Public Meetings - Minneapolis, Minnesota

This regular meeting of the Public Health and Safety Committee, chaired by Councilmember Jason Chavez, covered a range of public safety topics including nonfatal shooting investigations, behavioral health treatment access, and an update from the Office of Community Safety. The committee also amended the consent agenda to include a legislative directive regarding the Minneapolis Police Department's internal review of the Davis Motori shooting. Key presentations from experts, county officials, and city staff highlighted both challenges and evidence-based strategies for improving clearance rates and crisis response. Consent Calendar - Item 1-5: Routine referrals and approvals including an ordinance amendment on small and underutilized business enterprise program, regulations on firearms, workplace regulation enforcement, an appointment to the Homegrown Minneapolis Food Council, and a report on pollution control fees. - Item 6 (added): Legislative directive requesting the release of the Minneapolis Police Department's internal review regarding the shooting of Davis Motori. Co-authored by Chair Chavez and Vice Chair Wansley, it passed unanimously after discussion. Discussion Items - Nonfatal Shooting Investigations: - Dr. Will Cooley (Minnesota Justice Research Center) presented on the state-wide clearance rate problem, noting Minneapolis solves only 23% of nonfatal shootings vs. 65% of homicides. He highlighted the need for resources, manageable caseloads, and better training. - David Zimmer (Center of the American Experiment) shared best practices from agencies like Denver and St. Paul, emphasizing standalone units with dedicated investigators, top-down support, and treating nonfatal shootings as “failed homicides.” - Ramsey County Attorney John Choi presented St. Paul’s success: clearance rates rose from 37% in 2023 to 70.5% in 2024 after creating a standalone unit, with a 30% reduction in shots fired and 70% reduction in homicides year-to-date. He stressed collaboration and a victim safety fund. - Council members raised questions about clearance definitions, staffing limitations, and comparisons with Minneapolis. Councilmember Palmasano noted MPD already working with National Public Safety Partnership on similar recommendations. Vice Chair Wansley emphasized that better clearance rates mean more justice for victims and families. - The presentation was received and filed. - Care Courts & Behavioral Health Treatment Access: - Sarah Renner (Legislative Policy and Research) presented a landscape analysis of care courts (California's CARE Act) and behavioral health services in Hennepin County. Key stats: 69% of unhoused persons in Hennepin County have a mental health diagnosis; only 17% of adults with co-occurring disorders receive integrated treatment. The report noted limited data and gaps in services, especially for the unhoused. - Options included: voluntary engagement pilot (using Hennepin County’s new grant), better integration between BCR and county services, and data transparency. - Council President Payton praised the report for outlining gaps before involuntary commitment. Councilmember Rainville noted the gap between care court petitions (2,042) and actual participants (550). Chair Chavez expressed personal opposition to the care court model but supported the information-gathering directive. - The report was received and filed. - Office of Community Safety (OCS) Quarterly Update: - Commissioner Todd Barnett introduced new staff and highlighted the NYU policing project, Safe and Thriving Communities Work Group, and proactive communication campaigns. - Will Christensen (Design and Implementation Director) reported 22 completed actions from the Safe and Thriving Communities Report, including embedded mental health clinicians in 911 and contract monitoring competencies. - Christina Dowling (Senior Project Manager) updated on Lake Street Safety Center: 419 visitors since November 2024, modified hours based on data, and positive provider surveys. - Bethlehem Yahala (Performance Management and Innovation) presented on a traffic control response pilot inspired by Charlotte’s civilian crash investigator program, and an embedded social worker pilot now operational. - Deputy Chief John Kingsbury (MPD) reported violent crime trending down (homicides, shooting victims, robberies), improved response times, and overtime details ($11.3 million in CSOT through August). He noted 29 new officers graduated and 21 more starting. - Director Rachel Sayre (Emergency Management) highlighted readiness activities, responses to two mass shootings in Q3 (Annunciation and Lake Street), and ongoing recovery efforts. - Due to time constraints, the remaining presentations (Fire, Neighborhood Safety, and 911) were moved to the October 15 meeting. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Approved: Items 1-6 passed unanimously, including the Davis Motori legislative directive. - Nonfatal Shooting Presentation Received: Filed; next steps include continued advocacy for state funding (HF 2742) and exploring local replication of the St. Paul model. - Care Courts Report Received: Filed; council members noted opportunities for collaboration with Hennepin County on voluntary engagement and data integration. - OCS Quarterly Update Partially Received: Remaining departments (Fire, Neighborhood Safety, 911) deferred to October 15, 2025 Public Health and Safety Committee meeting. - Meeting Adjourned at approximately 4:15 PM.

The Business, Housing and Zoning Committee met on September 30, 2025, to consider multiple items, including liquor license approvals, a major rental license ordinance, an alcohol licensing code amendment, and a license revocation hearing. The meeting included public testimony and council debate, with several votes taken. Consent Calendar - Approved items 6 through 11 unanimously, including: - One liquor license (Item 6) - 40 liquor license renewals (Item 7) - Acceptance of spring 2025 brownfield grants (Item 8) - Quality of life grant for animal shelter housing (Item 9) - Modification of a loan for the Dreamland on 38th project (Item 10) - Setting a public hearing for October 14 on a cannabis event ordinance (Item 11) Public Comments & Testimony - Bellcor Cafe (Liquor License): Gavin, the applicant, described the business as a French bistro and bakery. No opposition. - Classics Kitchen and Cocktails (Liquor License Upgrade): Gerard, the owner, stated they wanted to add limited entertainment after two years of operation. No opposition. - Rental License Ordinance (Slum Lord Tier Oversight and Protection): - Support: Vanessa (tenant, spoke about abusive landlord experience), Will Luther (Undergrad Student Government, urged support for student protections), Joe Hesla (Ward 9 resident, called it long overdue), Linnea Cabot (tenant union, described mold and human excrement issues), Daniel Saador (former tenant attorney, said tier system lacks enforcement), Andrew Follestrom (described roach infestation in tier three building), Emory Brush (tenant, said 311 calls failed), Cynthia (NAACP, called it a good start), Karina (Ward 6 resident, supported but urged more action), Amina Ray Baravon (renter, said 311 calls go unanswered), Peter R (called for stronger enforcement), Mark Safranos (tenant, described flooding and mold), Ashley Worth Patrick (renter and small landlord, supported). - Opposition: Cathy Bennett (Twin Cities Housing Alliance, warned of displacement and administrative burden), Will O'Keefe (Housing Advisory Committee, said it overstretches staff), Cecil Smith (Minnesota Multi-Housing Association, cited risk of displacement and due process issues). - Alcohol License Ordinance Amendment: Sir Johnson from Gay 90s requested grandfathering language for 18+ events, warning the new limits could be crippling. Discussion Items - Rental License Ordinance: Presented by Councilmembers Osman, Cashman, Chowdhury, and Wansley. The ordinance requires high-risk (tier three) rental properties to come before the City Council for license renewal, adding oversight and accountability. The effective date is January 1, 2027, allowing landlords time to improve. Councilmembers debated the potential for revocation, displacement, and administrative burden. Councilmember Vita argued it was a management issue, not legislative, and worried about eviction court. Councilmember Jenkins expressed concern about unintended consequences. Supporters (Cashman, Chavez, Chowdhury, Wansley) emphasized the need for accountability and noted that revocation is a last resort, with other tools available. - Alcohol License Ordinance Amendment: Presented by Manager Amy Lingo. The amendment modernizes alcohol licensing, including gender-neutral language, raising the ownership threshold for financial disclosure from 10% to 15%, allowing 18+ events up to 12 per year, and removing the 300-foot distance requirement from places of worship for new liquor stores. Councilmember Jenkins questioned the limit on 18+ events, calling it “prohibition-like.” Councilmember Cashman supported the modernizations. Councilmember Chavez sought time to discuss grandfathering with Councilmember Rainville. The item was moved without recommendation and passed. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously. - Bellcor Cafe Liquor License: Approved unanimously. - Classics Kitchen and Cocktails Liquor License Upgrade: Approved unanimously. - Rental License Ordinance (Slum Lord Tier Oversight and Protection): Passed 5-1 (Councilmember Vita opposed; Councilmembers Cashman, Jenkins, Chavez, Chowdhury, Osman in favor). - Alcohol License Ordinance Amendment: Approved without recommendation by a voice vote (moved by Councilmember Jenkins). - Camden Social and Gig Garden License Revocation (Tax Non-Payment): Forwarded without recommendation to the full City Council after staff indicated taxes had been paid.

The Climate and Infrastructure Committee of the Minneapolis City Council met on September 30, 2025 at 8:04 AM. Chair Katie Cashman presided. The meeting included approval of a consent agenda, public hearings on the University Avenue Northeast Improvement Project and two assessment resolutions, and discussion of construction coordination. All members were present except Councilmember Osmond. Consent Calendar - Item 4: Resolution for project designation and cost estimate for the First Avenue South Reconstruction Project, setting a public hearing for November 13, 2025. - Item 5: Accepting the 2025 local trail connections program grant for the Fallwell Park Trail part of the North Side Greenway. - Item 6: Approving the concept layout for the North Side Greenway. - Item 7: Resolution updating uniform assessment rates for construction and resurfacing of streets and alleys. - Item 8: Resolution for project designation and cost estimate for the Cedar Avenue Reconstruction Project, setting a public hearing for November 13, 2025. All consent agenda items were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony No members of the public signed up to testify or spoke during any of the public hearings. Discussion Items University Avenue Northeast Improvement Project – Municipal Consent - Peter Bennett, Senior Transportation Planner, presented the project: a 2.3-mile reconstruction of University Avenue Northeast (Trunk Highway 47) from Central Avenue Southeast to north of 27th Avenue Northeast, scheduled for construction in 2027-2028. The project proposes removing two travel lanes (decreasing traffic capacity), adding a center turn lane, medians at nine locations, curb extensions, and bike lanes on a key segment of the AAA bike network. The request for municipal consent was triggered by permanent right-of-way acquisition and altered traffic capacity. - Councilmember Rainville asked about coordination with Hennepin County’s Marshall Street and Central Avenue projects, expressing concern about overlapping construction. Christina Profetti from MnDOT acknowledged the overlap and stated that a phasing plan is being developed to avoid concurrent closures on north-south routes. She noted that funding timing prevents moving the project, but construction treatments and detours will be implemented. She also confirmed a communications plan and complaint hotline are being developed. - Councilmember Chavez thanked staff for the presentation. - The public hearing was opened and closed with no testimony. The hearing was continued to October 16, 2025, for final action on the resolution and municipal consent. 2026 Assessments for Tax-Exempt Parcels – Street Light Operation Fee - Paul Keating, Management Analyst, presented the proposed special assessment for street lighting on non-governmental tax-exempt properties. The median assessment is $92 per year; total assessment payable in 2026 is $108,503. The resolution was adopted unanimously after a public hearing with no testimony. 2026 Assessments for Tax-Exempt Parcels – Street Maintenance Fee - Mr. Keating provided the same overview for the street maintenance assessment. The median assessment is $219 per year; average is $464; total payable in 2026 is $541,777. The resolution was adopted unanimously after a public hearing with no testimony. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved all five items unanimously. - University Avenue Northeast Improvement Project: Public hearing continued to October 16, 2025; no action taken on the resolution. - 2026 Street Light Operation Fee Assessment: Approved unanimously. - 2026 Street Maintenance Fee Assessment: Approved unanimously. - The meeting adjourned without further business.

The Administration and Enterprise Oversight Committee convened on September 29, 2025, chaired by Vice Chair Lene Palmasano. The committee approved a consent calendar with multiple items and discussed a contract amendment for property maintenance services with Better Futures Minnesota. Consent Calendar - The committee unanimously approved 18 consent agenda items, including gift acceptances, grant applications, and contracts. Councilmember Palmasano expressed support for a traffic safety grant from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety but objected to the partnership engagement fund dispersal method, though voted to approve as funds were already appropriated. Discussion Items - Narin Sihavong from CPED presented a request to increase funding for occasional property maintenance services by $80,000, citing cost overruns primarily due to illegal dumping and rubbish removal. Councilmember Vita expressed full support for the contract with Better Futures Minnesota, emphasizing the severe issue of illegal dumping in North Minneapolis. Key Outcomes - All consent agenda items were approved unanimously. - The property maintenance contract amendment was approved with a 5-0 vote.

The Budget Committee convened an adjourned meeting on September 29, 2025, chaired by Aisha Chuktai. The meeting focused on reviewing the mayor's recommended 2026 budget through detailed presentations from the Civil Rights and Public Works departments, followed by extensive questions and discussions from council members. Discussion Items - Civil Rights Department Presentation: Interim Director Kayla McConandietta presented the 2026 budget, highlighting organizational restructure, updated mission and values, and key achievements such as clearing the police misconduct investigation backlog. The budget proposes a reduction in labor standards co-enforcement funding. Council members, including Cashman and Chowdhury, expressed concern about the impact of this cut, with Cashman noting it would likely reduce trainings, engagement, and enforcement of labor violations. Chowdhury emphasized the department's critical role in protecting marginalized communities and questioned how the reduction would be mitigated. - Public Works Department Presentation: Director Tim Sexton overviewed the department's structure, services, and 2026 budget proposal, which includes increases driven by labor costs and operational expenses. He discussed risks like aging infrastructure, federal funding uncertainty, and copper wire theft. Council members raised questions on topics such as transit signal priority technology, fleet electrification delays, and utility fee affordability. Cashman sought clarity on budget increases and vacancies, while Palmasano highlighted the limited general fund portion and its direct impact on core services. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken. The committee acknowledged departmental progress, with members like Vita and Rainville praising staff efforts and achievements. - Directives included requests for follow-up information: Civil Rights to provide wage theft case numbers and co-enforcement contract expiration dates, and Public Works to schedule a follow-up meeting on performance metrics and provide details on long-term vacancies. - Council members emphasized the need to balance budget constraints with service delivery, particularly regarding civil rights enforcement and public works maintenance.

The Minneapolis City Council convened on September 25, 2025, at 9:00 AM (roll call at 9:38 AM) with 13 members present. The meeting opened with honorary resolutions recognizing Latino Heritage Month (sponsored by Councilmember Chavez) and Workforce Development Month (sponsored by Council President Payne). After adopting the agenda, minutes, and routine referrals, the council considered a motion to discharge two ordinances related to commercial property sales, approved committee reports, debated the 7 Points Inclusionary Zoning TIF plan, introduced new ordinance proposals on franchise fees and firearms, and held a closed session on litigation. Key votes and decisions are summarized below. Consent Calendar - Administration & Enterprise Oversight Committee Report (27 items): Approved without objection except for items 3, 7, and 23, which were pulled for separate votes. The remaining 24 items carried 12‑0 (Councilmember Wandsley absent). - Items 3 and 7 (retroactive gift acceptances): Passed 11‑1 (Vice President Chugtai voted no). - Item 23 (workers’ compensation settlement): Passed 10‑2 (Councilmembers Chavez and Chugtai voted no). - Business Housing & Zoning Committee Report (11 items, excluding item 1): Approved 12‑0. - Climate & Infrastructure Committee Report (11 items): Approved 12‑0. - Committee of the Whole Report (1 item, approving bylaws): Approved 12‑0. - Public Health & Safety Committee Report (5 items): Approved 12‑0. Discussion Items - Commercial Property Sale and Administrative Enforcement Ordinances: Councilmember Chavez moved to discharge these two linked ordinances from the Business Housing & Zoning Committee. The motion carried 12‑1 (Councilmember Rainville opposed). Immediately after discharge, Councilmember Chavez moved to adopt the ordinances. After no debate, the vote was 7‑6 in favor. Voting aye: Councilmembers Vita, Ellison, Wandsley, Chowdhury, Chavez, Chugtai, Payne. Voting nay: Councilmembers Koskey, Jenkins, Palmasano, Cashman, Osman, Rainville. - 7 Points Inclusionary Zoning TIF Plan (Biz Item 1): Councilmembers Chowdhury and Chugtai led discussion on prevailing‑wage compliance. Director Hanson (CPED) and Deputy Director Burns (Civil Rights) described monthly monitoring and bi‑weekly payroll reporting. Councilmember Cashman highlighted 46 affordable units (20% at 50% AMI) and a healthy housing mix. The plan carried 11‑0 (with Councilmember Ellison absent; the record shows 12 ayes including Ellison). - Notice of Ordinance Introductions: - Franchise Fee Ordinances (Gas & Electric): Sponsored by Councilmembers Cashman and Koskey, with Vice President Chugtai added as co‑author. Councilmembers Vita and Palmasano raised concerns about the burden on low‑income households, citing a 19.5% energy burden in Ward 4. Councilmember Cashman countered that the fees are a tool to fund climate equity goals and do not themselves increase rates. No vote was taken; the notice was given for first reading at a future meeting. - Firearms Ordinance: Sponsored by Councilmember Chowdhury, to enact local gun‑control regulations subject to state preemption. Councilmember Jenkins expressed hope for including bans in city buildings. The notice was introduced and referred to the Public Health & Safety Committee (10‑0). - Closed Session: The council recessed into closed session at 11:15 AM to receive legal advice on the 10th Avenue Water Main River Crossing Project litigation. Following the closed session, the council reconvened and Councilmember Payne moved to resolve all claims according to a deductive change order. That motion passed on a voice vote. Key Outcomes | Action | Vote | |--------|------| | Discharge commercial property ordinances | 12‑1 | | Adopt commercial property ordinances | 7‑6 | | Approve all committee reports (consent and pulled items) | Varies (see above) | | Approve 7 Points TIF plan | 12‑0 (12 ayes) | | Introduce franchise fee ordinances | Notice given; no vote | | Introduce firearms ordinance | Referred to committee (10‑0) | | Adopt honorary resolutions | 10‑0 | | Resolve 10th Avenue Water Main claims | Voice vote (passed) | Closed session held for attorney‑client privilege; no actions taken outside the open session motion.

The Committee of the Whole met on September 22, 2025, to receive reports from standing committees and presentations on major city projects and federal legal actions. Key discussions focused on public safety capital projects required by a state settlement agreement, the schematic design for a new Democracy Center, and the city's legal strategy to protect federal funding and immigrant communities. Consent Calendar - Approved bylaws for the Safe and Thriving Community Use Work Group. - Set a public hearing for October 7, 2025, regarding the creation of an Arts Commission. - Approved a staff directive related to the creation of a Capital Long Range Improvement Committee (CLIC). Discussion Items - Committee Reports: Chairs from Administration & Enterprise Oversight, Budget, Business Housing & Zoning, Climate & Infrastructure, and Public Health & Safety committees summarized items forwarded for full council approval, including contracts, grants, and land use actions. - Public Safety Capital Projects (Legislative Directive Response): Commissioner Todd Barnett and COO Margaret Anderson Kelleher presented on three major projects required by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights settlement agreement: the North Minneapolis Community Safety Center (to house the 4th Precinct), general MPD facility improvements, and a new Community Safety Training and Wellness Center. They emphasized timelines for design and construction to meet compliance deadlines and discussed community engagement for the North Minneapolis center. - Minneapolis Democracy Center Schematic Design: Director Barbara O'Brien and LSE Architects presented the design for relocating Election & Voter Services to a city-owned facility at 3000 Minnehaha Ave. The plan includes a new addition for early voting, logistics space, and 7,500 sq ft for a community partner, aiming for construction in spring 2026. - Federal Government Action Updates: City Attorney Kristen Anderson and staff detailed the office's proactive legal and administrative work since February 2025. This included joining two federal lawsuits (San Francisco v. Trump and King County v. Turner) to block enforcement of conditions on federal grants, implementing a rigorous grant review process, providing staff guidance on immigration enforcement, and improving the U visa certification process for crime victims. Key Outcomes - Received and filed all three presentations. - Committee reports were noted; items will proceed to the full council for approval. - The city's legal team secured preliminary injunctions in federal lawsuits, protecting the city from enforcement of certain grant conditions and allowing negotiations to remove problematic terms (e.g., in a $34M DOT bridge grant). - The Democracy Center design phase will advance, with bidding anticipated in early 2026. - Public safety capital project planning will continue, with community engagement for the North Minneapolis center expected in 2026.

The Budget Committee convened on September 22, 2025, to review three departmental presentations on the Mayor's recommended 2026 budget. Chair Aisha Chugtai presided over the meeting, with a quorum present. The committee received updates from the Intergovernmental Relations Department, Convention Center/Downtown Assets, and the Office of Community Safety, followed by discussions with council members. Discussion Items - Intergovernmental Relations Department: Director Katie Topinka presented the department's budget, highlighting a 2.81% decrease primarily due to the removal of one-time funding for IRA/IIJA projects. She proposed reducing the seasonal legislative aid position to absorb cost increases. Council members raised various points: Councilmember Wandsley expressed concern about unclear city priorities and poor alignment with state partners; Councilmember Palmasano praised the team's resilience in a difficult political environment; Councilmember Chowdry inquired about support for staff stress and burnout; Councilmember Cashman suggested emphasizing regional priorities with the Met Council. - Convention Center and Downtown Assets: Director Jeff Johnson presented on the performance of hospitality assets, noting economic challenges in 2025 but optimism for 2026. He requested $600,000 in additional funding: $500,000 for the WWE SummerSlam event and $100,000 for a competitiveness study. Council members asked about recovery plans, expenditure details, and competitive threats from other cities like Milwaukee and Cincinnati. Councilmember Cashman highlighted the importance of regional tourism, and Vice Chair Koske discussed vision for convention center connectivity and activation. - Office of Community Safety: Commissioner Todd Barnett presented the office's budget, focusing on coordination of safety services, progress on the settlement agreement, and emergency response capabilities. He noted the transfer of communications staff to the city communications department and the elimination of a vacant intelligence analyst position to meet budget targets. Council members questioned the role of the chief of staff, funding for the consent decree, updates on the MPD staffing study, and details on FTE transfers. Key Outcomes - The committee received and filed the three presentations. No formal votes or decisions were made during this meeting. - The next budget committee meeting is scheduled for September 29, 2025, to hear presentations from the Civil Rights and Public Works departments.

The Minneapolis Budget Committee held the first of four public hearings on Mayor Jacob Fry's recommended 2026 budget, which totals about $2 billion and includes an 8% property tax levy increase authorized by the Board of Estimate and Taxation. The meeting focused on receiving public testimony, primarily from workers and advocates opposing proposed cuts to the city's co-enforcement program. Public Comments & Testimony - Myra Arreira (Resident/Ward 9): Described experiencing wage theft by an employer and emphasized the importance of the co-enforcement program in helping immigrant workers navigate violations and access city resources. - Artemis Swanson (Resident & Hospitality Worker/Ward 1): Expressed resignation as a worker, citing issues like denied raises, lack of career progression, and the need for better worker protections. - Steen Burgesson (Resident/Ward 10): Opposed the mayor's proposed 50% cut to co-enforcement funding, arguing the program is vital for educating workers and fighting wage theft and harassment. - Jake Dungee (Resident & Restaurant Worker/Ward 7): Supported fully funding co-enforcement, sharing experiences of a toxic restaurant culture with unsafe conditions and fear of retaliation. - Faduma Mohammed (Organizer, New Justice Project): Urged the council not to cut co-enforcement funding, calling a 50% reduction a betrayal of low-wage, immigrant, and minority workers. - Frednee Chanyol (Resident/Ward 5 & Member, New Justice Project): Shared a personal story of wage theft leading to homelessness and demanded permanent, full funding for co-enforcement and the creation of a labor standards board. - Devontae Hickman (Resident/Ward 5 & Member, New Justice Project): Testified about losing pay and a job due to illness, opposing budget cuts as a betrayal of vulnerable workers. - Malcolm Wells (Resident, Worker, & Program Director, New Justice Project): Argued that cutting co-enforcement funding signals a lack of priority for workers facing exploitation and urged full restoration of the budget. - Estella Torado (Resident/Ward 1): Expressed frustration at having to advocate for co-enforcement funding annually and stressed its importance for worker rights education. - Shelley Stein (Director, ROC-MN): Advocated for reinstating and increasing the co-enforcement budget, highlighting widespread worker ignorance of rights and a disparity in enforcement resources compared to other city departments. Key Outcomes - The public hearing was closed with all registered speakers heard. - The committee announced the next public hearing for Monday, October 6, 2025, at 1:30 PM. - Written comments can be submitted via the city's website for inclusion in the public record. - The committee's next meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 22, 2025, at 10 AM for departmental budget presentations.