concern but supported the grant, noting the language does not compel local enforcement. Councilmember Payne made a motion to forward the item to the Thursday council meeting without recommendation, seconded by Councilmember Vetock. After debate, the motion passed 11‑0. Councilmember Chavez committed to attaching a resolution condemning the NOFO language and requesting written clarification from the federal government on immigration enforcement obligations.
- Staff Directive on Budget Process Analysis: Councilmember Schaefer and Vice Chair Chug Tai introduced a staff directive to research legislative budget processes in comparable cities. Andrew Hawkins, Director of Legislative Research and Oversight, noted the directive aims to gather tools for the upcoming challenging budget season following the mayor’s budget address on August 24, 2026. The directive was approved unanimously.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously.
- NIBIN Grant Application: Forwarded without recommendation to the full council (11‑0). Councilmember Chavez will propose a resolution for final action.
- Budget Process Staff Directive: Approved unanimously.
- Presentations Filed: The council received and filed reports on the city’s work in 2026 (tracking dashboard) and the status of appointed boards and commissions reform.
- Settlement Agreement Subcommittee: Filed a presentation from City Attorney Kristen Anderson on progress implementing consent decree reforms (e.g., use of force, misconduct investigations, hours‑worked caps). Also filed the semi‑annual Alifa report (covering late 2025‑early 2026) without action. Councilmember Whiting announced future quarterly updates on settlement agreement and consent decree compliance will begin in August 2026.
Subcommittee – Consent Decree Reform Update
- City Attorney Anderson presented examples of reforms incorporated from the now‑dismissed federal consent decree into existing state settlement agreement policies: non‑discriminatory policing, use of force limits (e.g., restrictions on chemical spray, handcuffs for children), body‑worn camera self‑reporting, strengthened misconduct investigation procedures, and a new policy capping officer work at 16 hours per 24‑hour day and 74 hours per week. Councilmembers discussed financial implications of training and the need for independent oversight, with the city attorney noting that the Office of Police Conduct Review and Internal Affairs standard operating procedures will be published by end of 2026. The presentation was filed.
Meeting Transcript
Good afternoon and welcome to a regular meeting of the committee of the whole for July 28th, 2026. My name is Oreen Chowdry, and I'm the chair of this committee. I will call this uh regular meeting to order and ask the clerk to call the role to verify the presence of a quorum. Councilmember Payne. Present. Wandsley is absent. Rainville is absent. Vetock. Present. Warren. Present. Osman. Present. Schaefer. Present. Stevenson is absent. Chavez. Present. Whiting. Present. Palmasano. Present. Vice Chair Chinte. Present. And Chair Chowdery. Present. There are 10 members present. Thank you. Clerk. Let the record reflect that we have a quorum. Before we begin the meeting, let me offer a friendly reminder to everyone that these meetings are broadcast live to enable greater public participation. The broadcasts include real-time captioning to increase accessibility for our entire community. So it's important that all speakers be mindful of the rate of their speech so that our captioners can fully capture and transcribe comments for the broadcast. We ask all speakers to please moderate the speed and clarity of their comments. So colleagues, our agenda is in front of the US. Are there any amendments before we begin? May I have a motion to adopt the agenda? So I'll move. Second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Those opposed say nay. And then before we get into a report of standing committees, I would just like to give a big welcome back to councilmember Chug Tai, the vice chair of this committee. We are so excited to have you back. So we'll start with the reports of our standing committee, starting with the Business Housing and Zoning Committee, chaired by Council Vice President Osman. Thank you, Chair Chowry. The business housing and zoning committee will be bringing forward 20 items on Thursday council meeting. Item one approves the mayor's nomination of Henrique Falaskis to director of regulatory services. Item two approves a wine and strong beer with general entertainment for Strange Loop Labatory. Item three approves an interim use permit for people serving people at uh 219 4th Street.
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