[1:22] Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. It [1:24] is 5:30 and I will call this regular [1:26] meeting of the Burnsville City Council [1:28] to order. [1:30] It is our tradition to stand for a [1:32] moment of silence followed by the pledge [1:34] of allegiance and we invite you to join [1:36] us. [2:11] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the [2:14] United States of America and to the [2:17] republic for which it stands, one nation [2:20] under God, indivisible, with liberty and [2:24] justice for all. [2:30] The clerk will note that um all council [2:33] members are present. Council member [2:35] Schultz is joining us remotely. Good [2:37] evening, Council Member Schultz. [2:41] And it's good to see the members of our [2:43] community in attendance in person. Um [2:47] members of our community can also choose [2:49] to watch the meeting at [2:51] burnsvillemn.govmeings [2:53] GV/meings or Comcast channel 16 or 859. [2:59] The public can also participate through [3:02] Zoom by joining us at zoom. us/join. [3:08] More information is available [3:11] on our meetings web page and in the [3:14] council agenda packet. [3:17] The first item on our agenda is [3:19] announcements. Our announcements have to [3:23] do with all of our upcoming meetings. [3:26] Regular council meetings are scheduled [3:28] for Monday, [3:30] February 2nd, and it's moved to Monday, [3:34] February 2nd, because uh of caucus and [3:39] um the law does not allow us to hold a [3:41] meeting when there are caucuses [3:43] happening. And that'll be at 5:30 right [3:46] here in the council chambers. [3:48] Also, a council uh meeting is scheduled [3:51] for Tuesday, February 17th at 5:30. [3:55] We have an annual offsite [3:58] uh work session that's scheduled for [4:00] Friday, February 6th at 9:00 a.m. and [4:04] that's going to be at the AIM Center. We [4:07] have a work session that's also [4:09] scheduled for Tuesday, February 10th at [4:12] 5:30 p.m. Unless noted, all meetings of [4:16] the city council are held here in the [4:19] council chambers. [4:22] The next item on the agenda is citizens [4:26] comments. This is the opportunity for [4:29] anyone that would like to address the [4:31] council on an item that is not on the [4:34] agenda and not an application form [4:37] that's coming before us at a future [4:39] date. [4:42] Does anyone want to address the council [4:45] on an item that is not on the agenda and [4:48] not an application form coming to us at [4:51] a future date? [4:57] Mrs. Henderson, is there anyone online? [5:01] >> No, there is not. [5:02] >> Okay, very good. [5:04] >> Uh, we will move on. [5:09] >> Um, the next item is additions to the [5:13] final agenda and that is for emergency [5:16] items only. [5:18] City Manager Lindberg, are there any [5:20] emergency items to come before the body? [5:22] >> Nothing from staff. [5:23] Members of the council, [5:25] >> nothing. [5:26] >> Okay, we are at the consent agenda. [5:30] The consent agenda is a group of items [5:32] that's um considered to be routine and [5:35] will be enacted by one motion. However, [5:38] an item on the consent agenda can be [5:41] pulled for a separate discussion and [5:43] vote. Is there anyone in the audience [5:46] who wishes an item on the consent agenda [5:49] to be pulled for a separate discussion [5:52] and vote? [5:56] Yes, ma'am. Um, if you'll come to the U [5:59] podium, [6:02] give us your name and the city that you [6:06] live in. [6:07] >> Thank you. My name is Jean Foreman. I [6:09] live in Burnsville. [6:11] >> Okay. Thank you. And what item would you [6:13] like to pull? Okay. Well, I've never [6:14] done this before, so I hope I'm not out [6:16] of order, so forgive me if I'm [6:18] incorrect. Item 4G, the ordinance [6:21] amending the Title One, Chapter 13. [6:23] Thank you. Have a seat. [6:26] That item is being pulled for a separate [6:29] discussion and vote. Is there another [6:31] item that anyone would like to pull for [6:34] a separate discussion and vote? [6:40] Miss Anderson, is there anyone online? [6:42] No, there is not. Okay. Um, Mr. [6:46] Lindberg, does staff want to pull an [6:48] item? [6:48] >> Nothing from staff. Mayor, [6:50] >> members of the council. [6:52] >> Okay. [6:52] >> Nothing. [6:53] >> All right. So, may I have a motion to [6:56] adopt the consent agenda, please? [6:58] >> So, moved. [6:59] >> Second. [7:00] >> There's a motion and a second. All in [7:01] favor, please say I. [7:02] >> Mayor, may we we need a roll call vote? [7:05] >> Oh, [7:06] >> yes. I'm sorry, [7:10] Council Member Schultz. I'm sorry. We [7:12] got to get used to this when you're when [7:15] you're [7:17] when you're joining remotely. So, we'll [7:19] do a roll call. [7:21] >> Council member Schultz. [7:23] >> Yes. [7:24] >> Council member Keely, [7:26] >> yes. [7:26] >> Council member Gustoson. [7:28] >> Yes. [7:28] >> Council member Workman. [7:30] >> Hi. [7:31] >> Mayor Couts. Yes. Okay. You have the uh [7:36] I do. [7:36] >> Okay. Very good. So now um [7:42] item 4G [7:46] is an ordinance amending title one [7:50] chapter 13 stewardship of city resources [7:53] and resolution affirming community [7:56] values and stewardship of community [7:59] resources amidst immigration operations. [8:03] Presenting this ordinance is our [8:05] attorney, [8:07] Mr. Shepard, [8:10] >> mayor, members of the council. [8:13] At its January 6th meeting, the city [8:15] council voted for staff to bring back a [8:16] policy prohibiting staging on city [8:18] property. At this meeting, uh in front [8:21] of you, item 4G is that policy in [8:23] ordinance form. The the proposed [8:26] ordinance amends title one of the city [8:27] code to clarify the appropriate use of [8:29] city resources including city property [8:32] by city staff and city public officials. [8:34] It reaffirms that city resources must be [8:36] for a public purpose under state law and [8:39] in a n and used in a non-discriminatory [8:41] manner that serves the entire community. [8:43] It prohibits the use of city resources [8:45] for federal immigration enforcement [8:47] including the use of city property, [8:48] buildings and parks. Um the enforcement [8:51] of the ordinance is an operational one [8:53] subject to the discretion of city staff [8:55] based on operational needs. Um like all [8:58] code enforcement or all city ordinances. [9:00] Um allowing residents to peacefully [9:03] assemble remains a chief priority uh [9:05] during immigration activities. We can [9:07] assume that enforcement will operate [9:09] akin to nuisance or property enforcement [9:11] where the key focus is on compliance not [9:13] punishment and enforcement would be on a [9:15] continuum again subject to resource [9:18] allocation. Um, the ordinance in front [9:20] of you is accompanied by a resolution [9:22] that explains the basis for the [9:24] ordinance and affirms Burnsville [9:26] community values in line with the [9:28] discussion in front of the council. And [9:30] a motion to approve would include both [9:31] the ordinance and the resolution. [9:34] >> Okay. Thank you. [9:37] Members of our community, there is only [9:40] one thing hanging in these chambers and [9:43] that is our values. And so I ask all of [9:46] us [9:48] to practice mutual respect [9:51] and civility because that's who we are [9:54] here in Burnsville. We care for one [9:57] another [9:59] and we speak respectfully and we listen [10:03] politely because everyone's voice is [10:06] important. [10:08] And so we have [10:11] people who have signed up to speak and [10:14] we're happy to hear what you have to [10:17] say. But I also want us to understand [10:20] that we have been aware of all of the [10:24] activities that has been going on in our [10:27] region. [10:30] And uh we also understand of our [10:34] limitations [10:37] and we'll I will speak to that when the [10:39] time comes for me to make my remarks [10:43] and each of the council members will [10:45] also make remarks. [10:48] After you speak, [10:50] we will listen. And I'm going to ask [10:53] that everyone limit their remarks to [10:55] three minutes so that we can move on and [10:59] also do the work of the public that is [11:01] before us for this evening. So I thank [11:04] you for your patience and [11:10] your grace in understanding the things [11:13] that we have to do together because this [11:15] is about all of us together working [11:18] together [11:20] for the good of our community. [11:24] And so the first person who is on this [11:27] list is Yousef And Mr. if [11:31] you would come to the podium and just [11:34] give us your name and the city you live [11:36] in [11:41] >> and we can all limit our remarks to [11:43] three minutes and [11:46] city manager Lindberg, I don't know if [11:47] you or somebody can time. Thank you, [11:51] >> madam mayor, members of the council, [11:52] clerk's office will take care of. [11:53] >> Yeah. Okay. Thank you, Mr. The [11:56] floor is yours. [11:57] >> Thank you, Mayor T. Thank you, city [11:59] council, and everyone else who has [12:01] joined us here today. My name is Ysef [12:03] Hajan. I live in Bunsville. I'm a [12:05] homeowner. I'm raising my family here [12:07] and I'm so happy to see everyone here [12:09] today. It's an important day. I am here [12:12] to share with you guys with all of you [12:15] collective suffering of our Bazville [12:18] residents. Uh most of our business [12:21] owners. I am a business owner myself. Uh [12:24] this issue, this immigration, this eyes [12:27] in our community has really impacted a [12:29] lot of business in our community and it [12:31] has affected even individuals, even [12:34] families, even children. Child children [12:35] are have having to come home and talk [12:37] about what ICE is doing in our [12:40] community. And so for me, uh I'm here [12:43] because I know all of you are you feel [12:45] you are human beings and I'm not here to [12:47] criticize anyone. I'm not here to put [12:49] anybody in a in a bad spot, but you have [12:52] to feel it within you. Uh that you have [12:54] to understand what impact we're having [12:56] as a community and how we're being [12:57] affected by this. Uh you know, I give [13:00] you a story where my neighbor uh fearful [13:04] uh of the Latino community uh haven't [13:07] heard of him about 3 days now, went and [13:09] knocked his door. He opened the door and [13:11] he the first thing he said to me was no [13:13] ice, my friend. You know, so this is [13:16] this is the fear we're talking about. [13:17] This is the conversation we are having [13:19] in our community. Uh you have having to [13:21] go all over Bunsville and get into [13:23] individual businesses. They're all [13:25] empty, you know, and people are afraid [13:27] to come to work. Uh even the normal [13:30] democratic process of us expressing [13:32] ourselves even when it comes to voting, [13:34] you have fear of communities that [13:36] usually come out uh asking themselves [13:38] twice when we go out and talk to them [13:40] about how this uh process is important. [13:43] So for us also we're building a city uh [13:47] a beautiful city and you guys I think [13:48] have done a great job in doing that. [13:50] There's more that needs to be done but [13:51] you know give you credit. Uh and so we [13:55] need to be able to be having serious [13:57] conversation about our community uh [13:59] including having a mother Martin Luther [14:01] Martin Luther King Junior Day [14:03] educational conversation on race. [14:06] >> One minute. And also, [14:08] I would love for you to consider [14:10] unmasking ICE agents in our community so [14:13] that we know who they are, how they [14:14] look, cuz we don't know who's coming to [14:16] our community masked with guns. We are [14:18] not sure if they're law enforcement. We [14:19] are not sure if they are ICE agents. So, [14:21] that's another thing I wanted to bring [14:22] up and that is important to us. Thank [14:24] you so much. [14:25] >> Thank you, Mr. the next uh okay [14:29] I'm going to ask that you know I know [14:31] that we appreciate everyone's comments [14:33] but each time you do that it's going I [14:37] need to make sure that we keep moving [14:38] along and let's be respectful we all [14:41] appreciate everyone's voice so thank you [14:44] uh for your diligence with all of this [14:47] next speaker is Yan Chen and just [14:51] and just uh give us your name and city. [14:56] >> Good evening, council. Uh, my name is [14:59] Yan. I'm a resident of Burnsville. I've [15:01] been involved in motan grassroots [15:03] immigrant rights groups for over a year, [15:05] and I'm in favor of amending the city [15:07] policy to prohibit immigration [15:09] enforcement from using, staging, [15:11] gathering, andor deploying to and from [15:13] public city property. In fact, I'm in [15:16] favor of the city council going even [15:18] further to prohibit the use of any city [15:21] materials, resources, or personnel to [15:23] aid in the support of federal [15:24] immigration matters. Part of your job, [15:27] as I understand it, is to ensure that [15:30] all of your residents can wake up [15:32] without the fear of being abducted on [15:35] the streets, that they can go to work to [15:37] beloved establishments without the fear [15:39] of being violently tackled during a [15:41] shift, and that they can operate [15:43] businesses without being forced to shut [15:44] down to keep their employees and [15:46] co-workers safe from unidentified armed [15:48] strangers. While you consider your own [15:51] amendment, I insist that you consider an [15:53] even more stringent amendment. Luckily [15:56] for you, there's already a concrete [15:58] model to follow. That is the revised [16:00] separation ordinance that was [16:02] unanimously adopted by the Minneapolis [16:05] City Council in December and that I [16:07] emailed to the city clerk earlier today. [16:10] I've witnessed personally how multiple [16:14] 20 or more plus unmarked vehicles in [16:16] addition to lightly armored assault [16:18] vehicles commonly known as a Bearcat [16:20] blockade multiple city blocks as ICE per [16:24] walked a a sole individual out of a [16:26] house and I overheard on their radio [16:29] that this person was identified as not [16:31] the person that they're looking for but [16:33] simply as a quote unquote illegal and [16:36] after speaking to the sobbing wife of [16:38] the person who and the other people who [16:40] are working at the house. They reported [16:42] that even though the agents broke down [16:43] the doors, they never saw a warrant. And [16:47] similarly, on January 6th, I spoke to [16:49] the manager of my favorite local taco [16:51] shop as he told me the ridiculous story [16:53] of how ICE entered his restaurant and [16:56] chased an employee and then they decided [16:58] to close early and remain closed for the [17:02] rest of the week. He additionally told [17:04] me that their other locations had to be [17:06] shut down because their employees who [17:08] had been working for more than two years [17:10] with legal work permits were abducted [17:13] during their shifts. [17:15] I've personally been pepper-sprayed and [17:17] thrown onto hoods of vehicles and [17:19] threatened with arrest without charge. [17:22] These are not actions of a well-trained [17:24] and measured law enforcement. These are [17:27] actions of an unhinged paramilitary that [17:30] I do not want to see on my streets or in [17:32] my city ever again. Thank you. [17:35] >> Thank you. [17:37] >> Uh Mr. Doug Huer [17:44] and just name and name of the city you [17:46] live. [17:47] >> Doug Hoyer, Burnsville. And I'll yield [17:50] two of my three minutes to someone else. [17:53] Uh my wife and I have lived in [17:54] Burnsville since 1988 [17:58] and we fully support the ordinance [18:02] amending title one chapter 13 [18:04] stewardship of city resources and [18:06] resolution number 26. [18:09] Burnsville needs to stand for the values [18:12] that make our community vibrant, strong, [18:16] and a welcoming place for everyone. [18:18] Thank you. [18:19] >> Thank you. [18:21] Um, [18:22] Miss Alpa, I think it's Gorman [18:29] >> your name and the city. And I know who [18:32] you are. [18:34] >> My name is Alpa Gowami. I'm from [18:36] Burnsville. And I'll also yield my extra [18:38] minutes to somebody because I'm not as [18:41] eloquent as some of these other speakers [18:43] are. Um, but I have seen how terrified [18:46] everyone is. I've seen the restaurants [18:49] close down. Um, [18:52] there's so much distrust in the [18:54] neighborhoods of seeing cars drive by [18:56] like always watching. Um, lack of [19:00] workers coming in. There's a very [19:02] popular gym around here that sent out an [19:04] email today saying that their custodians [19:06] aren't coming in across across the Twin [19:09] Cities, not just in Burnsville, but they [19:11] are just asking anyone to volunteer to [19:14] be a custodian. Um, [19:18] and I feel like if we can, um, I I [19:22] support this bill, too. Um, I think [19:25] that's what's called or proposition. I'm [19:27] using the wrong word. Ordinance. [19:29] Ordinance. Thank you. Um, so that kids [19:32] can play safely and um, parents don't [19:36] have to worry about their kids even just [19:39] driving to and from school. Thank you. [19:42] >> Thank you. Uh, Jesse Carlson. [19:49] and just this your name and city. [19:52] >> Uh members of the council, my name is [19:54] Jesse Carlson. I live in Egan. I'm an [19:56] Egan resident. However, I grew up in [19:58] Apple Valley and uh I work in real [20:02] estate and sell a lot of real estate in [20:04] Burnsville, uh Minnesota. Uh Burnsville [20:07] is one of my favorite places to sell. I [20:09] grew up next to this city. Uh in in high [20:12] school, we would go we would go to the [20:13] TGI Fridays that was at the Burnsville [20:15] Mall. We're all still watching that. And [20:16] I've been thoroughly impressed over my [20:19] entire life seeing how Burnsville has [20:21] come about and has evolved and really [20:24] risen itself up uh with given some of [20:27] the mall and some of the economic [20:28] turmoil that the city has seen. Uh, I [20:32] have found that many folks that I [20:33] represent see Burnsville as a great [20:35] place to move because of the upandcoming [20:38] nature, what has been done with the [20:39] heart of the city with with what has [20:41] been done with the new businesses that [20:42] come in uh that come in here. What I'm [20:45] very afraid of right now for the [20:47] citizens of Burnsville is with all the [20:50] businesses closing, with folks not [20:54] not feeling brave enough to go outside [20:57] uh due to all of the all of the unrest [21:00] that's going on that ICE has brought to [21:02] to the community here. uh that these [21:04] businesses may close their doors [21:06] forever. And all of the gains that have [21:08] been made economically within Burnsville [21:11] in order to advance itself and to make [21:13] itself the city that we're all loving [21:16] right now that I I again I I represent [21:18] for to get people to move in here as [21:21] best as possible. I I second the motion [21:24] to try to amend this uh this ordinance [21:28] to go more more stringently to ask for [21:32] enforcement from the Burnsville Police [21:33] Department in making sure that ICE does [21:36] not use these uh these elementary [21:39] schools for staging grounds. I I've seen [21:42] ICE agents at Vista View uh lining that [21:45] up. This is a place for children. This [21:48] this is this is they've been lining up [21:50] in in those areas and and I I've even [21:55] heard reports of of Burnsville police uh [21:59] cooperating shaking hands with ICE [22:01] agents here. Now, I am not here to [22:02] disparage the police officers. They they [22:05] put their they put their lives on the on [22:07] the line every single day. But what I [22:09] ask is for help. This community needs [22:11] the help and protection because no [22:13] matter what happens with this [22:14] enforcement uh with this enforcement uh [22:16] items and and the people they remove [22:18] from our community, these are going to [22:21] be your neighbors forever, right? Lining [22:24] up with with ICE with these enforcement [22:26] folks, they're only going to be here for [22:28] a short time. We have elections to that [22:30] could come up and that could change at [22:32] any point in time. Do we really want to [22:34] have negative impacts on the leaders [22:36] with within the community between the [22:39] police department and and its citizens? [22:42] Thank you. [22:42] >> Thank you. Thank you. Uh Jessica Bernard [22:49] and so your name because I hope I [22:52] pronounced it correctly but did your [22:55] city [22:56] >> perfectly. My name is Jessica Vanar and [22:58] I live in Burnsville. [23:01] Um, council members, madame mayor, I [23:05] listened to the discussion about ICE [23:06] enforcement in Burnsville from last [23:08] week's meeting, and I have to say [23:11] residents don't need your sympathy or [23:13] reassurance. We need action. [23:16] Saying there is nothing we can do is not [23:18] leadership. Doing nothing is [23:20] unacceptable. This is a reality whether [23:23] you like it or not. Inaction is [23:25] permission for an abuser to escalate [23:27] their behavior. This will only get worse [23:29] unless Burnsville acts now. Doing [23:31] nothing is a choice. You may not control [23:34] federal agencies, but you do control how [23:36] Burnsville uses its own resources and [23:38] what it stands for. You are elected [23:41] officials representing all residents. [23:44] You belong here is our slogan, but it [23:47] rings hollow at the moment. You say [23:50] you're thinking about the long-term [23:51] effects of our community, as are others. [23:54] Understand this, fear and silence cause [23:56] long-term harm. You cannot hide from it [23:59] or self-care it away. [24:03] Please lead. You can start by voting yes [24:06] on this ordinance to ban the staging and [24:08] public property. [24:10] I also agree with the proposal to ban it [24:13] further with the unmasking of agents. [24:17] These should be safe spaces for [24:18] community members, not convenient [24:20] locations for abductions. [24:23] community members being abducted at a [24:25] police station or municipal center reeks [24:28] of collaboration with federal agents. [24:30] And both of these things happened this [24:31] week in our neighboring suburbs. [24:34] Do the right thing. Vote yes. And I [24:37] thank you for your hard work and your [24:39] time. [24:40] >> Thank you, [24:42] Molly. Uh [24:45] I'm not quite sure how to [24:47] >> I scribbled Molly Gerky. That's I am a [24:51] 20-year resident of Burnsville. [24:54] My family and I are heavily involved in [24:56] the community. My husband teaches at [24:57] BHS. I work for the YMCA, a local [25:00] clinic, and even right there at BCTV. I [25:02] was very pregnant last time I was here, [25:04] though. It was quite quite a while ago. [25:06] We're in sports, community ed, Girl [25:08] Scouts. My daughter was up at the day [25:10] last year talking about parks. We love [25:12] our community, our parks, and our [25:14] neighbors. Since December, life in [25:17] Burnsville has changed for the worse. [25:19] Our immigrant neighbors, our black and [25:21] brown neighbors, and honestly, everyone [25:22] I've spoken with are living with some [25:24] kind of fear for their safety. That is [25:27] not the Burnsville I know. [25:30] I began going to mosque on Fridays in [25:32] December to show support. Last week, a [25:34] leader there told me attendance is way [25:36] down ever since these targeted attacks [25:38] began. [25:39] People are afraid to worship in [25:41] Burnsville. [25:43] I spoke with a teen at the mosque who [25:45] said Thursday she was hassled by ice in [25:47] the parking lot of the outlet mall and [25:49] asked for her documentation [25:52] a child. I spoke with another teen that [25:55] attends BHS who said she recently [25:57] watched ICE bother somebody walking to [25:59] school. She now carries her passport [26:01] with her all the time. Again, this is a [26:04] child. [26:07] I've joined a group of parents and [26:08] teachers who are staying vigilant during [26:09] school release time for William Burn. [26:12] Two weeks ago, there was a confirmed ICE [26:14] vehicle idling at the entrance of the [26:15] apartments near the school at release [26:17] time. [26:19] That child didn't come the rest of the [26:21] week. Parents and children of all [26:24] immigration statuses are afraid to leave [26:26] their homes due to potential and [26:27] honestly likely harassment and unlawful [26:29] detainment by ICE. My husband's [26:32] classroom is seeing a 25 to 50% [26:35] absenteeism every single day in every [26:37] single class at the high school since [26:40] December. [26:42] Teachers are reaching out to students to [26:43] make sure they're safe. Parents are [26:45] transporting vulnerable children to and [26:47] from school activities. Community [26:49] members are dropping off food and [26:50] supplies. What's the city doing? What [26:53] are the police doing? [26:55] >> One minute. [26:56] >> ICE is making the city less safe and [26:58] definitely not a place where everyone [27:00] belongs. [27:02] Last week, ICE caused a horrific car [27:04] accident on five. And that wasn't even [27:06] the first of its kind. They've used that [27:07] technique in Shockp a couple days ahead. [27:09] my 16-year-old who works for the city as [27:12] a warming house attendant over in [27:13] Northview. I'm not letting him drive [27:15] anymore. That was two blocks from where [27:18] he goes to work every Sunday [27:21] after how bad it is. The the roads just [27:24] aren't safe anymore when they're doing [27:25] this behavior. They're unlawfully [27:27] setting up checks at entrances to mobile [27:29] homes and apartments. They're unlawfully [27:31] speeding through Burnsville and even [27:33] ramming their vehicles into others. [27:36] They're unlawfully forcing entry into [27:38] businesses and daycarees. Their activity [27:40] has caused Burnsville stores and [27:41] restaurants to close for the safety of [27:43] their staff and patient patrons. This is [27:46] not the safe Burnsville it once was. [27:48] Teachers are helping. Parents are [27:50] helping. Tow companies are helping. Food [27:52] shelves are helping. Community is [27:54] helping. What is the city doing? [27:56] >> That's Thank you, [28:00] Andre Winters. [28:07] Good evening. [28:08] >> Yeah. Name and uh just the city, please. [28:12] >> Andre Wyinners, Burnsville. [28:15] Um good evening, city council, [28:18] city attorney, [28:21] fire chief, [28:23] police chief, residents. Um I was [28:26] actually sent here to read something [28:28] that my wife asked me to read. Um, [28:34] and if it seems like I'm going to give [28:37] you a constitutional les lesson, yeah, [28:39] that's my intent. [28:42] Um, so I will I will read. And I'm also [28:44] a school teacher, so I have that bent. [28:47] And and uh Mr. Shepard, I apologize if I [28:50] sound like an attorney because I am [28:51] definitely not an attorney. Um, so she [28:54] writes, "Good evening, honorable members [28:56] of the city council. My name is [28:58] Beatatrice Winters and I reside in [29:01] Burnsville. I've been a resident of [29:03] Burnsville for over 20 years. I am a [29:06] mother, a wife, grandmother, and human [29:09] rights advocate. [29:11] As such, I am here before you, or I am [29:14] here before you, [29:16] to ask that the city council of [29:18] Burnsville uphold the oath of office. [29:21] You swore before you officially assume [29:24] the duties and exercise the powers of [29:27] your position. [29:29] You swore to uphold Minnesota law and [29:33] local city charter norms. Under [29:35] Minnesota law, you affirmed that you [29:38] would support the Constitution of the [29:39] United States [29:41] and the Constitution of the state, the [29:43] great state of Minnesota. [29:46] So I stand before you reminding you that [29:50] the Minnesota Constitution, [29:52] Article 1, Section 7, addresses due [29:55] process and habius corpus. [29:58] The Minnesota Constitution guarantees [30:01] fundamental legal protections before [30:03] someone can be held for a crime. No [30:06] person might be held to answer for a [30:09] criminal offense without due process of [30:11] law. And no one can be deprived of life, [30:16] liberty, and property without due [30:19] process. Article 1, section 10 addresses [30:22] uncurgable seat, excuse me, searches and [30:25] seizures. The Minnesota Constitution [30:28] also mimics the fourth amendment of the [30:29] US Constitution protected at the state [30:32] level. People have the right to be [30:35] secure in their persons, possessions [30:37] against unreasonable searches and [30:39] seizures. In short, the Minnesota [30:42] Constitution firmly protects liberty by [30:45] requiring due process beforeholding [30:48] someone for a criminal offense that [30:50] requires judicial authorization, such as [30:53] a warrant supported by probable cause [30:55] before people and property can be [30:57] lawfully seized or searched. [31:00] While the Minnesota statute does not [31:03] allow arrest without a warrant in some [31:06] circumstances, such as a crime committed [31:09] in an officer's presence or when there [31:11] is probable cause for a felony. This [31:15] does not eliminate constitutional [31:17] rights. Bottom line, Minnesota [31:20] Constitution prohibits the attention [31:23] without due process or deprivation of [31:25] liberty without constitutional [31:27] safeguards. [31:29] >> Thank you, Mr. Winters. Uh, Adah Winter. [31:49] >> Name and City, please. [31:51] >> Uh, I'm Aydah Winter. I um have lived in [31:54] Burnsville my entire life and I have [31:58] never felt unsafe in this city until [32:02] now. Um I've seen multiple ICE raids in [32:06] our community and I've seen the [32:09] Burnsville police assist ICE in these [32:12] raids. Um I would like that to stop [32:15] along with this amendment and stop [32:18] anything from this city to benefit them [32:21] whatsoever. [32:23] And that's all. [32:25] >> Thank you. Thank you. [32:28] Tasha [32:30] Weisenberger [32:32] Pomeroy. [32:37] Name and city. [32:39] >> My name is Tasha Weisenberger Pomeroy. I [32:42] live in Burnsville and have been a [32:44] resident for seven and a half years. [32:48] I moved to Burnsville from Minneapolis [32:50] for its diversity and that diversity is [32:55] also what has um has been the best part [32:59] of being here. I have children in the [33:01] schools. Um we've enjoyed the parks. [33:04] We've enjoyed all elements of living [33:07] here. And that diversity is also what is [33:11] putting Burnsville under attack. And so [33:13] I'd like to uh support the uh ordinance [33:17] and ask actually that you go one step [33:19] further. In the last weeks I've been [33:22] helping to support my neighbors. Um I've [33:24] been observing. I've been seeing what [33:27] tactics ICE is using on the road. [33:30] Completely dangerous. I've seen pictures [33:32] of the accidents that they've caused. My [33:35] children now know when ICE is on the [33:37] road and can point them out by their [33:39] dangerous driving behaviors. My kids are [33:41] seven and 10. Those aren't safe [33:44] conditions for anyone. And I'd like you [33:46] to so I'd like you to support this [33:48] ordinance and consider additional steps [33:50] that the police force can take to keep [33:53] our citizens safe and how people are [33:55] using our roads and how people are [33:57] interacting with our citizens. [33:59] >> Thank you. Thank you, Sarah Beckman. [34:09] Hello. name in just city. [34:11] >> My name is Sarah Beckman. Um and I am a [34:14] resident of Burnsville. Um I am not [34:16] prepared because I didn't think I would [34:18] make it in time, but I chose this city [34:22] to raise my children in 11 years ago. Um [34:24] because of its diversity. Um the [34:27] beautiful things that happen in this [34:28] community make it what it is. Um the [34:31] fact that all we belong here, we all [34:34] belong here. Um I truly believe that. Um [34:37] but in the last two months there are [34:40] things that are making me question. Um [34:42] my family's first interactions, personal [34:46] interactions were December 6th when my [34:48] children and I were driving out of our [34:49] street and turned the corner to watch a [34:51] raid by ICE with 10 plus vehicles [34:55] where members of our community were [34:57] taken violently. My children watched [35:00] long armed long gun um armed officers in [35:05] my streets less than a block from my [35:07] home. And I know you know these things [35:09] are happening but my kids are five, [35:11] seven, and 10. This is not what they [35:14] should be seeing. Um in the last 10 days [35:17] I've been observing um with my community [35:20] um the very first day I watched a young [35:24] father be violently detained. Um, I've [35:28] seen multiple abductions since then. I [35:31] have personally been threatened by ICE [35:33] twice now. Um, once by using my name [35:36] coming up and telling me that I will be [35:38] arrested if I do not um, stay out of [35:40] their way. I was in my car multiple um, [35:43] aisles away from them in the Cub parking [35:46] lot. the second time as I was watching [35:49] them and had a confirmed ICE vehicle um [35:52] to observe so that we can document and [35:55] watch what's happening to our community [35:57] so that no one goes missing, no one gets [36:00] lost. I had an officer drive across town [36:04] from 13 and 5 all the way to my home to [36:07] show me that he knew where I lived. [36:10] These are things that are not safe for [36:12] my my home, my community, my family. I [36:15] love Burnsville. I love Burnsville and I [36:18] want it to be safe. So, please adopt [36:20] this ordinance. Again, I don't know what [36:22] I'm saying, but please adopt this [36:23] ordinance. And I would like for our [36:26] police, who I deeply love, um they work [36:30] so closely with our PTO at Gideon Pond [36:32] and um they're present and um I want [36:36] them to step up and to um pull police, [36:40] pull the ICE officers over when they are [36:42] being um aggressive, when they are [36:44] breaking the law, and um to not threaten [36:47] us. I don't want to feel unsafe here [36:49] because I am trying to witness and keep [36:51] our community safe. [36:53] Thank you, [36:55] Jean Foreman. [37:03] >> Hello again. [37:04] >> Hello, [37:05] >> Jean Foreman. I live in Burnsville [37:08] and I'm coming today. I'm wearing my [37:10] whistle. I don't leave the house anymore [37:12] without my whistle. And I think there's [37:14] probably a lot of people here who do the [37:16] same because every day I leave my house. [37:20] I don't know if I'm going to have to [37:21] stand up for a neighbor, someone I don't [37:24] know, but I believe in our safety [37:28] because if my neighbors aren't safe, [37:30] then ultimately I'm not safe. And I'll [37:32] just echo what the previous um testifier [37:36] said. I went out on an observation uh [37:39] actually was my first one just um a few [37:42] weekends ago and later that afternoon um [37:46] there was an ICE vehicle patrolling in [37:48] our neighborhood and there had not ever [37:50] been one there before. So I think they [37:54] are following and trying to intimidate [37:57] Burnsville residents who are trying to [37:59] stand up and do the right thing for all [38:01] of our neighbors. But I do want to tell [38:03] you that there is no need to obviously [38:06] assist federal agents by allowing [38:08] staging on any city property. Uh why [38:11] would our city resources, our city [38:14] council and city leadership want to be [38:17] associated with the stories that you're [38:20] hearing to tonight? [38:23] They're clearly getting their work done. [38:27] Whatever it is, I'm not even sure. but [38:29] they're disrupting life in Burnsville [38:31] and we don't need to help them. And I [38:33] don't want you all to help them. [38:36] I want to help our neighbors. [38:39] Understanding that some of the more [38:42] serious events in other parts of our [38:44] state uh have been far worse doesn't [38:47] guarantee that it ultimately won't be a [38:49] story told right here in Burnsville. [38:52] It is time to recognize that the [38:55] decision made tonight is a decision that [38:58] our residents are going to live with now [39:02] and into the future. [39:04] How do we all want to be remembered in [39:07] this moment? [39:09] I appreciate it. Thank you. I just want [39:12] to say that um public service and I [39:15] respect you all for that means making [39:17] difficult decisions. Truly difficult [39:20] decisions. [39:21] But this should be the easiest vote you [39:24] should take is to approve the ordinance [39:28] amendment and deny access to city [39:32] property by federal agents who are here [39:35] to terrorize us and terrorize our [39:37] neighbors. Thank you. [39:39] >> Thank you, Monica. [39:42] And Monica, I can't read your last name, [39:44] but it starts with an N. [39:50] And [39:51] >> hi, my name is Monica Nicole. I am [39:53] Nicole. Yes. [39:54] >> Okay. [39:55] >> I'm first time too. So, hello everybody. [39:58] Um, I do want to start by saying [40:00] >> you're from Burnsville. [40:00] >> And I'm from Burnsville. Yes. Um, I just [40:03] want to say thank you to the community [40:04] who's showing up [40:08] >> and um using your voice. Sorry. Um, [40:15] as a brown woman, um, it has been very [40:20] hard to leave the house and making sure [40:23] that I have my passport. Um, I also am [40:26] in [40:28] I have witnessed from firsthand family [40:30] members are in fear. They're no longer [40:32] contributing to our societ to our [40:34] communities and our society because they [40:36] are afraid of being abducted and treated [40:38] inhumanely. I ask that you also pass the [40:42] amendment. Um, I don't have my paper [40:46] with me, but I ask that you please um [40:50] help and use your power to help us, to [40:52] help our community, to support us [40:55] because this is what is happening is not [40:57] right in any in any level. Um, I [41:01] recently had to go help a family member [41:03] and a community member who are legal [41:04] here escape out of a Burger King because [41:08] they have been surrounded all day long [41:10] by these ICE agents and the fear that [41:13] they have. [41:15] It just it's heartbreaking. Um, this [41:18] should not be happening. So I [41:22] I had so much more I wanted to say but I [41:24] just ask for your help and ask you to do [41:27] the right thing and protect our people [41:29] and protect our community because we are [41:31] all contributing here. We all came to [41:33] find something better for to to support [41:35] to be working hard working members of [41:38] our community. So I that's all. Thank [41:41] you so much. [41:42] >> Thank you. Thank you Monica. [41:45] Um, [41:50] I think it's [41:52] Nadia. [41:54] N I [41:56] D A Benson, I think. [42:00] >> Oh, Nick. N I [42:01] >> Oh, it's Nick. [42:02] >> That's okay. [42:03] >> I'm sorry. [42:05] >> I've been called worse [42:06] >> to read your handwriting, [42:08] >> so forgive me. [42:09] >> Yes, it's okay. I apologize for my [42:11] sloppy handwriting. I appreciate your uh [42:14] reminder on uh civility and respect here [42:18] because what I have witnessed over the [42:20] last few weeks here has filled me with [42:22] so much rage and tension. [42:25] >> And Nick, you're from Burnsville, right? [42:26] >> I am from Burnsville. Yes. Uh 14 years [42:28] here now. [42:28] >> And and tonight, I'm not even asking for [42:30] your address. It's just that we all know [42:32] that we're we're all one Burnsville. [42:36] >> Indeed. Burnsville. I promise. Uh [42:38] anyway, uh I've been filled with rage [42:41] and seeing what's going on in my city. [42:43] I've been doing observation work here as [42:45] many people have. Um I have seen ICE [42:48] agents sitting at Terrace Oaks Park next [42:51] to the uh skating rink where there [42:53] should have been kids skating. There [42:54] were ice agents waiting to uh harass and [42:57] hassle someone else without any probable [42:59] cause. I've been around when um we've [43:03] been doing observation work and ICE [43:06] calls in and says that uh our fellow [43:09] observers have been causing traffic [43:11] accidents and ramming into their [43:12] vehicles and sending the Burnsville uh [43:15] police after them to hassle them on ISIS [43:18] behalf which is disgusting. Uh I have [43:21] also been on uh the scene of other [43:24] situations where ICE has been doing [43:26] enforcement action and again uh [43:28] Burnsville police are there uh fist [43:30] bumping and saying things like I'll call [43:32] you later and things like that. And it [43:35] fills me with such uh shame and rage [43:38] that people with uh wearing the badge [43:41] for the police in my town are helping [43:44] enable all of this. And I have to go and [43:46] drop my kids off at a school where [43:47] there's a Burnsville police car sitting [43:49] in front of school resource officer. And [43:52] what are we supposed to tell our kids [43:54] when I've seen Burnsville police out [43:57] helping ICE do this work? How are we [44:01] supposed to trust that they're here to [44:04] keep any of us safe when they're also [44:06] collaborating and doing this work? Um, I [44:09] would ask that you pass the separation [44:11] ordinance and take it a step further so [44:13] that no other city resources are devoted [44:16] to uh enabling what ICE is doing. One [44:20] more minute. Um, they are everywhere. I [44:23] was took a trip to Menard's the other [44:25] day. I drove through three apartment [44:27] complexes uh that I knew had vulnerable [44:29] communities in them and ICE was uh [44:31] circling around looking for people in [44:33] two of them already. Uh it's completely [44:36] unacceptable. Uh the only words from any [44:39] of our cops to DHS or ICE or any of [44:41] these other alphabet soup of agencies [44:43] involved in uh any of these enforcement [44:45] activities should be get the hell out of [44:47] Burnsville. Thank you. [44:48] >> Thank you. Okay, Emma Gabbard. [44:56] I'm going to move that down here. [44:57] >> Just name and city. [44:58] >> Uh, Emma Gabbert and Burnsville, [45:01] lifelong resident. Um, greetings to [45:03] everyone here. Uh, my name is Emma [45:05] Gabbert. Um, and I wanted to share my [45:07] experience of being an ice observer this [45:10] past Saturday. Um, I was notified that [45:12] ICE was stationed at the Quick Trip on [45:14] Highway 5 and Burns Parkway. Um, I [45:17] pulled in, I saw a large SUV with out of [45:19] state plates and looked in the drivers [45:22] and passenger seat and soon enough saw [45:25] that they were masked agents. Um, there [45:29] were other observers there, but um, [45:31] horns were not being honked and whistles [45:34] were not being blown. And so I decided [45:36] to go up and talk to them and ask what [45:38] they were doing there. Um, which was [45:41] pretty crazy, but I just wanted to see [45:43] what they had to say for themselves. And [45:45] so I asked them what they were doing [45:47] there. They said that they had been [45:49] stationed there. Um and I said, "Okay, [45:53] I'm going to honk my horn and blow my [45:55] whistle, you know, as I'm dedicated to [45:57] doing that." And um the ICE agent in the [46:00] passenger seat said, "Oh, honk your [46:02] horn, blow your whistle, you do whatever [46:04] you got to do, you know." And I'm like, [46:07] "This is an interesting response to me [46:10] coming up and asking you like basically [46:13] to get out of here." Um, so I did just [46:16] that. I started blowing my whistle, [46:18] honking my horn, and soon, you know, my [46:20] other observers came by. Um, and then at [46:23] that point is when I saw three more [46:25] vehicles surround us completely. Um, [46:29] which means that they were probably [46:30] looking to justify bringing in more [46:32] reinforcements. Um, but we did not stop [46:35] honking our horns, blowing our whistles. [46:37] Um, and they eventually left without um, [46:40] detaining anyone that I saw. So, I just [46:43] wanted to share that experience because [46:45] I know a lot of people have been [46:46] threatened by ICE agents, but in this [46:48] instance, it seemed like they were [46:50] making a game of it. Um, so I just [46:53] wanted to let people know that this is a [46:55] response that you may encounter um with [46:58] an ICE agent. So, today I asked the city [47:01] of Burnsville to support the ordinance [47:03] to limit the use of stewardship of city [47:05] property for federal immigration [47:07] enforcement staging operations. [47:10] >> Thank you. Um, and I want to say too, we [47:12] were talking about, you know, the [47:14] importance of public service. I am [47:15] running for the House of Representatives [47:17] for District 55B, and I hope that my [47:21] fellow public servants can uphold the [47:24] values that we hold so dear to us here [47:26] in Burnsville. Thank you so much, and [47:29] uh, thank you for your work. Thanks. [47:31] >> Thank you. [47:32] >> Okay, Chris John. [47:48] Madame Mayor, City Council, sorry, I'm [47:50] sitting in the back. So, my name is [47:52] Chris John. I live in Burnsville. I just [47:54] wanted to talk a little bit about a [47:56] story and I spoke with a few people to [47:59] try to get some pictures uh in front of [48:02] you. Um this an event that happened on [48:04] Saturday, this past Saturday about 4:30 [48:08] on 150th and County Road 5. [48:11] It was a vehicle that was uh ramped by [48:15] ice and I don't know if they can get [48:18] this picture in. They said if I point it [48:19] toward the camera. [48:20] >> Yeah. [48:21] >> And you can see that the damage and the [48:23] person right in front of there is a [48:24] Burnsville police officer. Can you guys [48:26] see that? Okay. [48:27] >> Yeah. It's it's coming up. Yeah. [48:29] >> Yeah. And uh [48:31] >> the control room has it. [48:33] >> And you might be looking at that [48:34] thinking, what happened to the people [48:36] inside? Well, I'm happy to say that they [48:38] were fine. [48:41] I got another picture if they want to [48:43] show that as well. And you can see them [48:45] sitting in the snow. They're being [48:47] arrested. They were pulled out of that [48:48] vehicle after all the damage. But don't [48:51] worry, the kid in the back was cleared [48:53] by the Bzel paramedics. [48:56] Now, physically cleared. mentally. Who [48:59] knows? These are the kind of processes [49:01] that are happening. I don't feel like [49:04] this is a policing action as much as [49:06] it's a military takeover of our city. I [49:09] think it's ridiculous and I really hope [49:11] that we can at least push back a little [49:13] bit by by passing this ordinance. Thank [49:17] you. [49:17] >> Yeah. Thank you, [49:20] uh, Katina Gomez. [49:28] Just the city, your name and the city. [49:34] Here we go. Hello everybody. Hello, [49:36] Mayor Couts and city council members. My [49:38] name is Katarina Gomez, but you may call [49:40] me Katy. Uh, I am the proud grandchild [49:43] of Cliff and Shirley Jacobson, the [49:45] original settlers in Burnsville. While I [49:48] am the second generation to be born and [49:50] raised in Burnsville on my maternal [49:52] side, I'm also a first generation [49:55] Honduran American. My father's from [49:57] Teusi Galpa, Honduras. Nearly all of my [50:00] family on my paternal side still lives [50:02] there, including my brother and my [50:04] nephew. Needless to say, before I could [50:06] articulate public policy, I felt the [50:08] impacts of federal immigration policy on [50:11] my family. And an important lesson I [50:13] learned early on that there were some [50:15] things that are just beyond even my [50:17] parents' control. [50:19] And my parents raised me well. Every [50:21] night before we went to bed, I'd pray [50:22] for my cousins in Honduras just as hard [50:25] as I prayed for my cousins here in [50:26] Minnesota. It was a childhood dream of [50:28] mine to meet my family, laugh, um, and [50:31] eat together without any worries. And I [50:34] don't know about you city council [50:35] members, but I've made great progress in [50:37] making my childhood dreams come true in [50:39] the recent years. The Honduran cousins I [50:42] had only prayed for and seen pictures of [50:44] on social media I finally gotten to [50:46] know. This past month, my family hosted [50:48] four of my cousins from Honduras here in [50:50] Burnsville. And just this morning, they [50:52] hopped on a plane at MSP heading back to [50:54] Honduras. They were so excited to visit [50:57] Minnesota for the first time um to [51:00] experience snow, to visit the Mall of [51:02] America, all of the thing American [51:05] things, eat sushi. But needless to say, [51:08] our plans were drastically impacted by [51:10] the recent surge of violent immigration [51:12] enforcement actions in the visible [51:14] presence of federal agents from the [51:16] Department of Homeland Security. My [51:19] cousins are tourists who did everything [51:20] illegally, yet were unable to safely [51:23] visit the land of the free. Restaurants [51:25] were closed, enforcement actions were [51:28] being staged in public parks and parking [51:30] lots, and these violent videos were [51:32] being shared all over social media. How [51:35] we support and care for each other is [51:37] the only thing we have control of. We [51:40] must think of how families and children [51:41] are being impacted by the world we are [51:44] creating for them to grow up in. [51:47] One of my cousins that visited me from [51:49] Honduras, she's only 10 years old. She's [51:51] a beautiful reminder that children just [51:53] like all of us are experiencing life for [51:55] the first time. While me and so many [51:58] other Americans have been losing sleep, [52:00] looking up immigration policies, [52:02] delivering groceries to neighbors, [52:03] bearing witness to the experience of [52:05] others, and connecting families to our [52:08] local, much overextended community [52:10] programs and organizations. My little [52:12] cousin shared with me that she felt like [52:14] her time in Minnesota was a beautiful [52:17] dream that she didn't want to wake up in [52:19] this month. And that was before she went [52:22] to Build-A-Bear. [52:25] How we react and respond to social [52:27] disruption, tragedy, and violence will [52:30] be observed by those around us, [52:32] especially by the little ones in our [52:33] community. Those who've studied [52:35] immigration policy and enforcement [52:37] trends in the United States, can tell [52:39] you that since DHS has been created in [52:42] 2002, both Democratic and Republic [52:44] administrations have removed millions of [52:46] people through expedited processes. The [52:49] difference is these recent immigration [52:50] enforcement actions have been especially [52:52] disruptive and intimidating and violent. [52:56] This month my family wasn't able to [52:57] explore the Twin Cities and we weren't [52:59] comfortable traveling around the state [53:01] even with all of our passport and our [53:02] identification. So my cousins didn't [53:05] quite have the Minnesota experience we [53:06] envisioned. But we spent hours outside [53:09] at our Burnsville parks sledding and [53:11] building snow creatures. But the entire [53:14] time I was anxious and on high alert [53:16] because I know that even though we live [53:18] down the street and even though I [53:20] brought my passport sledding, I was [53:22] fearful of being questioned. We need to [53:25] preserve these spaces and other city- [53:26] owned properties as trusted locations [53:29] for families to continue supporting the [53:30] healthy growth and development of [53:32] children. I know we can't bring [53:34] immigration reform through city [53:36] ordinances. I wish it was that easy. But [53:39] I do know that we can mitigate harm to [53:41] our most vulnerable community members. [53:43] Thank you for checking in on your [53:45] neighbors and your co-workers. Thank you [53:47] for donating and delivering food for [53:49] your neighbors. Extra shout out for food [53:51] donations, please. And thank you for [53:53] supporting this ordinance. [53:55] >> Thank you. [53:57] Okay. Um, [53:59] Joy Marber. [54:19] >> Okay. [54:20] Just name and city, please. [54:22] >> Good evening. My name is Joy Marver and [54:25] I'm from Burnsville now. [54:29] All right. [54:31] Good evening, city city council members. [54:33] My name is Joy. I'm a 20-year Army [54:36] veteran, a former military police [54:38] officer, and a logistics NCO and a proud [54:40] motan. I'm here tonight not just to [54:43] speak as a veteran, but as a neighbor, a [54:46] homeowner, and someone who has fought [54:49] for peace both abroad and here at home. [54:53] In 2020, I watched my commu community [54:56] burn to the ground. Third precinct, [54:58] Minneapolis on national television. [55:02] I wasn't even home to process it. I was [55:05] deployed to Camp Taji, Iraq, [55:08] where I we are under constant threat and [55:10] heavy attack. I suffered my second TBI. [55:15] I was serving my country, watching my [55:17] neighborhood fall apart from thousands [55:19] of miles away. When I returned, I [55:21] couldn't shake the hyper vigilance, the [55:24] sounds, the tensions, the fear. [55:28] It did not stay overseas. [55:32] It followed me home. [55:36] The VA mental health provider told me [55:38] that if I wanted to manage my PTSD, [55:41] maybe I need to find more peaceful place [55:43] to live, be [55:46] a place where I can breathe. So, I sold [55:48] my home. [55:52] I left my neighborhood, the only [55:53] neighborhood I known. [55:56] I came to Burnsville because it offered [55:58] something desperately needed, stillness. [56:01] And while I found it, [56:04] and for a while, I I found it. But now, [56:06] that stillness is gone. I see mass men [56:10] running around the streets chasing and [56:12] threatening people. I hear the fear in [56:14] my neighbors voices. I feel the tension [56:16] in my own body. My hypervigilance is [56:18] back, worse than ever. The VA had to [56:21] increase my medication again just so I [56:24] can function. [56:26] I didn't come to Burnsville to escape. [56:29] I came here to heal. [56:31] >> One minute. [56:33] >> I'm asking you, imploring you to help [56:36] restore the peace and brought me here in [56:38] the first place. I am done my part. I've [56:41] served. I'm retired. I sacrificed. I [56:44] rebuilt. [56:46] Now, I need my city to do its part [56:50] to protect its residents and to preserve [56:53] its peace and to ensure that people like [56:55] me don't have to keep running from [56:57] trauma that we didn't ask for. [57:00] I just want stillness. I just want [57:02] peace. Please help us finding it again. [57:04] Thank you. [57:06] >> Thank you, [57:09] Kelsey Nordstrom. [57:19] My story sounds kind of similar. Um, [57:22] I'm new to Burnsville. Um, I'm [57:27] uh I spent the last nine years in Texas [57:29] and I got out of an abusive marriage and [57:32] I came here for peace and I chose [57:36] Burnsville to [57:39] be here with community and I live in an [57:41] apartment where everyone is an immigrant [57:43] and everyone is black or brown and [57:45] they're all scared. [57:48] I have a half Mexican autistic [57:50] non-verbal child. We left trauma in [57:53] Texas and we came here for peace. I [57:57] wanted peace for so long. [58:00] I work in a restaurant in Burnsville. [58:04] My entire kitchen staff is terrified and [58:06] they are I've brought mattresses there [58:09] so they can sleep in the restaurant. [58:10] We're all bringing them to and from [58:12] work. Our dishwasher is missing. His [58:15] name is Gallo Moraicio Tiiera Cargu [58:18] Carguas Condo. He's from Ecuador. I've [58:22] called Monarch. I can't find him. He is [58:25] a permanent resident and has a social [58:28] security number and I still can't find [58:29] him. Um, I'm scared for my community. [58:33] I'm I'm serving. I'm diligent. What I [58:37] just lived through for the past nine [58:38] years has made me very prepared for [58:40] this. And I'm going to tell you that [58:42] violence, you cannot appease it. We need [58:46] to pass this ordinance and we need to [58:48] unmask these men. [58:50] There's a lot more that we need to do [58:52] that I'm not going to say. Um, but it [58:55] needs to start with community and it [58:57] needs to start here. And if we truly say [58:58] that we welcome all here, then we need [59:00] to welcome all. And this is fear. And we [59:03] can't be brought down by fear and we [59:05] can't be brought down by mass men and a [59:07] paramilitary force in our streets. I [59:09] stand with my community. I'm using my [59:11] white privilege to speak for the black [59:13] and brown community that cannot be here [59:15] right now. I stand with them. I donate [59:18] to them. I love them. [59:20] I love my neighbors. And yeah, I [59:25] ordinance. Yes, please. [59:27] >> Thank you. [59:29] Yeah. Okay. I think I think we can we [59:33] all appreciate all of the great words [59:35] that have been shared with us this [59:37] evening. Uh the next speaker is Hunter [59:39] Canrell. [60:03] Hello. Uh, good evening, Madame Mayor [60:04] and Council under Canrell Savage. I hope [60:07] I'm not overdressed for the occasion. [60:09] Uh, you know, so folks have said a lot [60:13] of very compelling narratives here, uh, [60:16] a lot of very compelling experiences [60:18] tonight. Um, and you know, I I I want to [60:21] start off by saying our current time [60:24] reminds me of Psalm 82:3. [60:27] Defend the weak and the fatherless. [60:30] Uphold the cause of the poor and the [60:34] oppressed. [60:37] Now, I think it goes without saying that [60:38] we are living in a time of great fear [60:41] and great oppression. [60:44] A time that we never thought would [60:45] unfold in this country where agents of [60:47] the government, specifically ICE agents, [60:51] have been deployed in our communities [60:54] to instill fear and intimidation [60:58] among the most vulnerable people and [61:01] community members that we have. People [61:04] who have spent their entire lives [61:07] contributing to our economies and our [61:09] communities. [61:11] People who fled countries were masked [61:14] men would stop them on the streets while [61:17] holding guns on the street corners [61:18] saying, "Show me your papers." They fled [61:21] countries like that for the United [61:22] States. [61:24] And yet here we are now. [61:26] That is the reality that people in [61:28] Burnsville Savage all throughout the [61:30] Twin Cities and Twin Cities suburbs are [61:33] facing. [61:35] They're afraid that even though they [61:37] might be a US citizen, [61:39] even though they might have a legal visa [61:44] to be here and to work, that when they [61:46] leave their apartments or their homes in [61:49] the morning or they show up to their [61:50] places of work, that they or their loved [61:53] ones are going to be disappeared to God [61:55] only knows where. [61:58] And to me, I I think this [62:01] is so wrong and it's blatantly [62:04] unconstitutional what is happening. [62:06] Federal judges have asserted as much [62:08] >> one minute. [62:09] >> Thank you. Because of the magnitude of [62:14] evidence of the violation of our civil [62:16] rights, of our constitutional rights [62:18] that these agents are committing, not in [62:20] the name of public safety, but in the [62:22] name of political retribution. [62:25] Now, normally I deal with sickness that [62:28] affects organs. I deal with sickness [62:30] that might affect a broken bone, [62:33] sickness of uh the mind even in my [62:36] day-to-day. But right now, we have a [62:39] sickness of the soul of this country. I [62:42] think passing this ordinance is a step [62:44] in the right direction to rectifying [62:46] that sickness. I encourage you to [62:48] support it. I encourage you to do what [62:50] you can and for all citizens to do what [62:52] they can peacefully to make sure that [62:54] our civil rights are protected, our [62:56] constitutional rights are protected, and [62:58] that everybody, regardless of where they [63:00] were born or their skin color, is able [63:02] to thrive and succeed and know that [63:04] their basic humanity is going to be [63:06] protected in our state. I thank you for [63:09] your consideration. [63:10] >> Thank you. And our last speaker is uh [63:14] Representative Jess Sansen. [63:40] Thank you, Madam Mayor. Madam Mayor, can [63:43] I ask um I was sent a story from [63:45] somebody who's too afraid to be here [63:47] tonight. Would you mind if I took two [63:49] separate sections so that this uh [63:51] family's story could be told tonight? [63:54] >> Okay. [63:54] >> Okay. Is that okay? I have my own [63:56] comments, but I would like to also make [63:57] sure everybody out there wants to speak, [63:59] so I wanted to make sure that they got [64:00] their chance, too. Thank you, members of [64:03] the council. I'm here to My name is [64:05] Representative Jess Hansen. I live in [64:06] Burnsville. And I will first uh share a [64:10] story with you from uh residents who [64:12] were too afraid to speak. [64:15] She says, "My husband and I witnessed a [64:16] truck with doors wide open and a bunch [64:18] of [64:18] >> Burnsville res." [64:19] >> She is. Yep. My husband and I witnessed [64:22] a truck with doors wide open and a bunch [64:24] of personal belongings in the snow. We [64:26] asked a neighbor what happened and the [64:28] neighbor said Ice had cash chased the [64:30] truck there and then ransacked the car [64:33] leaving all the belongings on the [64:34] ground. I'm a constitutional observer, [64:37] so I took photos of what ICE had left [64:39] behind and I returned to my car and we [64:42] left. We didn't get far before a car [64:44] pulled out in front of us and another [64:46] very closely behind us. We felt like the [64:49] cars were driving very erratically, so [64:51] we looked for a safe spot to park to let [64:53] the vehicle behind us pass. There were [64:56] other constitutional observers [64:57] peacefully observing the ICE agents as [64:59] we approached. We slowed down for their [65:01] safety. agents got out of their car and [65:04] started telling me to open my window on [65:06] the passenger side. That window does not [65:08] open or work on my car, but the agent [65:11] repeatedly hit my window very hard, [65:12] demanding we open it, even though we [65:14] told her it doesn't work many times. My [65:17] husband had the driver's side window [65:19] open and another agent asked my husband [65:21] for his ID. They took it immediately and [65:23] said he was a criminal and that he had a [65:25] felony record and he does not. They [65:28] repeatedly said he was a felon and had [65:30] committed aggravated robbery. They began [65:33] telling to this to the other observers. [65:35] Look over here. We have a criminal in [65:37] the streets. My husband said, "That's [65:39] not true. That's not true." But they [65:41] would not listen to him. We both called [65:43] 911 from our phones because we were very [65:46] scared. We're citizens, but we are [65:48] Hispanic and we are very afraid because [65:51] we know that they have been taking [65:53] citizens who have done nothing wrong [65:54] just like us. The operator told me that [65:57] she needed the exact address of where I [65:59] was, but I didn't know where I was. I [66:01] didn't have the exact address. I kept [66:03] telling her the name of the neighborhood [66:04] and the landmarks, and she said she [66:05] needed the exact one. I asked her to [66:07] ping my phone. She said she was sending [66:09] help. My husband was also on the phone [66:11] with 911 on his phone, and the operator, [66:13] that call did not go much different. The [66:15] operator told my husband there was [66:16] nothing they could do. When he asked for [66:18] a report number, they said there would [66:20] be no report, and that call would was [66:22] the report. He told the operator that [66:25] they we are UDA citizens and asked why [66:27] they wouldn't come and help us. The [66:29] operator simply said there was nothing [66:31] they could do. An agent then demanded to [66:33] see my ID, but I didn't want to hand it [66:35] over. I held it up and said they could [66:36] take a picture, but I didn't want to [66:38] lose it because I knew I could need it [66:40] and I was not comfortable handing it [66:41] over to them. We were recording the [66:43] interaction as is our constitutional [66:45] right to do so. and the agents mocked us [66:47] and made fun of us, saying that we were [66:48] just trying to get our 5 minutes of fame [66:50] and to go ahead and post it on social [66:52] media so that everyone can see. They [66:54] were preparing to arrest my husband, but [66:56] then they quickly returned my husband's [66:57] ID and said that we were cleared to go [66:59] and then they said they'll be paying a [67:01] visit to my home soon. [67:04] We have felt in fear of our lives ever [67:05] since. They were mean and threatening [67:07] and they have our address. We fear that [67:09] they will follow through on their threat [67:11] to come visit us at home. We have so [67:13] much fear and we are scared. And if the [67:15] police won't help us, if we are [67:16] threatened or harassed again or worse, [67:19] who will? What are we to do? [67:21] >> Thank you. [67:23] >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. I'll continue [67:25] with my own comments. Um, [67:28] again, I'm Representative Jess Hansen. I [67:30] live in Burnsville and I represent [67:33] district 55A, uh, which is the entire [67:35] city of Savage in the northwest part of [67:36] Burnsville. [67:38] Members and council, mayor, we yesterday [67:41] we honored the legacy of Dr. MLK and [67:44] that includes the reminder to not only [67:46] remember history but to also live in its [67:48] lessons and that we can learn to live [67:51] together as brothers or perish together [67:53] as fools. And I don't think any of us [67:55] want to be those fools. I'm asking that [67:57] leaders in our city and this state and [67:59] country come together to do what we can [68:01] before things get any worse. Immigration [68:04] enforcement certainly has its place in [68:06] society as a specific form of law [68:08] enforcement and how it's done is [68:10] extremely important because we all know [68:12] that officers tend to pay the price for [68:14] the sins and wrongs of others. Some [68:17] might say that we are only speaking out [68:18] because this is happening in our [68:20] community and others will make the [68:22] ridiculous leap to say that choosing to [68:24] say what is being said is just an act of [68:26] speaking against ICE and that's that [68:28] that somehow means we don't care about [68:31] apprehending criminals. We want to be [68:33] very clear that neither of those things [68:34] are true. And I want to believe that no [68:36] one believes that civil rights aren't [68:38] important. We have to make sure that [68:40] everyone's civil rights are intact. [68:43] Law enforcement officers at all levels [68:45] are expected to know what the [68:47] constitution says, to know right and [68:49] wrong, and to know when people are being [68:51] targeted. And yet every single day [68:53] motans constitutional rights are being [68:56] violated and are being motans are being [68:58] targeted based on the color of their [69:00] skin, where they choose to worship their [69:02] name or for observing federal activities [69:05] in our community. Law enforcement [69:07] leaders in other cities and suburbs are [69:08] calling for more supervision over [69:10] operation metro surge, agreeing that [69:12] these types of civil rights violations [69:14] have to stop. Even offduty law [69:16] enforcement officers of color are facing [69:18] similar targeting. And members of [69:20] Minnesota law enforcement agencies are [69:22] calling on everyone to find some common [69:24] ground that respects everyone's [69:25] constitutional rights. Everyone deserves [69:28] to know that our community is safe. Safe [69:30] enough for their kids to go to school, [69:32] safe enough for their uh to go to their [69:34] place of worship, safe enough to go to [69:36] the grocery store without being hunted, [69:38] and safe enough to operate their [69:40] business and thrive off their own hard [69:41] work. The time is always right to do the [69:45] right thing. And now is not the time for [69:47] leaders to be quiet. When we have [69:49] concrete examples and stories of people [69:51] being profiled and targeted, we need to [69:53] do the right thing. We cannot let people [69:55] in our communities think that our local [69:57] law enforcement and their leadership are [70:00] okay with the actions that we know are [70:02] not only wrong, but are also illegal. [70:05] Now, members, having said all of that, I [70:07] want to give credit where credit is due. [70:09] Nearly everything I've already said to [70:11] you here are not my words. What I have [70:14] said so far this evening in this portion [70:16] of my comments are directly quoted from [70:18] Minnesota law enforcement officers and [70:20] leaders who spoke out this morning [70:22] against the atrocities of ICE happening [70:24] across the state. So given the way that [70:26] my words have been taken and my words [70:28] have been ignored in some spaces, not [70:30] this one, uh sometimes ridiculed and the [70:32] ways that I have been threatened for [70:34] saying what I'm saying and doing what [70:35] I'm doing, I'm asking you to not take my [70:38] word for it tonight. I'm asking you and [70:40] Burnsville to follow the lead of the law [70:42] enforcement officials who stood up today [70:44] to call for common ground, to call for a [70:46] return to constitutionality and common [70:48] sense, to call for a return to a nation [70:51] where civil rights are worth defending, [70:53] and to call for the promotion of [70:55] community, where the trust between the [70:57] public and law enforcement is restored. [71:00] The reality is is that these agents are [71:02] poorly trained and we should be [71:03] humiliated by that. They are illequipped [71:05] and they are not fit to be in the field. [71:07] Their actions in our community is an [71:09] embarrassment on law enforcement [71:11] everywhere. And it is no wonder why [71:13] people in this city do not know if they [71:15] can trust police because there are rogue [71:17] thugs wearing cobbled together gear that [71:20] say police across the front the front of [71:23] their outfits, but they're really just a [71:25] bunch of racist incelss bringing their [71:27] call of duty skills out of their [71:29] parents' basements into the real world [71:31] and are calling real world pro causing [71:33] real world problems and real world [71:35] trauma that children in our city will [71:38] never ever forget. This is not a game [71:42] and this is not a game for the people of [71:43] this city. And when police have been [71:45] asked to intervene, people don't haven't [71:47] been getting so much as even a courteous [71:49] conversation about what they can and [71:50] cannot do. And I ask that we improve on [71:53] that. The general public does not [71:55] understand why BPD cannot assist them [71:57] when they are goons pointing guns at the [72:00] heads of Burnsville residents, [72:02] kidnapping children, leaving children [72:04] abandoned without their parents or any [72:06] known or trusted adult. And um The [72:10] general public does not understand why [72:12] these thugs are harassing and [72:13] threatening them with not a single [72:15] consequence. The general public deserves [72:17] to know that your statement about not [72:19] coordinating with ICE and what our law [72:21] enforcement will do deserves to be [72:22] respected. So again, please do not take [72:25] my words for it. Please go back and [72:27] watch the recording of this. Listen to [72:28] the first words and take the words of [72:30] law enforcement themselves who are [72:31] calling for common ground and a return [72:33] to decency here in Burnswell. Thank you. [72:36] >> Thank you. [72:42] THANK YOU EVERYONE. Thank you for your [72:45] testimony. Thank you for sharing your [72:47] stories. [72:49] I want you to know that we hear you and [72:53] we are Burnsville [72:55] and we are here together to make sure [72:58] that we we create the community that we [73:02] want to live in. That's what we have [73:04] control over. And uh before we get to [73:09] any of our remarks, I don't know if uh [73:12] there are others who would like to speak [73:15] from [73:17] uh staff. [73:18] >> We do have somebody online that would [73:19] like to speak. [73:20] >> Okay. Um if they can just give their um [73:24] >> Andrea [73:25] >> name and city, please. [73:30] >> This is Andrea Grizzini from Burnsville. [73:33] It's nice to see you all. I'm sorry I [73:35] couldn't be there in person. [73:38] Two weeks ago, I asked you, city [73:41] council, to prohibit ICE from city [73:43] property. I appreciate taking this up [73:46] for a vote, and I absolutely anticipate [73:50] and hope that you will all again [73:51] unanimously vote yes on behalf of all of [73:54] our citizens. [73:56] I also add a number of other items and [73:59] I'd like to hear those. I haven't heard [74:02] anything and I'm still waiting for [74:04] responses on it. [74:07] As you heard tonight, many of the things [74:10] that I said two weeks ago were going on [74:12] in this city have gotten much worse. [74:16] The people that you heard from tonight [74:18] by and large are people that are doing [74:20] all they can to make our community a [74:24] caring [74:25] place to. [74:27] It's hard to do that without the support [74:30] and visible support of our city. [74:34] Certainly, we appreciate the new [74:35] ordinance and we hope it passes. [74:39] When I spoke two weeks ago, I went [74:41] further and asked that our city staff [74:43] and police provide patience, comfort, [74:45] and extra special support for our [74:48] immigrant community. [74:51] I'm not sure that we're seeing that. [74:54] Between then and now among several [74:56] instances, too many for me to go over [74:59] tonight, [75:01] there seemed to be less rather than more [75:06] of compassion from our staff. [75:10] Some of the following seem to indicate [75:13] that [75:16] one evening I called our police about [75:19] 5:00 in the evening. there's a child [75:22] that will abandon when his father was [75:24] abducted and detained by ICE. [75:29] I called the police because this was an [75:31] an abandoned child [75:34] and asked if they could help figure out [75:36] what to do with this child. I was immed [75:41] >> that it was too late to call the [75:43] management at the place that the child [75:44] was at and it was out of the question to [75:47] go to the site unless they had the exact [75:49] apartment number where the child was at. [75:52] I went back and forth with this officer [75:54] until 900 p.m. and they never did [75:57] respond to a child who was abandoned. [76:00] This was an elementary school age child. [76:03] Another p happened when a US citizen [76:07] would experience ice placing a gun to [76:11] his head. The responding officer said [76:14] they couldn't do anything because it was [76:15] ICE. The citizen feel witless was only [76:18] told to come in to make station to the [76:20] police station to make a report. Imagine [76:23] that. You've just had a gun placed to [76:25] your head by a law enforcement agent and [76:29] another law enforcement agent is telling [76:31] you to go to law enforcement office to [76:33] tell them all about it. Could that [76:35] report not have been taken then and [76:36] there? [76:38] >> There's more. [76:41] I'm going to if I can have one half a [76:44] minute 10 seconds. I want to quote [76:46] Martin Luther King in the in the in the [76:49] spirit of his day yesterday. This is [76:52] Martin Luther King in his letter to from [76:54] a Birmingham jail. I must confess that [76:56] over the past few years I've been [76:57] gravely disappointed with the white [76:59] moderate. I have almost reached the [77:01] regrettable conclusion that the negro's [77:03] great stumbling block and his strive [77:05] toward freedom isn't the white citizens [77:07] counselor of the Kux clan, but the white [77:09] moderate who's more devoted to order [77:11] than to justice who prefers a negative [77:13] peace which is the absent of any tension [77:16] to a positive peace which is the [77:18] presence of justice. Come on, Burns. We [77:20] together. [77:22] >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you, everyone. [77:25] And now that we have heard from all of [77:27] you, I think it's time for you to hear [77:30] from us. Council member Schultz, would [77:33] you like to go first? [77:38] >> Uh, sure. [77:44] So, I want people to be clear [77:48] when we're looking at this ordinance [77:50] what it means. This ordinance will be an [77:53] administrative [77:55] ordinance. [77:57] Um, so [78:02] the feds are going to do whatever the [78:04] feds are going to do, and I want to be [78:07] clear on that. [78:09] And that's not [78:12] something that is easy to say and it's [78:14] not something that anyone wants to hear. [78:19] But I do want to say [78:22] that there's a lot of pressure [78:26] to make us at odds with one another, [78:30] to per purposefully pit us against each [78:33] other, to rip our community apart, and [78:37] to stabilize us for years or decades to [78:40] come. [78:42] And to give a quote from Heartbreak [78:44] Ridge, don't give the bastard the [78:47] satisfaction. [78:51] I want residents to stand together. [78:55] We are in this together. [78:58] And I do mean we are. [79:01] We all need to step up. And many of you [79:04] in the audience are, but many of you at [79:06] home. It is time to step up. Time to [79:10] help your neighbors. [79:13] If you aren't volunteering, get out [79:15] there and volunteer. [79:17] Make this community stronger [79:22] because sooner or later, the feds are [79:24] going to leave and you and I are going [79:27] to be what's left. [79:29] So, we can either build a stronger [79:31] community [79:33] or we can let them [79:36] force us to rip it apart. and I'm not [79:39] going to do that. So, I do encourage our [79:43] residents to continue with the herculean [79:46] effort that I am already seeing you do [79:51] for caring for your neighbors and [79:53] volunteering and getting groceries and [79:56] walking kids to school. [80:00] Keep it up because we can do that longer [80:03] than they can do whatever they're doing. [80:07] So stand strong. [80:09] >> Okay. Thank you, Council Member Keley. [80:25] >> No comment. [80:26] >> No comment. Council member Gustoson, [80:31] >> I hear what everyone has to say. I will [80:33] tell you um the last month and a half I [80:36] go out and patrol myself. I'm in [80:38] apartments. I'm in businesses. I've [80:41] talked to our residents and there's a [80:43] great deal of fear in our community. I I [80:45] talk to when I go to restaurants. I talk [80:47] to staff in the restaurants and they're [80:49] in tears because two of their cooks just [80:52] got taken today. They're in tears [80:54] because they're about to close. They [80:55] have friends. They have people that [80:56] won't come to work because they're [80:58] afraid, not because they're [81:00] undocumented. They're just afraid to [81:02] come into into our city right now and do [81:04] things. I've talked to people in parking [81:05] lots. There was a woman from I think [81:07] Puerto Rico that I talked to. She was [81:09] afraid. She's a US citizen. She's afraid [81:12] to just to be here. It's what's [81:15] happening is unbelievable. It's I I see [81:20] ice on our streets. I see them box cars [81:22] in and I see them let them go after 15 [81:25] minutes. So they pull someone over, they [81:27] box them in, almost cause an accident, [81:29] talk to them for a few minutes, and then [81:30] they walk away and just let them go. How [81:33] can that happen? It does does make no [81:35] sense in this country. That that kind of [81:37] thing should happen here. I have not [81:39] talked to anyone that has a problem [81:41] picking up actual violent criminals and [81:44] deporting them. Let's find them and and [81:46] go after them. But the way they're doing [81:48] it is just wrong. It terrorizes our [81:50] community. It's it's closing our [81:53] businesses. And it's not just the [81:54] immigrant businesses that are having [81:56] problems. A lot of businesses are having [81:57] problems right now. I will tell you now, [82:00] I I will be supporting this if we could [82:01] do more legally. And I've talked to our [82:03] legal counsel about what we can do. [82:05] There's not a whole heck of a lot, [82:07] unfortunately, at our level, but this we [82:09] can do. And I and I think it's important [82:12] to know that uh I I know some people [82:15] have some problems with what they think [82:16] our police may or may not be doing, but [82:19] I also know that they're out to protect [82:20] you guys when you're out there. That's [82:22] that's part of their job is to make you [82:24] safe when you're out observing when [82:26] you're out protesting. The ones that [82:28] make you unsafe are are the agents that [82:30] I have seen surround cars and go up and [82:32] threaten the observers and tell them [82:34] they're going to have them arrested or [82:35] they're going to follow them home. And [82:36] I've seen them do it. So I I hear what [82:39] you're saying. I I believe what you're [82:40] saying because I've seen it myself. So I [82:42] will be supporting this. [82:44] >> Okay. Council member Workman. [82:47] >> No comment. [82:48] >> Okay. Thank you. [82:52] members of our community, we have been [82:54] through a lot these past weeks [82:57] and um you have shared your experiences [83:01] and we also have experiences. [83:05] I have met with people in our community [83:08] who have been impacted or businesses who [83:10] have impacted when I am notified. [83:14] And so [83:15] I know that our community [83:19] is now in a lot of fear. And I want to [83:23] begin by acknowledging the fear, the [83:27] confusion [83:29] and uncertainty [83:31] many of you are feeling when something [83:34] affects our neighbors, [83:37] our families, [83:39] our workplace, [83:42] and our [83:45] sense of safety. It affects all of us. [83:50] And as your mayor, it is my [83:53] responsibility to speak clearly, to lead [83:57] with compassion, [83:59] and to ensure that every person in [84:01] Burnsville knows that they are seen, [84:05] valued, and supported. [84:09] I want to address directly what so many [84:12] of you have been asking about [84:17] the recent federal immigration [84:19] enforcement actions taking place in our [84:23] region. [84:25] First, [84:26] it is important to understand that [84:29] federal immigration enforcement is not [84:32] new. [84:34] For decades across multiple [84:37] administrations, [84:40] Republicans and Democratic alike, the [84:44] federal government has carried out [84:47] removals. [84:49] The authority to do so is longstanding [84:52] and the legal framework is rooted in our [84:56] constitution. [84:58] Historically, [85:00] these processes happened largely [85:04] out of public view. [85:07] Most people never saw them. [85:11] They were carried out through [85:13] established legal channels with court [85:17] review, [85:18] due process, and procedures that while [85:22] not perfect, were familiar and [85:26] predictable. [85:28] What is new is the way these actions are [85:32] being carried out today [85:35] that we are all experiencing. [85:39] Residents, all of you are witnessing [85:43] encounters in public spaces. [85:46] Families are being questioned without [85:49] understanding why. And you have spoken [85:52] to that this evening. [85:55] Workers with legal status are being [85:58] stopped or profiled. [86:00] Businesses are losing employees [86:04] because people are afraid to leave their [86:07] homes. [86:09] The fear we are seeing is not coming [86:13] from existence of federal law. [86:16] It is coming from the manner in which [86:20] these operations are unfolding. [86:24] And that is why our community is feeling [86:27] shaken. [86:29] So let me be absolutely clear. [86:33] The city of Burnsville does not direct, [86:37] control, or participate in federal [86:41] immigration enforcement. [86:44] We do not receive advanced notice of [86:47] federal operations. [86:49] We do not coordinate with them. And we [86:52] do not have the authority to stop or [86:55] alter their actions. [86:58] But we do have the authority and the [87:01] responsibility [87:02] to care for our people. [87:06] So let me talk about what we can control [87:09] and how we show up for one another [87:12] because that's one of the biggest things [87:14] about who we are in Burnsville. It's who [87:17] we are together. together, not separate. [87:22] And that how we show up. We control [87:25] whether we allow fear to divide us or [87:28] whether we stand together in compassion, [87:32] kindness, and care. [87:34] We control [87:36] whether our neighbors feel alone or [87:40] supported. We control whether Burnsville [87:44] remains a place where every person, [87:46] regardless of where they were born, [87:50] feels safe to go to work, to school, to [87:54] the grocery store, or to church. [87:58] Our local police department will [88:01] continue to focus on local public [88:03] safety. [88:05] They are conducting They are not [88:08] conducting immigration enforcement. [88:11] They are not checking immigration [88:14] status. [88:15] Their role is to protect the safety of [88:18] everyone who lives, works, and visits [88:22] Burnsville. [88:25] That does not change. [88:28] I also want to speak to our immigrant [88:32] families directly. [88:35] You are a part of the fabric of our [88:38] city. [88:40] You contribute to our schools, [88:44] our businesses, [88:47] our faith communities. [88:50] You pay taxes, [88:52] and you contribute to our shared future. [88:57] You deserve dignity. [88:59] You deserve clarity. [89:02] And you deserve to feel safe, [89:05] seeking help, reporting a crime, or [89:10] simply living your daily life. [89:14] To our business owners, [89:17] I know many of you are struggling. [89:20] We have talked [89:24] losing staff, [89:26] losing customers, and trying to navigate [89:30] uncertainty. [89:32] We will continue working with you to [89:35] provide information, [89:37] resources, and support [89:41] into our entire community. [89:44] Moments like this test who we are. [89:49] They test our values. [89:52] They test our resolve. [89:54] But Burnsville [89:56] has always been a city that leads with [89:59] heart. [90:01] A city that chooses unity over division, [90:06] a city that believes in the worth and [90:10] dignity of every person. [90:14] We will get through this together. [90:19] We will stand together [90:22] by caring for one another and by [90:26] refusing to let fear define us. [90:31] You see, together we are stronger. [90:35] And I thank you all for your strength, [90:38] for your compassion for your neighbor, [90:41] for each other, and your commitment to [90:44] each other. [90:46] We will continue to communicate openly [90:50] as we learn more and as we continue to [90:53] work through this together. [90:56] We find ourselves in a time that we have [90:59] never experienced before and it is [91:02] testing us. So I call upon all of us [91:05] that we work together [91:09] and that we stand together because we [91:12] are Burnsville strong and we lead with [91:15] compassion and kindness in taking care [91:18] of one another because that's who we are [91:21] and that's what we will continue to do. [91:25] And so with that, I thank you for your [91:29] strength and for being out there and [91:32] observing, [91:34] but be safe and do it within the law [91:38] because that's what I want for you. It [91:41] is your constitutional right to observe [91:47] and to witness [91:49] and to record. [91:52] That is your constitutional right. But I [91:55] ask that you do it safely and within the [91:58] law so that [92:01] you stay safe out there. I don't want [92:03] anything to happen to you. And you're [92:05] very brave to do what you did. But [92:08] something that you did deescalated [92:11] something. [92:13] So let's remember and learn from some of [92:16] the stories [92:18] that we heard tonight. Let's deescalate [92:22] rather than escalate, [92:25] but record and stand witness and be [92:30] safe. [92:32] Be safe out there. But together, we will [92:35] get through this. And it is us who [92:39] defines our community, [92:42] not anybody else. Thank you for being [92:45] here. Uh and our police chief will have [92:51] uh would like to take time to speak. Um [92:54] Chief Tanya Schwarz. [93:00] Madame Mayor, members of the council [93:02] community, thank you. I appreciate the [93:04] conversation this evening. I'm going to [93:07] try to keep my comments brief. I [93:11] really appreciate the opportunity to [93:13] share my perspective as the chief. [93:16] First, I want to thank our police [93:17] officers at every level in our [93:20] department who serve with courage and [93:23] integrity and excellence every single [93:25] day. They often respond to unpredictable [93:28] high stress situations. They maintain [93:31] law and order while building trusted [93:33] relationships. They take that [93:36] responsibility very seriously. [93:39] While amazing at managing uncertain [93:42] circumstances, police officers are human [93:44] beings. Their daughters, mothers, sons, [93:48] fathers, friends, imperfect, but doing [93:50] their job as best as they possibly can. [93:53] We have a shared trust with our [93:55] community built over decades because of [93:57] the very human connection and [93:59] relationships that we have with the [94:00] people who live here. [94:03] Mayor, city attorney, our council [94:05] members shared uh several challenges. as [94:07] our community did as well um talking [94:10] about this proposed ordinance as well. [94:14] There is some clarity I think that needs [94:16] to be shared about the limits of our [94:18] local authority and some of that was [94:20] talked about tonight and I appreciate [94:22] that. [94:23] I think we need to make it clear. I want [94:25] people to understand that our police [94:28] officers cannot interfere with law [94:30] enforcement agents carrying out their [94:31] duties to arrest individuals who are [94:33] here unlawfully or who pose public [94:35] safety risks. To the point of council [94:37] member, I think we can all find common [94:40] ground that we want people who pose a [94:41] public safety risk in Burnsville uh to [94:44] not be in Burnsville anymore. [94:47] This does not mean that we don't care. [94:50] It doesn't mean that we're indifferent [94:52] to the community concerns. I just want [94:55] us to be very honest. I want us to [94:57] always have those hard and difficult [94:59] honest conversations and be clear about [95:01] what what we can do and what we cannot [95:03] do so that there are realistic [95:06] expectations here. [95:09] We will continue to respond to calls to [95:11] try to reduce tension to tone down [95:13] rhetoric to keep situations as safe as [95:16] we possibly can for everyone on scene. [95:19] Uh we are committed to that. We do that [95:21] every day. Our officers are doing that. [95:23] They are in a no-win situation here. So, [95:25] they are doing the very best that they [95:27] can. [95:28] They care about this community very [95:30] much. I hear about the stories every [95:32] day. We know that seeing federal [95:35] immigration activity and enforcement [95:37] action is distressing, especially for [95:40] families worried about how it may [95:42] personally affect them. [95:44] our Burnsville police tactics, our [95:47] operations, how we carry our mission, [95:50] how we do public safety. It looks very [95:52] different than federal law enforcement [95:54] operations. [95:56] We understand how that difference [95:58] creates stress across the community. I'm [96:01] familiar with the comments uh from the [96:03] Minnesota chiefs uh or some of the [96:05] chiefs that spoke today uh at the [96:08] Capitol. uh all of us chiefs are trying [96:10] to again how do we find common ground [96:13] how do we open lines of communication I [96:16] understand a lot of community doesn't [96:18] want us to have communication with [96:20] federal agents but when we don't have [96:22] communication then we have a lot of [96:25] chaos so for us to understand uh what is [96:28] going on try to again share the concerns [96:31] that we have about some of the tactics [96:33] that we are seeing by some agents uh if [96:36] you look at that [96:38] uh press conference from earlier. I [96:40] don't want to take that out of context. [96:41] So, I would just encourage everyone to [96:43] watch the full um conference so that you [96:46] understand what was being said [96:49] and and I'm glad to stay and talk [96:51] afterwards with anyone to talk about uh [96:53] the work that we are doing at the [96:55] Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association. [96:57] I sit on that board and again what our [97:00] goals are is to how do we tone down [97:03] tension? How do we tone down rhetoric [97:06] and how do we find communication with [97:09] local with federal agents, supervisors, [97:13] people in leadership who are in charge [97:15] of the operations that are going on so [97:17] that we can understand and share with [97:19] them the concerns that we have like was [97:21] what was shared today. So we are all [97:24] doing that work as well. [97:27] And I know all of this raises just [97:30] questions. People are concerned. What [97:31] can I do? What should I do? What should [97:33] I not do? And I appreciate that we get [97:36] those questions. And some of the [97:38] comments came tonight as well is, you [97:40] know, when when we're exercising First [97:42] Amendment rights, we want people to do [97:44] that. We want people to do that safely [97:46] to be recording, but we want you to do [97:49] that in a way that you're not so close [97:51] as to prevent or to to to basically be a [97:55] public safety hazard to whatever law [97:57] enforcement action is going on there. [97:59] So, do that, but just maintain a safe [98:02] distance in that regard. Don't impede [98:07] federal law enforcement physically or [98:09] otherwise. And and don't use your [98:11] vehicles to impede. don't set off [98:14] illegal fireworks. And I know none of [98:15] this is happening in our community, but [98:17] we see these things happening across the [98:19] state. And so, as a police chief, I am [98:21] very concerned uh as as the amount of [98:24] rhetoric and the tension increases that [98:26] these things spill over across [98:27] communities. And I don't want to see [98:29] that happen. Boxing in agents, blocking [98:32] them. I I understand everyone's tensions [98:36] are high, but that actually just it's [98:40] unlawful. And it also is extremely [98:43] dangerous. It really increases the risk [98:45] of injury to you, to um others around. [98:50] It increases the chance of being [98:51] arrested and and really when we're doing [98:54] that, it can diminish the safety of [98:56] everyone around us. So, I just I I want [99:00] to thank people for [99:02] being vigilant and not doing that. I can [99:05] see that our community is not doing [99:07] that. But I just know as tensions [99:09] continue to rise, things can happen. I [99:12] want people to channel their energy into [99:14] actions that strengthen rather than [99:16] divide like we've been talking about [99:18] here. [99:20] Think about reasonable communication, [99:22] avoiding misinformation, and being [99:24] inflammatory or assuming things. A lot [99:26] of things are taken out of context. And [99:28] again, I'm not here to say that I agree [99:30] with all of the tactics that are being [99:32] used. I do not. and [99:36] we are doing what we can to establish [99:39] communication to understand uh what is [99:41] going on with the federal leadership [99:43] here. [99:46] So just I just wanted to share that [99:48] because I care very much about this [99:50] community. I've been here for over 30 [99:53] years. We've all been through a lot [99:54] together. The council and I have been [99:56] through a lot together. and we're going [99:58] to be here to council member Schultz's [100:01] uh response is we're going to be here [100:03] together when this is done. And so we [100:06] need to not erode trust. And I just want [100:11] people to understand that we're doing [100:12] the very best we can in a a really [100:14] challenging situation and our [100:18] local authority is limited. What we can [100:20] do with an ordinance like this is [100:23] limited for police. So I just I want [100:26] people to understand that to manage the [100:28] expectations. [100:30] Um so with that I would stand for any [100:33] questions from councel. [100:36] >> Um any questions for the chief? [100:38] >> Thank you chief and thank you for your [100:40] words because that you're absolutely [100:42] right. It's managing expectations and [100:45] one thing that we all agree on and is [100:49] that when someone commits a serious uh [100:53] violent crime, they should be held [100:54] accountable. [100:57] That is true whether they are were born [100:59] here or arrived here and we want our [101:03] community to be safe and we want [101:06] dangerous individuals of any background [101:09] off our streets. So that's something I [101:13] think we all agree on and we all agree [101:15] that we want to be safe in our [101:17] community. So what we have control over [101:20] is what we do together. Council member [101:22] Schultz, your hand is up. [101:27] >> Thank you. [101:30] I want to say that our police are [101:34] worried for our residents. [101:38] Um, I know that our chief is worried for [101:43] our residents [101:45] and many of you have seen me out and [101:49] about [101:51] um because I am most certainly [101:53] volunteering. [101:55] Uh, and I think many of you know that um [101:59] I'm probably not the most moderate [102:01] person on this council, but I will also [102:04] say that our police chief and our fire [102:08] chief and our police have my full and [102:12] utter support [102:15] and not everything that the city is [102:19] doing [102:21] to help is visible. [102:24] So, thank you. I just wanted to be very [102:27] clear about that. [102:28] >> Okay. Very good. Anything else? All [102:32] right. Members of the council, [102:34] before us is the adoption of the [102:36] ordinance amending title one, chapter [102:39] 13, stewardship of the city resources [102:42] and resolution affirming community [102:44] values and stewardship of community [102:46] resources amidst immigration oper [102:50] operations. [102:53] May I have a motion, please? [102:56] >> Move to approve. [102:59] >> There's a motion to approve. Are you [103:01] seconding that, Council Member Schultz? [103:03] Is that [103:05] >> Yes, I am seconding. [103:06] >> Okay, there's a motion and a second. All [103:08] in favor, please say I'm Oh, I pardon [103:11] me. [103:11] >> Need a roll call. [103:12] >> I will going to do the roll call. Yes, I [103:14] I was just getting there. I was going to [103:17] go for it, but I remember that uh [103:19] Council Member Schulz is uh um is um [103:25] um on on online. Okay. Council member [103:28] Schultz. [103:29] >> Madame Mayor. [103:30] >> Yeah. Let me do the roll call, please. [103:32] You can do you can do the the roll call. [103:36] >> Council member Keely, [103:38] >> I. [103:39] >> Council member Gusen, [103:40] >> I. [103:41] >> Council member Schultz, [103:44] >> yes. Council member Workman [103:46] >> I. [103:47] >> Mayor Celtz. [103:48] >> Yes. [103:50] Okay. And we have an adopted ordinance. [103:53] So, thank you so much everyone for being [103:55] here. [103:59] And remember, together we are strong. [104:02] Take care of one another. [104:05] >> Make sure that we [104:07] check on your neighbors. [104:09] >> Find out if they're okay and if you need [104:12] to do any grocery shopping for them. [104:14] both sides. [104:15] >> It's pretty [104:16] >> because that's something that we can all [104:17] do together. So, [104:20] >> thank you so much. [104:22] >> I don't want to give anybody any [104:25] >> and now we will move on to the regular [104:28] agenda. [104:30] The first item on the regular agenda is [104:32] a public hearing [104:35] and this is uh a resolution approving [104:38] the drainage and utility easement [104:40] vacation for 14001 Burn Haven Drive and [104:46] 911 [104:48] 140th Street West. [104:51] >> And presenting this evening is our city [104:54] engineer Logan Blastidity. Mr. [104:57] Blacidity, the floor is yours. Madame [105:00] Mayor and members of the council, thank [105:01] you very much for having me. Uh, yes, as [105:04] you said, tonight we have a vacation of [105:06] drainage and utility easements. And with [105:09] that, we are required to hold a public [105:11] hearing. So, the the two properties with [105:15] the easements being vacated are uh 14001 [105:19] Burn Haven Drive and 911 [105:22] 140th 140th Street West. So, here is 911 [105:27] 140th Street West. It's this the former [105:29] site of fire station 1. Um I'd like to [105:33] point out sort of the uh unconventional [105:36] property line there under 140th Street. [105:40] >> And then immediately adjacent to that is [105:42] the former Pumpkin Patch Daycare site at [105:46] 14001 Burn Haven Drive. Uh what's unique [105:50] about this site is that it was actually [105:52] the parcel is a creation from three [105:56] different plat. So you will see uh we [105:59] actually have to vacate easements from [106:01] three uh separate plats with this one. [106:04] So the first is being uh the highlighted [106:09] area of Burnhaven Mall plat. Uh that [106:13] easement shown currently covers a city [106:16] water man that is proposed to be [106:18] relocated with the uh Costco gas station [106:22] project. [106:25] Second section of drainage and utility [106:27] easements to be vacated is per high [106:31] ridge second edition. This is [106:33] immediately adjacent to 140th street [106:35] west and this will be replplatted as [106:37] drainage and utility easement with the [106:39] proposed Costco second edition plat. [106:43] And then we have perimeter easements [106:45] around all of uh Burnhaven fire station [106:48] number one plat. [106:51] Um the [106:53] areas under or encumbering the proposed [106:56] right ofway for 140th Street will be [106:58] replplatted as public right ofway and [107:02] then the necessary perimeter easements [107:04] for the Costco second edition plat will [107:07] uh be replatted with drainage and [107:09] utility easements. [107:13] So uh with that there's a lot of [107:16] easements shown there and easement [107:18] vacations. Simply put, the areas where [107:22] private utilities and city utilities [107:24] currently exist within easement are [107:26] either being dedicated as right of way [107:29] uh replplatted as drainage and utility [107:31] easements or the city utilities within [107:34] the easement are being relocated um [107:38] to a future easement. So with that, [107:41] there was no public need for the [107:43] drainage and utility easements. Um, and [107:46] then I'm showing here the the Costco [107:49] second edition final plat which shows [107:50] the uh 140th Street future rightway to [107:54] be dedicated. [107:57] Staff recommends approval of the [107:59] easement vacations with the condition [108:02] that [108:03] uh the easement vacations are granted [108:06] subject to approval of the Costco second [108:08] edition final plat. [108:11] And I will stand. [108:12] >> Okay. Question mayor. With all due [108:14] respect to Logan, [108:16] >> I don't remember a time when we had [108:20] uh an item such as what we just [108:22] completed and vacating [108:25] an easement. [108:28] >> The gap between those in many ways is [108:31] pretty big. [108:33] >> But you did a great job. [108:34] >> Thank you. I'm used to it. [108:36] >> But you also know how to clear a room. [108:41] >> Logan should have went first. [108:45] I think you're right. [108:48] >> Okay. All kidding aside, this is a [108:50] public hearing. [108:53] I will now open the public hearing. Is [108:55] there anyone who wishes to speak to this [108:57] item? [108:59] Anyone who wishes to speak to this item? [109:01] >> Everybody. [109:02] >> Mrs. Henderson, anyone online? [109:04] >> No, there is not. [109:05] >> Okay. Um, we will now um [109:09] >> close the public hearing. Members of the [109:11] council, [109:13] Your pleasure. [109:14] >> Wait. Move to approve. Second. [109:16] >> Second. Sorry. [109:17] >> There's a motion in a second. And uh the [109:21] clerk can please take the roll call. [109:24] >> Council member Keely, [109:25] >> I. [109:25] >> Council member Gustoson. [109:27] >> Hi. [109:28] >> Council member Schultz. [109:30] >> Yes. [109:31] >> Council member Workman. [109:32] >> Yes. [109:33] >> Mayor Couts. [109:34] >> Yes. [109:35] >> Okay. And [109:37] >> you have your vacation. Thank you very [109:40] much, Madam Mayor, members of the [109:41] council for your vacation. [109:42] >> Appreciate it. [109:42] >> Are you clear in the room now, too? [109:48] >> Uh, the next item is also a public [109:50] hearing and this is to approve the [109:52] offsale intoxicating liquor license for [109:54] Jai Krishna Rata. Uh, doing business uh [109:59] as Perrier Wine and Liquor at 13720 [110:03] County Road 11. Presenting is our deputy [110:06] city clerk, Erica Henderson. Miss [110:09] Henderson, the floor is yours. [110:11] >> Great. Thank you. So, the new owners, J. [110:14] Krishna LLC, um they had recently p [110:19] purchased the Periera Wines and Liquor [110:21] located at 13720 County Road 11 and they [110:25] submitted an application for an offsale [110:27] liquor license. They've also uh [110:30] successfully passed the background check [110:32] by the Burnfield Police Department and [110:34] city code does require a public hearing [110:36] for all new liquor licenses. Okay. Uh, [110:39] any questions for Miss Henderson? [110:42] Uh, with that I will open the public [110:44] hearing. Is there anyone who wishes to [110:46] speak to this item? Anyone who wishes to [110:49] speak to this item? Miss Henderson? [110:51] Anyone online? [110:52] >> No, there is not. [110:53] >> Okay. I will now close the public [110:56] hearing. Members of the council, your [110:57] pleasure. [111:00] >> Move to approve. [111:02] >> Second. [111:02] >> There's a motion and a second. and uh [111:07] >> Deputy uh City Clerk Anderson, will you [111:10] take the role, please? Sure. [111:11] >> Council member Keely, [111:14] >> I. [111:14] >> Council member Gusen, [111:16] >> I. [111:17] >> Council member Schultz, [111:19] >> yes. [111:20] >> Council member Workman, [111:21] >> I. [111:22] >> Mayor Coats, [111:23] >> yes. Okay. And um [111:28] we now move on to uh the uh economic [111:32] development authority meeting. and I [111:34] will recess the Burnsville City Council [111:36] meeting so the economic development um [111:39] meeting can proceed. President um [111:43] Gustoson, the floor is yours. [111:45] >> Well, good evening. I call the economic [111:47] development authority meeting to order. [111:48] The clerk will clerk clerk will note all [111:51] commissioners are present. Commissioner [111:53] Schulz is joining us remotely. Item [111:56] number one, are there any additions to [111:57] the final agenda? [112:01] Seeing none, I will move on. Item number [112:03] two is ex election of officers. Do we [112:07] have nominations for a slate of officers [112:09] this year? [112:11] >> Um [112:13] members of the um authority, [112:17] I would just [112:19] resubmit the um the slate that we have [112:23] presently. [112:26] >> I am comfortable with that as well. [112:28] >> I was going to nominate you for [112:29] president. Your turn. You should do it. [112:31] Dan's doing a great job. [112:32] >> Thanks. [112:34] >> Keeping the meetings quick. [112:35] >> Okay. [112:36] >> Okay. [112:37] >> So, there is a a motion [112:38] >> nomination to and a second to keep the [112:41] slate. [112:42] >> Okay. [112:42] >> May I have a motion to adopt the [112:44] resolution with the slate of officers? [112:47] >> Did you make the motion? [112:48] >> Yeah, I think um [112:50] >> he seconded. Oh, [112:52] >> yeah. He made the motion. [112:53] >> Oh, that's right. We already had the [112:54] motion. So, we'd have the vote. Hey, [112:56] >> you call the role. [112:58] Council member Keely, [113:00] >> yes. [113:01] >> Council member Gustoson, [113:02] >> hi. [113:03] >> Council member Schultz, [113:06] >> yes. [113:06] >> Council member Workman, [113:08] >> I. [113:08] >> Mayor Couts, [113:09] >> yes. [113:10] >> Okay, we move on to item number three, [113:12] the consent agenda, and it's the [113:13] approval of the minutes. Is there anyone [113:15] who wishes an item to be removed from [113:16] the consent agenda for a separate [113:18] discussion and vote? [113:22] >> Seeing none, may I have a motion to [113:23] adopt the consent agenda? [113:25] >> Move to adopt. Motion by Commissioner [113:27] Workman. [113:29] >> Second. [113:29] >> Second by Commissioner Keley. [113:32] >> All in favor? [113:33] >> I I need a I need roll call. [113:35] >> No, no. Roll call. [113:36] >> Roll call. [113:37] >> Council member Keley. [113:39] >> I. [113:39] >> Council member Gusen. [113:41] >> I. [113:41] >> Council member Schultz. [113:43] >> Yes. [113:44] >> Council member Workman. [113:45] >> Hi. [113:46] >> Mayor Couts. [113:47] >> Yes. [113:47] >> And it passes. [113:49] >> We move on to item number 4 A is the [113:51] adoption of the 2025 annual report. [113:54] Travis Bistdu. Is that how that's [113:56] pronounced to make it? [113:57] >> Bistadoo. [113:58] >> Viso. Okay. [113:59] >> Biz to do. [114:00] >> Deputy community development director is [114:01] presenting. [114:02] >> We've got Biz to do. [114:04] >> Yeah. Biz. Oh, I like that. Bizoo. [114:09] >> You're welcome. Uh, good evening, Mr. [114:11] President, uh, commissioners. I'm Travis [114:13] Bistadoo, deputy community development [114:15] director for the city of Burnsville, and [114:16] I'm here to present the, uh, 2025 [114:19] Economic Development Authority annual [114:20] report. Uh just as a quick refresher, [114:23] the EDA's mission focuses on business [114:26] attraction, job creation, both [114:28] development and redevelopment projects [114:30] across the city. Uh the EDA advises the [114:33] city council on economic development [114:35] policies, ensuring our investments align [114:37] with Burnsville's long-term economic [114:40] goals. [114:42] Uh quickly on to our accomplishments for [114:45] 2025. Um, in September, we renewed our [114:49] contract with the Center for Energy and [114:50] Environment and relaunched our EDA [114:53] funded housing rehabilitation loan [114:55] programs. Since then, uh, we've had one [114:57] home improvement loan, uh, approved as [115:01] well as two more under review. And in [115:04] terms of our senior deferred loans, we [115:06] have uh approved two projects fully [115:09] expending our 2025 budget which uh is a [115:12] strong indicator of demand for these uh [115:15] programs and loans going forward. [115:19] Uh similarly, our initial local [115:23] affordable housing aid or LAAHA programs [115:25] also launched in September and mirror [115:27] our EDA offerings, but target households [115:30] at a lower uh area median income, 80% [115:34] AMI or less. If you recall, uh so far we [115:37] have one home improvement loan uh that's [115:39] been approved and three are currently [115:41] under review. And we have one senior [115:43] deferred loan uh currently under review [115:46] as well. Um while the loans themselves [115:49] are funded with uh LAAD dollars, the ED [115:53] EDA does fund uh a minor origination fee [115:56] for each alone uh in alignment with [115:59] state guidelines. [116:03] Uh although not funded with EDA dollars, [116:05] uh the city's CDBG funded homeowner uh [116:08] rehab loans uh also continues to move [116:11] forward. In 2025, there were three loans [116:14] completed and there are currently eight [116:15] more uh underway as we speak. [116:21] >> On the economic development front, uh we [116:23] completed a housing and commercial needs [116:25] assessment uh which uh we utilized that [116:29] needs assessment to help us shape an [116:31] economic development strategic framework [116:33] which will serve to focus our economic [116:35] development efforts uh across the city [116:39] uh for the next three to five years. So, [116:41] it's been a it's been a powerful tool [116:42] for us uh kind of framing up what our [116:44] economic development programs uh will [116:46] look like. [116:48] And then in other accomplishments, we [116:51] made amendments to the city-owned land [116:53] sale policy providing improved guidance [116:56] on future strategic dis disposition and [116:58] redevelopment activities for city-owned [117:00] lands. Uh we continued to uh support our [117:03] business and retention expansion program [117:06] partnering with the chamber and meeting [117:08] with local uh employers to identify [117:10] needs and connect them with uh area [117:12] resources. Our partnership with uh open [117:15] to business continues and we uh continue [117:18] to support offering one-on-one technical [117:21] assistance to entrepreneurs and small [117:23] businesses uh throughout the city. And [117:26] then lastly, we continue to support uh [117:28] our legacy events including the [117:30] Burnsville uh festival and fire as well [117:33] as the international festival which help [117:35] showcase Burnsville and help drive uh [117:38] foot traffic to our local [117:40] establishments. [117:42] So, in summary, 2025 was uh uh a good [117:45] year of targeted investments and strong [117:47] partnerships, expanding our housing [117:49] support programs, clarifying uh at least [117:52] one policy, and strengthening our [117:54] economic development uh roadmap. That's [117:57] it. I'd be happy to take any comments or [117:59] questions. [117:59] >> There any questions? [118:01] >> No. Congratulations. Great work. [118:03] >> Nice job. You as well. Thank you. [118:06] >> Okay, no questions. May I have a motion [118:08] to adopt the report? So, [118:09] >> moved. Second. [118:11] >> First and a second. Got that? [118:14] >> Yep. [118:14] >> Roll call. [118:15] >> Council member Keley. [118:17] >> Yes. I. [118:19] >> Council member Gustoson. [118:20] >> I. [118:21] >> Council member Schultz. [118:23] >> Yes. [118:24] >> Council member Workman. [118:25] >> I. [118:26] >> Mayor Couts. [118:27] >> I. [118:28] >> Okay. There's no other business. So I [118:30] may have May I have a motion to adjurnn? [118:32] >> So move. [118:33] >> Second. [118:33] >> Motion a second. [118:35] >> Roll call, please. [118:36] >> Council member Keley. [118:38] >> I. [118:38] >> Council member Gustoson. I, [118:40] >> Council Member Schultz. [118:42] >> Yes, [118:42] >> Council Member Workman. [118:44] >> I, [118:44] >> Mayor Celtz, [118:45] >> I [118:45] >> I We are now adjourned. I turn it back [118:47] to you, Madam Mayor. [118:48] >> Thank you. And I will now reconvene the [118:50] Burnsville City Council meeting and [118:52] members uh of the council and uh of our [118:56] community. There are no other items to [118:57] come before us this evening, and a [118:59] motion to adjourn is in order. [119:01] >> Motion to adjurnn. [119:02] >> Second. [119:03] >> There's a motion and a second. Roll [119:05] call, please. Council member Keley, [119:08] >> you know, Council Member Schultz, you're [119:09] the one that caused all this work. [119:12] >> Hi, [119:13] >> Council Member Gelson. [119:14] >> Hi, [119:15] >> Council Member Schultz. [119:17] >> Yes, [119:18] >> Council Member Workman. [119:19] >> Hi, [119:19] >> Mayor Coats. [119:20] >> Hi. [119:21] >> She did too, didn't she? [119:22] >> And we stand adjourned. Thank you for [119:24] being with us and have a good night.