## AGENDA ## City Council Work Session Monday, April 6, 2026 - 6 p.m. ## Council Chambers 1.Recreation Sponsorships 2.Update on Mankato Public Safety use of Automated License Plate Readers 3.Update on Amicus Brief 4.Discussion on Emergency Ordinance 5.Discussion on Engagement of the Public Safety Advisory Committee and Greater Mankato ## Diversity Council 6.Adjournment ## AGENDA RECOMMENDATION ## City Council Work Session 1. ## Meeting Date:04/06/2026 ## Agenda Item: ## Recreation Sponsorships ## Recommendation/Action(s): ## Discussion ## Summary: At a previous 2025 Council Work Session, staff presented options for a recreation advertising policy based on previous feedback from the Council. This recommendation included options for whom, and how advertisements for appropriate recreational facilities could be sold. From this discussion, Council requested that staff reconsider allowing third-party groups to sell advertisements and recommended City staff manage these sales with the City, retaining the income for future capital improvements. ## Rate Structure Methodology for sales by City staff Criteria for content Transition for our recreation partners with existing agreements Staff have worked on this policy recommendation with these directions in mind and are seeking a consensus on this framework to move forward with. Staff will present a brief overview of the recommendation at the meeting. ## Attachments ## Recreation Ad Plan 2026 ## Mankato Outdoor ## Recreation Advertising Plan 3.4.2026 ## Introduction The City of Mankato’s parks and recreation amenities support community connection and livability for all of our residents. We have several different types of parks and recreation amenities. The Tier 1 facilities are recreational spaces that have secure access. Tier 2 facilities are park spaces that are used for competitive sport in addition to being places for community usage. This advertising plan is intended to provide oversight on Tier 2 facilities, specifically:  ## Alexander Park Tennis Courts  ## Community Athletic Fields Baseball Fields  ## Erlandson Park Tennis Courts  ## Jaycee Park Softball Fields  ## Thomas Park Softball Fields  ## Tourtellotte Park Pickleball Courts  ## Tourtellotte Park Softball Field ## Sales Process  Requests to purchase ad space come to ad sales staff to review.  Upon approval of advertiser, payment is taken by City and artwork is sent from advertiser to City to sign printing company.  Sign printing company prints and may or may not install, depending on final deal.  Consider future technological improvements for sales and management. ## Advertising Agreement  Advertiser must provide artwork to be displayed.  Signs sold for a 3-year term. The same sign to be used for all 3 years.  The cost to advertiser is an annual rate. The first annual payment must be received prior to printing the sign. City staff will invoice annually on the anniversary date of the initial purchase.  If signs are vandalized or damaged beyond repair, City would be responsible for replacement.  Signs visible to public during mild months – signs will be removed or rolled up during winter to ensure they last longer. ## Permitted Advertising 1. Governmental Entities, meaning public entities specifically created by government action, may purchase advertising space for messages that advance specific governmental purposes. 2. Public Service Announcements must be sponsored by a governmental entity or a nonprofit corporation that is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. 3. Commercial and Promotional Advertising promotes or solicits the sale, rental, distribution or availability of goods, services, food, entertainment, events, programs, transactions, donations, products, or property (real or personal) for commercial or non-commercial purposes or more generally promotes an entity that engages in such activities in the Mankato Parks. 4. To avoid identification of the City with messages or images contained within advertisements displayed in and on the Property and to avoid the appearance of City endorsement of goods, products and services, advertisements shall readily and unambiguously identify the person, corporation, or entity paying for the advertisement. An Advertiser may, at the City’s discretion, be required to include in the advertisement a statement explicitly identifying the person, corporation, or entity paying for the advertisement. An advertiser may also, at the City’s discretion, be required to incorporate additional language to avoid the appearance of City endorsement. ## Prohibited Advertising 1.Direct competition with Mankato Parks or directly adverse to the commercial or administrative interests of the City of Mankato. 2.Use of the City of Mankato logos, slogan, or graphic representation which appears to endorse or imply endorsement of a product or service. 3.Untruthful, misleading, or deceptive advertisement, including exaggerated or illegal copy and/or illustrations. 4.Promotion of unlawful or illegal goods, services, or activities, or involves other unlawful conduct. 5.Language, pictures, or graphic representations that, if sold or loaned to a minor for monetary consideration with knowledge of its character and content, would give rise to violation of Minnesota Statute Section 617.293 which prohibits the dissemination of indecent material to minors, as that provision may be amended, modified, or supplemented from time to time. 6.Promotion of or opposition of a political party, or promotion of or opposition to any ballot referendum or the election of any candidate or group of candidates for federal, state, judicial, or local government offices. 7.Promotion of alcoholic beverages, tobacco or tobacco related products, electronic cigarettes, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or Cannabis products the distribution or sale of which would be illegal to minors. 8.Containing materials, the display of which, the City reasonably foresees would imminently incite or provoke violence or other immediate breach of the peace, and so could harm, disrupt, or interfere with the safe, efficient, and orderly transit operations. 9.Containing material that is obscene or depicts or describes in a patently offensive manner sexual or excretory activities so as to satisfy the definition of obscene material as contained in Minnesota Statutes, Section 617.241, as\such provision may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time. 10.Containing material which, if displayed with knowledge of its character and content, would give rise to a violation of Minnesota Statutes Section 617.291 which prohibits the public display of offensive sexual material, as such provision may be amended, modified, or supplemented from time to time. 11.Containing sexually explicit material that appeals to the prurient interest in sex or is so violent or frightening as to reasonably be deemed harmful to minors or contains materials which, if displayed with knowledge of its character and content, would give rise to violations of Minnesota Statutes, Section 617.247, as such provision may be amended, modified, or supplemented from time to time. 12.Promoting an escort service or sexually oriented business. 13.The prohibition of discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religious belief, age, gender, pregnancy, citizenship, familial status, disability status, veteran status and genetic information guide advertising on or in public transit equipment. ## Sign Quantities ## Thomas Park Field # ## Total Fence ## Area ## Fence Height (ft) ## Fence Length (ft) 5'x8' Ad ## Space ## Available 118705.534042 31732.55.531539 41732.55.531539 51732.55.531539 61732.55.531539 ## Total Ads:198 ## Community Athletic Fields Field # ## Total Fence ## Area ## Fence Height (ft) ## Fence Length (ft) 5'x8' Ad ## Space ## Available 4'x8' Ad ## Space ## Available 119255.535043 - 219255.535043 - 31552.54.5345 - 43 41552.54.5345 - 43 51552.54.5345 - 43 61552.54.5345 - 43 ## Total Ads:258 ## Jaycee Park Field # ## Total Fence ## Area ## Fence Height (ft) ## Fence Length (ft) 5'x8' Ad ## Space ## Available 12183.856.3334543 22183.856.3334543 32183.856.3334543 ## Total Ads:129 ## Tourtellotte Park Field # ## Total Fence ## Area ## Fence Height (ft) ## Fence Length (ft) 5'x8' Ad ## Space ## Available 11417.504.531539 ## Total Ads:39 ## Alexander Park Tennis (4) ## Total Fence ## Area ## Fence Height (ft) ## Fence Length (ft) 4'x8' Ad ## Space ## Available 11026.009.510826 ## Total Ads:26 ## Erlandson Park Tennis (2) ## Total Fence ## Area ## Fence Height (ft) ## Fence Length (ft) 4'x8' Ad ## Space ## Available 11073.509.511328 ## Total Ads:28 ## Revenue Potential ## Qty ## Sale ## Price ## 100% Sold75 % Sold50% Sold25% Sold 5'x8' Ads452$650.00$293,800.00$220,350.00$146,900.00$73,450.00 4'x8' Ads226$400.00$90,400.00$67,800.00$45,200.00$22,600.00 ## Total Revenue*$382,900.00$288,150.00$192,100.00$96,050.00 *Customers interested in purchasing four (4) or more ads in one transaction may receive a discount of 25% off each year off for the length of the term of this transaction. ## Sign Purchase Vendors and Estimates  ## SignPro o Install Cost Estimate - $100 per hour o Sign Pricing – Estimated $5.00 per sqf:  5’x8’ Ad - $200.00  4’x8’ Ad - $160.00  ## SPX o Install Estimate - $65.00 per banner o ## Sign Pricing Estimate  5’x8’ Ad - $200.00  4’x8’ Ad - $175.00 o Service Contract Available at $75.00 per hour  Service helps to ensure longevity of sign. ## Marketing  Advertising opportunities must be marketed to the public in the form of website, social media, annual calendar and other print materials.  Public Information to support creating an advertising design look to use in the future. ## AGENDA RECOMMENDATION ## City Council Work Session 2. ## Meeting Date:04/06/2026 ## Agenda Item: ## Update on Mankato Public Safety use of Automated License Plate Readers ## Recommendation/Action(s): Provide feedback of Automated License Plat Reader Technology use. ## Summary: ## Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Technology April 2026 Update ## The Mankato Department of Public Safety (MDPS) has continued implementing Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology consistent with our adopted policies, which were developed in alignment with Minnesota data practices requirements, auditing and access controls, an internal review procedure, and a planned external audit. The policy has strict limitations on who can access data, how long image data is retained, and includes a mandatory audit log. We have internally reviewed our systems and found them compliant in all areas of the policy. The external audit is scheduled to be conducted later this year. The Mankato Public Safety ALPR policy and procedure has been trained to staff and is readily accessible to staff and public (found here on page 381 of the document: Microsoft Word - Mankato DPS Policy Manual). The City’s ALPR cameras only collect data as allowed by MN Statute and purge the image data in compliance with the 60-day retention allowed by MN state law.  Indefinite audit logs on our ALPR systems allow review of both access and search criteria, ensuring accountability. As a reminder, we operate two systems for ALPR: Axon (in police vehicles) and Milestone (fixed on roadways). What follows is an update on the installation and use of the two systems. ## Axon ALPR System Status Update As a reminder, our Axon ALPR system became operational in late July 2025, following extensive policy development, legal review, staff training, and testing.  We have now been operational for approximately eight months, and the program is performing well and as intended. The system has already assisted officers in locating stolen vehicles, identifying wanted individuals, and helping locate missing or vulnerable persons. The Axon ALPR system connects to the online State of MN database to provide nearly instantaneous notifications of license plate data so that police officers can determine actions that may be necessary for safety concerns and enforcement activities. ## Milestone Fixed ALPR Cameras Status Update Milestone Fixed ALPR Cameras (Milestone Cameras) were first installed and tested at the Public Safety Center to ensure proper integration prior to public use. The Milestone Cameras went into use in late November 2025. We now have seven Milestone Camera Units integrated at the following locations: ## • 2 Milestone Cameras at Riverfront Drive & Rock Street ## • 2 Milestone Cameras at Victory Drive and Hazeltine Road ## • 2 Milestone Cameras at Main Street and South Victory • 1 Milestone Camera at North 4 th ## Street at Washington Street The locations of the Milestone Cameras in Mankato are listed on the State of Minnesota Bureau of ## Criminal Apprehension Website (found here: Agencies that use License Plate Readers (LPR) | ## Minnesota Department of Public Safety) and on the City of Mankato Website (found here: Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) Cameras | Mankato, MN).  Later this year, additional cameras will be installed in key locations. The Milestone Cameras do not connect with the State of Minnesota license plate database and do not provide instantaneous results to our staff for data connected to license plates. The system is used for search as necessary and authorized by state law and MDPS policy. ## Releasing and Sharing Data Our data is only our data; it is not shared without our express permission and in compliance with our policy. Specific ALPR vehicle data has been requested one time since MDPS started using this system. This data request was made by the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office as part of an active missing person investigation and followed the proper protocols and procedures. The inquiry did not yield any results, and no information was released. ## Ongoing Review, Improvement, and Collaboration Since going live, our team has conducted ongoing internal audits, reviewed policies from other organizations, and system performance. We have not made or recommended adjustments to the policy based on our review. We’ve continued to share with and listen to others to align our work on best practices. Many of the safeguards and procedures we developed, both operational and data-governance related, have been shared with and adopted by other agencies. ## AGENDA RECOMMENDATION ## City Council Work Session 3. ## Meeting Date:04/06/2026 ## Agenda Item: ## Update on Amicus Brief ## Recommendation/Action(s): ## Update Only ## Summary: Director Clifton and the City Manager have continued to work with our attorney on the Amicus Brief filing authorized by the City Council on January 26, 2026. This was an authorization for the City to submit a brief that is a document filed with the Court outlining the City of Mankato’s experiences as it relates to matters that are addressed in the case State v. Noem, et al. We understand that the next hearing on this matter is scheduled for May 7, 2026. As of the date of the meeting, the City’s Amicus Brief, has not yet been filed. ## AGENDA RECOMMENDATION ## City Council Work Session 4. ## Meeting Date:04/06/2026 ## Agenda Item: ## Discussion on Emergency Ordinance ## Recommendation/Action(s): Staff are seeking direction on next steps with Emergency Ordinance ## Summary: On February 23, 2026, the City Council adopted an Emergency Ordinance (found here: Mankato Emergency Ordinance ) regulating Law Enforcement Activity in the community, adding the following requirements: Notification of Law Enforcement Presence: Law enforcement agencies intending to operate within the City should make a good faith effort to notify the Mankato Department of Public Safety of their intended presence before engaging in law enforcement activity. Wearing of Portable Recording Device: Any law enforcement agency operating within the City, who use portable recording devices in their own jurisdiction shall require its personnel to wear and use a portable recording system while engaging in law enforcement activity within the City. Facial Covering Prohibition: Except for when allowed pursuant to Minn. Stat. §609.735, a law enforcement officer shall not wear a facial covering that conceals or obscures the officer’s facial identity in the course of their duties while within the City. Identification upon Request: A law enforcement officer engaging in law enforcement activities within the City shall provide identifying information, including but not limited to the officer’s last name and badge number or a similar identifier, when requested by a member of the public or by City personnel. This provision does exclude law enforcement officers working. As of the writing of this memo, the City has had no instances where we have issued a citation for a violation of the Emergency Ordinance. Emergency ordinances expire on the 61 st day following their adoption. In the case of this ordinance, that date will be April 24, 2026. Staff is requesting the Council to discuss the status of the ordinance. ## AGENDA RECOMMENDATION ## City Council Work Session 5. ## Meeting Date:04/06/2026 ## Agenda Item: ## Discussion on Engagement of the Public Safety Advisory Committee and Greater Mankato Diversity ## Council ## Recommendation/Action(s): Review recommendations from staff and provide direction on next steps ## Summary: In February 2026, the Council expressed interest in a discussion about the work of the Public Safety Advisory Committee and the Greater Mankato Diversity Council and how they can be more engaged in work related to concerns expressed to the City Council regarding Federal Immigration Enforcement activities in our community. In 2012, the City Council eliminated its Civil Service Committee. The reason stated in the report to the City Council was that the State of Minnesota had stopped issuing the Civil Service exam and that more updated hiring procedures were needed. At the same time, the Council created the Public Safety Advisory Committee. Later, on December 10, 2018, the City Council completed a code modification to Chapter 2. In the new language, the Council was to create boards and/or committees by resolutions. As such, on January 28, 2019, the City Council adopted a resolution that memorialized the creation of the Public Safety Advisory Committee, a copy of that resolution is attached. The Committee is permitted to have seven, or up to nine members: five members representing the five designated wards and up to four members at-large from the business community or organization, non-profit social service provider, community-based organization, higher education administration, faculty or student, or medical/health care provider. In addition, one City Council Member is assigned to the Committee as a liaison. Member terms are for three years and expire on June 30. No member may serve more than 3 complete, successive terms. The purpose of the Committee is to provide ideas, feedback, and recommendations on a wide range of topics related to police and fire services. This includes input on staffing and recruitment efforts, outreach initiatives, employee and community member awards, technology and equipment considerations, policy and procedure review, hiring processes, and general feedback to the Department to help support a safe and livable community. City Code also provides that a 3-member panel of the Committee shall hear appeals of licensing violations, with strike matrices, like liquor and tobacco. In recent history, the Committee has primarily been used to assist in hiring and to provide feedback on matters being considered. Those items include: ## Body Worn Camera Policy ## Cannabis Use in Public Spaces ## The Future of School Resource Officers at Middle Schools The Committee currently meets every other month, or as needed. Agendas for the Committee are posted on the City’s website. The Greater Mankato Diversity Council (GMDC) was founded in 2004 by Ed Waltman, then Superintendent of Mankato Area Public Schools, to address the growing diversity in Southern Minnesota. Waltman brought together leaders from education, business, government, and community organizations to proactively build understanding and unity. The organization is an independent, non-profit governed by their own Board of Directors. The selection of their Board and the staff that support GMDC are governed by their organizing documents. While the City does not make appointments to this Board, currently, and in the past, City Council Members have been invited to serve. Currently, Council Member McLaughlin serves on their Board. According to their website, they are financially supported by public and corporate sponsors. The City currently allocates $16,500 to the organization each year to further their work in the community. They launched the Prejudice Reduction Workshops for schools and a Perspectives Business Curriculum to address workplace diversity. GMDC also serves in the community as a recognized Human Rights Organization by the State of Minnesota. As the Mankato Area Human Rights Commission, they work to promote equality, protect human rights, and support justice in the community. Their primary focus is to assist and connect people with resources to create a fair and welcoming environment for all. Their website includes resources for community members, and they provide connections and information to community members in the region seeking support. In the past, the GMDC has weighed in on a number of public policy issues including the City’s Land Acknowledgment, renaming of Mni W?sté Park, and issues related to School Resource Officers in our schools in both 2020 and 2023. Below is a list of recommendations for consideration to further enhance the work of the City with both the Commission and GMDC, which can include the following: Hold joint meetings between the City Council and the Public Safety Advisory Committee and the City Council and GMDC. During these meetings, the bodies can discuss priorities, strengthen the connection between both groups, and establish mutual goals. Develop a more formal standard of work around community engagement related to policy development. Ensuring that the City’s committees and community members that are affected by policies are involved in the creation of them. Collaborate with all the city’s committees to conduct training by the Diversity Council, including cultural awareness and competency to build skills as it relates to reviewing policies, programs, and services. Regular updates to the City Council from the Council Liaison during Council and Board Reports. Staff is seeking discussion on the recommendations and direction on any next steps. ## Attachments ## Resolution