Minneapolis City Council — Transcript
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Recognition of Departing Deputy City Operations Officer Laura Melam
Honoring Kirk Washington Jr. and Proclaiming Kirk Washington Jr. Day
Mental Health Awareness Month (May 2026)
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May 2026)
Older Adults Month (May 2026)
Community Action Month (May 2026)
Historical Significance of Cinco de Mayo
Mayor's Vetoes on Ordinances
Nomination of Commissioner of Community Safety
Votes (19)
Budget Committee Report
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Chughtai [50:47] · Seconded by Unknown [50:57]
The Budget Committee presented two items for approval: adjustments to the 2026 Consolidated Action Plan Budget and amendments to the 2026 General Appropriations Resolution to roll over unspent funds from 2025. There was no specific discussion noted beyond the chair's presentation.
Business, Housing, and Zoning Committee Report (Consent Agenda)
Dissent: Council Member Chavez [54:13], Council Member Wansley [54:20], and Council Member Shugart [54:25] voted against Item 7 (Convention Center carpet replacement).
Moved by Vice President Osman [53:18] · Seconded by Unknown [53:23]
The committee presented multiple items for approval, including various license approvals, fire prevention guidelines, public arts contracts, and Convention Center projects. Items 7 (carpet replacement), 9 (Meet Minneapolis contract), 10 (Officer Mitchell street renaming), and 12 (Cook House appeal) were separated for individual consideration.
Street renaming in honor of Officer Jamal Mitchell for Blaisdell Avenue
Dissent: None
Moved by Vice President Osman [47:11] · Seconded by Unknown [50:57]
This item, initially part of the Business, Housing, and Zoning Committee report, was separated and prioritized due to the presence of Officer Mitchell's family. Speakers expressed deep gratitude for Officer Mitchell's sacrifice and heroism, emphasizing his dedication to public service and the lasting impact of his actions. The renaming of Blaisdell Avenue was presented as a meaningful way to honor his memory.
Contract amendment with Meet Minneapolis (Item 9 from BHZ)
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Warsame [51:41] · Seconded by Unknown [53:11]
The Council discussed an amendment to the contract with Meet Minneapolis, specifically regarding the allocation of unearned incentive funds. The conversation centered on ensuring council oversight over how these funds are expended, particularly with an emphasis on supporting cultural events and community activities beyond traditional tourism promotion. An amendment was proposed to require administrative reporting to the Council on the use of remaining incentive funds.
Certificate of appropriateness appeal for 1717 Developers LLC, 948 18th Avenue Northeast (Cook House)
Dissent: None
Moved by President Payne [1:00:19] · Seconded by Unknown [1:00:41]
This item was separated from the consent agenda. President Payne moved to postpone the appeal for one cycle to allow more time for conversations between the involved parties (current owner, prospective owners, and community) to reach a resolution.
Climate and Infrastructure Committee Report
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Warsame [1:02:18] · Seconded by Unknown [1:02:22]
The committee presented eight items, including resolutions for project approvals and assessments (27th Avenue Northeast resurfacing, University Avenue Southeast & Fourth Street Southeast reconstruction), acceptance of grants for flood mitigation in North and East Minneapolis, and acceptance of low bids for various safety and infrastructure projects. No specific discussion was recorded beyond the chair's summary.
Committee of the Whole Report
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Chughtai [1:03:57] · Seconded by Unknown [1:04:02]
The Committee of the Whole brought forward four items: approval of a firearms regulation ordinance, a resolution supporting new passenger rail corridors, a gift acceptance for President Payne, and a resolution honoring Cinco de Mayo. No significant discussion was noted, with all items approved as presented.
Enterprise and Labor Relations Committee Report
Dissent: Council Member Warren [1:07:37] voted 'nay' on Item 1 (amending polling locations).
Moved by Council Member Whiting [1:06:57] · Seconded by Unknown [1:07:01]
The ELR Committee presented four items for approval: an amendment to polling location designations for 2026, a contract amendment for comparable jurisdiction research, a legal settlement, and a gift acceptance. Item 1 (polling locations) received one 'nay' vote, indicating minor dissent.
Public Health, Safety, and Equity Committee Report
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Chavez [1:09:07] · Seconded by Unknown [1:09:12]
The committee presented seven items, including authorizing a contract amendment for greenhouse gas emission reduction, approving a grant for drug trafficking areas, two gift acceptances, a first responder pilot legislative directive, a contract for restorative justice services, and a joint powers agreement for social worker services. All items were approved without noted discussion.
Motion to delete notice of intent regarding encampment removals ordinance (Scrivener's Error)
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Chaudhry [41:19] · Seconded by Unknown [41:24]
Council Member Chaudhry gave notice of intent to amend the housing code regarding encampment removals. However, the City Clerk clarified that this was due to a scrivener's error where language was duplicated after being correctly moved to another code section. No formal action was needed, and the item was moved for deletion from the agenda.
Introduction and referral of ordinance amending health and sanitation code (infectious diseases)
Dissent: None
Moved by President Payne [42:59] · Seconded by Unknown [43:03]
An ordinance amending the health and sanitation code to address gaps in the health department's authority regarding infectious disease spread was introduced for its first reading and referred to the Public Health, Safety, and Equity Committee. No discussion on the substance of the ordinance occurred at this stage.
Adoption of Resolutions
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [43:37] · Seconded by Unknown [43:40]
A general motion was made to adopt all resolutions that were presented or brought forward by committees. This encompasses the honorary resolutions presented at the beginning of the meeting and those passed out of committees, formalizing their approval. No further discussion on specific resolutions occurred.
Automatic reconsideration of mayor's veto of Ordinance 2026-006 (Care Over Criminalization Ordinance)
Dissent: Council Member Rainville [45:07], Council Member Vetaw [45:10], Council Member Palmisano [45:14], Council Member Warren [45:22], Council Member Schaefer [45:26], Vice President Osman [45:51] voted 'no' against overriding the veto, thereby sustaining it.
Moved by Automatic Reconsideration · Seconded by N/A
The Council automatically reconsidered the mayor's veto of the Care Over Criminalization Ordinance, which sought to decriminalize drug paraphernalia. The Clerk explained the procedural requirement for a two-thirds vote (9 'aye' votes) to override the veto. No new debate was permitted.
Automatic reconsideration of mayor's veto of Ordinance 2026-005 (Pre-eviction notice extension)
Dissent: Council Member Rainville [47:11], Council Member Vetaw [47:14], Council Member Palmisano [47:18], Council Member Warren [47:26], Council Member Schaefer [47:30], Council Member Whiting [47:49] voted 'no' against overriding the veto, thereby sustaining it.
Moved by Automatic Reconsideration · Seconded by N/A
The Council automatically reconsidered the mayor's veto of Ordinance 2026-005, which aimed to temporarily extend pre-eviction notice periods. Similar to the previous veto, the Clerk outlined the necessity of nine 'aye' votes to override. No new debate occurred.
Mayor's nomination of Toddrick Barnette to Commissioner of Community Safety
Dissent: Council Member Rainville [56:59], Council Member Vetaw [57:08], Council Member Palmisano [57:11], Council Member Warren [57:24], Council Member Schaefer [57:28], Council Member Whiting [57:48] voted 'no' against denying the nomination.
Moved by Council member Shugart [52:40] (to deny) · Seconded by Unknown [52:50]
Following a previous denial and mayoral veto, the Clerk clarified that Mr. Barnette's nomination remained pending. President Payne proposed a new process for mayoral appointments, but a motion was made to deny the nomination. Council members expressed frustration with the lack of dialogue with the mayor and reiterated substantive concerns about the nominee's performance, emphasizing the need for leadership in public safety.
Amendment to Transportation Advisory Board Appointment
Dissent: None
Moved by President Payne [1:09:47] · Seconded by Unknown [1:09:51]
President Payne initially proposed an amendment to the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) appointments. Council Member Stevenson clarified that the intention was for her to remain the primary appointee, with Council Member Chughtai replacing Council Member Wansley as the alternate due to scheduling conflicts with the Public Safety Committee.
Receipt of Mayor's State of the City address
Dissent: None
Moved by President Payne [1:10:33] · Seconded by N/A
The Mayor's State of the City address was officially received for inclusion in the public record. No discussion or comments were made by council members.
Mayor's nomination of William Walker to Civil Service Commissioner
Dissent: None
Moved by President Payne [1:11:00] · Seconded by Unknown [1:11:04]
The Mayor's nomination of William Walker to the appointed position of Civil Service Commissioner was received and referred to the Enterprise and Labor Relations Committee for a public hearing. No discussion on the nominee occurred.
Gift acceptance for Council Member Chaudhry
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [1:11:37] · Seconded by Unknown [1:11:41]
A gift acceptance for travel and lodging from Local Progress for Council Member Chaudhry to attend the Federal Deployment Convening in Los Angeles was approved. No discussion was noted.
Notable Quotes (18)
Officer Jamal Mitchell gave his life while protecting our community. His actions show the courage, dedication, and compassion he carried every day. To his family who are here with us today, I want to say our community sees you. We share in your grief. The loss you carry is something no family should ever have to bear. And we are grateful for the service and bravery that Officer Mitchell shared with all of us.
This city for years and years and years, for everyone who goes past that intersection, will know that the name Jamal Mitchell represents a hero. That is a man who stepped forward when everyone else was fleeing to do a difficult job. And he lived his life every single day for the people of this community uh in a way that lives up to the very highest expectations that we could possibly have for a public servant right to the minute of his death.
I got to know Officer Mitchell about a few months prior to May 30th. And in in my job previously to this job was finding those that embodied what it was to be to to be a good officer. And Jamal was one of those folks. I was like, 'Hey, this is this is a guy that we need to make sure is what a Minneapolis police officer should embody.'
And I just want to say I know it's really, really tough to lose a parent and a loved one, and I just want to say to you you have a whole community of people that have your back. You are some amazing kiddos and we're super invested in your future. And I just want to encourage you to never give up and just keep on fighting for that bright future ahead.
Um I know this prompted some conversation in the uh business committee in regards um to the stipulations of um the unearned incentives attached to Meet Minneapolis. Um and in terms of uh which I think Councilmember Chavez will speak to it in his resolution, uh the delegation of of decision-making regarding how those funds get expended by the COO and also through a follow-up staff meeting or memo that we receive from Jeff Johnson who helps oversee the convention center and made it very clear that that type of delegation would be in place around where this funding goes for the next 3 years.
The administration must report to the City Council on the potential use of any remaining incentive funds beyond those specifically permitted as activities promoting Minneapolis as a tourist or event destination pursuant to the contract amendment with Greater Minneapolis Convention and Visitors Association. So basically, you know, I think um we want to make sure that there's a report to the council on how the money would be used.
And also, I think they're just promoting um uh businesses to come here and making sure that the state of Minnesota uh is coming and we we're getting the traffic in our city is very, very important.
I am actually going to make a motion that we hold this for a cycle. There's been a lot of conversations between the parties. I've been working with the chair of Biz to try to get to a resolution that works for both the current owner and prospective owners within the community and we just need a little bit more time.
Very briefly, there was an entire subsection under section 244.60 of title 12, which is our housing code, that was removed from housing and it was placed under or created a new chapter 237 in title 11, which is our health and sanitation code. Um and because the ordinance addresses separate titles, this was a technical change to the code. I consulted the City Attorney this morning prior to the meeting. We concur it's a scrivener's error that wasn't addressed during the drafting process. The clear intent of the body was to move those provisions from the housing code to the health and sanitation code, and that was accomplished. We merely failed to strike out the duplicate language that then was left behind in the housing code. So, we don't require formal action to make that technical correction. We believe the record's clear that the intent was to place those existing provisions of the ordinance in the health and sanitation code. So, my recommendation is to have this item deleted from the agenda.
If at least 2/3 of the body votes in the affirmative, then the mayor's veto is overridden, and the original act is adopted. Otherwise, the veto is sustained. That means if there are at least nine affirmative or I votes, then the veto is overridden and the ordinance is adopted. Otherwise, the the ordinance is defeated.
The question then to be decided by council is as follows. Shall the decision of city council stand notwithstanding the veto of the mayor? And if at least 2/3 of council votes in the affirmative, then the mayor's veto is overridden and the original act is adopted. Otherwise, the veto is sustained. That means if there are at least nine affirmative or I votes, the veto is overridden.
The conclusion in summary is that the effect of a sustained veto nullifies council's prior vote. That means this nomination remains pending before the body until council takes some dispositive action. Procedurally then, the mayor's nomination is on the table and a proper motion on that nomination would be in order at this time.
I believe that the consent of this body is a critical component of the checks and balances built into our system of shared power with the mayor. And I believe we have a responsibility to exercise oversight in a manner that is fair, transparent, and oriented towards achieving a clear outcome. Therefore, I'd like to propose that we step back and define our process for considering mayoral appointments.
This body uh did not confirm the appointment of T'Chaka Barnett for um for substantive reasons, for job issues. So, I move that uh we delete this item from the agenda, so there's more time for the mayor to speak with the council about uh those job performance issues and about getting an appointment that can fulfill the needs of this very important job.
I It is a It is an unprecedented and and and historic thing that this body uh made a affirmative decision to deny an appointment. That that doesn't come around every day. Um and what feels unproductive to me is that uh following following the denial by the council, um the immediate response uh from the mayor was his commitment to vetoing this action. I feel that that that that is what's unproductive.
We gave the mayor clear a clear decision that there is not seven votes to approve this nomination. And we're here again. So there's just the public is probably confused about what's happening here. I want to be clear that a no is a no. I'm not sure what the point of continuing to not have the mayor create a work group or not have the mayor begin the process of finding a new commissioner.
The mayor has not reached out to us yet. He has not moved in that conversation. So, we're just going to be busy with this conversation and be in this loop. I think residents deserve better leadership on the mayor's side. And I expect that next cycle, we will have a we will move on about this conversation.
Um well, the the issue is that there's a repeated conflict with the public safety committee and the TAB committee, and both I and Council Member Wanzalae are on the public safety committee, and we are both the I am the the person on the board, and then Council Member Wanzalae is the alternate. I spoke with Council Member Wanzalae, and uh she was open to having Council Member Chughtai replace her as the alternate. I would remain on the board.
Ordinances & Resolutions (46)
Honorary resolution for departing Deputy City Operations Officer Laura Melam's leadership and service.
Honorary resolution recognizing Kirk Washington Jr.'s life and legacy, proclaiming May 9th, 2026, as Kirk Washington Jr. Day.
Resolution recognizing May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month to raise awareness and promote well-being.
Resolution recognizing May 2026 as AANHPI Heritage Month to celebrate cultures and contributions.
Resolution recognizing May 2026 as Older Adults Month to honor the contributions of older adults.
Resolution recognizing May 2026 as Community Action Month, celebrating organizations like CAP-HC.
Resolution recognizing the historical significance of Cinco de Mayo and the importance of the Mexican community.
Approved budget adjustments for the 2026 Consolidated Action Plan.
Amended to roll over unspent 2025 appropriations.
Approval of amended guidelines for a fire prevention initiative.
Authorization of a master contract for public arts managers.
Authorization of an amendment to a contract for a pizza project at the Convention Center.
Amendment to contract with Meet Minneapolis, including stipulations for unearned incentive funds.
Authorization of an updated agreement with the Cowles Center.
Appeal for a certificate of appropriateness, postponed for further discussion.
Project approval and assessment for resurfacing.
Project approval, assessment, and area way abandonment for reconstruction.
Acceptance of a grant for flood mitigation feasibility in North Minneapolis.
Acceptance of a grant for flood mitigation feasibility in East Minneapolis.
Acceptance of a gift from NACTO.
Acceptance of a low bid for a safety improvement project.
Acceptance of a low bid for a school safety project.
Acceptance of a low bid for an irrigation system project.
Approved an ordinance related to firearms regulation.
Approved a resolution supporting a study for new passenger rail corridors.
Approved a resolution for a gift acceptance for President Payne.
Approved an amendment to polling location designations for 2026.
Approved an amendment for research services.
Approved a legal settlement.
Approved acceptance of a gift.
Authorized an amendment for greenhouse gas reduction services.
Approved a grant for drug trafficking threat programs.
Approved acceptance of a gift.
Approved acceptance of a gift.
Approved a legislative directive for a first responder pilot program.
Authorized a contract for restorative justice services.
Authorized a joint powers agreement for social worker services.
Ordinance to decriminalize the possession of drug paraphernalia, vetoed by the mayor and veto sustained by Council.
Ordinance to temporarily extend the length of required pre-eviction notice, vetoed by the mayor and veto sustained by Council.
Mayoral nomination for a charter officer position, previously rejected, vetoed, and denied again by Council.
Section of the housing code that was intended to be moved to health and sanitation code but remained due to a scrivener's error.
New chapter where encampment reporting provisions were intended to be moved.
Notice of intent to introduce an ordinance.
Ordinance introduced for first reading and referral to committee.
Mayoral nomination for a civil service position, referred to committee.
Approved acceptance of a gift for Council Member Chaudhry to attend a convening.