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# Minneapolis City Council - Business, Housing & Zoning Committee Summary

## Meeting Information
- Date: November 19, 2024
- Title: Regular Meeting of the Business, Housing & Zoning Committee
- Present: Osman (Chair), Rainville, Cashman, Jenkins, Chowdhury, Ellison (Vice Chair)
- Absent: No absences noted
- Guests: Multiple presenters from CPED, business owners, and project applicants
- Votes: 7 voice votes, all unanimous

## Highlights
* Approval of $17 million in 2024 Affordable Housing Trust Fund awards across 11 projects
* Authorization of $221 million in tax-exempt revenue bonds for Children's Healthcare System improvements
* Interim use permit approval for The People Shelter, a 30-bed emergency shelter
* 2025 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit preliminary reservation for 2116 Nicollet Housing
* Recognition of Lisa Ock's retirement from her role as committee clerk

## Discussion

### 2024 Affordable Housing Trust Fund Awards
Staff presented recommendations for $17 million in awards across 11 projects, selected from a record 25 applications requesting $42.6 million. Projects include new construction and preservation of affordable housing units, with emphasis on family-sized units and supportive housing. Council members expressed concern about future funding limitations, noting next year's budget might only have $5 million available. Councilmember Ellison praised staff efforts: "Every single year our staff are working with, sometimes with a lot of resources, sometimes with dwindling resources to make these projects happen." Passed unanimously.

### The People Shelter Interim Use Permit
Discussion centered around neighborhood impact and accountability measures for the proposed 30-bed emergency shelter at 1803 Bryant Avenue North. A neighbor expressed concerns about existing neighborhood issues, including drug activity and safety. The shelter operator, Kellie Martin, addressed these concerns by outlining security measures, clinical support, and housing placement services. Councilmember Ellison facilitated dialogue between the operator and concerned neighbor, emphasizing the importance of both addressing homelessness and maintaining neighborhood safety. Passed unanimously.

### 2025 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit
Staff recommended awarding credits to 2116 Nicollet project, which tied for highest score but demonstrated superior project readiness. The development will provide 53 units, with 41 units at 30% AMI and 12 units at 50% AMI. The project includes support services from Simpson Housing and coordination with Minneapolis Public Housing Authority for rental assistance. Passed unanimously.

## Public Comments
- Betty Louise Jones (The People Shelter discussion): Expressed concerns about neighborhood safety around the proposed shelter location, citing existing issues with drug activity and requesting accountability measures for the new facility.
- Brad (Urban Wok liquor license): Explained plans to add beer and wine to menu, emphasizing focus on dining rather than becoming a nightclub.
- Deepak (Rabbit Hole liquor license): Presented plans for new establishment, emphasizing commitment to being an asset to the North Loop neighborhood.
- Elijah (Mother Dough liquor license): Shared family history of the business and plans for offering wine and beer service with their bakery items.
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# Administration & Enterprise Oversight Committee Meeting Summary

## Meeting Information
- Date: November 4, 2024
- Title: Administration & Enterprise Oversight Committee Regular Meeting
- Present: Wonsley (Chair), Vetaw, Ellison, Chughtai (Vice President), Palmisano (Vice Chair)
- Absent: Cashman
- Guests:
- Dr. Brittany Lewis and team (Research and Action)
- Tawanna Black (Center for Economic Inclusion)
- Jared Jeffreys (Office of Community Safety Chief of Staff)
- Prince Corbett (REIB Director)
- Votes: 1 (Roll call vote on items 18 & 19, passed 3-2)

## Highlights
- Organizational assessment of the Racial Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (REIB) Department presented by Dr. Brittany Lewis revealing tensions and challenges in department management
- Racial Equity Dividends Index report showing City of Minneapolis scoring 49.3% on equity measures
- Status update on three overdue Legislative Directives related to Neighborhood Safety Department management and police protest response
- Presentation on information governance and surveillance technologies landscape from City Auditor's office

## Discussion

### REIB Department Assessment
Dr. Lewis presented findings from an organizational assessment revealing five key tensions in the department's formation and operation. Major concerns included department turnover, budget control issues, and questions about leadership effectiveness. Council members expressed skepticism about whether systemic issues could be resolved. Councilmember Ellison noted: "I'm looking at the trend... is the administration just sort of rotating Black faces until we get one that is willing to play ball?"

The survey results showed discomfort among city leaders with terms like "white supremacy" and skepticism about whether announced changes would be implemented. Director Corbett emphasized plans to refocus the department on its core mission as defined in city ordinance.

### Racial Equity Dividends Index
Tawanna Black presented findings showing Minneapolis scoring 49.3% overall on equity measures, with strengths in community development and public safety but weaknesses in workforce development and procurement. The assessment identified opportunities for improvement in leadership buy-in, data collection, and resident engagement in budgeting processes. The report provides specific recommendations for improvement across multiple categories.

### Legislative Directives Update
Chief of Staff Jeffreys reported that three Legislative Directives were overdue from October. He committed to delivering the Neighborhood Safety Department management update by November 18th but could not provide firm dates for the other two directives. Chair Wonsley expressed frustration about the delays, noting multiple unsuccessful attempts to get responses through informal channels before resorting to Legislative Directives.

### Surveillance Technologies Assessment
The City Auditor's office presented findings on current surveillance technology practices and recommendations for improvement. The presentation emphasized challenges in keeping policies current with rapidly evolving technology and highlighted examples from other cities' oversight models. Vice Chair Palmisano questioned whether implementation challenges were unique to surveillance technology or common to all new departments.

## Public Comments
No public comments were recorded during this meeting.
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# Minneapolis Administration & Enterprise Oversight Committee Meeting Summary

## Meeting Information
- Date: November 18, 2024
- Title: Administration & Enterprise Oversight Committee Regular Meeting
- Present: Wonsley (Chair), Vetaw, Cashman, Chughtai, Palmisano (Vice Chair)
- Absent: Ellison
- Guests: MPD Chief O'Hara, Assistant Chief Blackwell, City Attorney staff, Neighborhood Safety Department Director Nelson-Brown and staff
- Votes: 6 roll call votes

## Highlights
* Letter of Agreement for vacation accrual extension for MPD officers
* Letter of Agreement for MPD critical staffing overtime extension
* Contract amendments for Community Trauma Response services
* City Attorney's Office Civil Division presentation
* Legislative directive regarding independent legal counsel research

## Discussion

### MPD Vacation Accrual Extension
Discussion centered around extending maximum vacation accrual from 400 to 550 hours through 2025 for MPD officers. Currently 105 officers across three bargaining units are at risk of losing accrued vacation hours. Questions were raised about budgetary impacts and why this wasn't addressed in recent contract negotiations. Chief O'Hara explained staffing shortages make it difficult for officers to use vacation time.

Quote from Assistant Chief Blackwell: "We're asking for one-year extension...Our hiring has gotten a lot better. It's getting a lot better in 2025, for more relief for our officers."

Forwarded without recommendation in a 6-0 vote.

### MPD Critical Staffing Overtime Extension
Extended discussion about continuing critical staffing overtime through 2025. Chief O'Hara described severe staffing shortages with only 519 active duty officers out of 577 total sworn positions. Concerns raised about officer fatigue and wellness. Questions about tracking overtime hours and defining "critical" staffing needs.

Quote from Chief O'Hara: "The reality is, all of them are overworked. They're all tired. They're all exhausted. At the same time, I cannot allow a shift to go out with no cops."

Forwarded without recommendation in a 6-0 vote.

### Community Trauma Response Contracts
Neighborhood Safety Department presented comprehensive overview of $12 million in contracts with 12 organizations providing trauma response services. Director Nelson-Brown detailed the RFP process, conflict of interest procedures, and reporting requirements. Council members expressed appreciation for the thorough presentation and community-based approach.

Approved in 6-0 vote (Councilmember Vetaw recusing from one contract).

### City Attorney Civil Division Overview
Deputy City Attorney Nelson and managing attorneys presented structure and functions of civil division. Some tension emerged when Nelson expressed offense at agenda item questioning legal staffing model. Discussion clarified separation between implementation team handling settlement agreement and litigation team handling other cases.

Received and filed.

## Public Comments
No public comments were recorded in this transcript.
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# Minneapolis City Council Budget Committee Meeting Summary

## Meeting Information
- Date: November 13, 2024
- Title: Budget Committee Meeting
- Present: Elliot Payne (President), Aisha Chughtai (Vice President), Andrea Jenkins, LaTrisha Vetaw, Jason Chavez, Linea Palmisano
- Absent: Not specified
- Guests:
- Sophia (Somali Outreach Coordinator, MN Dept of Revenue)
- Jane Discenza (Budget Director, Finance and Property Services)
- Andrew Hawkins (Policy and Research Division)
- Eric Hanson (CPED Director)
- Votes: 1 (ARPA reappropriation resolutions)

## Highlights
* Presentation from MN Department of Revenue on property tax relief programs
* ARPA fund reappropriation resolutions totaling $15.74 million
* Participatory budgeting process models presentation
* Discussion of Guaranteed Basic Income pilot program funding discrepancy

## Discussion

### Property Tax Relief Programs
Minnesota Department of Revenue presented various property tax relief programs available to Minneapolis residents, including renters credit, homestead credit, special refund, and veterans disability market value exclusion. The presentation focused on changes for the 2025 tax season, particularly the move of renters credit to Form M1. The committee received this as an informational presentation with no significant discussion or vote required.

### ARPA Reappropriation
Finance Director Discenza presented technical changes to close out ARPA funding by the end of 2024. The proposal involved moving $15.74 million in unspent but obligated ARPA funds to the general fund through revenue replacement to ensure no money is returned to the federal government. This included clarification about the North Commons project funding ($3 million) and sparked discussion about the Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) pilot program funds.

Councilmember Chavez raised concerns about inconsistent communication regarding the GBI program's remaining funds:
>"When we were here a couple of months ago, we were told that there was no plan to use the nearly $250,000 of this program again, and I met with Director Hanson myself twice and was told directly by the Director that there was no plan to use this program next year."
The resolution passed with all members voting in favor.

### Participatory Budgeting Models
Andrew Hawkins presented research on various participatory budgeting models and their potential implementation in Minneapolis. The discussion highlighted that Minneapolis already has some participatory elements through CLIC and neighborhood organizations. Councilmember Palmisano noted that Minneapolis's current systems may be more extensive than other cities:

>"It sounds to me like we already do two versions of participatory budgeting, right? CLIC which makes recommendations on infrastructure basically all of our infrastructure to the many tens of millions of dollars. And then the partnership engagement fund with neighborhoods."
The presentation was received as information with no vote required.

## Public Comments
There were no public comments during this meeting.
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## Meeting Information
- Date: October 23, 2023
- Title: Regular Meeting of the Public Health and Safety Committee
- Present: Jason Chavez (Chair), Elliott Payne, Jeremiah Ellison, Michael Rainville, Linea Palmisano
- Absent: Robin Wonsley
- Guests:
- Health Department Commissioner
- Health Department Epidemiologist
- Health Department Green Careers Program staff
- Votes: 3 (all voice votes)

## Highlights
* Presentation on Green Careers Exploration Program, which prepares BIPOC youth and young adults for careers in environmental and sustainability sectors
* Health Department presentation on health disparities in Minneapolis, including opioid deaths, STIs, and other health outcomes by race/ethnicity
* Received update on $6.7 million federal grant for Lead and Healthy Homes program
* Discussion of upcoming Safe Recovery Site study with Saint Paul/Ramsey County

## Discussion

### Green Careers Exploration Program
The program provides training and credentials in green careers like solar installation, energy efficiency, and sustainable landscaping, with a focus on serving BIPOC youth. Program leaders described partnerships with Minneapolis Public Schools and community organizations to create pathways into environmental careers. Council President Payne inquired about connecting the program to the city's Climate Legacy Initiative workforce needs.

> "When we look at all activities that can reduce greenhouse emissions, we see a green career... The idea is to support as much as we can." - Program Director
The program has served over 1,100 participants through school programs and 400+ through credential programs. Vote: Received and filed unanimously.

### Health Disparities Report
The Health Commissioner presented data showing significant racial disparities in health outcomes, particularly in opioid deaths among Native American and African American communities. The department highlighted several initiatives including Lead and Healthy Homes, school-based clinics, and maternal health programs. The presentation noted challenges with data collection and grant funding cycles.

Council members expressed particular interest in the opioid response data and the new $6.7 million federal grant for lead remediation. Chair Chavez requested follow-up on 2023 opioid data and discussed scheduling community Narcan training. Vote: Received and filed unanimously.

## Public Comments
No public comments were made during this meeting.
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## Meeting Information
- Date: October 29, 2024
- Title: Committee of the Whole Regular Meeting
- Present: Chowdhury (Vice Chair), Payne, Wonsley, Rainville, Vetaw, Cashman, Jenkins, Chughtai, Koski, Palmisano, Chavez. Ellison and Osman joined after roll call.
- Absent: None (all members eventually present)
- Guests: Casey Carl (City Clerk), Jody Molenaar-Hanson (Interim Director of Oversight & Evaluation Division), Oversight & Evaluation Division staff
- Votes: 4 voice votes

## Highlights

* Extensive discussion regarding the police response to the shooting of David Moturi and the handling of his alleged attacker over an 8-month period
* Update on the implementation of reforms for City Boards and Commissions from City Clerk Casey Carl
* Presentation from the Oversight & Evaluation Division on their work plan and role in supporting the City Council
* Community Commission on Police Oversight (CCPO) rules update discussion regarding member conduct and conflict resolution

## Discussion

### Police Response to Moturi Shooting
Extended discussion initiated by Council President Payne regarding the police response to the shooting of David Moturi and the department's handling of his alleged attacker over 8 months. Multiple council members expressed concern about racial disparities in police response. Councilmember Wonsley noted "eight months of inaction" and questioned the different treatment between this case and others involving mental health crises.

Councilmember Rainville cautioned against rushing to judgment, while Councilmember Ellison emphasized the pattern of differential treatment: "MPD always seems to find a way to deescalate with a white suspect, and when the suspect is Black, it's a killing."

Council members called for an independent after-action review rather than just an internal investigation.

Quote from Councilmember Chowdhury: "Across the street right now the public hearing for Mr. Sawchak is happening, and so it's grounding us in the reality that we have our work cut out for us."

No formal vote taken as this was a discussion item.

### Boards and Commissions Reform Implementation
City Clerk Carl presented comprehensive update on reforms to city boards and commissions, including classification of all bodies into tiers, standardization of bylaws and rules, and development of participant agreements. Discussion focused on potential sunsetting of inactive boards and improving effectiveness of active ones.

Councilmember Palmisano noted: "We cannot keep adding to these over time without the courage to remove ones that have perhaps run out their ability for their recommendations to come forward in meaningful ways."

Plans include potential consolidation of appointment cycles and improved training and support for board members. Passed by voice vote.

### Oversight & Evaluation Division Update
Extensive presentation and discussion about the role and work plan of the new Oversight & Evaluation Division. Multiple council members expressed confusion about how to access the division's services and requested more concrete examples of their work.

Councilmember Vetaw particularly pressed for clarification: "I'm having -- I just struggle to understand, like, how this works out for Ward 4."

The division outlined their approach to improving Request for Committee Actions (RCAs) and supporting council oversight functions, with a development timeline extending through 2025. Report filed without formal vote.

## Public Comments
No public comments were recorded in this session.
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