Committee of the Whole Meeting - August 10, 2026

The Committee of the Whole met on August 10, 2026, at 6:35 PM UTC with Chair Orreen Chowdhury presiding. Nine members were present, constituting a quorum. The agenda was adopted unanimously. Standing committee reports were presented for information, and two discussion items were approved by voice vote.

Consent Calendar (Agenda Adoption)

• The agenda was adopted by voice vote with all in favor.

Standing Committee Reports (Items to be brought to Full Council on August 13, 2026)

• Business, Housing and Zoning Committee (Vice Chair Chowdhury): 20 items including permanent expansion of premises and sidewalk cafes (Put Shack, Bills Bait Shop), Minneapolis Tourism Improvement District resolution, liquor and gambling licenses, rezoning at 2941 Chicago Avenue, Workforce Development Board appointment, contract amendment for pizza project at convention center, bid for Target Center interior doors, convention center concession stands remodel bid, loan forgiveness for Lindquist Apartments, ownership opportunity fund loan for La Herencia, contract amendment correction, 2026 Hennepin County Transit Oriented Community awards, donations from ICC and IAPMO, rental dwelling license reinstatement at 2113 Ilion Av N, and appointment to Minnesota Ballpark Authority (sent without recommendation).
• Climate and Infrastructure Committee (Councilmember Vita): 18 items including sidewalk repair assessments, block event permits (Gopher Garden, Target Together Core Week, Loring Alley Music Festival, MOB by Flickr), contract amendments with Hennepin County, St. Paul (EV Spot Network), University of Washington Urban Freight Lab, and University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies, bids for large diameter CIPP lining and Northside Greenway design, street reconstruction and safety improvement contracts, legislative directive on zero waste funding, and 2026–2029 committee work plan.
• Enterprise and Labor Relations Committee (Vice Chair Whiting): 6 items including agreement for LA 2028 Olympic torch relay, contract amendment for Police Department Training Annex build-out, contract amendments for CAD and mobile equipment support, workers' compensation settlement for Heather Bythal, establishment of an assistant city clerk position, and confirmation of Ken Daylor as assistant city clerk.
• Public Health, Safety and Equity Committee (Chair Chavez): 9 items including contract amendments with Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for human trafficking task force, Canopy Roots for behavioral crisis response, acceptance of public health emergency preparedness and response sustainability grants, bomb disposal equipment grant, and three gift acceptances. Committee also heard reports from the City's Trees program, Minneapolis Tree Advisory Commission, a police department update on Alison Lucher and Davis Maturi, and a legislative research office update on public safety policies for public gatherings.

Discussion Items

Heritage Park Voluntary Relocation Plan Policy

• Director Eric Hansen (CPED) presented a policy to provide voluntary relocation assistance for eligible non-MPHA households at Heritage Park due to health and safety concerns. The policy offers moving stipends ($3,500 for one-bedroom to $7,500 for five-bedroom units) and a 12-month rent differential benefit (capped at HUD 60% AMI and 30% affordability threshold, estimated $6,500–$12,500 per household). Eligible households must report health/safety concerns by October 15, 2026, and relocate by January 31, 2027 (with possible six-month extension). Of 211 occupied units, 83 households are eligible (128 are MPHA units; MPHA residents are not covered by this city policy). The city has allocated $2.5 million from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (none spent yet) and is negotiating with SRF Consulting for relocation services (estimated hundreds of thousands in fees).
• Councilmember Warren expressed strong opposition to excluding MPHA residents, stating they are being gaslit about habitability and that conditions (mold, failing windows, roof replacements) make the entire complex uninhabitable. She criticized the lack of cultural competency of SRF and suggested using local community organizations. Councilmember Vita asked about coordination with MPHA to avoid confusion and ensure equitable communication. Councilmember Whiting questioned why MPHA residents are excluded and noted the need for concurrent assistance. Councilmember Schaefer requested a fiscal note and clarity on spending. Chair Chowdhury requested a racial equity analysis and a proper format for the policy (resolution or ordinance). The city attorney explained that existing relocation policies did not fit the situation. Director Hansen emphasized urgency and that the policy is time-limited.
• Motion to approve the policy was made, seconded, and carried by voice vote (no dissent noted).

Sewer Lateral Insurance Program

• Ross Jonak (Sanitary Sewers Division) presented a no-cost contract with On Course Home Solutions for a voluntary private sewer lateral insurance program. Homeowners can pay $5.49/month for the first year and $9.99/month thereafter for unlimited repair/replacement coverage of residential sewer service lines, plus additional benefits ($1,000 restoration costs, $1,500 hotel, $500 pet boarding). The program is 100% optional; no city funds are used. On Course will provide a one-time $100,000 community partnership fund and a $5,000 annual customer hardship fund. The city will endorse the program and provide branding. The RFP was issued earlier in 2026.
• Councilmember Whiting expressed strong support, noting the high cost of repairs (average $13,000) and that the insurance would be beneficial for homeowners. Councilmember Warren asked about pre-existing conditions; Jonak confirmed coverage. Councilmember Schaefer inquired about water lateral insurance and the condition of city sewer mains. The city attorney noted the contract is non-standard and will come back for final approval. Jonak clarified that the premium is lower than competitors' comparable coverage with lower limits. Councilmember Warren noted that after a repair, homeowners can cancel the insurance.
• Motion to authorize the contract with On Course Home Solutions was made, seconded, and carried by voice vote (no dissent noted).

Key Outcomes

• The agenda was adopted unanimously.
• The Heritage Park Voluntary Relocation Policy was approved; staff will provide a fiscal note and racial equity analysis before the full council meeting on Thursday.
• The contract with On Course Home Solutions for the sewer lateral insurance program was authorized; the final contract will come back for approval.