Minneapolis City Council — Transcript
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Human Rights Day and International Migrants Day Recognition
Recognition of Samantha Pristinson's Service
Recognition of Council Member Katie Kashman's Service
Recognition of Council Member Emily Koski's Service
Recognition of Council Member Jeremiah Ellison's Service
Recognition of Council Member Andrea Jenkins' Service
Recognition of Fire Chief Brian Tiner's Service
Recognition and Support for the Somali American Community
Votes (4)
Amendment to Agenda - Inclusion of Walk-On Items
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Chavez [01:17:54] · Seconded by Unknown [01:18:25]
Council Member Chavez moved to add six significant items to the day's agenda, including resolutions on Human Rights Day, International Migrants Day, and supporting the Somali American community, as well as motions concerning MPD oversight, immigrant community protection, a large block event permit, and a contract amendment for lead service line replacements. This procedural vote allowed the council to address these urgent topics.
Administration and Enterprise Oversight Committee Report (Excluding Item 43)
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Wansley [01:24:26] · Seconded by Unknown (Implied by roll call)
The committee presented 49 items, with discussion focusing on significant contracts and projects. Key items included a revised dollar amount for the City Hall restack project, a temporary master contract for the Health Department ($5.7M for 53 contracts for Q1 2026) to prevent service disruption while awaiting a new council review, and a new low-barrier employment program targeting homelessness in the Southside Green Zone. The Nicollet Avenue Bridge rehabilitation project also received attention.
Administration and Enterprise Oversight Committee Report - Item 43 (Legal Settlement: Workers Compensation Claim of William Palmer)
Dissent: Council Member Chavez, Council Member Wansley, Vice President Chugtai
Moved by Council Member Wansley [01:24:26] · Seconded by Unknown (Implied by roll call)
This specific legal settlement was proactively pulled for a separate vote by President Payne, indicating it might have involved particular considerations or a desire for explicit council approval beyond the general committee report.
Business, Housing, and Zoning Committee Report (Excluding Items 8.2, 8.11, and 4)
Dissent: None explicitly stated for the block vote.
Moved by Council Member Osman [01:34:00] · Seconded by Unknown (Implied by context)
The committee presented 25 items for approval. The Chair moved to approve most items, with an ordinance related to the building code (8.2) returned to its author and several liquor license renewals (8.11) denied. Item 4, concerning modification to 59 TIF districts, was pulled for separate discussion. Significant discussion centered on a Great Street Gap Loan for a cannabis business in Ward 4, anticipated to create 100 jobs and foster economic participation for the African-American community, as well as a facade improvement grant for 38th Street.
Notable Quotes (6)
I have three different motions to bring forward. One is a resolution recognizing and supporting the Somali American community and their contributions. The other one is recognizing Human Rights Day and International Migrants Day. And the last one I'm we're bringing forward uh with a variety of colleagues is expressing statements of position pertaining to the Minneapolis Police Department oversight and accountability. I'd want to add these to the agenda.
We have reached agreement to propose a not to exceed amount in this number 48... a temporary measure allowing the services to not be disrupted. I will also point out that all health department contracts are reimburseable, meaning the city only pays after the fact and it's all dependent on funding.
This pilot initiative is designed to improve public safety and community livability by providing immediate low barrier employment opportunities to adults experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
I just wanted to speak to item number 49 uh regarding the Nicollet Avenue Bridge, which is in Ward 11. And mostly just a a huge thank you to Director Don Elwood and his team who has been masterfully uh guiding us through this process both internally and then also with the communication to the community.
This is a opportunity for Ward 4. There's g when on upon completion of this uh project there there's going to be a hundred jobs in Ward 4 and I couldn't be more excited about that.
It it really is good to see that the African-American community is able to take part in this emerging cannabis business in Minneapolis.
Ordinances & Resolutions (33)
International document adopted by the United Nations, identifying fundamental human rights and freedoms.
United Nations convention emphasizing the link between migration and fundamental human rights.
City initiative supported by Samantha Pristinson to ensure sustained funding for public housing maintenance and safety.
Legislation co-authored by Council Member Kashman advocating for safety and usability of public spaces.
Co-authored by Council Member Kashman to better advocate for victims of crime.
Authored by Council Member Kashman to invest in downtown tourism.
Innovation championed by Council Member Kashman to bring new residents to downtown.
City's first plan of its kind, led by Council Member Andrea Jenkins.
City-wide planning document led by Council Member Andrea Jenkins.
Landmark policy championed by Council Member Jeremiah Ellison to shift power balance for renters.
Policy championed by Council Member Jeremiah Ellison for greater tenant transparency and stability.
Policy championed by Council Member Jeremiah Ellison for tenant protections.
Policy championed by Council Member Jeremiah Ellison providing support to displaced tenants.
Policy championed by Council Member Jeremiah Ellison ensuring legal representation for tenants.
Created by Council Member Jeremiah Ellison to safeguard livable housing conditions.
Strongest policies in the city's history, championed by Council Member Jeremiah Ellison to address environmental racism in housing.
Established by Council Member Jeremiah Ellison to advance tenant ownership and affordability.
Groundwork laid by Council Member Jeremiah Ellison for community-controlled housing.
Advanced by Council Member Jeremiah Ellison for more equitable removals and environmental justice.
Adopted by city council, led by Andrea Jenkins, for revitalization of the 38th Street corridor.
To administer the city's low barrier employment program, focused on public safety and livability for those experiencing homelessness.
Amendment with revised dollar amounts for the City Hall restack project.
Revised temporary master contracts for health services, not to exceed $5.7 million for 53 contracts for Q1 2026.
Approval for a significant two-year infrastructure project in Ward 11.
Financing for a cannabis business in Ward 4, projected to create 100 jobs.
Official city recognition of these international observances.
City council resolution affirming support and recognizing contributions of the Somali American community.
Resolution on police department oversight and accountability.
Resolution calling for mayoral directive to MPD regarding protection of immigrant communities.
Permit for a significant city event.
Amendment related to infrastructure work.
Ordinance related to building code requirements and returns to author.
Approval of modifications to 59 Tax Increment Financing districts.