Minneapolis City Council — Transcript
Monday, August 10, 2026
Standing Committee Reports
Heritage Park Voluntary Relocation Plan Policy
Sewer Lateral Insurance Program
Votes (2)
Heritage Park Voluntary Relocation Plan Policy
Dissent: Council Member Warren voiced strong opposition during discussion, though no formal 'nay' count was explicitly given in the final vote announcement.
Moved by Unknown [1:00:23] · Seconded by Unknown [1:00:24]
CPED Director Eric Hanson presented a new policy for voluntary relocation assistance for Heritage Park residents, citing ongoing health and safety concerns in the mixed-income community. The policy offers moving stipends (between $3,500 and $7,500) and rent differential benefits (up to 12 months) for the 83 non-MPHA households identified as eligible. Council members expressed strong concern over the living conditions, the perceived inaction of MPHA for its 128 tenants, and the lack of robust legislative analysis (fiscal note, REIA) for the proposed policy. Questions were raised regarding the selection of SRF as the relocation consultant without an RFP due to urgency, and its cultural competence. Director Hanson affirmed the city's commitment to assist while pressing MPHA to address its residents' needs.
Authorizes a no-cost contract with OnCourse Home Solutions for sewer lateral insurance program
Moved by Unknown [1:21:07] · Seconded by Unknown [1:21:08]
Ross Jonnek of the Sanitary Sewers Division presented an optional, no-cost private sewer lateral insurance program endorsed by the city. This partnership with OnCourse Home Solutions offers unlimited coverage for sewer line repairs at a competitive rate ($5.49/month for year 1, then $9.99/month), addressing a significant gap in homeowner coverage for typically expensive repairs (average $13,000). The program includes additional benefits like restoration costs and hotel accommodations, plus a hardship fund for vulnerable residents. Council members praised the initiative, emphasizing its potential to help seniors and cover pre-existing conditions. Confirmation was made that pre-existing conditions would be covered, and that the contract would return for final approval.
Notable Quotes (8)
I just have an issue with the fact that the individuals who are participant of Minneapolis Public Housing Authority are essentially being punished for being low to no income. We know that individuals who have low to no income and are receiving public housing are the ones who need help the most.
I think it's important for the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority to take care of its residents. They have responsibility to the residents that are in their care. Um, the city is making discretionary decision to help folks at Heritage Park for the reasons we've articulated over the last few council meetings with you. On the subject.
The thing that I feel like we need on this RCA by Thursday in order for me to vote on this is a fiscal note because there is clearly a fiscal impact... The other thing is there isn't a a REIA attached to it either. And I think a race equity analysis would be really important for this policy.
If the city's relocation plan provides assessment services that consider schooling, transportation, household preferences, housing availability, and all of these very human-centered approaches around autonomy, then whether you're a resident of public housing or not, you still should be given that same grace and human-centeredness and the ability to work with people that are directly within your community, so that there is a very cultured and human-centered approach.
With the sewer lateral, it's one of those things that a lot of homeowners don't realize that they that they own and that they have to maintain. Um it's it's the lateral that leaves your house and it takes your waste... all the way from their house all the way through the yard out to the street under the sidewalk, um as well as the connection.
Um this year we had 350 applications and only enough funding for 36 grants. And so, definitely a long waitlist, and that 350 applications those are all homeowners who submitted that they they were they proved that they had issues with their lines... definitely a a big need there.
The city endorsing a company allows homeowners to get a better rate and coverage limit than what is available on the open market. Um for the most part, um no no city funds will be used for this, so it's not costing the city any money.
With this insurance, individuals who have pre-existing conditions, especially our seniors who've been waiting to get picked on this lottery system that we have through the city, are they eligible for this insurance or you know, cuz sometimes insurance don't cover pre-existing conditions.
Ordinances & Resolutions (27)
Approving continuation of service charge collection, noted for its first annual report.
Approval of new licenses and renewals.
Approval of new licenses and renewals.
Approved for the Neighborhood Development Center.
Various amendments for Pizza Project, road maintenance, EV Spot Network, engineering services, Police Department Training Annex, computer-aided dispatch, human trafficking task force, behavioral crisis response.
For Target Center interior doors, Convention Center concession stands remodel, large diameter cured-in-place pipe lining.
Approved for the property at 1931 West Broadway Avenue.
Authorized for the business La Herencia.
Granted, with authorization for a multi-jurisdictional agreement.
Accepted from the International Code Council.
Accepted from the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials.
Approved for the property at 2113 Ilion Ave North.
Nomination for an appointment to the Minnesota Ballpark Authority.
For Gopher Garden, Target Together Core Week, Target Together Core Week Community Celebration, Lauren Alley Live 2026 Music Festival, Mobile Life by Flicker.
Supported by contracts with University of Washington Urban Freight Lab and University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies.
Presented by Climate and Infrastructure Committee.
Presented by Climate and Infrastructure Committee.
Authorizing Minneapolis to serve as a host city.
Approved for workers compensation claim.
Approving the establishment of the position and confirmation of Ken Dayler's appointment.
Authorizing amendment with Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Authorizing amendment with Canopy Roots.
Accepted to support emergency preparedness activities.
Accepted to support emergency response.
Accepted for bomb disposal equipment and training, authorizing an agreement.
Provides voluntary relocation assistance for eligible Heritage Park residents with health or safety concerns.
Authorizes a no-cost contract with OnCourse Home Solutions for private sewer lateral insurance for homeowners.