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| ## Meeting Information | ||
| - Date: November 12, 2024 | ||
| - Title: Committee of the Whole Regular Meeting | ||
| - Present: Payne, Vetaw, Cashman, Jenkins, Chughtai, Koski, Palmisano, Chowdhury, Chavez (Wonsley and Rainville joined later) | ||
| - Absent: Ellison, Osman | ||
| - Guests: Margaret Anderson Kelliher (COO), Anthony Taylor (Cultural Wellness Center), Nathan Costner (Public Works), Mary Altman (Public Arts Supervisor), Rebecca Pearl (Community Project Supervisor) | ||
| - Votes: 2 (postponement of agenda items and adjournment) | ||
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| ## Highlights | ||
| - Public comment period focused on the shooting of Davis Moturi and MPD's handling of John Sawchak | ||
| - Presentation and discussion of George Floyd Square redevelopment plans | ||
| - Settlement Agreement and Consent Decree Oversight Subcommittee legislative directive | ||
| - Council Chamber accessibility and public participation procedures | ||
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| ## Discussion | ||
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| ### George Floyd Square Redevelopment | ||
| The city presented comprehensive plans for redeveloping George Floyd Square, including street reconstruction, memorial preservation, and community space design. The presentation outlined three potential concepts: a pedestrian plaza, transit mall, or flexible open space. Staff recommended the flexible open design, which would allow for both regular traffic flow and closure for events. | ||
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| Council members were deeply divided on the proposal. Council Member Jenkins supported moving forward, citing years of community engagement and the urgent need for infrastructure improvements. Council Member Chavez strongly opposed the plan, stating: | ||
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| "This isn't just a corner... I do not support the city's plan. I believe that we can find a new pathway forward... We only have one shot to get this right." | ||
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| Council Member Cashman requested a delay in the decision, though staff indicated this could push the project to 2026. No formal action was taken, with further discussion scheduled for the next day. | ||
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| ### Settlement Agreement Legislative Directive | ||
| Council Member Wonsley presented a legislative directive regarding implementation of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights settlement agreement. The directive requests the City Attorney's Office provide regular updates starting January 2025 on implementation progress and the role of the independent evaluator. Passed by voice vote. | ||
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| ## Public Comments | ||
| The majority of public comments focused on the shooting of Davis Moturi and MPD's handling of John Sawchak case: | ||
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| Dave Bicking (Communities United Against Police Brutality) - Called for an independent third-party investigation of MPD's handling of the Sawchak matter, emphasizing the need for a neutral expert with no prior city contracts. | ||
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| Brenda Short - Expressed frustration with continued police violence post-George Floyd, demanded removal of both the Mayor and Police Chief. | ||
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| Janet and Dave Pickens - Detailed the timeline of Sawchak's harassment of neighbors and MPD's failure to act despite multiple reports and warrants. | ||
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| Janelle Austin Bryant - Connected Moturi shooting to systemic racism in Minneapolis, called for fundamental changes to public safety. | ||
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| Multiple other speakers echoed similar themes of police accountability, systemic racism, and the need for concrete changes rather than incremental reforms. | ||
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| Later comments focused on George Floyd Square redevelopment: | ||
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| Aliza Wesley ("Gate Keeper") - Criticized city's approach to George Floyd Square planning, emphasized need for community-led process. | ||
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| Several residents expressed concern about displacement and gentrification potentially resulting from the reconstruction project. |
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| # Budget Committee Meeting Summary | ||
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| ## Meeting Information | ||
| - Date: November 12, 2024 | ||
| - Title: Budget Committee Regular Meeting | ||
| - Present: Elliot Payne, Robin Wonsley, Michael Rainville, LaTrisha Vetaw, Jamal Osman, Katie Cashman, Andrea Jenkins, Jason Chavez, Aisha Chughtai (Chair), Emily Koski (Vice Chair), Aurin Chowdhury, Linea Palmisano | ||
| - Absent: Jeremiah Ellison | ||
| - Guests: Brenda Miller (Human Resources), Casey Karl (City Clerk) | ||
| - Votes: 4 (all voice votes) | ||
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| ## Highlights | ||
| - Second of three public hearings on Mayor Frey's recommended 2025 city budget of $1.88 billion | ||
| - Proposal to establish a Labor Standards Board received significant public comment both for and against | ||
| - Approval of 4% salary increase for appointed and non-represented employees | ||
| - Creation of two new appointed positions in City Clerk's office | ||
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| ## Discussion | ||
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| ### 2025 Budget Public Hearing | ||
| The committee held the second of three mandatory public hearings on Mayor Frey's recommended 2025 budget. The proposed budget totals $1.88 billion, representing a 2.86% increase from 2024, with an 8.1% property tax levy increase. The Board of Estimate and Taxation has authorized up to an 8.3% levy increase to provide additional funding for Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board programs. | ||
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| ### Labor Standards Board Debate | ||
| A significant portion of public comment focused on the proposed Labor Standards Board, with strong opinions both for and against. Business owners, particularly from the restaurant industry, expressed concerns about lack of clarity on funding and potential negative impacts on already struggling businesses. Labor advocates and workers supported the board as necessary protection against wage theft and workplace violations. No vote was taken as this was a hearing. | ||
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| Quote from business owner Patricia Wall: "Instead of more bad policy and more regulations, what we should be talking about is the fact Minneapolis wants and needs thriving business, more jobs, and better public safety... Stop vilifying businesses and landlords. Most of us are just families trying to make a living, provide jobs to good people, and make Minneapolis a better place to live." | ||
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| ### Personnel Actions | ||
| The committee approved a 4% salary increase for approximately 650 appointed, non-represented and politically appointed employees, effective December 29, 2024. Total cost is $2.7 million. The committee also approved creation of two new appointed positions in the City Clerk's office - Chief Assistant City Clerk (Grade 16, $160,000-$190,000) and Director of Administration (Grade 15, $148,000-$176,000). Both passed unanimously by voice vote. | ||
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| ## Public Comments | ||
| Public comments focused on several major themes: | ||
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| Labor Rights & Worker Protection: | ||
| - Multiple restaurant workers shared experiences of wage theft and workplace abuse | ||
| - ROCK Minnesota representatives highlighted importance of co-enforcement program | ||
| - Several workers spoke in favor of Labor Standards Board | ||
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| Business Community Concerns: | ||
| - Multiple small business owners opposed Labor Standards Board creation | ||
| - Restaurant owners cited rising costs, safety concerns, and regulatory burden | ||
| - East African business owners requested more support for Lake Street recovery | ||
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| Housing & Homelessness: | ||
| - Multiple speakers supported funding for affordable housing programs | ||
| - Several advocated for study of social housing models | ||
| - Concerns raised about homeless encampments and public safety | ||
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| Cultural & Community Support: | ||
| - Latino community members requested support for Latino Center for Community Engagement | ||
| - Multiple speakers requested support for immigrant services | ||
| - East African community members requested inclusion in cultural corridor planning | ||
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| Senior Services: | ||
| - Multiple seniors advocated for continued funding of transportation and navigator programs | ||
| - Concerns raised about ability to age in place | ||
| - Requests for continued support of Minneapolis Advisory Council on Aging programs |
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