Public Meetings - Minneapolis, Minnesota

On Tuesday, December 9, 2025 (morning session), the Minneapolis City Council Budget Committee (Chair Aisha Chughtai) reconvened an adjourned meeting to continue voting on amendments to Mayor Jacob Frey’s 2026 recommended budget, resuming at Amendment 29. The committee verified a quorum (initially 9 members present; additional members joined later) and proceeded through multiple budget amendments—several involving CPED/Public Works funding, new studies/programs, and staffing—passing most items with large majorities. A proposed financial policy change (Amendment 38) was discussed in detail but laid over to the evening meeting for further revision. Discussion Items - Amendment 29 — Nicollet Avenue Public Restrooms (Value Capture District Fund; ongoing funding; includes 0.75 FTE admin/management time within Public Works) - Council Member Cashman (author) moved the item and described using Value Capture District funding (expires in 2038) to support contracted public restroom facilities, envisioned for Nicollet Ave initially; cited research and other cities’ experiences, including popularity leading to permanence. - Council Member Rainville expressed support and asked to be added as an author. - Council Member Palmisano expressed concerns about whether ongoing funding was appropriate versus a shorter pilot and raised operational/safety oversight concerns (e.g., staffing/monitoring needs), ultimately stating he could not support the amendment as written. - Tim Sexton, Public Works Director, said Public Works assumed some funding would cover administration/engagement/contract management, likely within Transportation Planning & Programming, and that staffing was workable if included in the amendment’s total funding. - Council Member Cashman stated expectations were set at about 5 restrooms (noting $700,000 could fund up to 8 in earlier discussions) to provide buffer for management/contracting. - Council Member Chowdhury expressed support, highlighted vendor/technology concepts (e.g., access cards, accountability for vandalism), and asked to be added as an author. - Council Member Chavez expressed support and asked to be added as an author. - Amendment 30 — Nighttime Business License Inspectors (CPED; ongoing; funding moved from Public Works) - Council Member Rainville (author) argued the city lacks staff presence after 5–6 p.m. to help manage and support the “nighttime economy” in corridors such as Dinkytown, Uptown, East Hennepin, Lake Street, West Broadway. - Council President Payne expressed support, citing constituent feedback and issues with neighborhood bars in residential areas; referenced a constituent door-knock survey with 60 pamphlets distributed and 45 responses documenting concerns. - Amendment 31 (Revised) — Grocery Store Development Funding (Great Streets Fund; one-time $200,000; pre-development; contingent on matching dollars and qualifying organizations) - Council Member Wonsley (author) (with Council Member Ellison as co-author—requested clerks add Ellison) described allocating $200,000 for pre-development support to develop a grocery store in an area with high food insecurity (“food apartheid” per Homegrown Council framing). The revised language required bids with matching dollars from a qualifying organization (e.g., nonprofit, CDFI) via an RFP. - Council Member Vita opposed, stating Ward 4’s need was sustaining existing grocers (e.g., North Market) rather than starting new ones; referenced North Market nearly closing at the end of November and detailed pricing/discount changes (50% off produce reduced to 25% led to a “huge decline,” then returned to 50% off for two days/week). - Council Member Osmond supported but questioned limiting eligibility; Wonsley clarified it was not nonprofit-only and included organizations like CDFIs. - Council Member Rainville supported Vita’s position and asked about flexibility to include existing grocers; Wonsley said the amendment was specifically for new grocery pre-development. - Council Member Cashman asked about flexibility (e.g., fee waivers, storefront subsidies) and whether private companies could qualify; Wonsley emphasized focus on public-interest/mission-oriented entities and that large private chains typically have access to capital. - CPED Director Erik Hansen stated $200,000 is not sufficient to open a grocery store and would need leveraging; indicated it would likely require re-tenanting an existing building (not new construction) and described structural challenges: thin margins, distributor relationships, and regional competitive pressure. He noted a space likely needs north of 15,000 sq. ft. to work, and cited the Worth Co-op space as likely too small. - Amendment 32 — Commercial Adaptive Reuse Study (CPED; one-time $125,000) - Council Member Cashman (author) proposed a study to evaluate the public benefit and potential financial incentives for adaptive reuse of underutilized commercial buildings. - Cited context/statistics discussed during the meeting: Q3 projection that property taxes were $17.4 million under budget, downtown commercial estimated market value fell 9.5% from 2024 to 2025, and in-person work was about 75% of pre-COVID levels in late 2025. - Amendment 33 — Vacant Retail Activation (CPED program; funded from Downtown Assets Fund; citywide cost-share concept) - Council Member Cashman (author) (co-authored by Chair Chughtai) proposed a cost-share program to help property owners physically adapt vacant retail spaces (e.g., subdivision into smaller bays, adding entrances) to attract tenants; described as a “2.0” evolution of Vibrant Storefronts (moving from rent subsidies to physical-space improvements). - Council Member Palmisano flagged that Amendment 33 plus earlier amendments (26 and 27, referenced but not included in this transcript segment) would transfer $2.2 million from the Downtown Assets source and raised concern about relying heavily on a single funding source while trying to revitalize downtown. - Amendment 34 — Invest in Child Care Workers (CPED Workforce Development Fund; earmarks $102,000 from a $14 million fund; supports 1 FTE) - Council Member Wonsley (author) described funding an FTE to build clearer pathways into early childhood education careers to address workforce shortages that contribute to high childcare costs. - Council President Payne supported and connected it to development realities in his ward (a new Aldi planned with a condo space intended for childcare) and referenced complex tax policy issues that can determine whether childcare centers can open. - Council Member Palmisano opposed, asserting Minneapolis Public Schools already has a career pathways program and expressing concern about duplication; Wonsley responded that early childhood education (pre-preschool) is a distinct gap. - Amendment 35 — Enterprise Policy Management System Staff Directive ($0; carryover/rollover timing issue) - Council President Payne (author) described needing action to roll over previously budgeted funding and proceed with vendor selection/implementation for an enterprise policy management platform. - The Clerk explained it would support development, management, and public access to city policies. - Amendment 36 — “Policy for the People” (Legislative branch staffing support; $25,000 appropriation + staff direction report) - Council Member Wonsley (author) described a revised approach: rather than pulling substantial ongoing funding from the Mayor’s Office (noted as an earlier draft), the amendment used $25,000 to fund vendor-supported HR classification work (due to HR backlog) to help finalize already-in-motion legislative/clerk office positions supporting committee work. - Included a staff directive requiring progress reporting no later than March 2026. - Amendment 37 (Revised) — Audit Department FTEs (restoring positions cut from Mayor’s recommended budget; adds capacity to City Auditor Special Review & Advisory Services) - Council President Payne (author) described building capacity for the City Auditor to take on major oversight investigations, citing examples discussed: investigations related to the shooting of Davis Maturi and the death of Allison Luchere. - Council Member Palmisano supported but cautioned against overly rapid departmental growth and urged monitoring. - Council Member Cashman raised concerns about sourcing positions from CPED/Public Works rather than politically appointed positions; Deputy COO Brett Gelli said vacant positions were identified during negotiations as acceptable funding sources. - Public Works Director Tim Sexton explained impacts of losing vacant positions: slower project development and reduced engagement capacity (Transportation Planning & Programming) and slower response capacity in sign production/installation (Traffic/Parking services sign shop). - Amendment 38 — Budgetary Control Financial Policy (zero-dollar policy change; discussion held; laid over) - Chair Chughtai (author/lead) introduced a proposed update to budgetary controls to improve guardrails and accountability over spending and implementation of council-appropriated funds. - The City Attorney (Kristen Anderson) walked through major components: - Clarifies legal “department/fund” level control and permissible internal shifts within a department’s top-line appropriation. - Requires quarterly reporting transparency for certain finance-authorized payments (e.g., payroll exceptions). - Defines and adds controls/reporting for Council dedicated (earmarked) funds, including reporting deadlines (spending plan by April 30; status by August 31; and within 60 days reporting if an earmark can’t be executed or is more than needed). - Adds reporting requirements for anticipated overspending and monthly reporting the following year if a department ends the year over budget. - Provides the Legislative Department view-only access to city financial systems. - Council Member Cashman asked whether it applied retroactively to prior-year earmarks; City Attorney stated it is prospective (applies beginning with the 2026 budget). - Council Members Chowdhury and Wonsley framed the policy as addressing repeated issues where council appropriations were not implemented by the administration; Wonsley referenced examples such as unexecuted housing voucher efforts and other programmatic earmarks. - The committee laid over Amendment 38 to the evening meeting because Council Member Wonsley indicated a revision would be brought later that day, to avoid needing reconsideration. Key Outcomes - Amendment 29 (Nicollet Ave Public Restrooms): PASSED 10–1 (Palmisano no). Co-authors added: Rainville, Chowdhury, Chavez. - Amendment 30 (Nighttime Business License Inspectors): PASSED 10–1 (Palmisano no). - Amendment 31 Revised (Grocery Store Pre-Development Funding $200,000): PASSED 8–4 (No: Rainville, Vita, Jenkins, Palmisano). - Amendment 32 (Commercial Adaptive Reuse Study $125,000): PASSED 12–0. - Amendment 33 (Vacant Retail Activation cost-share program): PASSED 12–0. - Amendment 34 (Invest in Child Care Workers; $102,000 for 1 FTE from $14M fund): PASSED 11–1 (Palmisano no). - Amendment 35 (Enterprise Policy Management System; $0 directive): PASSED 12–0. - Amendment 36 (Policy for the People; $25,000 + March 2026 report directive): PASSED 12–0. - Amendment 37 Revised (Audit Department FTEs): PASSED 12–0. - Amendment 38 (Budgetary Control Financial Policy): DISCUSSED; LAID OVER to the evening council meeting for revision. - The committee voted to forward approved items to the full Council and adjourned, planning to reconvene during the evening proceedings (after the public hearing) to take up remaining items (including Amendment 38 and other new/revised amendments referenced by the chair).

On Monday, December 8, 2025 (afternoon session; committee noted a hard cutoff at 4:00 p.m.), the Budget Committee—chaired by Council Member Aisha Chughtai—met with a quorum (10 members present at roll call; later Osmond and Jenkins joined) to (1) act on elected official compensation for terms beginning in January 2026, (2) receive the 2025 third-quarter (through Sept. 30, 2025) financial status report on select city funds, and (3) resume 2026 budget markup, voting on several amendments and adjourning to continue on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. The committee also announced the final public hearing on the 2026 budget: the statutory Truth in Taxation hearing on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 6:05 p.m. Discussion Items - Elected official compensation for terms beginning January 2026 - Presenter: City Clerk Casey Carl (City Clerk). - Legal/process context: Compensation must be set in the final year of an elective term and becomes effective the next term; no changes (up or down) can be made during the term (referencing Chapter 744, Minnesota Session Laws of 1971; City process codified in Ordinance 2019-44 / Code §14.60). - Peer city survey (Guidehouse): - Surveyed 22 cities; received 19 responses (86% response rate). - Mayor pay (2025): Minneapolis mayor salary $140,814 (set 2021). Average of peer mayors $197,565; Minneapolis described as about $56,000 below the average and in the bottom 15% of responding cities. Minneapolis was second-lowest, above Omaha ($136,942) and below St. Paul ($153,579). San Francisco listed at $320,831. - Mayor pay (anticipated 2026): Peer average projected to rise to about $205,998; staff stated Minneapolis would be more than $65,000 below that average if unchanged. Reported anticipated increases ranged 2%–3% in 10 cities; Atlanta and Boston noted at 16% and 20% increases. - Council pay (2025): Minneapolis council salary $109,846 (unchanged since set in 2021). Peer average $105,908 (about $4,000 below Minneapolis). Staff stated Minneapolis ranks around the top 60% among responding cities. - Council pay (anticipated 2026): Peer average projected to rise to about $112,000; staff warned Minneapolis would slide downward in the middle range if unchanged. - Mayor–council differential: Staff stated Minneapolis has the smallest salary gap among peers (about $30,968). Examples cited: San Francisco gap $184,937, Columbus $152,460, St. Paul about $76,000 (with a part-time council). - Staff recommendations: - Set mayor salary at $187,000 starting Jan. 2, 2026, held constant during the term. - Keep council salary unchanged for the first two years of the next term (stated as $109,847), then starting Jan. 2028 apply annual increases equal to the COLA approved for the majority of collective bargaining units in the prior year (rates to be calculated by HR and programmed into the budget). - Council discussion: - Council Member Wonsley thanked clerk staff and expressed concern about a letter (attributed to Mayor Frey) seeking to shift compensation-setting authority away from council to the Charter Commission; she stated a desire to “hold the line” on council authority. - Action: Committee approved forwarding the draft resolution to the full council (voice vote; one “no” was heard, no tally provided). - 2025 Third Quarter Financial Status Report (select funds) - Presenters: City Controller George Hardgrove and Deputy Controller Robert Lang (Finance & Property Services). - Timeframe & caveats: Report as of Period 9 / Sept. 30, 2025, forecast work performed mostly in October; figures unaudited until year-end close and annual report. - Citywide highlights (Hardgrove): - General Fund forecast spend-down increased to about $67–$68 million (up from $60 million previously forecast). - City maintained AAA bond ratings from Fitch, Moody’s, and S&P, with concern expressed about sustainability of General Fund spend-down. - Property taxes projected $17.4 million under the fully levied amount (delayed/uncollectible collections and court/judgment adjustments cited). - Downtown Asset Fund softness noted: September collections down by almost $2 million vs. 2024. - Police and Fire projected combined overage cited at about $25 million (Hardgrove), and later detailed as major contributors to General Fund overages. - Self-insurance fund: stated as above the minimum policy of $117 million by about $85 million, while also described as carrying a negative net position due to large potential claims. - Cash & investments as of Sept. 30: about $1.186 billion, an increase of about $140 million year-over-year. - General Fund detail (Lang): - Projected 2025 year-end General Fund cash: $166 million (down from $234 million at end of 2024). - Projected 2025 year-end fund balance: $141 million (down from $209 million at start of year), a projected $67 million decrease year-over-year. - Budgeted use of fund: Lang stated the $67 million use was largely budgeted, comprised of a $24.6 million planned use plus $41.8 million rollover use (and minimal amendments). - 17% minimum balance policy: minimum calculated at $109.1 million; projected fund balance $141 million leaves $32.5 million above minimum. - After commitments/restrictions (including $8.7 million planned use into 2026 and $14.2 million restricted for public safety aid and North Commons), unassigned fund balance projected at $118.6 million, leaving about $9.5 million above the minimum. - Revenue shortfalls: Revenues projected $18 million under budget, including property taxes $17.5 million under, licenses/permits $4.5 million under (mostly building permits), and franchise fees $2.8 million under; service charges $3.9 million over. - Collection performance: 2025 revenues shown at 97.3% of budget vs a three-year average 99.9%. - Expenditures: Public safety $12.8 million over budget; Public Works $3.6 million over (nearly offset by service charge revenue). - Departmental overages called out included: City Attorney $490,000 over (settlement agreement work referenced), Assessing $200,000 over (CAMA project), Office of Public Service $50,000 over (unbudgeted COLA), Fire $5.5 million over (overtime), Police $19.5 million over. - Q&A themes and follow-ups: - Property tax shortfall: Staff attributed to lower collection rates over recent years (e.g., declining from 98% to under 96% forecast) and court/judgment adjustments; Finance agreed to follow up on how much of the shortfall is due to court-ordered adjustments. - MPD overspend drivers (MPD Finance Director Becky Troswick and OCS/MPD leadership): explained as (1) back pay (cited as $2.5 million), (2) settlement agreement expenditures not budgeted, and (3) new hires—stated as 174 sworn-position hires in 2025, including growth in Community Service Officers (budgeted 20–23 CSOs, stated currently 74). - Overtime: MPD reported critical staffing overtime (CSOT) of $16.5 million in 2025 vs $15.6 million in 2024; total overtime + CSOT reported as $31.0 million in 2025 vs $27.1 million in 2024 (a 12% increase). Budgeted overtime cited as $5.9 million in 2025 (vs $13.7 million in 2024), with reliance on vacancy savings. - Fire overtime: Fire leadership stated eliminating overtime entirely is not feasible, but estimated at least 45 additional firefighters would be needed to reduce most overtime tied to minimum coverage. - Self-insurance liabilities: Finance stated reserves reflect known potential claims in coordination with the City Attorney; City Attorney advised that case-specific reserve discussion is privileged, but general reserve-setting could be described and closed sessions could address threatened/initiated litigation. - Multiple members requested memos providing: (a) multi-year General Fund “above target” history, (b) reasons for departmental underspends/overspends, and (c) more detail on MPD overspend categories. Key Outcomes - Forwarded elected official compensation resolution to full council for action with the 2026 budget (voice vote; motion carried with one audible “no”). - 2025 Q3 Financial Status Report received and filed (no vote recorded in transcript beyond direction to file). 2026 Budget Markup (selected amendments) - Amendment 16 — MPD off-duty fees implementation (Wonsley & Payne) - Purpose/position statements: Authors stated the amendment would fund implementation resources for off-duty fee collection in 2026 and could help recoup costs (author stated “up to $1.4 million”) currently subsidized by taxpayers. - Key clarifications: - Budget Director Juliana Descenza stated fees generally flow to the General Fund (unless specially restricted) and are not automatically returned to MPD under current service level budgeting. - MPD Finance Director Troswick clarified prior fee analysis was to calculate an ongoing fee for full cost recovery and did not include implementation costs. - Vote: Passed 11–1 (Ayes: Payne, Wonsley, Rainville, Vita, Cashman, Jenkins, Chavez, Chowdhury, Palmisano, Kosky, Chughtai; Nay: Osmond). - Amendment 27 — 38th Street Thrive implementation (Chavez, Jenkins, Chowdhury, Wonsley; Cashman added as co-author) - Purpose: Funding to implement the City-adopted 38th Street Thrive Plan (adopted year stated as 2019), including stabilization of physical property/infrastructure, events/marketing/branding, and ownership/preservation supports. - Vote: Passed (initially recorded 11–0 with Vita absent; Vita later noted “in the affirmative,” making it 12 ayes). - Amendment 28 — Downtown street outreach / Warehouse District L.I.V.E. program support (Rainville) - Program description: Contract funding for downtown weekend coverage (Fri/Sat 6:30 p.m.–3:00 a.m.) from May 26–Oct. 26; proposed staffing described as 6 street outreach workers, 2 unarmed security guards, 4 ambassadors, and 1 late-night safety dispatcher, serving areas including Nicollet Mall, the Hennepin Ave theater district, and the Warehouse District. - Implementation/oversight: Amended to run through the Office of Community Safety with council review of vendor selection; OCS noted procurement could be RFP or sole source depending on service definition. - Vote: Passed 12–0. - Amendment 29 — Nicollet Avenue public restrooms (Cashman) - Introduced but not voted due to time; proposed $700,000 ongoing from the streetcar value capture fund to procure climate-controlled standalone public restroom units along Nicollet Avenue/transit corridor. Adjournment / Next Meetings - Committee adjourned to Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. to continue budget markup. - Final 2026 budget public hearing (Truth in Taxation) scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 6:05 p.m.

The Audit Committee met on December 8, 2025 (regular meeting) to receive updates on implementation of recommendations from prior audits (notably MPD fleet management and MPD off-duty work), review the Minnesota Office of the State Auditor’s 2024 Management & Compliance reports (with clean/unmodified opinions), receive and publish a City Auditor assurance report on Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) revenue collections (Phase 2), approve updates to the Audit Charter, and hear the City Auditor’s office status report (work plan, investigations, open/overdue issues, staffing/budget, and upcoming organizational needs). Quorum was present (6 members at roll call; later votes reflected absences). Consent Calendar - Adopted the meeting agenda (voice vote; carried). - Accepted minutes from the October 20, 2025 meeting (voice vote; carried). Discussion Items - MPD update on actions related to recommendations from the 2024 MPD Fleet Management Audit - Vehicle accident investigations (Deputy Chief Olson; introduced by Commander Justin Royster; with Commanders Reisdorfer and Lewis present) - Described policy framework for accident reviews and forwarding preventable accidents to Internal Affairs. - Reported staffing/training barriers (traffic reconstruction training described as taking 3–4 years; losses in 2020; competing priority cases such as fatalities and criminal vehicular operations). - Reported closure status by year (as presented): 100% cases closed for 2019 and 2020; prioritized more recent years (noted older cases left open often involved minor damage and/or employees who left). - Closure rates stated: 62% in 2025, 47% in 2023, 53% in 2024. - Staffing levels discussed: 5 crash investigators in 2019; 4 currently; stated they are putting one more person into the training pipeline. - Member questions: - Prioritization: MPD stated cases are prioritized by severity, including injury, multiple policy violations, and repeat preventable accidents. - Community impacts: Member Hosbein asked about how many open cases involved community members; MPD stated they do not currently know for the backlog but added community-involvement tracking to 2025 data collection. - Fleet policies/procedures, GPS tracking, fuel cards, oversight, mileage entry, and systems modernization (Commander Reisdorfer) - Policies vs procedures: Procedures described as in “remediate/compliance documentation” steps; policies described as constrained by limited policy staff due to consent decree work. Estimated timeline: 2nd–3rd quarter 2026 to amend policies; 4th quarter 2026 for command staff review. - GPS/vehicle tracking: Stated squad cars are monitored through CAD; described benefits for safety, dispatch efficiency, accountability, and asset oversight. - External fuel cards: Reported MPD pulled back all external fuel cards except five, implemented usage tracking (Smartsheet), added a request/tracking form, and does monthly reconciliation with finance. - Oversight structure: Reported weekly executive oversight meetings and monthly Fleet Services review meetings. - Maintenance reporting modernization: ServiceNow integration described as a key change; expected to go live January 2026. - Mileage entry: Described department-wide communications and supervisory follow-up for anomalous mileage entries; noted limitations of the city’s fueling system to automatically flag improbable entries. - Fleet management database: Stated transition from a legacy database toward ServiceNow as a cost-effective enterprise platform; integration planning underway. - Member question on change management: Commander Reisdorfer stated the new process has been received well due to ease of reporting via phone/MDC. - MPD Driver’s License Program and MPD Off-Duty Work Audit updates (Commander Renee Lewis, Inspections Unit) - Driver’s License Program: Reported completion “a couple of months” prior with 100% compliance for drivers meeting qualifications. - Off-duty work audit measures: - Implemented required Workforce Director time entry under a specific code (“POD”) for off-duty assignments to verify off-duty hours. - Established squad usage approval process and Smartsheet sign-out. - Required supervisors (including lieutenants) to visit at least one off-duty job site during their shift and record checks via Smartsheet. - Required off-duty site coordinators to submit monthly schedules to verify hours. - Developing an off-duty scheduling Power App to replace email scheduling; intended to support compliance checks and track weekly off-duty hours (while Workforce Director remains system of record). - Noted future work toward an all-encompassing audit program monitoring regular/overtime/off-duty hours and potential integration with new payroll system (UKG) and GPS-based tools. - Committee noted Issue 7 update from the fleet audit was not presented because Deputy Chief Montgomery was not present. - The committee voted to receive and file the MPD update report. - 2024 State of Minnesota Office of the State Auditor (OSA) Management and Compliance Reports (City, MPRB, Municipal Building Commission) - Presenter: Karen Stackin (Audit Director, OSA) - Audit coverage: City of Minneapolis, MPRB, and Municipal Building Commission (MBC) for year ended December 31, 2024. - Audit standards: GAAS, Government Auditing Standards, and Uniform Guidance. - Opinion dates: June 25, 2025. - Reported unmodified (“clean”) opinions for City and MPRB financial statements and unmodified opinions on compliance for major federal programs. - Findings: - City: 4 findings in the 2024 management & compliance report; 3 prior-year findings resolved. - MPRB: no findings (and no prior-year findings to follow up). - MBC: no current findings; 1 prior-year finding resolved. - City findings described as including two internal control-related items (including a prior period adjustment and service organization controls) and two federal award program items (suspension/debarment and subrecipient monitoring). - City response: George Hargrove (City Controller) and Rob Lang (Deputy Controller) - Suspension and debarment: Stated procurement will document checks (including printing evidence from the relevant website); expressed desire for future automation via Workday (stated this could be “a few years”). - CPED land value finding: Stated regular meetings and reconciliation between Salesforce land transaction records and the general ledger. - Subrecipient monitoring: Stated they restructured one FTE to strengthen monitoring; plan includes pre-award assessments and reviewing subrecipient financial statements/audits, with graduated communication. - SOC 1 Type 2 controls (service organization controls): For Convention Center software, vendor was not able to produce a SOC report; the city developed an internal review process and is working with operator leadership on a plan; Controller indicated the vendor has the capability but has not fully agreed, leaving vendor change as a possibility. - The committee voted to receive and file the OSA reports. - Assurance Services Report: Revenue Collections Audit (Phase 2) — Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) - Presenter: Director Pudyal (City Auditor’s Office), with Julie Wiseman (MPRB Finance Director) and Chad Lauber (MPRB IT Director) available - Scope: Revenue collection across decentralized sites (rec centers, parks, golf courses, lake facilities, MPRB HQ) covering January 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025; payment forms included cash, checks, cards, online payments; included concession agreements. - Overall conclusion: MPRB should strengthen policies/procedures and internal controls for consistent and effective revenue collection management. - Results: 7 issues total — 1 high and 6 moderate. 1. Customer information / PCI DSS: Need to strengthen policies/training/oversight to safeguard customer data and comply with PCI DSS; noted staff sometimes wrote down credit card info when systems were down; outdated references to a PCI DSS version retired March 2024; terminal inspections inconsistently performed/documented. - Member Williams asked whether policy allowed writing down card info. Julie Wiseman stated the current policy does allow writing it down and shredding it, and MPRB needs to remove that from policy. - Audit staff stated they did not observe breaches/fraud, but learned practices through staff descriptions. 2. Cash-handling policies/procedures: Not reviewed timely; roles/responsibilities for collection point supervisors/managers unclear; most sites lacked procedures beyond system payment steps. 3. Oversight and monitoring: Finance works with sites on reconciliation/deposits but does not conduct periodic reviews of cash-handling internal controls; supervisory duties not documented. 4. Internal controls in transfers of accountability: Reconciliations not completed between shifts at some sites; safe access control deficiency at one tested site; checks not endorsed immediately as required; no centralized mailroom or documented mail-payment separation-of-duties process. 5. Training: Finance department had not developed training as envisioned in policy; staff often unaware of PCI training video; recommended systematic training and tracking via training portal. 6. Concession agreement oversight: No formalized inspection process for concessionaire records; despite rights to monthly inspection, only 2–3 record reviews were conducted annually via email. 7. Security over assets/staff safety: Not all sites had documented emergency safety plans; some lacked security technology; unclear policy on who can transport deposits. - Management action plan: MPRB agreed to recommendations. - Member Abeni raised concern about the workload of site-specific procedures; Julie Wiseman stated procedures will be standardized by site category (e.g., all rec centers the same; all golf courses the same), estimating about 10 sets; she reported 4 of 10 already completed. - The committee voted to receive and file and to publish the report (voice vote; carried). - Audit Charter updates - Presenter: Robert Timmerman (City Auditor) - Described collaborative drafting following the prior meeting, with City Attorney review for legal alignment. - Vote: Motion to approve the audit charter passed by roll call: 5 ayes, 0 nays (Abeni, Hosbein, Williams, Singleton, Payne voting aye; Chugtai and Omar absent at the time of vote). Key Outcomes - Agenda adopted; October 20, 2025 minutes accepted (voice votes; carried). - Received and filed: MPD update on actions related to recommendations from the 2024 MPD Fleet Management Audit (and MPD off-duty work audit updates). - Received and filed: 2024 OSA management and compliance reports (City, MPRB, MBC), including acknowledgement of unmodified opinions dated June 25, 2025. - Received, filed, and directed publication of the City Auditor assurance report on MPRB Revenue Collections (Audit Phase 2) covering 1/1/2022–6/30/2025 with 7 issues identified (1 high, 6 moderate). - Approved updated Audit Charter (roll call vote 5–0). - City Auditor’s report received and filed, including these notable updates: - Work in progress: MPD body-worn camera and ALPR state-required review (fieldwork); Neighborhood Safety Department contract management audit (fieldwork); after-action reviews related to the shooting of Davis Moturi and the death of Allison Lucia (consultant report now targeted for the April Audit Committee meeting); ShotSpotter performance audit (kicked off); procurement phase two (to include an example review involving Meet Minneapolis); enterprise risk assessment underway with 35 meetings, with risk assessment and separate audit plan expected at the February meeting. - Fraud, waste, and abuse: 2 investigations in progress (no details discussed). - Open issues tracking: Since the last meeting, 6 issues closed and 7 added (net +1); reported 10 open issues and 22 overdue issues, with 4 items in validation. - Staffing/budget: Reported office staffing at 9, targeting 12 within 6 weeks; anticipated potential growth to 14 of 15 positions by mid-year 2026 if budget actions proceed. Noted Council budget actions occurring “today” and finalizing “this week.” - Governance/logistics: Noted need for an organizational meeting on January 26 (new council terms/appointments, leadership elections, and rules updates). Also flagged plan to shift committee communications to city email addresses only, with reminders to avoid reply-all to prevent serial meetings. - Meeting adjourned after closing remarks and appreciation from Chair Payne (noting it was the last meeting of the year/term).

On Friday, December 5, 2025, the City Council Budget Committee (Chair Aisha Chugtai) held an adjourned meeting to begin marking up revisions to Mayor Frey’s 2026 recommended budget. The committee planned to review 38 amendments “one by one,” with a hard stop at 5:00 p.m. due to captioning limits, and noted additional markup meetings scheduled for Mon., Dec. 8 (1:30 p.m.) and Tues. if needed. The chair also referenced three prior public hearings and a final public hearing scheduled for Tues., Dec. 9 at 6:05 p.m. Attendance at roll call: 10 members present (quorum confirmed). The meeting later reflected participation up to 13 voting members on some items. No public testimony was taken during the excerpt. Discussion Items - Amendment 1 — Technical amendments (Finance staff) - Presenter: Jane DeCenza, Budget Director (Finance & Property Services). - Description: Corrections to low-level department allocations (e.g., Affordable Housing Trust Fund within CPED), and budget-neutral personnel/non-personnel shifts; expenditures and revenues “tie out evenly.” - Vote: Approved unanimously by voice vote. - Amendment 2 — Mayor’s amendment (MnDOT grant / Street paving capital) - Presenter: Jane DeCenza. - Description: Recognition of additional MnDOT grant revenue and matching expenditure increase for the 4100 Street Fund (street paving capital program). - Process concern raised: Council Member Palmisano criticized the short review window (48 hours) and late-arriving management response. - Vote: Approved (voice vote; no dissent recorded). - Amendment 4 — Utility assistance via franchise fee/Climate Legacy Initiative (Council Member Vita) - Action: Set aside $150,000 one-time and $50,000 ongoing to support utility assistance; discussion included contingency language tied to potential franchise fee ordinances. - Vote: Approved 12–0. - Amendment 3 — Zero waste project manager + community workgroup (Council Member Osman; co-authors added: Cashman, Chowdhury) - Action: Create a zero-waste project manager (full-time) in Public Works and $25,000 ongoing for a zero-waste workgroup; referenced state goal of 75% recycling rate by 2030. - Key discussion: Funding source (Solid Waste vs. Climate Legacy Initiative) and purpose/value of the workgroup. - Vote: Approved 12–0. - Amendment 5 — Restore sidewalk plowing pilot funding (Council Member Wansley) - Action: Restore original council allocation for sidewalk plowing pilots cut in the mayor’s proposed budget. - Stats cited by author: Pilots cleared over 17 miles of sidewalks and supported over 900 addresses; city spent nearly $7 million to clear roadways in 2024. - Public Works input: Director Tim Sexton said neighborhood-organization grants were the most cost-effective approach; estimated about 3 Transportation Maintenance & Repair (TMR) staff would need reallocation, with potential service impacts. - Vote: Approved 8–4. - Amendment 6 — Franchise fee revenue earmark for weatherization/retrofits (Council Member Cashman) - Action: Earmark an estimated $4 million (contingent on adoption of gas/electric franchise fee ordinances; prorated due to proposed April 1 start) toward weatherization/retrofits to reduce energy burden (Green Cost Share umbrella programs). - Stated estimate: New ordinances expected to bring in $5 million per year, prorated to $4 million. - Administration/Climate Equity input: Deputy Commissioner Hanlon described current targeting and stated about 60% of Climate Legacy Initiative funds go to an “environmental justice” definition (including Green Zones/low-income priorities). - Vote: Approved 12–0. - Amendment 7 — “Traffic Safety for All” (Council Member Wansley) - Action: Reduce $5.5 million (2026 allocation) from the Public Safety Wellness & Training Center capital project and reallocate to: - $700,000 to Protected Bikeways - $2.5 million to Traffic Safety Improvements (including neighborhood traffic calming) - $2.3 million to ADA Ramp Replacement (noted as funding 100 deficient pedestrian ramps per year) - Key dispute: Whether the wellness/training center is required/strongly compelled by the MDHR settlement agreement/consent decree expectations; discussion included process through ALIFA approval of a facilities plan. - Project cost discussed: Deputy Commissioner Jared Jeffries referenced a state request of $19 million as “half” of an anticipated total $38 million cost; 2026–2028 city capital schedule discussed as $5.5M (2026), $8M (2027), $8M (2028). - CLIC note: Staff stated CLIC commented that neither the settlement agreement nor assessment “explicitly” addressed how a new wellness center would reduce misconduct, but the mayor included it due to legal interpretation. - Procedural vote: Motion to call the question approved 8–4. - Final vote: Amendment approved 7–5. - Amendment 8 — Community Connections Conference (Council Members Chavez & Osman) - Action: Shifted from restoring funding to a zero-dollar package: a council resolution supporting reinstatement of the conference in 2027 and a legislative directive seeking information/response. - Attendance stats cited: - 2023: 942 attendees; 56% identified as people of color (of survey respondents) - 2024: 1,267 attendees; 54% identified as people of color (of survey respondents) - Vote: Approved 11–1 (Cashman no). - Amendment 9 — Immigration legal services (Council Members Chavez & Wansley) - Action: Increase funding by $121,418 ongoing for immigration legal services. - Positions expressed: Authors and supporters described increased need due to federal immigration enforcement; multiple members urged support. - Vote: Approved 12–0. - Amendment 10 — Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) staffing (Council President Payne; co-authors Chavez, Osman) - Action: Add 1 full-time staff for OIRA. - Vote: Approved 12–0. - Amendments 11 & 12 — Restore Speak MPLS & cultural media support (Council Member Chowdhury; co-authors include Payne, Chugtai; co-authors added during meeting: Osman, Jenkins) - Action: Restored funding as one-time (instead of ongoing) following discussions with administration. - Operational impact discussed: Communications Director Adam Fletcher said the combined $25,000 would be about a 26% cut to a $70,000 discretionary communications budget (tools, equipment), but one-time nature could be absorbed partly through vacancy savings. - Vote: Approved 12–0. - Amendment 13 — 4th Precinct mobile cameras for dumping (Council Member Vita) - Action: Withdrawn after the mayor’s letter/directive committing to an interim operational approach (including winter use/testing of mobile cameras). - Amendment 14 — Crime prevention specialists (Council Members Vita & Rainville) - Action: Add two crime prevention specialists (1st and 4th Precinct). - Key discussion: Commissioner Todd Barnette said he intended to hire but preferred deployment “by need” rather than geography; questions raised about an unimplemented prior-year 5th Precinct specialist. - Vote: Failed 5–7. - Amendment 15 — Restore mayor’s cuts to civilian investigators; terminate Zen City contract (Council Members Wansley, Cashman, Payne, Osman; resolution co-author added: Chavez) - Action: Restore 2 civilian investigator positions; reallocate funds by ending Zen City contract and reducing another MPD contractual line. - Key discussion: Some members argued Zen City supports settlement agreement-related surveying; others opposed Zen City based on concerns about the vendor and public feedback. - Contract term discrepancy noted: LIMS file cited one date while City Attorney cited another; City Attorney stated executed contract runs Nov. 9, 2023–Nov. 8, 2026 and is terminable without cause with 30 days’ notice. - MPD staffing stats stated: 29 civilian investigators (28 filled), 540 active sworn officers, 74 sworn investigators. Staff stated about $112,500 remained on the Zen City contract. - Vote: Approved 9–3. - Amendment 16 — MPD off-duty fees (Council Members Wansley & Payne) - Action: Tabled to allow further work with administration; COO described a plan involving IT/MPD change-management funding ($200,000) aligned with implementation of a new MPD timekeeping system (UKG) expected by end of 2026. - Amendment 17 — Non-fatal shooting task force investigators (Council Member Wansley) - Action: Earmark $1.7 million to fund 7–9 investigators for a non-fatal shooting task force. - Stats cited: Minneapolis non-fatal shooting clearance rate cited as 26% (2024); St. Paul cited as improving from 38% to 70% after a task force, plus reported 30% reduction in shots fired and 70% decrease in homicides. - Administration concern: Commissioner Barnette stated staffing constraints would impact other operations. - Procedural vote: Motion to call the question approved 9–3. - Final vote: Approved 8–4. - Amendment 18 — Stevens Square Safety Initiative (Council Member Osman) - Action: Fund neighborhood safety strategies for Stevens Square (noted “18th and Nicollet” corridor). - Vote: Approved 11–0 (Wansley absent). - Amendment 19 — Public housing tenant organizing/public safety (Council Members Wansley & Osman) - Action: $50,000 ongoing (revised down from $100,000; moved to CPED) to support tenant organizing (Project Lookout) in MPHA high-rises. - Vote: Approved 12–0. - Amendment 20 — Tiny Homes Big Dream Study (Council Member Chavez) - Action: $15,000 one-time in CPED to study viability of a city-owned and/or city-funded tiny home village. - Vote: Approved 13–0. - Amendment 21 — Emergency shelter operations (Council Member Chowdhury; co-authors Payne, Chavez, Kosky) - Action: $1 million one-time from Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) to support shelter operations via the joint powers agreement with Hennepin County. - Concerns raised: Members cautioned against using long-term affordable housing resources for short-term shelter operations; Finance noted $17 million in the Affordable Housing Trust Fund for 2026 and warned of future TIF-related declines. - Vote: Approved 10–3. - Amendment 22 — Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) reinstatement + Stable Homes Stable Schools + reporting (Council Members Wansley, Osman, Chavez, Chugtai, Chowdhury) - Action (multi-part): - Restore 2026 EHV ongoing funding (described as funding 100 vouchers for 2026). - 2025 reallocation: shift $1.4 million from EHV start-up funds to address a cited $3.2 million Stable Homes Stable Schools gap, leaving $400,000 for EHV start-up. - Add a legislative directive for implementation updates. - Key disputes: Implementation barriers (including legal/public-purpose limits) and funding sources (including reductions to positions in the Mayor’s Office and City Attorney’s Office, plus MPD Public Safety Services; also discussion of MPD off-duty fees as a potential offset). - Votes (as read into record): - 22A & 22B: Approved 8–5. - 22C: Approved 7–6. - Outcome: Amendment 22 package passed. - Amendment 23 — Underserved South Minneapolis communities opioid response (Council Member Osman; co-author added: Chavez) - Action: Opioid settlement-funded public health response programming; discussion referenced prior-year appropriations and implementation history. - Vote: Approved 13–0. - Amendment 24 — Autism & water safety public awareness (Council Member Osman) - Action: Health Department program to develop and disseminate water safety materials for children with autism. - Vote: Approved 13–0. - Amendment 25 — Labor Standards Co-Enforcement funding (Council President Payne; co-authors Chugtai, Cashman, Chowdhury, Kosky) - Action: Restore/maintain co-enforcement funding; revised sources included reductions to school-based clinics ($70,000), performance management ($200,000), and the Clerk’s Office (contractual services; corrected line-item), with a remaining one-time component to be revisited in 2027. - Vote: Approved 13–0. - Amendment 26 — Street vendor grant & compliance program (Council Members Chavez & Chowdhury) - Action: Continue vendor compliance education/permit support; moved administration to CPED (from Health), and designed to potentially work through multiple organizations for language/cultural access. - Vote: Approved 12–0 (Osman initially absent; later requested vote reflected as aye). Key Outcomes - Approved: Amendments 1–12 (except 13 withdrawn; 14 failed), plus 15, 17–21, 22, 23–26 (as covered in the transcript). - Withdrawn: Amendment 13 (4th Precinct mobile cameras) following an interim commitment described in a mayoral letter. - Failed: Amendment 14 (crime prevention specialists for 1st and 4th Precincts), 5–7. - Tabled: Amendment 16 (MPD off-duty fees) to allow further work; administration described a UKG-linked implementation timeline through end of 2026. - Notable contested decision: Reallocated $5.5 million from a planned Public Safety Wellness & Training Center capital project to traffic safety/ADA/protected bikeway investments (Amendment 7, approved 7–5). - Adjournment/Next meeting: Meeting adjourned with 25 amendments completed; next meeting scheduled Monday, Dec. 8, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.

The Climate & Infrastructure Committee met on December 4, 2025 (quorum present; Council Members Rainville, Vita, Chavez, Vice Chair Koski, and Chair Cashman; Council Member Osman absent). The committee adopted the agenda with a walk-on “receive and file” update to the 2024–2025 committee work plan, approved most consent items, held a public hearing on the West River Parkway Phase 2 project (no public testimony), advanced two franchise-fee ordinances as amended (by roll call), and received three presentations on George Floyd Square/38th & Chicago (no vote scheduled on that topic at this meeting). Consent Calendar - Approved items 2–4 and 6–13 (Blue Line Extension-related actions; stormwater resilience grant application; traffic restrictions report; 2025 CIP amendments for water distribution improvements; legislative directive on the 2006 South Lindale Master Plan summary/redevelopment analysis; Winterapolis Curling Plaza block event permit on Nicollet Mall in February; correction/clarification of municipal state aid variance language for 35th/36th St project). - Walk-on item: Received and filed an update to the committee’s 2024–2025 work plan (added to the agenda and included with the consent grouping). - Winterapolis Curling Plaza: Chair Cashman expressed support/excitement for bringing activity to Nicollet Mall in February and noted concerns relayed by transit riders about bus detours off Nicollet Mall, urging continued work to make detour operations smoother. Discussion Items - Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC) waste disposal/hauler services contract (2-year contract with Hennepin County) - Chair Cashman stated opposition to approving a 2-year term, arguing it does not adequately align contracts with city/county policy direction toward closure/repurposing of HERC and could create difficulties in “a couple of years” when ending use is expected. - Chair Cashman moved to forward the contract to full council without recommendation, with an intent to work to reduce the contract term to 1 year. - Council Member Chavez stated they would support forwarding without recommendation, but if no changes occur they would not support the item at full council. - Legislative Directive on proposed closure of HERC (brought by Council Member Rainville) - Chair Cashman requested the item move forward without recommendation to allow time to work on clarifying language, including discussion of how energy produced at HERC is described. - Council Member Rainville indicated general amenability to suggested edits but said one proposed change was a “deal killer,” signaling continued negotiation. - Public Hearing: West River Parkway Phase 2 Construction Project (City Project No. 2294) - Staff presenter: Michael Ritchie, Senior Professional Engineer, Transportation Engineering & Design (Public Works). - Project description (as presented): Construct 0.3 miles of new parkway connecting West River Parkway Phase 1 to the 33rd Ave N roundabout to complete access/circulation through the Upper Harbor site; includes new sidewalk, ADA ramps, curb/gutter, pavement, utilities, signage/markings, and stormwater infrastructure. - Total anticipated cost: $3,718,402. - Total street construction assessment: $718,402, based on 2026 uniform assessment rates and influence-area method. - Rates stated: $3.20/sq ft (non-residential) and $1.12/sq ft (residential). - Remaining funding described as coming from common project reserve and tax increment financing funds. - Public testimony: None. - Council Member Vita expressed support and appreciation, emphasizing improved North Side access to the river. - Gas and Electric Franchise Fee Ordinances (continuation from prior meeting; voted as amended) - Chair Cashman summarized amendments requested by utility partners (Xcel and CenterPoint): - Implementation date moved to April 1 (from an earlier date) to fit utility implementation timelines. - Data requests adjusted to align with utility privacy policies while still providing needed city data. - Chair Cashman referenced the prior committee meeting’s public hearing where “over 50 people” spoke in support. - Roll-call vote to approve both ordinances as amended: 4–1. - Rainville: No - Vita: Aye - Chavez: Aye - Koski: Aye - Cashman: Aye - Next step stated: ordinances to go to full council on Thursday, Dec 11, 2025. George Floyd Square / 38th & Chicago Presentations (Receive & File; No Vote) Public Works presentation (response to City Council Legislative Directive adopted Feb 27, 2025) - Presenters: Tim Sexton (Public Works Director), Adam Hale (Principal Project Engineer), Tiffany Spohr (Assistant City Attorney). - Purpose: Provide feasibility information regarding a pedestrian mall/plaza concept at 38th & Chicago under Minnesota statute; and provide information on existing Minneapolis pedestrian malls. No action requested at this meeting. - Key statutory points summarized by staff: - Council must adopt a pedestrian mall ordinance with required findings and specify times/days and authorized vehicles. - Protest provision: if owners of abutting lands representing a majority of frontage submit written objection before finalization, council must halt proceedings; no similar ordinance can be introduced for 1 year. - Design/engineering findings (as presented): - Emergency access: requires a 20-foot clear zone (no fixed/removable obstructions, including bollards, planters, seating, vendor carts, snow storage, etc.). Cul-de-sac curbs designed to be drivable by fire apparatus. - Parking restrictions: No parking in cul-de-sac; parking removed on the north side of 37th St between Columbus and Chicago; Columbus/Elliott to be monitored for further restrictions. - Traffic: approximately 2,900 vehicles/day on the 3700 block of Chicago Ave; about 550 vehicles/day would divert to Columbus, Elliott, and 37th (with remaining diversion to Bloomington, Park, and Portland). - Pedestrian safety/crashes: staff reported fewer crashes at 38th & Chicago from 2021–2025 under center-island and all-way stop conditions; pedestrian/bike crashes over 10 years occurred on 38th St or the south leg of Chicago (none in the proposed pedestrian-mall area). Staff also noted local-street crash frequency was higher in 2020–2021 during the closure than before/after. - Deliveries: 12 businesses receive 40–45 small-vehicle deliveries/week; larger vehicles cannot turn in the cul-de-sac and would need to drive through the pedestrian mall. Staff estimate 20 vehicles/week (large deliveries/maintenance) would drive through the pedestrian mall. - Transit impacts: D-Line BRT described as a $75 million investment; average 13,000+ riders/day (Metro Transit’s highest ridership BRT route). Detour routing around the pedestrian mall would add 7–10 minutes northbound and 4–6 minutes southbound, for 11–16 minutes additional round-trip travel time. Staff stated this would prevent achieving the D-Line goal of 20–25% travel time reduction (described as 18–22 minutes reduction from the prior 90-minute one-way Route 5 schedule) and could potentially trigger federal funding payback. - Operations: snow removal estimated at $70,000 per winter (average winter), and maintaining the 20-foot clear zone and keeping vehicles out would be an ongoing operational challenge. - Assessments: staff stated 83 properties would be assessed under city policy; assessment estimate $561,000 (chair later clarified assessments would apply regardless of the design concept; not “additional” for the pedestrian mall). - Planning consistency: staff said 10 Minneapolis 2040 policies were identified as applicable to the pedestrian mall concept (details referenced as available in the report). - Engagement stats (as stated): - 2021–2023: 1,000+ participants and 2,500+ comments. - 2024: 1,000+ event attendees and 25,000 interactions. - Aug 2025 (LD-specific share-out): 200+ attendees and 179 comments. - Existing pedestrian malls summarized: - Nicollet Mall (opened 1967; reconstructed 2017; restricts general vehicles except deliveries/emergency). - Chicago Avenue Mall (Mill District/Guthrie area; pedestrian-focused; event space). - Milwaukee Avenue Historic District (pedestrian-oriented but privately owned; therefore not designated as a pedestrian mall). - Legal/timeline notes (city attorney): pedestrian mall ordinance would need to be reintroduced in the 2026 session if council wishes to proceed. - Construction timing notes: - Pedestrian mall path described as: final design in 2027, construction anticipated 2028. - Flexible open concept: if advanced, construction could begin in 2026; Public Works estimated utility work in 2026, major construction in 2027, with some elements possibly extending into 2028. - Q&A highlights: - Chair Cashman asked about cost responsibility for the $70,000 snow removal; staff said it would depend on ordinance language (unknown at this stage). - Total project construction estimate for the broader 38th & Chicago work was stated as $11 million, described as local funding (no MSA funding). - Council Member Rainville asked about Metro Transit and business reactions; staff said Metro Transit would not prefer added time; businesses would prefer the open concept due to delivery challenges in a cul-de-sac/pedestrian mall. - Rainville asked engagement/planning costs to date: staff stated $3.5 million total city cost to date; < $400,000 since March tied to the legislative directive work. - Council Member Chavez added a separate position statement linking broader city costs to police brutality settlements. Unity Community Mediation Team / 38th & Chicago business coalition presentation (Small Business Support Plan) - Speakers included: Lachelle Cunningham (City Food Studio; 3722 Chicago Ave S), Victoria Lowing (Executive Director/Founder, Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center), Eany Augustine (Mystic Healing Stones; Technologist Computers), Asa Azriel (Plot Gallery; 3730 Chicago Ave), Bridget Stewart (Agape Movement; member of 38th & Chi). - Shared positions and proposals: - Expressed a vision for 38th & Chicago as a “vibrant, safe, and culturally grounded commercial corridor,” honoring grief and remembrance while emphasizing the area should not be defined solely by tragedy. - Expressed support for the Flexible Open Concept Plan (with openness to exploring a one-way southbound alternative to balance pedestrian space and traffic flow). - Requested “meaningful investment” beyond symbolic actions; proposed a dedicated district economic development/support plan and a renewed commitment to the 38th Street Thrive Plan with a minimum $10 million investment target. - Suggested infrastructure upgrades (examples stated): permanent trash/recycling, regular street washing, seasonal sidewalk maintenance, façade improvements, improved lighting and illuminated signage, green space/public seating, ADA curb cuts, and exploration of parking configurations. - Expressed opposition to the pedestrian mall concept; cited concerns about delivery access, business impacts, and questioned the $70,000 snow removal estimate (one speaker stated current plowing is being done “for free” by a community member). - Asa Azriel provided a statistic about the immediate area: on the 3700 block there are “about 40 units,” with “10 residential” and “30 businesses,” and stated “17 are black-owned businesses,” describing the block as having exceptionally high concentration of minority- and women-owned businesses (as asserted by the speaker). Community Visioning Council (CVC) presentation (alternative street plan) - Presenter: Mylesha Smith (CVC co-chair since Oct 2024). - CVC described having worked on the plan for about 1 year, with monthly meetings (stated average attendance: 40 people, growing recently). - Key elements of CVC’s on-screen “People Street” plan (as described): - Two-way Chicago Ave south of the memorial area, with a turnaround near 3749 Chicago Ave S. - Slanted/angled parking north of the memorial on the east side of the 3700 block. - Raised pedestrian space adjacent to the memorial (raised to sidewalk level), and a one-lane one-way southbound lane next to the memorial (no northbound lane directly in front of the memorial). - Retain the center “fist in the garden” / roundabout feature and stop-sign control. - Bus stop specifics for D-Line not determined; CVC reported discussing bus access with riders and referenced existing Route 38 stops at Park Ave and 10th Ave as currently workable. - Positions stated: argued this plan best supports business accessibility/parking, pedestrian safety (cars yielding to people), memorial engagement, and event-friendly use while complementing the 38th Street Thrive Plan. Key Outcomes - Agenda adopted (with walk-on receive-and-file work plan update). - Consent calendar approved (items 2–4, 6–13, plus walk-on), excluding two HERC-related items pulled for separate action. - HERC hauler services contract: forwarded to full council without recommendation (committee vote: voice vote, carried); Chair Cashman sought reduction from a 2-year to a 1-year term. - HERC closure legislative directive: forwarded to full council without recommendation (voice vote, carried), with further language work planned. - West River Parkway Phase 2 project (public hearing): hearing opened/closed with no speakers; committee approved proceeding and related assessment/bonding/areaway actions (voice vote, carried). - Gas + Electric franchise fee ordinances (as amended): approved by roll call 4–1 and advanced to full council for Dec 11, 2025. - George Floyd Square/38th & Chicago: committee received and filed Public Works and community presentations; Chair Cashman reiterated no vote on George Floyd Square concept at this meeting. - Design feasibility/timeline note: Public Works stated that incorporating more significant changes (e.g., converting to one-way) would take “months, not weeks” and could push construction to at least 2027; flexible open concept elements discussed (raised intersection already included; angled parking feasible only on one side and likely similar/slightly fewer spaces than current concept).

The Public Health and Safety Committee convened on December 3, 2025, to review a series of ordinances and reports focused on police transparency, public health safety, and civil rights. The meeting featured significant debate regarding the political will and timeline for regulating off-duty police work, approved amendments to strengthen lead poisoning prevention in rental housing, and updated the Small Business Enterprise program based on a new disparity study. Additionally, the committee approved appointments to the Civil Rights Commission, a contract amendment for embedded social workers, and received reports on pollution reduction initiatives and public health infrastructure grants. Consent Calendar - Funding Agreement: Authorizing an agreement with the City of Lakes Community Land Trust for real estate purchase. - Lead Poisoning Report: Receiving and filing a quarterly update on efforts to eliminate childhood lead poisoning. - Off-Duty Safety Report: Receiving and filing the Office of Community Safety's quarterly report. Public Comments & Testimony No members of the public signed up to speak during any of the public hearings. The clerk confirmed that the queue was empty for the Off-Duty Use of City Resources ordinance, the Lead Paint Ordinance on White Staff, and the Small Business Enterprise Program ordinance. Discussion Items - Off-Duty Use of City Resources Reporting Ordinance: - Vice Chair Wandsley moved the ordinance forward, expressing frustration that the administration has repeatedly cited "time tracking data management" as a barrier for nearly four years despite having the budget and vendor options. She characterized the delay as a "barrier of a lack of political will" rather than a technical limitation. She stated the ordinance seeks only reporting transparency, not full timekeeping implementation immediately. - Deputy Commissioner Jeffries (OCS) argued that the administration supports goal collection but requires additional time to sequence technology projects. He proposed a timeline of Q1-Q2 2027 for new IT systems to be in place, arguing that implementing an external platform before the city's internal timekeeping system is resolved would be inefficient. - Council President Payne emphasized that a consent decree settlement is a "floor, not a ceiling," expressing concern that without urgency, Minneapolis could face another 20 years of non-compliance similar to Oakland. He supported moving forward despite the potential need for manual reporting in the interim. - Councilmember Chowdry expressed strong support for data-driven governance, noting the delay is significant given that similar reporting in other departments (e.g., encampment reporting) is already effective. She advocated that "perfect should not get in the way of progress." - Councilmember Palmasano requested clarification on the technology timeline and staff capacity. The administration confirmed that the new timekeeping system is a city-wide project currently underway and that while staffing can increase, the technology infrastructure remains a prerequisite for non-manual tracking. - Lead Paint Ordinance Amendments (White Staff): - Alex Vallmer (Health Dept) presented proposed amendments to Chapters 240 and 244 to establish a proactive policy stance on lead hazards, clarifying that the city can inspect for lead-based paint in rental properties. She noted that 60-70% of elevated blood lead referrals come from rental housing, specifically 1-4 unit scattered sites and duplexes. - Councilmember Wandsley sought clarification on housing types, confirming that the highest rates of poisoning occur in rental units, particularly smaller multi-family buildings rather than large complexes. - Councilmember Payne expressed strong support, highlighting the disproportionate impact on the Southside Green Zone. - Small and Underutilized Business Enterprise Program: - Director Burns presented amendments based on a large disparity study showing continued disparities in minority and women-owned business participation (currently 13.9% vs. 20% availability). The primary change is shifting certification from the federal MNCUP program to the local CERT program to reduce burdens and increase participation. - Council President Payne shared his experience with the onerous federal certification process (taking nine months), supporting the shift to local control for greater efficiency. - Vice Chair Wandsley praised the shift from study to policy action, contrasting it with reports that often gather dust, and added herself as a co-author. - Public Health Community Institute (PHCI) & CDC Grant: - Presenters reported on the PHCI, which provides training and up to $15,000 grants to community organizations, and the Public Health Pathways internship program designed to diversify the health workforce. They noted a 58% increase in participant knowledge of public health purposes and plans to expand recruitment to include non-students. Key Outcomes - Off-Duty Use of City Resources: Motion to approve the ordinance carried with a vote of 5 Ayes, 1 Nay (Councilmember Rainville). The ordinance mandates quarterly reporting of off-duty work locations, hours, and fees. - Lead Paint Ordinance Amendments: Motion to approve amendments to Chapters 240 and 244 carried unanimously (5 Ayes). The changes establish a proactive maintenance standard for lead hazards in pre-1978 structures and authorize city inspections. - Small Business Enterprise Program: Motion to approve amendments to Title 16, Chapter 423 (switching to local CERT certification) carried unanimously (5 Ayes). The motion was referred to the full council. - Civil Rights Commission: Motion to approve 10 new nominations for the Minneapolis Commission on Civil Rights carried unanimously (5 Ayes). - Social Work Services Contract: Motion to approve the contract amendment with Hennepin County for embedded social work services for MPD carried unanimously (5 Ayes). The committee requested a follow-up memo with precinct-by-pricinct data and demographic breakdowns. - Pollution Reduction Report: The report on the legislative directive regarding air pollution and environmental justice was received and filed without a vote. - PHCI Grant Report: The report on the CDC Public Health Infrastructure Grant and initiatives was received and filed. - Meeting Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned following the receipt and filing of the final items.

The Business, Housing & Zoning Committee met on December 2, 2025 (afternoon meeting; called to order in open session). Vice Chair Aurene Chowdhury presided in the absence of Chair Jamal Osman (who joined later). The committee approved a large consent calendar, held multiple public hearings on licensing, land use, finance, and housing items, heard extensive public testimony on a proposed Tenant Opportunity to Purchase (TOPA) ordinance (but took no final action on the ordinance), decided a quasi-judicial land use appeal, and received Q2–Q3 2025 encampment closure reporting. Attendance - Present at roll call: Council Members Andrew Cashman, Emily Koski Vita, Jeremiah Ellison Jenkins (arrived after roll), Andrea Chavez, Vice Chair Aurene Chowdhury - Absent at roll call: Chair Jamal Osman (noted as away initially) - Quorum: 4 members present at roll; quorum established Consent Calendar - Approved (single motion) the following items; received & filed items 26 and 28: - Six liquor license approvals; eight liquor license renewals; one gambling license - Building permit extension: Silva on the River - Great Streets Facade Grant Program: authorization of agreements and acceptance of a Federal Transit Administration grant (including reference to Blue Line Extension-related funding) - 2025 Emergency Solutions Grant: authorization of agreements - Two loans to Martisur Hospitality Group (Nicollet Ave) - Stable Homes, Stable Schools appropriation and contract reauthorization (discussion noted a “fiscal cliff” and the inability to expand the pilot as originally envisioned) - Street vacation: 4301 Lake St E - Loan settlement: TLC Precision Technology - Grant agreement: Curtis Financial (rehabilitation at Heritage Park) - Appointment: Bruce Brunner to Seat 10, Minneapolis Advisory Committee on Housing - Temporary construction item (as listed) - Zoning code ordinance: minimum building height requirements - Prolonged vacancy enforcement report (received & filed) - Great Streets Gap Loan: Newbie 314 Property Holdings - Report on pet restrictions in rental properties (received & filed; noted it would not be taken up at this meeting) - Vote: Approved by voice vote (unanimous “aye,” no nays stated) Public Hearings & Actions Curioso Coffee Bar — On-sale Wine/Strong Beer w/ Limited Entertainment (3001 Hennepin Ave S, Suites 1170–1175) - Staff (Beth Dominguez, Licenses & Consumer Services): - Requested license: on-sale wine and strong beer with limited entertainment - Planned interior capacity: 35 patrons - Hours: 7:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. (Mon–Fri); 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. (Sat–Sun) - Notice: sent to residents/property owners within 600 feet and neighborhood/business association; two supportive comments received; no significant issues found - Applicant testimony (Luke, Curioso): expressed intent to remain primarily a coffee shop; sought beer/wine to expand funding model for events - Motion/Outcome: Approved on motion by Council Member Cashman - Vote: voice vote, passed (no nays stated) Lumi Restaurant & Bar — Upgrade from Limited to General Entertainment (9921 Nicollet Mall) - Staff (Christina Steeester, Licenses & Consumer Services): - Request: upgrade entertainment to allow DJ and dancing (weekend evenings, lowest level) - Hours: 6:00 a.m.–2:00 a.m. daily; sidewalk cafe 6:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m. - Notice: 24 notices to taxpayers within 450 feet (sent Nov. 12); no responses - Public safety history: no 311 or police calls for service directly resulting from operations - Safety plan: reviewed; police lieutenant reviewed but did not sign off (resource/coverage concerns for the location) - Public testimony: owner (name not clearly captured in transcript) described cultural and event use and desire to allow dancing without having to stop patrons - Committee discussion: - Council Member Vita requested moving forward “without recommendation” to allow a meeting between staff and nearby businesses/community members who received notice late and wanted to discuss the safety plan - Council Members Cashman and others emphasized desire to keep the item moving to final Council action by the last Council meeting of the term (Dec. 11) - Motion/Outcome: Forwarded without recommendation - Vote: voice vote; passed (no nays stated) Interim Use Permit — Hennepin County Emergency Family Shelter (219 4th St S) - Staff (Alex Kohlhaas, CPED Planning): - Interim use permit for emergency shelter up to 50 beds; operated by Hennepin County through no later than Aug. 31, 2026 - Guest access: referral-only by Hennepin County - Written comment received: Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association letter in approval - County testimony (Ms. Werder, Hennepin County): - Described “first stop”/triage model for families; goal stated as “no child to sleep outside” - Average household size stated as about 3.5 people; about 10 families on average at any given time (about 30–35 people) - Stated that due to the program there have been “zero turnaways” since it started at a different location beginning Christmas 2023 - Noted site was already operating and intended as temporary while planning for a long-term site - Motion/Outcome: Approved - Vote: voice vote, passed (no nays stated) Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Plan Budget Modifications — 59 TIF Districts - Staff (Matthew Hendricks, Finance & Property Services): - Explained 2021 special legislation allowing additional pooling flexibility during the pandemic era - City previously transferred “just over $17 million” from TIF accounts to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund; stated these funds were awarded to specific affordable housing projects and would be fully expended by year-end 2025 - Office of the State Auditor advised updating district budgets to reflect transfers as additions to district budgets - Also proposed updating most active TIF district plans to add capacity for potential future pooling for affordable housing (not a commitment to pool a specific amount) - Two resolutions: one for districts that pooled under 2021 law; one for districts that did not - Motion/Outcome: Approved - Vote: voice vote, passed (no nays stated) Planning Commission Appointments — Three Reappointments - Staff (Kimberly Helene, CPED): reappointments of Kelly Jones, Dave Shepard (full term after mid-term fill), and Tom Wagner - Motion/Outcome: Approved - Vote: voice vote, passed (no nays stated) PACE Clean Energy Financing Assessment — “222” Building (222 9th St S) - Staff (Becky Shaw, CPED Business Development): - Building: 41 stories; over 720,000 rentable square feet; four levels of below-ground parking - Project: $31.7 million in energy/retrofit improvements (HVAC, insulation, lighting, heat recovery, water efficiency, automatic energy controls, new chiller) - Financing: St. Paul Port Authority approved $12.5 million PACE financing - Repayment: special assessment, twice yearly payments over 30 years beginning Jan. 2027 - Also required: amendment to joint powers agreement to align with 2023 legislative PACE language - Motion/Outcome: Approved - Vote: voice vote, passed (no nays stated) Land Sale Side Yard Program — Add Two Properties - Staff (Naren Sihvong, CPED Real Estate Services): add 1900 Penn Ave N and 2756 Queen Ave N (both Ward 5; Jordan and Willard-Hay) - Motion/Outcome: Approved - Vote: voice vote, passed (no nays stated) Building Code Ordinance — Demolition/Wrecking Permit Requirements (Chapter 599) - Staff (Steve Poore, CPED Development Services): - Ordinance intended to address gaps in public noticing and environmental mitigation identified in 2025, referencing “recent events” and new noticing needs - Key changes described: - Expand mailed notice for demolitions (similar to construction management agreement noticing) to property owners within 350 feet (not just adjacent owners) - Improved effort to contact non-owner residents, with attention to sites with possible contamination/hazardous materials (state environmental permit/air permit/local permit, hazardous waste storage) - Health Department collaboration for extra review and permit conditions - Wind safety: require demolition to stop when winds exceed 15 mph - Clarified emergency demolitions (fire, vehicle impact) would not be subject to this process - Council Member Chavez: - Cited Smith Foundry demolition concerns in 2025 and community/staff workgroup collaboration - Supported stronger noticing and environmental mitigation planning - Council Member Cashman: - Asked scope impacts and urged avoiding barriers to necessary demolitions; raised future interest in deconstruction/salvage for zero-waste strategy - Council Member Chavez further asked about penalties for unpermitted demolition and expressed interest in higher/coercive penalties, particularly where contamination is involved - Motion/Outcome: Approved ordinance amendments - Vote: voice vote, passed (no nays stated) Tenant Opportunity to Purchase (TOPA) Ordinance — Public Hearing (No Final Action) - Vice Chair Chowdhury (remarks on behalf of authors Council Member Ellison and Vice Chair Chowdhury as named in the meeting; noted Council Members Ellison and “Council Vice President” were co-authors and not on the committee): - Framed TOPA as an anti-displacement tool used in other jurisdictions - Stated authors requested no vote by end of term and requested no action at this meeting so the policy could be revisited in the next council term Public Comments & Testimony (TOPA) - Opposed / concerns raised (positions and key points): - Patience (27-year Minneapolis resident): expressed opposition, arguing owners already may sell to tenants voluntarily; stated ordinance would infringe on property rights and create government overreach - Miles Artis (Director of Government Affairs, Minneapolis Area Realtors): opposed; stated main barrier is mortgage qualification; advocated expanding down payment assistance and financial literacy/homebuyer education - John Stiles (realtor; rental property owner): opposed; argued timelines could extend a sale to “eight months or more”; criticized $8,500 minimum buyout provision as forced value transfer; warned of impacts to 1031 exchanges - Ray Peterson (Ventura Village; stated neighborhood organization opposed): opposed as drafted; argued TOPA needs companion supports (financing, legal help, training); raised concerns about “qualified organizations” and exemption structure possibly concentrating poverty - Pat Paulson (Past President, Minneapolis Area Realtors; 40-year realtor): opposed; compared to 2009 “First Look” program; stated tenants buying their building is rare in his experience; argued sales do not terminate leases - Jennifer Spadini (property manager, buildings 10 units and less): opposed; criticized buyout calculation and ambiguity for shared units; warned exemptions could penalize keeping long-term lower-rent tenants - Will O’Keefe (Ward 8 rep, Housing Advisory Committee): could not support as drafted; noted HAC discussion without quorum/no official vote; cited concerns about limited success claims (referenced DC Policy Center); questioned fiscal note/staffing analysis and nonprofit capacity - Stacy Niemeyer (SVP Property Management, Bader Management; 15,000 units managed): opposed as drafted; emphasized “6 to 12 months” potential delay and financing/1031 complications; argued no reason to believe it would increase homeownership - Karen Meika Nielsen (incoming Vice Chair, MAR Government Affairs): opposed; cited stacked timeframes (14/30/60/90 days plus ROFR) as unrealistic; stressed sellers’ urgent needs - Kathy Bennett (Executive Director, Twin Cities Housing Alliance): opposed; argued it would discourage investment and burden nonprofits; urged focus on programs like Voluntary 4D and first-time buyer resources - Kyle Sinochinski (incoming Chair, MAR Governmental Affairs): opposed; cited seller urgency statistics (15% urgent; 42% somewhat urgent); raised concerns about qualified-organization purchases reducing inventory - Cecil Smith (President/CEO, Minnesota Multi Housing Association): opposed; warned standard deals could be delayed “almost a year” and rescission enforcement could deter buyers/title insurers; predicted lower sales prices and market impacts - Nils Snyder (small owner/operator; broker): opposed; argued ordinance would burden single-family/duplex sales and create legal risk for small owners - Bernadette Homus (speaker opposed): urged permanently tabling; argued co-ownership of older buildings is risky and capital intensive; doubted affordability/financing feasibility for tenant groups - Supported / urged strengthening (positions and key points): - Connor Carroll (Minneapolis renter): supported; stated TOPA would help renters stay housed and “level the playing field” against institutional investors - Jessica Cheminski (Housing Justice Center policy attorney; homeowner): supported passage with improvements; cited DC results of “over 1,100 affordable units” preserved/created annually (2006–2020); urged removing affordability-based exemptions, improving clarity/enforcement, and pairing with funding and technical support - Reg Enrique (Homelines Managing Organizer; Housing Justice League facilitator): supported a strong, community-influenced TOPA; framed as necessary to counter displacement and speculative pressures - Juan Luis Rivera-Rez (Alliance for Metropolitan Disability; Housing Justice League member org): supported; emphasized cooperative ownership and existing Minneapolis housing cooperatives - Andrew Falstrom (speaker supported passage): urged advancing equity and stated opposition framing as “socialism” reflects resistance to tenant ownership; shared anecdotal examples Committee Discussion & Action (TOPA) - Council Member Vita moved to return the ordinance to author (seeking an action rather than leaving it in committee). - Vice Chair Chowdhury stated preference for no action to honor authors’ request (leaving it in committee through term end). - Council Member Chavez stated she supported leaving it in committee per authors’ request, emphasizing TOPA as anti-displacement and criticizing repeated opposition by real estate/landlord interests; stated policy needed strengthening rather than abandonment. - Council Member Jenkins supported keeping in committee; also objected to broadly characterizing all opposition as “lobby” and emphasized concerns of small providers; argued TOPA would not by itself solve affordability without financing supports. - Roll call vote on motion to return to author: - Vita: Aye - Cashman: No - Jenkins: Aye - Chavez: No - Chowdhury: No - Result: 2 ayes, 3 nays — motion failed - Outcome: No further action taken; ordinance left in committee (not advanced to full Council in this term). Quasi-Judicial Land Use Appeals — 4109 & 4113 Sheridan Ave S (Linden Hills) - Staff (Lindsay Silas, CPED Planning): - Proposal: demolish existing duplex and garage; construct 4-story residential building with 13 dwelling units and 26 underground parking spaces - Zoning context: Corridor 3 built-form overlay (3 stories by right; up to 4 stories with a premium); portion of site in Shoreland Overlay District (approx. 1,000 feet from protected waters) - Approvals/appeals: - City Planning Commission (Nov. 3, 2025): approved CUP to increase height in Shoreland Overlay portion (2.5 to 3 stories; 35 ft to 40 ft 6 in) and site plan review - Administrative approvals: FAR increase (not appealed) and administrative height increase (3 to 4 stories at front of building) using an environmental sustainability/climate resiliency premium - Premium described: commitment for at least 50% of building energy usage as renewable energy (on-site solar or renewable energy credits) - Shadow studies: staff reported minimal difference compared with by-right scenarios, including findings related to adjacent solar energy systems - Appellant testimony (Tom DeVink, attorney for Linden Hills Community Coalition): - Requested sending item back to planning; stated coalition not against project but objected to CUP and administrative height increase; argued premium not adequately demonstrated “now” and that neighbor solar panels would be significantly impacted - Noted Planning Commission vote was narrow (stated as 4–3) - Applicant testimony (Josh Siegel, JLS Design Build): - Asked Council to deny appeal; asserted compliance with CUP and shoreland standards and height premium; stated renewable energy compliance is performance-based and verified later in permitting; stated expectation of rooftop solar providing nearly all renewable energy from day one - Public testimony included: - Support (e.g., Neighbors for More Neighbors volunteer; Planning Commission member speaking as individual): argued project supports fiscal stability, climate goals, and aligns with Corridor 3 near E-Line BRT - Opposition (nearby residents): raised concerns about fit/scale, sun/shadow, privacy, stormwater/drainage, retaining walls/foundation impacts from excavation, traffic/pedestrian safety on Sheridan, and potential impacts to existing solar panels - Committee questions: - Vice Chair asked staff about premium requirement; staff clarified staff report typo (40% listed, ordinance requires 50%), and explained enforcement via permit-stage review and conditions requiring premiums for life of building - Decision: - Motion: Deny the appeal and adopt staff findings, with an added condition (raised by Council Member Vita, Ward council member not on committee) that applicant work with staff on enhanced landscaping (trees/shrubs/plantings) in rear yard and south interior yard to mitigate impacts - Vote: voice vote, passed (no nays stated) Encampment Closure Reporting — Q2 and Q3 2025 (Receiving Presentation) - Presenter: Enrique Velasquez, Director of Regulatory Services - Q2 2025 (Mar. 18–Jun. 30): - City-supported closures: 0 - Homeless Response Team activity (reported): - 834 site visits (225 unique locations) - Vehicle-only sites: 58 of 225; 71 vehicles across those locations - Supplies provided: 212 times - Engagements: 484; resulting in 93 housing referrals, 6 shelter reservations, 6 intake assessments - Hennepin County Office of Housing Stability: 174 people exited unsheltered homelessness into shelter or stable housing (county could not disaggregate by encampment origin) - Q3 2025 (Jul. 1–Sep. 30): - City-supported closures: 1 (Ward 9; estimated 60 unsheltered residents affected) - Housing-related actions connected to the closure: - Shelter offered: 279 times - 28 housing referrals, 6 shelter reservations, 12 intake assessments - Presenter noted 7 individuals who wanted shelter but could not access it due to lack of capacity (noted as not shown on the slide) - Hennepin County: 141 people moved from unsheltered homelessness into shelter or stable housing - Closure cost/time (single closure): - Total cost: $16,382 - Total staff hours: 142.75 - Reported closure site impacts: - Encampment duration: 76 days - HRT visits: 27 - Day-of outreach: 30 people contacted; 3 accepted shelter - No arrests - 311/911 calls: 84% decrease in 311 calls and 90% decrease in 911 calls comparing the encampment period to after closure - Personal belongings: report stated residents were not permitted to return the day of closure to retrieve belongings due to circumstances following a mass shooting; Council Member Chavez requested follow-up explanation and emphasized the harm of denying retrieval - Process improvements described: - Ongoing data alignment with Hennepin County; county system changes aimed at tracking the “journey” from shelter entry to stable housing (additional information anticipated after Q1 2026) - Protocols to pre-reserve shelter spaces in advance of planned closures (not always possible for sudden closures) - Continued refinement of notification tracking and an expanded unsheltered homelessness dashboard beyond encampments Key Outcomes - Approved the full consent calendar (including licensing actions, loans/grants, street vacation, zoning/code items, and appointments) by voice vote. - Approved: - Curioso Coffee Bar on-sale wine/strong beer w/ limited entertainment license. - Interim use permit for Hennepin County emergency family shelter (up to 50 beds) through Aug. 31, 2026. - TIF plan budget modifications for 59 districts (including clarification of 2021 special-legislation pooling and future pooling capacity lines). - PACE special assessment for $12.5 million financing portion of a $31.7 million energy retrofit at 222 9th St S (payments over 30 years starting Jan. 2027) and joint powers agreement amendment. - Side Yard Program expansion to two Ward 5 properties. - Wrecking/demolition ordinance amendments (expanded notice, mitigation planning triggers, wind-stop at 15 mph, Health Department coordination). - Forwarded Lumi Restaurant & Bar entertainment upgrade without recommendation to allow additional community/staff engagement while keeping it eligible for final Council consideration. - TOPA ordinance: heard extensive testimony; motion to return to author failed (2–3); no action taken and ordinance left in committee for the next term. - Quasi-judicial appeals (Sheridan Ave S 13-unit/4-story project): appeal denied; staff findings adopted; added condition for enhanced landscaping. - Received Q2–Q3 2025 encampment closure reports and discussion flagged shelter capacity limits and requested follow-up regarding belongings retrieval and storage options.

The Administration & Enterprise Oversight Committee met on December 1, 2025 (afternoon meeting). Chair Robin Wonsley convened the committee with 5 members present at roll call (Payne, Vita, Cashman, Palmisano, Wonsley; Chughtai absent). The committee amended its agenda to add a bridge rehabilitation bid as a new consent item, adopted two public-hearing items (a payroll-related ordinance update and a Civil Service Commission reappointment), approved a large consent calendar (with one item separated for a roll-call vote), approved two discussion contracts (human trafficking services for the South Minneapolis Community Safety Center and a new 311 CRM system), referred a proposed blanket NDA authority for special events back to staff after a tied vote, forwarded a Health Department master contract item without recommendation, and then entered closed session for police federation labor negotiation strategy and a security briefing related to potential increased federal activity. Consent Calendar - Agenda amendment: Added a bid for the Nicollet Ave Bridge over Minnehaha Creek Rehabilitation Project as new Item 53 (added to consent) via voice vote. - Approved (voice vote) consent items 3–46 and 53, excluding Item 43, including (high-level categories): - Multiple gift acceptances for travel/lodging and related expenses. - Numerous bids and contract awards/amendments (public works infrastructure, IT, consulting, legal services, mailing, occupational health, towing, evidence management, CAD support, engineering/design, and more). - Collective Bargaining Agreement: International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 70 AFL-CIO. - Polling location designations for 2026. - Item 43 (workers’ compensation settlement) was pulled for a separate vote and then approved (see Key Outcomes). Public Comments & Testimony - No public testimony was provided for either public hearing item (payroll ordinance update; Civil Service Commission appointment). Discussion Items - Payroll update ordinance (Public Hearing Item 1) - Presenter: Tammy Hoff, Payroll Director. - Project description (staff): Updates/modernizes payroll, holiday, and personnel code provisions (largely unchanged since the 1980s) to match current practice and law, including: - Payroll payments updated to electronic funds transfer (reflecting existing practice). - Clarification/alignment with state pension statutes and deduction/payment methods. - Adds Juneteenth as a recognized City holiday. - Code cleanup/reorganization. - No new fiscal impacts stated (codifies current administrative procedures). - Council action: Council Member Cashman moved approval; adopted by voice vote. - Civil Service Commission reappointment (Public Hearing Item 2) - Item: Appointment/reappointment of Anthony Kelly to Seat 1 for a term stated as March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2028. - Presenter: Nikki Odom, Chief Human Resources Officer. - Project description (staff): Described commission role (independent, charter-authorized; oversees certain employment practices and hears appeals). Staff urged support for reappointment, citing neutrality and experience. - Council action: Vice Chair Palmisano moved approval; adopted by voice vote. - Item 47 — Contract with The Link for human trafficking advocacy training and survivor support services - Presenters: Amanda Harrington, Director of Neighborhood Safety Department; Christina Dowling, Senior Project Manager, Office of Community Safety (OCS). - Project description (staff): - Services to be located within the South Minneapolis Community Safety Center at 2633 Minnehaha Ave (authorized for purchase by Mayor/Council on Nov. 2, 2023, per staff). - Contract requested with The Link for a not-to-exceed $500,000 amount. - Services described as survivor support (on-site presence), outreach, and community/professional training; collaboration expected with other service providers at the center. - Timeline: services intended to begin when the center opens in 2026; contract sought now to avoid launch delays. - Funding context: from remaining public safety aid set-aside; staff stated $4,000,000 was originally set aside and $2,350,000 remained, including the $500,000 for this item. - Community engagement described: OCS reviewed 30 prior reports and conducted 2,000 community engagements (March–May 2024) including 3 street-walking engagements, 40 in-person events, 3 food shelf events, 1 online survey (May 6–May 24, 2024), and 1 virtual event. Human trafficking services were cited as an emerging theme and were also referenced from a 2018 framework engagement. - Council questions/positions: - Chair Wonsley asked about earlier vendor consideration and RFP process; staff said this was the first request brought to this body, referenced two RFPs, and noted some details remain confidential until contract execution; staff referenced a legislative directive to detail process once executed. - Chair Wonsley asked about location/square footage; staff described shared office space and use of private conference rooms, and stated separate entrances are being designed for police vs. community services. - Chair Wonsley raised concerns about why building security costs were included in pilot funding; staff explained a “hospitality/connect-to-services” model observed in Denver and noted security staffing model (city staff vs. vendor) was not yet determined. - Council Member Cashman asked about current trafficking services and whether the contract is citywide; staff stated there are no direct City-run trafficking victim services currently (more county/state), and that services would be available citywide though South Minneapolis is a hotspot. - Council Member Cashman requested resources for constituent casework; staff offered to follow up and noted website resources. - Action: Approved by voice vote after motion/second. - Item 48 — Contract with Catalyst Consulting Group, Inc. for a new 311 Citizens Request Management (CRM) System - Presenters: Mwende(n) Zimby, 311 Service Center Director; Paul Cameron, Chief Information Officer. - Project description (staff): - Replaces current 311 CRM system described as 20 years old. - Community feedback: 800+ responses collected prior to RFP; top priorities included request tracking without repeat calls, improved mobile app, and a usable portal. - Benefits described: expanded self-service; unified “360-degree” view across departments; better analytics/dashboards; upgraded IVR and multilingual capabilities; AI chatbot; improved handling of complex workflows; public-facing knowledge base; expanded mobile app. - Timeline provided: contract finalized/announced Dec. 2025; project begins Jan. 2026; Phase A go-live Oct. 2026; Phase B begins early 2027 with rollout in Q4 2027. - Council questions/positions: - Vice Chair Palmisano cited resident frustrations with 311 being closed and supported improvements. - Council President Payne asked about turnkey vs. customization; CIO Cameron said goal is as “out of the box” as possible and used in other major metros. - Council President Payne asked about integration with Council’s constituent CRM; CIO said it could be explored in Phase B and noted ongoing change-management coordination. - Council Member Cashman asked if all case types would be app-enabled; staff said that is the goal and noted the current app covers only “about 20-something” of “over 200” case types. - Action: Approved by voice vote after motion/second. - Item 49 — Special event-related nondisclosure agreement (NDA) authority (blanket request) - Presenter: Andrew Ballard, Enterprise Events Manager. - Project description (staff): Requested authorization to enter NDAs to access/protect proprietary bid materials and allow participation in competitive bids for large events; NDAs described as information-sharing only, signed by the COO or deputy COOs with City Attorney review; staff stated NDAs do not commit funds/resources/services. - Council positions and debate: - Chair Wonsley expressed strong opposition to delegating Council’s approval authority to the executive branch and stated she would not support conceding Council oversight. - Council President Payne expressed interest in responsiveness but opposed a “blanket” approach cutting Council out; argued NDAs can be used to leverage jurisdictions for incentives. - Vice Chair Palmisano supported being more responsive and initially suggested forwarding without recommendation; referenced potential amendments (limit scope to sports/cultural/arts; 1-year trial), but noted more work may be needed. - Council Member Cashman sought clearer definition of “resources,” noting concerns about unreported in-kind/staff costs in past event discussions; agreed Council should retain oversight. - Procedural outcomes: - Motion to forward without recommendation resulted in a 3–3 tie (failed). - Committee then voted to refer the item back to staff for further workshopping (passed 6–0). - Health Department master contracts (2026–2028) — forwarded without recommendation - Presenter: Chris Thokas, Director of Operations & Business Improvement, Minneapolis Health Department. - Project description (staff): - Current 5-year master contracts end Dec. 31, 2025; new procurement model shifts to 3-year contracts (2026–2028). - RFP posted Sept. 2, 2025; received 137 proposals. - 120 agencies deemed eligible; 67 met the City’s equity/inclusion goals for contracts over $100,000 and were brought forward now; remaining 53 to come later once documentation is completed. - Categories included prevention, chronic disease, behavioral health, climate/environment, injury prevention, community engagement/outreach, operations/infrastructure, workforce development. - Staff emphasized these are not guarantees of funding and intended to streamline contracting for grant-driven work with tight timelines. - Council concerns/positions: - Vice Chair Palmisano stated the RCA lacked clarity/description, questioned overall scale and transparency, and raised concerns in light of prior contract management issues (referencing the auditor’s Helix review). She indicated she would abstain on final approval at this stage. - Council Member Vita requested clearer ranges/amounts per vendor and time period to understand potential partnerships and constituent communication. - Council Member Cashman sought clarity on what actions return to Council (amendments vs. work orders) and oversight thresholds. - Procurement Director Pam Fernandez explained master contracts establish a cap; work orders under the cap do not come to Council; amendments come to Council when the cap is exceeded. - Action: Council Member Cashman withdrew an earlier motion to approve; the committee forwarded the item without recommendation (vote recorded as 4 ayes, with at least one member absent during vote per clerk call), with requests for additional clarity before full council consideration. Key Outcomes - Agenda amended to add Item 53 (Nicollet Ave Bridge over Minnehaha Creek Rehabilitation Project bid) to the consent calendar (voice vote). - Payroll update ordinance approved (voice vote); included codifying EFT payroll practices, pension statute alignment, adding Juneteenth, and code modernization; no fiscal impact stated. - Civil Service Commission appointment/reappointment approved: Anthony Kelly, Seat 1, Mar. 1, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2028 (voice vote). - Consent calendar approved for Items 3–46 and 53, excluding Item 43 (voice vote). - Item 43 (workers’ compensation settlement for William Palmer) approved by roll call, 4–1: - Aye: Payne, Vita, Cashman, Palmisano - Nay: Wonsley - Human trafficking services contract approved with The Link, not-to-exceed $500,000, intended to start with the South Minneapolis Community Safety Center opening in 2026 (voice vote). - 311 CRM contract approved with Catalyst Consulting Group, Inc. (voice vote). Key timeline: project start Jan. 2026, Phase A go-live Oct. 2026, Phase B Q4 2027. - Special events NDA blanket authority (Item 49): - Motion to forward without recommendation failed 3–3. - Item referred back to staff for further development/workshopping (6–0). - Health Department master contracts (2026–2028): forwarded without recommendation to full council, with members requesting clearer information/oversight understanding before final action. - Closed session approved and held under: - Minn. Stat. §13D.03 (labor negotiation strategy) regarding Minneapolis Police Officers Federation. - Minn. Stat. §13D.05 subd. 3D (security briefing) on emergency response procedures in the event of increased federal activity. - After closed session, the committee reconvened publicly, confirmed a quorum (4 members present: Payne, Vita, Palmisano, Wonsley; Cashman and Chughtai absent), and adjourned with no further business.

The Minneapolis City Council met on November 20, 2025, beginning with several honorary resolutions and then conducting formal legislative business, including adoption of multiple committee reports, ordinance amendments, a referral regarding the historic John Cook House, direction related to George Floyd Square decision timing, approval of a major street reconstruction layout, and a closed-session litigation briefing followed by a $475,000 settlement vote. The meeting reconvened from closed session at 12:23 p.m. and adjourned after final action. Consent Calendar - Committee reports adopted (multiple unanimous roll-call votes): - Administration & Enterprise Oversight Committee (22 items) including bids (e.g., sidewalk snow/ice removal; Target Center steam station improvements; Fridley softening plant lime system replacement), workforce development master contracts (2026–2028), contract amendments (including for after-action reviews and Target Center work), interpreting services, partnership engagement fund contracts, disability advisory committee appointments, and 2025 special assessments for delinquent utility charges. - Budget Committee (1 item): Resolution approving adjusted 20-year Neighborhood Park Plan guaranteed minimum annual amounts for 2027–2031 due to inflation. - Climate & Infrastructure Committee (10 items): Included multiple reconstruction projects (First Ave S; Cedar Ave; Lowry Ave NE Phase 2), Metro Blue Line Extension local-cost agreement, capital appropriations adjustments, Park Board joint powers agreement for parkway paving/repair/reconstruction, and EV Spot Network pilot rate updates. - Public Health & Safety Committee (2 items): Included an item related to opioid overdoses/naloxone (as described by the chair) and a Minnesota state grant (as described by the chair) to improve road safety. Public Comments & Testimony - Honorary resolution recipients and staff remarks: - Caitlin Hanson (Hennepin Healthcare, trauma prevention specialist) described trauma prevention work and expressed excitement to promote safe cannabis storage at upcoming events (including a “baby safety shower”). - Evelyn Carberry (Minneapolis Health Department, cannabis and substance use prevention coordinator) stated the city launched a safe storage campaign after increases in accidental childhood poisonings. - City Auditor’s Office (Fraud Awareness Week): The City Auditor (name not fully clear in transcript) highlighted easy reporting on the city website for employees and the public. - Youth Coordinating Board representative (“Ann”) accepted the World Children’s Day resolution and expressed a position emphasizing centering children’s rights in policy. - Shor Shulkis (City of Minneapolis, Two-Spirit LGBTQIA Equity Manager) invited the public to a 4:00 p.m. event at the Central Library for Transgender Day of Remembrance. - Annunciation Catholic Church & School community members (parents and family members) expressed gratitude for city departments’ coordinated response to the Aug. 27, 2025 shooting. - Mike Moeske (Harper’s father) expressed gratitude to responders and city staff and described the importance of ongoing outreach. Discussion Items Honorary Resolutions (presented before the regular agenda) - National Child Safety and Protection Month (November): - Resolution cited a 176% increase (2018–2023) in reports of potential cannabis poisoning and stated poisonings involving children under 5 increased from 7% to 24% of reported poisonings during that time. - Fraud Awareness Week: - Recognized Nov. 16–22, 2025 as Fraud Awareness Week. - Resolution cited an estimate that organizations lose approximately 5% of annual revenue to fraud (attributed to ACFE). - World Children’s Day: - Recognized Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025 as World Children’s Day. - Noted Minneapolis became the second Child-Friendly City in the U.S. after a Feb. 14, 2020 MOU with UNICEF USA (as stated in the resolution text). - Transgender Day of Remembrance: - Resolution referenced that “at least 55” transgender and gender-expansive people had been killed in the U.S. in the past year; Councilmember Jenkins clarified this was an estimate and may be undercounted due to misreporting. - International Employee Resource Group Day: - Recognized International ERG Day (third Wednesday of November) and highlighted ERGs’ workplace inclusion role. - City enterprise response to Annunciation shooting (Aug. 27, 2025): - Councilmember Koski described cross-department coordination among numerous departments (police, fire, emergency management, health, 911, 311, communications, public works, etc.). - Harper Lillian Moeske recognition: - Declared November as Harper Lillian Moeske Month in Minneapolis. Agenda amendment and procedural actions - Agenda amendment (added item): Motion to add an introduction/referral item related to an ordinance on humane encampment response passed 13–0. Business, Housing & Zoning (selected pulled items) Heritage Preservation Regulations ordinance (Item 1) - Council President Payne amendment (adopted 13–0): Added clarity regarding property-owner responsibilities for interim protections to maintain building security and weather-tightness (intended to prevent deterioration of designated historic properties). - Councilmember Wansley amendment (failed 5–8): Would have exempted the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) from a new eligibility screening step before nomination. Staff (CPED historic preservation supervisor Andrea Burke) explained the screening was intended to ensure significance/integrity criteria are met before interim protections and a lengthy public process begin. - Final passage of the ordinance: Adopted after the Payne amendment. (Transcript contains an apparent discrepancy: the roll-call announcement stated “15 ayes,” despite the council having 13 members; the ordinance was nonetheless declared adopted.) John Cook House demolition appeal (Item 6) - City Attorney Anderson recommended referral back to staff because regulatory services and the City Attorney’s Office were finalizing an agreement with the property owner. - Action (13–0): Referred back to staff based on an agreement framework to: - Facilitate sale of the property within six months, - Require upkeep/maintenance during that period, - Extend the city decision timeline under Minn. Stat. § 15.99 for six months. Signage ordinance (Item 22) - Councilmember Cashman highlighted changes including: ending regulation of painted wall signs citywide, expanded signage allowances in certain zones, reducing permitting burden for replacement signs, signage allowances for Skyway businesses, experimentation with new sign types (building wraps/light projection), and limiting billboards’ ability to subsidize vacant properties. - Amendment (13–0) and final adoption (13–0): Added/clarified language so existing off-premises signs converted from static to digital would be subject to any future revenue-share/municipal-tax legislative mechanism “to the extent permitted by law.” Introduction & Referral Calendar - Humane encampment response ordinance: - Councilmember Chowdhury described provisions including pre-closure notice, public health tools/approaches once an encampment reaches a certain size, storage requirements, and closure provisions. - Action: Approved referral and set a public hearing at Committee of the Whole on Dec. 9. - Vote: Passed 9–4. Motions George Floyd Square (GFS) concept layout and easement timing - Motion by Councilmember Jenkins: Directed the City Clerk to return the pending GFS concept layout and easement item (LIMS 2024-01336, the “flexible/open concept”) to the council for potential action. - Jenkins stated the intent was to have the flexible option available if the pedestrian mall option is determined not viable. - Councilmember Chavez opposed, citing upcoming community meetings (town hall Dec. 2, 2025; CNI presentation Dec. 4, 2025) and emphasized positions of constituents and election results. - Clerk clarification: The pedestrian mall path (LIMS 2025-00226) required additional statutory analysis and would require an ordinance; staff would report back at a forthcoming CNI meeting, but a pedestrian mall ordinance could not be completed in the remaining term. - Vote: Motion passed 8–5, returning the item for future council consideration. Unfinished Business - 35th St & 36th St reconstruction project layout approval and variance requests: - Chair Cashman and Councilmembers Jenkins and Chavez described ongoing design concerns, including the shared-use path segment and bridge ADA/safety considerations; Public Works was expected to seek a state aid variance. - Vote: Approved 13–0. Closed Session (litigation) - Closed session authority: Minn. Stat. § 13D.05, subd. 3(b) for attorney-client privileged briefing. - Matter: Cheryl Frazier et al. v. City of Minneapolis. - Council voted 12–0 to enter closed session. The council reconvened in open session at 12:23 p.m. Key Outcomes - Honorary resolutions adopted recognizing child safety month, Fraud Awareness Week (Nov. 16–22, 2025), World Children’s Day (Nov. 20, 2025), Transgender Day of Remembrance, International ERG Day, enterprise response to the Aug. 27, 2025 Annunciation shooting, and declaring November as Harper Lillian Moeske Month. - Heritage Preservation Regulations ordinance adopted, including a 13–0 amendment on interim protections and weather-tightness responsibilities; a separate HPC exemption amendment failed 5–8. - John Cook House demolition appeal referred back to staff (13–0) with an anticipated six-month sale/maintenance framework and § 15.99 timeline extension. - Signage ordinance adopted (13–0) with a clarifying amendment to apply future revenue-share/tax mechanisms to converted digital off-premises signs. - Humane encampment response ordinance moved forward to Committee of the Whole with a Dec. 9, 2025 public hearing; passed 9–4. - George Floyd Square flexible/open concept layout returned to council consideration via a clerk directive; passed 8–5. - 35th/36th Street reconstruction layout approved (13–0) with variance process expected to continue. - Settlement approved (10–0 in reopened session): Claims in Cheryl A. Frazier (next of kin of Laniel Lamont Frazier) v. City of Minneapolis settled for $475,000, payable as determined by anticipated court distribution order; City Attorney authorized to execute settlement documents.