[0:00] So that's after. [0:08] >> Good afternoon. Welcome to the regular [0:10] meeting of the climate and [0:11] infrastructure committee for November [0:13] 13th, 2025. I'm Katie Kashman, chair of [0:16] this committee. Before we convene our [0:19] meeting, we have a presentation of an [0:20] honorary resolution. Our resolution [0:23] today recognizes the city staff and the [0:25] contractors who worked on the design and [0:28] construction of Henipin Avenue South in [0:30] Uptown, which just reopened. So, I'll [0:32] invite council members who are excited [0:34] about this new street and our public [0:36] works staff to join me uh to present [0:38] this resolution. [1:17] All right, [1:20] welcome. [1:35] Welcome everyone. So our resolution [1:37] today recognizes city staff and [1:39] contractors that worked on the design [1:41] and construction of Henipin Avenue [1:43] South. Whereas the Minneapolis public [1:46] works department is being recognized for [1:48] the incredible work they have done over [1:50] the past seven years to plan and [1:52] construct the new Henipin Avenue [1:53] corridor. And whereas through years of [1:56] robust community engagement, the public [1:58] works collaborated to find a design that [2:00] would meet the needs of as many [2:01] community members as possible as well as [2:03] reduce the high rates of deadly crashes [2:04] on the street. [2:06] And whereas over a hundred people uh who [2:09] work for the city were part of making [2:10] this redesign possible and each one [2:13] deserves our gratitude today. [2:15] And whereas in order to ensure reliable [2:18] and continuous delivery of highquality [2:21] safe drinking water and public fire [2:23] protection, staff from the Division of [2:25] Water Treatment and Distribution [2:27] Services relocated 21 hydrants at [2:30] improved pedestrian crossings and [2:31] transit stops, replaced 25 lead service [2:34] lines within the project limits, closely [2:37] managed the water main relocations and [2:39] improvements necessary to accommodate [2:41] electrical infrastructure and storm [2:43] water improvements at 15 intersections. [2:45] s rebuilt 20 original 1880s vintage [2:49] brick maintenance holes to protect the [2:51] integrity of the new roadway [2:54] and replaced nine water mane isolation [2:56] valves. [2:58] And whereas in order to create a safe, [3:00] equitable, efficient transportation [3:02] corridor for all travel modes, the [3:04] reconstruction of Henipin Avenue [3:05] included a narrower roadway that will [3:08] promote slower speeds and shorter [3:10] pedestrian crossings, two new signalized [3:13] pedestrian crossings, a two-way off- [3:16] streetet bike facility to promote bike [3:18] accessibility and safety, dynamic [3:21] transit priority lanes, BRT stations, [3:24] and transit signal priority along the [3:26] corridor. [3:28] dynamic uh or dedicated left turn lanes [3:31] and a better managed system with fewer [3:32] conflict points to promote safety. 10 [3:35] fully rebuilt traffic signals with ADA [3:38] compliant ramps and accessible [3:39] pedestrian push buttons and 100 new [3:42] street lights plus feston decorative [3:45] lighting. [3:47] And whereas in order to keep our surface [3:49] water as clean as possible and reduce [3:51] flooding following rain events, surface [3:54] waters and sewers and project staff [3:55] installed 11 bio swells, 26 storm water [3:59] planter boxes, 23 trenches, uh 10 [4:03] infiltration box culverts, approximately [4:05] 1.2 miles of storm water pipe, and a [4:08] small ramp leaving the tree trenches to [4:10] let wildlife go in and out. [4:15] Whereas to improve the experience of [4:17] rolling, walking, biking, and riding [4:18] transit on Henipin Avenue, the project [4:20] includes wider sidewalks with enhanced [4:23] landscaping placed with increased [4:24] separation from vehicle traffic. Uh [4:27] shortened crossing distances at [4:29] crosswalks and a raised median to allow [4:31] for easier crossing. 1.11 miles of [4:34] protected bikeway, improving connections [4:36] to the all ages and ability bikeway [4:38] network, including 26th and 28th Street, [4:42] Bryant Avenue, Franklin Avenue, and the [4:44] Midtown Greenway. Making bicycling [4:46] through one of the busiest areas in [4:48] Minneapolis safer for residents on their [4:49] way to the lake, shopping, dining out, [4:51] going to a show, or passing through. [4:54] Creating a roadway that highlights the [4:56] Metro E- Line, which will be open in a [4:59] couple weeks here. a six a $64 million [5:03] investment in fast frequent transit that [5:05] will increase bus trips available to and [5:07] from uptown by 20 to 30%. Supporting the [5:11] city's mode shift goal to three out of [5:13] every five trips taken by walking, [5:15] biking, or transit. [5:20] And whereas Henipin Avenue is home to [5:22] hundreds of locally owned businesses [5:23] that make Uptown the unique neighborhood [5:25] it is in our city. And whereas Prince [5:27] once wrote of Uptown, "Now where I come [5:30] from, we don't let society tell us how [5:32] it's supposed to be. Our clothes, our [5:33] hair, we don't care. It's all about [5:35] being there. Everyone's going uptown. [5:37] That's where I want to be." [5:39] Further emphasizing the magic and [5:41] importance of Henipin Avenue as a [5:43] cultural hub for creativity and [5:45] expression. And whereas we love Henipin [5:47] Avenue and we are grateful that it's [5:49] back and open and ready for the public [5:50] to enjoy to the fullest. Now therefore, [5:53] be it resolved that the mayor and city [5:54] council do hereby recognize November 13, [5:57] 2025 as Henipin Avenue Day in [6:00] Minneapolis. [clears throat] [6:07] So, thank you everyone. When I found out [6:09] that there were over a hundred city [6:11] staff that were involved in this project [6:12] from start to finish, I was really blown [6:14] away. Um, so wanted to take an [6:16] opportunity to congratulate you, to [6:18] celebrate you, and um, just thank you [6:21] for making such a huge gener [6:22] generational investment in safety and [6:25] sustainability for not only the uptown [6:28] area, but the entire city. So, thank you [6:30] so much for being here today. Uh, [6:33] Kathleen, or anyone, would you like to [6:34] make a couple remarks? Adam, maybe for [6:37] Don. [6:40] >> Uh, thank you, council member. Uh, Don [6:42] Elwood, the director of transportation [6:43] engineering design. And I'm going to [6:45] face the team. First off, thank you [6:48] personally and professionally [6:50] since 2018. You've been working on this [6:52] project. That's a long time. And I [6:53] remember what we were working on coming [6:55] out of 2018. And you you kept working [6:59] through this project, good times and bad [7:02] times. Um, now we've reached the point [7:05] and thank you for this resolution. It [7:06] celebrates a major milestone, a major [7:09] accomplishment for all of you that have [7:10] worked on this project. I know looking [7:13] ahead some of us are going to miss miss [7:15] going out dayto day working on the [7:17] construction project but at the same [7:19] time looking ahead what a great corridor [7:22] this has turned out to be it's beautiful [7:25] it functions better it looks nice and [7:28] it's really a transformative for this [7:30] entire for this entire city so thank you [7:33] so much for the work that you did um I [7:36] wish you all the best of luck working [7:38] with me in the future on the next big [7:40] project because I'm looking forward to [7:42] them as well. So, thank you again [7:44] personally and professionally for all [7:45] the work you do. [7:51] >> All right, with that, uh, Molly will [7:53] come up and grab a quick photo. Your [7:55] photos, just go ahead and get between [7:57] these black lines here [7:59] >> so everyone can fit in. [8:00] >> If so, we might need to do two rows so [8:02] everyone can fit in between the two [8:03] black lines here. [8:08] All [8:11] >> [laughter] [8:15] >> right. Say hi. [8:21] >> Thank you. Congrats. [clears throat] [9:07] All right. So before we call the meeting [9:10] to order, I want to offer a friendly [9:12] reminder to all members, staff, and the [9:14] public that these meetings are broadcast [9:15] live to enable greater public [9:17] participation. [9:19] These broadcasts include real-time [9:21] captioning to increase the accessibility [9:23] of our proceedings. So we ask all [9:25] speakers to moderate the speed and the [9:28] clarity of their comments. Thank you so [9:30] much. At this time, I'll ask the clerk [9:31] to call the role to verify a quorum. [9:34] >> Council member Rainville, [9:36] >> present. [9:37] >> Vita, [9:37] >> present. [9:38] >> Osman is absent. Chavez, [9:42] >> present. [9:43] >> Vice Chair Kosski, [9:44] >> present. [9:45] >> Chair Kashman, [9:46] >> present. [9:46] >> We have five present. [9:48] >> Let the record reflect we have a quorum. [9:50] And for members of the public, if you're [9:53] here for the public hearing, please make [9:55] sure to sign up with clerk Michael um [9:59] and all committee members. We will be [10:01] using speaker management [music] today. [10:03] So, we'll start with our consent agenda [10:05] items 1 through 4. Item one is [10:08] authorizing subordinate funding [10:10] agreement with the Met Council for local [10:12] work design and costs associated [10:14] associated with the blue line extension [10:17] project. [10:18] >> [snorts] [10:18] >> Item two is a resolution amending the [10:20] 2025 capital improvement appropriation [10:23] resolution to authorize the closure and [10:26] appropriation adjustments for capital [10:27] projects and and programs. [10:31] Item three is authorizing a cooperative [10:33] agreement with Henipin County for the [10:35] Cedar Avenue reconstruction project. [10:38] Item four is authorizing a utility [10:41] easement agreement with the park board [10:43] for storm sewer and storm water basins [10:45] in the Columbia Golf Course. Item five [10:49] is authorizing a joint powers agreement [10:50] with the park board related to parkway [10:53] paving repair and construction. [10:57] Item six is a resolution updating the [10:59] electric vehicle charging rates as part [11:02] of the EV spot network pilot project and [11:04] incorporating these fees in the parking [11:07] and mobility fee schedule. [11:10] Colleagues, is there any discussion or [11:12] items that you would like to pull for [11:14] further discussion? [11:34] >> Seeing none, I'll move approval of all [11:36] items. All those in favor say I. [11:38] >> I. Those opposed say nay. Any [11:40] extensions? The motion carries. [11:44] So our [11:47] next items are the public hearings. [11:52] So our first public hearing is [11:56] um related to the First Avenue South [11:59] reconstruction project. And I'll invite [12:00] staff to briefly speak to this before we [12:02] open the public hearing. [12:13] Good afternoon chair member. Good [12:16] [clears throat] afternoon chair and [12:16] members of the committee. My name is [12:18] Muhammad Omar. I am an engineer with the [12:20] transportation engineering and design [12:21] division of public works. Today I am [12:24] here presenting for the public hearing [12:26] for 1 Avenue reconstruction city project [12:29] 2347. [12:31] Uh the proposed project will reconstruct [12:33] approximately 1 half mile of 1 Avenue [12:36] South between Grant Street and Franklin [12:38] Avenue. The project is a reconstruction [12:41] project involving the entire right of [12:43] way and [clears throat] will include new [12:44] sidewalks, ADA compliant pedestrian [12:46] ramps behind the curb, bicycle [12:48] accommodations, new pavement, curb and [12:50] gutter and uh utility improvements. Uh [12:53] the project would also include signal [12:55] improvements and new signage, pavement [12:57] markings, and storm water management [12:58] infrastructure. [13:01] The uh total anticipated project cost is [13:04] $1,540,000. [13:06] The uh total reconstruction assessment [13:09] is $63767. [13:13] That is based on the 2026 uniform [13:16] assessment rates and the influence area [13:18] method. The rates are as follow. $3.20 [13:21] 20 cents per square foot for uh [13:23] non-residential properties, $112 for per [13:27] square foot for residential properties. [13:30] Uh these assessments are payable over a [13:32] 20-year period. The rest of the funding [13:34] sources are municipal state aid, value [13:36] capture, and storm sewer funds. Um the [13:39] city staff has conducted numerous [13:41] outreach activities throughout the [13:42] planning and design of this project. A [13:44] uh virtual preassessment meeting to [13:46] provide an overview of the project, [13:48] discuss planned improvements, and answer [13:50] any questions related to the assessment [13:52] method and process was held on November [13:54] 6th. Today, [clears throat] public works [13:56] is asking city council to pass [13:58] resolution ordering the work to proceed [14:00] adopting the special assessments, [14:02] authorizing sale of the assessment [14:03] bonds, [14:05] and removal of areaways in conflict with [14:07] the project. Uh that concludes my [14:09] presentation. I'll stand by for [14:10] questions. [14:12] >> Great. Thank you for the presentation. [14:14] I'll now proceed to open the public [14:16] hearing and uh clerk Michael is correct. [14:20] All of these are for a different item. [14:22] Correct. [14:22] >> Correct. Madam Chair, uh there are no [14:24] members of the public signed up for the [14:26] First Avenue public hearing. [14:29] >> Is anyone here to speak on the First [14:30] Avenue um reconstruction project? [14:35] Seeing none, I will close the public [14:37] hearing and [14:40] >> ask if there is anyone who would like to [14:42] speak on this item. Council Member Osman [14:43] also welcome and we'll note your [14:45] attendance for the record as well. [14:47] >> Yes. Thank you. [14:47] >> Yeah. Thank you. Um I I do have a [14:50] question. I know this uh project has [14:53] been have been for a while and the [14:55] streets had been wrecked like it was [14:57] really uh difficult for folks to go [15:00] through uh cars. Uh [15:04] I did submit u email to uh director Tim [15:08] Saken. Uh what is the condition right [15:10] now? Has has the has it been is it still [15:13] the same? Cuz there were there was a [15:15] construction that was undone that was [15:17] just making it unsafe for folks to to [15:19] get around. Um I do have pictures to [15:23] >> that I share with director. [15:26] >> Just wonder what is what is the status [15:28] of this area right now? [15:30] >> Yeah, I'm not sure if the part south of [15:32] Franklin is already completed. I think [15:35] it looks great, but I'm not sure if it's [15:37] fully done yet. I'm talking about [15:39] Franklin. [15:40] >> You're talking north the new section [15:42] >> Franklin 1 Avenue Franklin all the way [15:44] to Grant. Um that [15:48] area there was a during the summer the [15:51] entire summer there was construction was [15:52] happening there and it was like a [15:54] unfinished work. Let's just say that uh [15:56] that was residents were complaining [15:58] about. [15:59] >> Yeah. [snorts] [16:00] >> Uh good afternoon Cher Kashman Council [16:02] Ash Osman. uh Ole Mercir, principal [16:05] professional engineer in transportation [16:07] engineering and design. Uh I think I [16:09] believe that what you're referring to, [16:11] council Osman, was uh the city water [16:14] department was out doing uh lead service [16:17] line replacements earlier this year [16:19] north of Franklin. I think that's what [16:21] we're talking about. And I think that [16:23] that work has been done and it's been in [16:25] the it has been restored out there and [16:27] there was there were some barricades out [16:28] when they were doing that work and and [16:30] that sort of stuff. sound like it lasted [16:33] for uh for a while for for a long time. [16:36] Uh [clears throat] [16:38] I do want to ask you about uh the the [16:43] parking has has there been any parking [16:45] that has been removed from that area [16:47] during this winter time? It does get a [16:49] little bit of narrow. I know right now [16:51] cars are parking somewhere in the middle [16:53] of the road, but well the bikes are [16:56] going on this side of it. So um what [16:59] does that look like? [17:00] >> Yeah. Um, Chair Cashman, Council Member [17:03] Osman, I believe that there's been no [17:06] changes in the current parking situation [17:08] out there. [17:09] >> Um, I believe that probably during the [17:12] construction of that that water work, [17:14] there was um some temporary parking that [17:16] was disrupted to accommodate that work. [17:19] >> Okay. Yeah. No, great. I u move this uh [17:23] item for approval but I do want to uh [17:26] say that I think it's the resident will [17:28] be relieved to see uh the work being [17:30] being done there. [17:31] >> Thank you so much. [clears throat] [17:33] >> All right with the motion for approval [17:36] by council member Osman. All those in [17:38] favor say I. [17:39] >> I. [17:40] >> I. Those opposed say nay. [17:42] >> Any abstensions? That motion carries. [17:46] >> Okay. Thank you. [17:48] Our [17:52] next public hearing is on the Cedar [17:54] Avenue reconstruction project and we'll [17:57] have we'll invite staff for a brief [17:58] presentation before the public hearing. [18:08] >> Good afternoon uh Cher Kashman and [18:10] members of the committee. Uh my name is [18:11] Spencer Ever. I'm an engineer with the [18:13] transportation engineering and design [18:15] division of public works. Today I'm here [18:17] uh presenting for the public hearing for [18:19] the Cedar Avenue reconstruction project, [18:21] city project number 2370. [18:25] The county-led project consists of [18:27] reconstructing 3/4 of a mile of Cedar [18:30] Avenue between 24th Street East and Lake [18:32] Street East. [18:34] Elements to be included as a part of the [18:36] project include full removal of the [18:38] existing roadway, new sidewalks, a [18:40] bicycle facility, ADA compliant [18:42] pedestrian ramps, boulevards, new [18:45] pavement, curbon gutter, street [18:47] lighting, signal upgrades, medians, [18:51] green storm water infrastructure, and [18:53] utility improvements. The project will [18:56] also include new signage, and new [18:57] pavement markings. [18:59] The total anticipated project cost is [19:01] $17,596,038 [19:06] with approximately $4,250,000 [19:10] being the city's portion. [19:13] The total street reconstruction [19:14] assessment is $828,170.32. [19:21] This was calculated based on the 2026 [19:24] uniform assessment rates and the [19:26] influence area method. [19:28] This method outlines $3.20 per square [19:31] foot for non-residential properties and [19:33] $112 per square foot for residential [19:36] properties. These assessments are [19:38] payable over a 20-year period. [19:41] Uh the rest of the local funding comes [19:43] from approximately 3,360,752 [19:49] in net bonds. [19:53] City and county staff have conducted [19:55] numerous outreach activities throughout [19:57] the planning and design of the project. [19:59] A virtual informational meeting to [20:01] provide an overview of the project, [20:03] discuss planned improvements, and answer [20:05] any questions related to the assessment [20:07] method and process was held on November [20:09] 10th, 2025 with zero attendees. [20:13] Today, public works is asking the city [20:15] council to pass resolutions ordering the [20:17] work to proceed adopting the special [20:19] assessments authorizing sale of [20:22] assessment bonds and authorizing [20:24] abandonment and removal of areaways in [20:26] conflict with the project. That [20:29] concludes my presentation and I will [20:30] stand by for questions. Thank you. [20:34] >> All right. Thank you for the [20:35] presentation. Going to proceed to open [20:37] the public hearing and check if anyone [20:40] signed up. I believe we don't have [20:43] anyone signed up for this public [20:44] hearing. Is there anyone here who wishes [20:47] to speak on the Cedar Avenue [20:48] reconstruction? [20:54] Seeing none, I will close the public [20:56] hearing and ask if there are any [20:58] committee members who have any questions [20:59] or comments on this project. [21:04] With that, I will move approval. All [21:06] those in favor say I. [21:08] >> I. [21:08] >> Those opposed say nay. Any abstensions? [21:12] That motion carries. Thank you. [21:20] And our next public hearing is on Lowry [21:22] Avenue Northeast Reconstruction Project. [21:26] So, welcome staff to begin the [21:28] presentation. [21:35] >> Good afternoon, [21:37] [clears throat] chair and members of the [21:38] committee. My name is Alabal Mahari. I [21:41] am a senior project engineer with the [21:42] transportation engineering and design [21:44] division of public works. [21:45] >> Can you please move a little closer to [21:46] the microphone? Thank you. [21:50] >> Today I'm here to present the Lowry [21:52] Avenue phase 2 reconstruction project [21:54] city project number 2361 CPV074. [21:59] The proposed county le project will [22:01] reconstruct 0.74 miles of Lowry Avenue [22:04] between Marshall Street Northeast and [22:06] Washington Street Northeast. The work [22:09] includes full removal of the existing [22:11] roadway, [snorts] new ADA pedestrian [22:13] ramps, sidewalks, bike facility, new [22:16] pavement, new carbon cutter, wider [22:18] boulevards, street lightings [22:21] and utility improvements. It will also [22:24] include new signage and pavement [22:26] markings. [22:28] The total anticipated project cost is [22:30] 14,388,15316 [22:36] with the city cost participation [22:38] estimated at 2,421,000. [22:43] The total street reconstruction [22:45] assessment is $871,3923. [22:50] This is based on the 2026 uniform [22:53] assessment rates. The rates are $3.20 20 [22:56] cents per square foot for [22:57] non-residential properties and $112 [23:01] cents per square foot for residential [23:03] properties. [23:05] These assessments are payable over a [23:06] 20-year period. The rest of the funding [23:09] sources are net dead bonds. [23:11] The city and county staff have conducted [23:14] numerous community outreach during [23:16] planning and design of the project. A [23:19] virtual preassessment meeting was held [23:21] on November 5th to provide an overview [23:23] of the project, discuss plan [23:26] improvements, [23:28] and answer any questions about the [23:30] assessment method and process. Today, [23:33] public works asking the city council to [23:35] pass resolution [23:38] order ordering the work to proceed [23:40] adopting the special assessments and [23:42] authorizing the sale of the assessment [23:44] pawns and authorizing the abandonment [23:47] and removal of the area was in conflict [23:49] with the project. [23:51] That concludes my presentation. I will [23:53] stand by for any questions. [23:57] >> Thank you for the presentation. We will [23:59] now open the public hearing on this [24:01] item. Did is there anyone who has signed [24:03] up? [24:04] >> Madam Chair, there are no members of the [24:05] public signed up for this. [24:06] >> All right. Is there anyone here who [24:08] wants to speak on the Lowry Avenue [24:10] Northeast phase 2 reconstruction? [24:14] >> Yes. [24:15] >> Please come forward. [24:17] [clears throat] [24:22] [clears throat] [24:24] >> Please state your name and you have two [24:25] minutes. [24:28] Uh [snorts] my name is Abd Abdi [24:32] uh [24:36] and I'm speaking on behalf of number of [24:38] the organization center. I want to thank [24:41] you for the opportunity to speak in [24:44] today. [24:46] Our organization has been deeply [24:48] affected by the recent rec recent [24:51] construction [24:53] between the Marshall Street and the [24:55] Washington. [24:57] The cost associating with this project [25:00] have placed a heavy financial burden on [25:03] us [25:05] when that simply cannot afford at this [25:08] time. [25:10] We are a small nonprofit or uh dedicated [25:13] for serving our community providing [25:16] essential program and sering that make [25:19] to the a real difference for the in the [25:21] people [25:23] live because of that I'm respectfully [25:27] asking the council to consider waving [25:30] the construction and totaling more than [25:33] $70,000. [25:37] Your support will help us continue to [25:40] work and we every day and we do every [25:44] day to uplift and support our neighbors. [25:49] Thank you so much for the time you [25:52] serve. [25:53] We really consider to look that burden [25:58] of the construction [26:01] to evaluate [26:03] to reduce or wave for the number of [26:06] organization. [26:09] is really [26:11] considered that we close when the [26:13] construction started January [26:16] is simply meaning that center will be [26:18] closed and of on top of that the [26:22] construction costing us almost 100 close [26:24] to 100,000 [26:27] as we see in this documentation that we [26:30] receive [26:32] from the mail. So we just wanted to uh [26:36] acknowledge you that the centers is [26:38] already have difficulties [26:41] on top of that that we see that it is [26:45] not improvement that the value of the [26:48] house no one own it. [26:49] >> Thank you for your testimony. If you [26:51] have additional comments you can submit [26:52] them in writing to the clerks as well. [26:55] >> Okay. Thank you. [26:57] >> Is there anyone else here to speak on [26:59] this item? [27:04] Seeing none, I will close the public [27:06] hearing and first recognize Council [27:08] Member Rainbow. [27:11] >> Thank you. Uh so in response to the last [27:13] speaker, is there someone from staff [27:14] that could explain I I have two issues, [27:17] but could someone explain um how how [27:21] these costs can be mitigated because [27:22] they can go on the tax bill, right? [27:25] And be bear. They're not due all at [27:28] once. [27:34] Good afternoon, Chair Kashman, members [27:36] of the committee. My name is Paul [27:37] Keating. I'm a management analyst in the [27:39] transportation engineering design [27:40] division of public works. The special [27:43] assessments uh will be collected through [27:45] the taxes over a 20-year period with [27:48] interest set by the finance department. [27:52] uh in [27:55] the the um the only option for deferment [27:59] would be available to non-residential I [28:01] mean for residential properties there is [28:03] no option for non-residential [28:06] properties. [28:08] >> Thank you. Appreciate that. And then the [28:10] second question I have is uh do we have [28:12] a timeline for when construction will [28:14] start and be finished? Uh and I think I [28:17] thought I heard January. Is that [28:20] is that when it's going to start in the [28:22] winter? [28:30] >> Chair Cashman, Council Member Rainville. [28:33] Um I'm Kelly Austo. I'm a senior [28:35] professional engineer with Henipin [28:36] County um working on the design of Lowry [28:38] Avenue phase 2. And our construction [28:41] timeline is that um we're staging it [28:44] over the course of two construction [28:46] seasons. The first portion will begin in [28:49] 2026 [28:51] um about April or May weather dependent [28:54] um between 4th and Washington Street and [28:58] the next stage of construction will be [29:00] in 2027 [29:02] um between Marshall and Third. [29:07] >> Thank you. [29:07] >> Thank you. [29:10] >> Next I'll recognize Council Member [29:12] Osman. [29:13] Yeah, just just to follow up the last [29:16] comment for speaker. Um I know that it [29:19] will be distributed 20 20 years, but is [29:22] it is the 70,000 that he's talking about [29:25] the entire block or is it just the [29:29] the building that he's referring to? [29:34] >> I'd have to review the individual [29:36] parcels that were included. It may be [29:38] multiple parcels. I [clears throat] [29:40] would need to consult with our [29:42] assessment roles to answer that [29:45] specifically. [29:46] >> Yeah, I I can see how difficult it could [29:49] be for um a [snorts] nonprofit to pay [29:52] $70,000. Doesn't matter how much you [29:54] extend it is with with interest. that is [29:57] a little [30:00] challenging for um uh organizations that [30:03] are trying to survive and especially [30:05] when you bring this kind of magnitude [30:08] constructions in in the area businesses [30:10] close and businesses lose uh customers. [30:14] So I can see why that is difficult for [30:18] for for those individuals. So uh the [30:20] total amount is 871,000 [30:25] >> I believe that's correct. [30:26] >> Okay. Okay. Council [30:28] [snorts] [30:29] member Osman, would you like to note [30:31] this question for administer to follow [30:32] up? [30:33] >> Yeah, it will be helpful to to to know [30:35] if one building is responsible. $70,000 [30:39] of construction. [30:40] >> Okay. We'll note that for the clerk to [30:42] follow up on so that we can better [30:44] understand the amount that the speaker [30:47] in the public hearing was referring to. [30:50] Chair Cashm, if I may, the uniform [30:53] assessment rate and the influence area [30:55] method is how all of these assessments [30:57] are calculated. So, however large the [31:01] parcel is is going to determine how [31:04] substantial the special assessment is. [31:07] >> Okay. [31:08] >> So, it's going to be uniform throughout [31:10] [clears throat] the city throughout [31:11] every reconstruction project that we do. [31:14] And you also did say the resident [31:17] residents have some kind of way of but [31:19] not the non-residental or commercial [31:23] residential. [31:24] >> Yeah. [31:24] >> Yeah, that's correct. Uh, council member [31:26] Osman, there's a deferment option for [31:28] residential properties that are [31:30] homesteaded with other certain specific [31:32] criteria, but for non-residential [31:35] parcels, there is no deferment process. [31:38] >> Thank you. [31:40] >> I have one more question as well. um [31:42] either for you or for the project staff [31:43] from Henipin County. Just looking at the [31:45] map of construction, there's uh a [31:48] section, you know, just east of the the [31:51] river and then uh over over to [31:53] Washington, but there's a gap in between [31:56] University and Fourth Street Northeast. [31:58] Did that work already get done in phase [32:00] one and that's why it's not included [32:02] here in phase two? [32:09] Chair Kashman, uh, committee members, [32:11] Kelly Austo with Henipin County. Um, the [32:15] reason for the gap in the county project [32:17] around the University Avenue [32:18] intersection is that a portion of of [32:21] that is included in Mandot's University [32:23] Avenue project, including a block on [32:26] Lowry Avenue East and West of the [32:28] University Avenue intersection. [32:30] >> Okay. And when is that project, that [32:32] Mindot project set to be under [32:34] construction? um set to start in 2027 [32:38] and also be staged over likely multiple [32:41] um construction seasons. So, county [32:44] staff and city staff and and MDOT staff [32:46] are all coordinating these projects [32:48] together to understand how they can be [32:50] staged. [32:51] >> Yep. Okay. Thank you. Um yeah, I [32:53] understand it's a lot for Northeast. [32:55] Many many projects that are will be [32:56] happening at the same time in this area. [32:58] And it's really important to the council [32:59] that the work group gets stood up for [33:02] the city, county, and state to work [33:04] together on staging to minimize the [33:07] impacts to the extent possible to the [33:09] residents and businesses. [33:13] Is there anyone else who wishes to speak [33:15] on this item? [33:18] All right, I will move approval. All [33:20] those in favor say I. I. [33:22] >> I. [33:23] >> Those opposed say nay. Any abstensions? [33:26] That motion carries. [33:28] So, now we are moving on to our last [33:30] item, our public hearing um on gas and [33:35] electric franchise fee ordinances. And I [33:38] just want to note that we have I think [33:39] over 50 people signed up. And so, [33:41] normally we would have a two-minute [33:43] clock, but because we don't have enough [33:46] time with that many people signed up, [33:48] we're going to reduce the amount to 60 [33:49] seconds. So, one minute for each [33:51] speaker. It will be too difficult for I [33:54] think it's over 50 at this point. and we [33:56] appreciate you being here. Um, and so, [33:59] you know, the other option, too, is if [34:01] your comments do go over that, you'll be [34:04] uh more than welcome to submit them in [34:06] writing to the clerk to be included in [34:09] entirety in the public record. So, thank [34:11] you for your accommodation on that. [34:17] So, as we are getting settled in here, I [34:22] will invite Luke Colinamp and Joselyn [34:24] Bremer to begin the presentation before [34:27] we open the public hearing. Welcome. [34:37] >> Not sure if we can hear you. [34:38] >> Okay, working now. Great. Thank you, [34:41] Chair Cashman, members of the CNI [34:43] committee. My name is Jocelyn Bremer and [34:45] I am a senior assistant attorney with [34:47] the city attorney's office. I along with [34:50] city staff are presenting today at chair [34:52] Kman's request on council members [34:55] cashman Ksky's and Chuck Ty collectively [34:58] the author and council members proposed [35:00] franchise fee ordinance amendments. [35:05] First, I'd like to begin with a brief [35:07] background and overview of the utility [35:09] franchise agreements to set the stage [35:11] for the franchise fee ordinance [35:12] amendments. The city has legal authority [35:15] under Minnesota statute 216b.36 [35:19] to enter into franchise agreements with [35:21] its utility providers. This statute also [35:24] permits the city to charge franchise [35:26] fees to raise revenue, deframe municipal [35:29] cost as a result of utility operations, [35:32] or both. These franchise fees are [35:34] considered pass through costs as the [35:36] utilities passed the cost of the [35:38] franchise fees to their customers. As [35:40] you may recall, earlier this year, the [35:43] city adopted two new utility franchise [35:46] agreements, which have been codified in [35:48] ordinance. Uh, appendix C-1 is the [35:51] city's gas franchise agreement with its [35:54] gas provider, Centerpoint Energy, and [35:56] appendix D-1 is the city's electric [35:59] franchise agreement with its electricity [36:01] provider, Excel Energy. [36:05] In Minneapolis, the franchise fees are [36:08] set forth in separate ordinances from [36:10] the franchise agreement ordinances. [36:12] Appendix C-2 is the city's gas franchise [36:16] fee ordinance with the Centerpoint [36:18] Energy and Appendix D-2 is the city's [36:21] electric franchise fee ordinance with [36:23] Excel Energy. These are the ordinances [36:26] that the authorizing authoring uh [36:28] council members are proposing to amend [36:31] from 2019 to 2023. The franchise fees [36:34] generated approximately 28 to $38 [36:36] million annually. As a reminder, the [36:39] amount generated by franchise fees [36:41] varies from year to year because the [36:43] utilities receive because the city has [36:45] traditionally set the value of the [36:47] franchise fees as a percentage of gross [36:49] revenues the utilities receive from [36:51] customer consumption. The city last [36:54] amended the electric and gas franchise [36:56] fee ordinances to increase the franchise [36:58] fees in the fall of 2023. [37:01] The increase uh was estimated to [37:04] generate approximately 8 to10 million [37:06] annually again based on the percentage [37:09] of gross revenues the utilities receive [37:11] from customer consumption. [37:14] The city dedicated this increased [37:16] revenue to the climate legacy initiative [37:18] which supports the city's climate equity [37:20] plan. More information about those [37:22] programs is linked in the presentation [37:24] which is uploaded to the legislative [37:26] files on the these proposed franchise [37:28] fee amendments on the city's legislative [37:31] website limbs. [37:34] This fall the authoring council members [37:37] proposed to amend the current existing [37:39] electric and gas franchise fee [37:41] ordinances. The proposed changes include [37:44] updating the references in the current [37:46] fee ordinances to align with the new [37:48] 2025 franchise agreement ordinances, [37:52] including new rate classes to align with [37:54] the customer categories the utilities [37:57] submitting their rate books to the [37:58] Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. [38:01] Should be noted that many other [38:03] Minnesota cities also use the customer [38:05] categories outlined in the rate utility [38:08] rate books. So this change will bring [38:10] the city into closer alignment with many [38:12] of its peers on this issue. The proposed [38:14] changes also include increasing the [38:16] utility franchise fees across the new [38:19] customer categories which sustainability [38:21] will discuss in the next few slides. [38:24] This increase is estimated to bring in [38:26] an additional $5 million annually based [38:28] on 2024 data and is staff's [38:31] understanding that the authoring council [38:33] members intend for this additional [38:35] revenue to also be dedicated to the [38:37] climate legacy initiative and its [38:39] related programming. Finally, because [38:41] the franchise fee ordinances are subject [38:43] to approval by the Minnesota Public [38:45] Utilities Commission, the proposed [38:46] amendments set the effective date for [38:48] the new rates and customer categories at [38:50] 90 days after publication of the [38:52] approved ordinances. I will now turn [38:55] this presentation over to Luke Colenamp [38:57] to discuss the proposed franchise fee [38:59] rate increases. [39:03] >> Good afternoon, committee members. My [39:06] name is Luke Colinampamp. I am a [39:07] sustainability program manager in the [39:09] health department. I want to uh first [39:13] give an overview of what are the [39:15] proposed changes um as proposed by the [39:18] council members. So this is a um this is [39:21] a table that shows the proposed and then [39:24] the current franchise fee rates in the [39:26] category of the gas utility. On the left [39:29] hand side you'll see the energy customer [39:32] types. These are the rate classes that [39:34] Jocelyn just mentioned. Um I will note [39:36] that we in our previous franchise [39:38] agreements and in our previous ordinance [39:40] had listed just three customer classes [39:43] which actually captured all of these [39:45] categories within them. So now as Josh [39:48] mentioned do the new franchise [39:49] agreements we can differentiate between [39:51] these customer classes. Um, and also the [39:55] customer classes generally as you look [39:57] at the screen go in descending order by [40:00] uh the the smallest energy users such as [40:03] residential on top down to the largest [40:06] commercial and industrial energy users [40:07] at the bottom who not only use often the [40:10] most energy but they often have uh the [40:12] most uh energy expertise in house. [40:16] So the franchise fees in the residential [40:18] category for gas are proposed by the [40:20] council authors to go from 6% to 7% a 1% [40:24] increase. And then for the categories of [40:27] commercial and industrial A B and A and [40:31] B those rates would increase by half a [40:34] percent up to 8.25. And then for the [40:37] categories of commercial industrial C [40:39] and then commercial industrial dual fuel [40:42] uh A and B those rates would are [40:44] proposed to increase to 8.75%. [40:47] And then finally again the in general [40:49] largest and most sophisticated energy [40:51] users are in the commercial industrial [40:53] large volume firm and dual fuel category [40:56] they would see under the proposed [40:58] ordinance a rate increase of 1% up to 9 [41:01] and a half%. [41:04] On the electricity side, there are a few [41:08] fewer customer classes. However, again, [41:10] this this used to have just three [41:13] customer classes in our old ordinance. [41:15] Um, now due the new franchise [41:16] agreements, uh, we are able to [41:18] differentiate further just like on the [41:20] gas utility. And again in descending [41:24] order generally then you will have an [41:26] increase in electricity usage from uh [41:29] the least amount of electricity [41:30] consumption in the residential customers [41:32] up to uh the largest commercial and [41:35] industrial customers whether at primary [41:38] uh or higher voltage or secondary [41:39] voltage. The proposed increases by the [41:42] authors is to raise the residential [41:44] rates from 5.25% to 5.5% [41:48] a 0.25% 25% increase and then a um an [41:53] additional or then a half percent [41:55] increase on the small commercial [41:56] industrial non-demand customers up to [41:59] 7.25%. [42:01] Roughly equivalent to is the increase to [42:03] small commercial industrial demand which [42:06] would go up to 7.25%. [42:08] And here's where I want to stop and [42:10] explain why that. to 6%. Um in the case [42:15] of the the billing systems used by Excel [42:18] Energy, um they are not able to provide [42:20] the um level of granular detail we're [42:23] looking from a revenue reporting [42:24] standpoint when um when rates are set at [42:28] an equivalent level across categories. [42:30] So we've differentiated them just [42:32] slightly here to be able to provide to [42:35] receive more granular uh revenue [42:37] reporting. And then finally, those [42:39] largest commercial and industrial [42:41] customers um whether primary or higher [42:44] voltage or secondary voltage would under [42:47] the proposed ordinance by the console [42:49] authors see a roughly 1% increase to [42:52] 7.75% [42:54] and 7.76%. [42:56] And another note here is that there are [42:57] a few more customer classes for [42:59] municipal pumping and public street [43:02] lighting and those uh classes are not [43:03] shown here because the uh council offers [43:06] have authors have proposed that those [43:08] remain unchanged. [43:11] Uh this is a slide that um some of you [43:13] may remember from uh previous franchise [43:16] fee increases. So we wanted to present [43:18] this today with a update to the [43:21] information provided to show the the [43:23] estimated impact for the council author [43:26] proposed uh increases. So total energy [43:30] costs here for an avid average average [43:32] residential customer in 2024 are $1,753. [43:37] Uh I will note that this is actually a [43:40] decrease from the slide that you've [43:42] previously seen where that was in 2022 [43:46] $2,037. [43:48] The reason for that decrease is um [43:50] multiple factors but primarily amongst [43:52] them was 2024 was a warmer year. So [43:56] there was less uh heating demand for [43:59] residential customers and thus their [44:01] bills were lower. as well as gas prices [44:04] in 2024, which fluctuate due to market [44:06] conditions, were cheaper than they were [44:09] in 2022. So that explains that decrease [44:12] over time. And that also highlights, I [44:14] think, the variability of energy prices [44:16] year-over-year as well. [44:19] And then compared against those 2024 [44:21] total energy costs for the for a typical [44:24] average household, the franchise fees as [44:27] proposed by the council authors would uh [44:30] impact bills by an increase of [44:32] approximately $10 a year. And then [44:35] borrowing from some information that [44:36] deputy commissioner Patrick Hanlin [44:38] provided uh to this committee about a [44:41] month ago, um there are a number of then [44:43] utility or of city programs particularly [44:46] green cost share which help residents [44:48] reduce energy costs and the franchise [44:51] fees um which are go into the climate [44:53] legacy initiative or I should say the [44:56] incremental fees of recent years that go [44:58] into the initiative uh help fund the [45:00] green cost share program and as an [45:02] example a project that is uh a [45:05] weatherization project with some air [45:07] sealing included in a typical household [45:10] as shown by green cost share numbers [45:12] that we've collected saves roughly $225 [45:15] a year per household and a more [45:18] comprehensive project that green cost [45:20] share sometimes funds which includes [45:22] also HVAC replacement and upgrades as [45:25] well in addition to those weatherization [45:27] can save upwards of $550 a year annually [45:31] and again these numbers are all based [45:32] upon uh 2020 2024 values and 2024 [45:38] weather and 2024 [45:40] uh energy prices. So these all may [45:43] fluctuate um a bit. We they already have [45:46] fluctuated a bit in 2025 and going into [45:48] the future they may fluctuate as well. [45:50] But if all were to remain constant, [45:52] these are the expected impacts that we [45:54] would see. [45:56] And next I will uh turn it back over to [45:58] Joselyn Bremer. [46:02] Thank you, Chair Kashman, members of the [46:04] CNI committee. This final slide contains [46:06] additional legislative links on limbs to [46:09] related presentations and files [46:11] regarding the utility franchise [46:12] agreements and the utility franchise [46:15] fees as well as links to the climate [46:16] legacy initiative and recent [46:18] implementation updates on that program. [46:21] These links are intended to provide [46:22] supplementary materials in case there is [46:24] any need for additional background [46:26] information that is me missing from this [46:28] presentation. We will now stand for [46:30] questions. Thank you. [46:32] >> All right. Thanks. Thank you so much for [46:34] the presentation. I think we will have [46:36] the public hearing first and hear from [46:38] community and then have the opportunity [46:40] to ask questions. So, please stick [46:43] around. [46:45] All right. Um, thank you. And like I [46:47] said, we have over 50 people signed up, [46:49] so we do have to reduce the amount of [46:50] time for each person, but we are so [46:52] grateful that you're all here and going [46:55] to proceed to open the public hearing [46:56] now. So, our first speaker is Suzanne [46:59] Murphy from War 12 and XL Energy. [47:04] >> Hello, Chair Kashman and council [47:06] members. Uh, my name is Suzanne Murphy [47:09] and I am the community relations manager [47:11] for Excel Energy in Minneapolis. Uh, we [47:13] enjoy collaborating with the city in [47:15] many ways. Uh, including the clean [47:17] energy partnership where for over the [47:20] last 10 years we have worked together in [47:22] support of the city's climate equity [47:24] plan. Uh in 2003, we were supportive of [47:27] the city's franchise fees proposal. [47:29] After five months of collaboration with [47:31] city staff, meeting every two weeks to [47:33] look at data and understand the city's [47:35] goals, we asked the city at that time to [47:38] rightsize the increase so that it would [47:40] not have to be regularly reopened. This [47:43] year, nobody has reached out for so much [47:45] as a conversation. Uh we're disappointed [47:48] in the insufficient process and [47:49] engagement to understand the impact to [47:51] businesses and residents. The city [47:54] receives about $29 million in electric [47:57] franchise fees alone. It is a staggering [48:00] amount of money, significantly more than [48:03] any other city in the state and should [48:04] be more than sufficient to meet your [48:06] needs. We do not support this ordinance [48:08] and ask you not to vote to not vote in [48:11] favor. Thank you. [48:16] >> All right. Our next speaker is Steven [48:17] Smith from W Nine. [48:31] Um, hi. My name is Stephen Smith and I [48:34] live in Ward 9. Um, [48:40] everyone has a right to clean to a clean [48:42] environment, including everyone's [48:44] children and grandchildren. more funding [48:46] for climate equity program is necessary [48:49] to reach our climate energy goals. Um [48:51] making life better for everyone in [48:54] Minneapolis. [48:55] Until the early 70s um when you drove up [48:58] to Minneapolis from uh outstate you saw [49:02] a haze over the city um but national [49:06] legislation and local legislation mainly [49:09] at mainly the Clean Air Act of 1970 we [49:12] fixed that problem. We made that haze go [49:14] away. Um 40 years ago, the ozone layer [49:18] above the atmosphere that prevents [49:20] harmful wavelengths of ultraviolet light [49:23] from reaching us was found to be [49:25] thinning uh and threatening increases in [49:28] cancers, blindness, cataracts. America [49:30] led a successful campaign led the whole [49:33] world to uh um solve this problem and in [49:38] spite of having a conservative Ronald [49:40] Reagan as a president. Um, [49:42] >> thank you for your uh thank you for your [49:44] remarks. So, the one minute is up. So, [49:46] your additional comments you can submit [49:48] in writing over at the clerks to make [49:49] sure they're in the record. [49:51] >> Thank you. [49:53] >> Yeah, you can bring them over to the [49:56] clerk. [49:58] [snorts] [49:58] >> All right. Next, we are going to ask [50:01] Marsha Maze from the Terrell Maze [50:03] Garden. Terrell [clears throat] Maze, [50:05] sorry. [50:09] >> We just going to go together because I'm [50:11] on the list, too. But I just want to [50:13] introduce her. Marsha M. She came all [50:15] the way up here. Y'all, it's not easy to [50:16] come up here. Especially the way you [50:18] guys have the building and the overflows [50:20] and stuff. I next time, please don't put [50:23] this at the end cuz everybody don't got [50:24] it like that. Privileges to come down [50:26] here and be down here for 3 4 hours. You [50:29] let your staff sit in here. Anyway, my [50:31] name is Roxan. This is Marcia May. I'm [50:34] one of the oldest standing Green Zone [50:36] members um since its inception. So, I [50:39] just want to say this money is [50:40] supportive to our community and I'm [50:43] getting tired of a narrative going [50:45] around that poor northiders, we won't be [50:47] able to um afford this increase if we [50:51] put, you know, increase the franchise [50:53] fees. We need to increase the franchise [50:55] fees. This work has been helpful. It has [50:59] supported our community. We built the [51:00] first solar mosque on ma massjet on at [51:04] the north side on Lindale. So, we put [51:06] solar on top. We got like a a a battery [51:10] so that if if um you know if the lights [51:13] go out that there'll still be about 13 [51:15] hours that the center could use to feed [51:18] people and do all sorts of things with. [51:19] So this money is helpful. I'mma pass it [51:21] on to Marca. [51:22] >> Okay. [51:23] >> Terrell's garden [51:26] has been the ultimate for the last 17 [51:29] years. It does have solar panel lights [51:32] on it. It nourishes. It feeds that [51:35] community too. It also has trees now. [51:38] Fruit trees. We do need to raise those [51:42] fees. Listen, [51:45] Excel kills us pockets. They raised [51:49] their fees on us. Why we can't raise [51:51] those fees on them? [51:56] Think about [51:56] >> and they're a monopoly. They got it, [51:58] y'all. They got it. [51:59] >> All right. Love y'all. Have a good day. [52:01] >> All right. Next we will welcome [52:03] Christian [52:04] Cororb from war 12. [52:17] [clears throat] [52:17] >> Good afternoon. [52:22] I'm Christian Korab, a low-income [52:24] homeowner in Ward 12 who was outright [52:27] given a solar system via our system [52:30] here. [52:32] Though this is an outstanding proof of [52:34] concept, I question the municipal [52:36] finance is just. I just don't know if [52:39] it's just. The monopoly negotiations [52:42] proceed from a corrupting assumption [52:45] that bargains with corporate rapists can [52:49] be justified. [52:52] Minneapolis again faces a moral mirror [52:56] it is very reluctant to see itself in. [53:01] But our centrist habits may cloud our [53:04] north star. [53:06] Let's fund a sustainable power for [53:10] everyone in all of its dimensions. [53:13] Don't let the monopolists trickle down [53:16] on us. [53:19] Thank you. [53:21] All right. Next, we'll recognize Michael [53:23] Walker from war 13. [53:32] >> Chair Cashman, Vice Chair Kowsky, and [53:34] members of the committee. My name is [53:35] Michael Walker. I live in W 13. I'm here [53:39] today to ask the council and mayor to [53:41] improve approve the increase in the [53:42] franchise fee to support more clean [53:44] energy home upgrades and alleviate the [53:46] burden of high energy bills. Increasing [53:48] this fee is a vital way to make, as the [53:51] mayor advocated for this summer, [53:54] serious progress toward our climate [53:57] goals. I want to live in a city that [53:59] prioritizes healthy air, lower energy [54:01] bills, and people over profit. Having [54:04] attended several clean energy [54:06] partnership meetings the last few years, [54:08] I've observed that Excel and Centerpoint [54:11] are more concerned with profit and have [54:13] made tepid progress toward the climate [54:15] goals. We the people need to act on our [54:18] community's best interest because they [54:19] have proven they will not. If we want to [54:22] see the blockbyblock network geothermal [54:24] that council member Rainville was [54:25] rightly excited about in October, we [54:28] need to increase funding. A less than 10 [54:30] year $10 a year utility increase for the [54:33] average homeowner to double the number [54:35] of homes transition per year is well [54:37] worth the investment. And I do want to [54:40] publicly thank Chair Cashman and Vice [54:43] Chair Ksky for their work on this and [54:46] your leadership will be sorely missed in [54:47] the city. [54:49] Thank you. Next, we'll recognize Leslie [54:51] uh Jackson. Welcome up Leslie Jackson. [54:59] >> Good morning, honorable members of city [55:02] council. I'm Leslie Jackson, a proud [55:05] native northsider and a strong voice for [55:07] our green zones. our climate equity plan [55:10] designed for the green zones as [55:12] Minneapolis environmental justice [55:13] communities. [55:15] This this designation comes from a [55:18] critical promise, the federal justice 40 [55:21] commit commitment [55:23] guaranteeing 40% of overall investments [55:26] flow directly into these communities [55:29] marginalized by underinvestments and [55:32] overburdened population. [55:35] In 20 [55:37] 23, the council committed to 40% [55:41] reinvestment. Again, in 2023, the [55:45] council committed to 40% reinvestment. [55:48] Simultaneously, you increase franchise [55:51] fees collecting critical revenue [55:54] directly from the green zones residents. [55:57] Yet the reality of the past two years [56:00] shown a profound failure to honor that [56:04] commitment. [56:07] You promised 40% you delivered 11%. The [56:12] 40% was committed to justice. The 11% is [56:16] a crisis of consciousness. The 29 point [56:20] gap is not a rounding error. It is a [56:23] willful act of municipal neglect that [56:26] denies our residents and the resources [56:30] promises for the health and stability. [56:32] When the disparity I signed up twice the [56:36] when the disparity is dismissed as $1 [56:40] for a household. I remind you Dr. Martin [56:43] Luther King words as an injustice and [56:47] anywhere is an injustice everywhere. An [56:51] injustice anywhere is an injustice [56:54] everywhere. You ask for a down payment [56:57] for environmental justice and then you [57:00] pocket the change. The the issue here is [57:03] not the about the dollar. It is the [57:05] fundamental breach of trust. [57:07] >> Out of fairness, I'm going to ask you to [57:09] submit the [57:10] >> and I did. I submitted my speech and my [57:13] letter. Please let me finish. [57:14] >> I'm sorry. We have [57:15] >> Okay. Fix the problem and then only [57:18] consider re increasing our burden. Thank [57:20] you for your time. Looking forward to [57:22] you making the right decision for the [57:24] residents that live in the green zone [57:26] and giving them the justice they [57:28] deserved and it's overdue. Thank you. [57:30] >> All right. Next, we'll recognize Bruce [57:32] O'Brien from word 13. [57:40] >> Good afternoon. Good afternoon. Thank [57:42] you uh council uh ch uh committee for uh [57:46] having us speak. Uh I live in W 13 in [57:49] Minneapolis and um I uh am very [57:53] concerned about the climate uh which I I [57:56] uh consider a fundamentally a uh global [58:00] health crisis. Uh and of course that is [58:04] affecting uh some comm community some [58:06] communities more than others like people [58:08] of color and poor uh who are already [58:12] paying a much greater price. Um, we [58:15] don't have to accept the climate being [58:17] torn apart, especially when we know what [58:19] causes it. This is a climate equity [58:22] plan, meaning uh equality. It is [58:26] thinking globally, acting locally, and [58:29] it's a prescription for this moment in [58:31] our lives. It takes vision for clean [58:34] energy homes. We need to increase the [58:37] climate equity funding. It takes courage [58:40] to bravely step out of the easy way, the [58:42] comfortable way, and to do the right [58:46] thing. Thank you. [58:49] Thank you. Next, we'll recognize SV [58:51] Nielson from W 8. [59:00] My name is Sve Nielson. I'm a citizen of [59:03] Ward 8. I would like to cut to the chase [59:06] so I can get in my main point. When I [59:09] heard about the clean energy home [59:11] upgrades that would result in savings on [59:14] my monthly energy bill, I decided to [59:17] apply. I applied and I got a free home [59:20] energy audit as part of the application [59:22] process, which was a great thing because [59:25] I found out for the first time that I [59:26] had no insulation in my walls. [59:30] I found out also um that I was actually [59:34] eligible, but to get before I got the [59:36] formal uh notification of that I and I [59:41] waited for that and hoped and was [59:44] hopeful because they said I qualified. [59:46] Then I received a message saying that [59:48] they were out of funds for the year and [59:52] I applied again this year and the same [59:56] thing happened. out of funds for the [59:59] program. Um, very disheartening. This is [60:03] why people are cynical about government [60:05] programs. If you don't fund them, it [60:08] seems like you're doing nothing. Thank [60:11] you. [60:12] >> Thank you. Next, we'll recognize Ken [60:14] Anglehart from W1 12. [60:23] >> Thank you for the opportunity to speak. [60:26] I would like to stand in support of the [60:29] increase in the franchise fee. I [60:31] reviewed the climate equity plan this [60:33] morning and uh I noticed that in [60:37] December of 2021, [60:40] this council, the Minneapolis City [60:41] Council, and the mayor passed a [60:43] resolution declaring that we have a [60:44] climate emergency. When we have an [60:47] emergency, I think we need to step up [60:49] and meet the demands that that emergency [60:51] calls for. [60:53] 2024 was the hottest year on record [60:56] globally. And we've seen the effects of [60:58] that. Wildfires in California, the [61:01] tragic flooding of the girls camp in [61:03] Texas, [61:05] consecutive years of drought in [61:06] Minnesota, flooding in Minnesota, and [61:08] our disappearing winter, and even a [61:11] hurricane affecting Asheville, North [61:14] Carolina. [61:15] We need to meet the demands of this [61:17] emergency, and I support um this [61:20] resolution. and thank you for the [61:21] opportunity to speak. [61:23] >> Thank you so much. Um, next up is [61:25] Michelle Hensley. [61:29] >> Good afternoon, everyone. When the [61:32] Minneapolis City Council passed the [61:34] climate equity plan over two years ago, [61:37] part of me knew that it was too good to [61:39] be true. Part of me knew worried that [61:43] certain council members and perhaps the [61:45] mayor would succumb to intense lobbying [61:47] from the biggest polluters and would use [61:51] a make up some kind of palatable cover [61:53] story to change their to cover their [61:56] change of heart. Well, that seems to be [61:59] exactly what's happening. The excuse now [62:01] being presented is that increasing fees, [62:04] franchise fees, [62:07] uh, by as much as $10 a year would be [62:10] too much of a burden for poor residents, [62:12] which it certainly would be a big [62:15] burden. But it ignores the fact that the [62:19] fees paid by the largest polluters will [62:22] give them hundreds of dollars of savings [62:25] every year by insulating homes and [62:27] electrifying heat sources. We are [62:30] exhausted by politicians speaking out of [62:33] both sides of their mouth, especially [62:35] when it comes to climate change. I thank [62:37] the council members who truly support [62:39] the goals of the climate equity plan and [62:41] I ask everyone else to dig deeper into [62:44] your conscience and ask the big [62:46] polluters to dig deeper into their [62:48] pockets. Thank you. [62:51] Next, I'll recognize Jill Wait, followed [62:53] by Annne Hogan. [63:01] I'm here to ask you to up the franchise [63:05] fee because this is a matter of [63:07] survival. It's a matter of economic [63:10] survival. It's a matter of political [63:13] survival and it's a matter of physical [63:15] survival. What could be more important? [63:19] It's a matter of economic survival [63:21] because we have free energy underground [63:24] that we can tap into with heat pumps [63:27] that are five times more efficient than [63:29] natural gas. Why wouldn't we want to do [63:32] that? Saves us money. It's saves us [63:36] politically because it levels the [63:39] playing field. Right now, people like my [63:41] brother who 20 years ago invested in [63:43] geothermal can save money by doing that. [63:47] But people like others who don't have [63:50] that kind of money have to go to the [63:53] back of the line and stay with natural [63:56] gas because they can't afford the [63:58] initial cost of geothermal. We can level [64:01] that playing field. Thank you. [64:05] >> Thank you. Next is Ann Hogan, Fifth [64:08] Ward, Jordan Neighborhood. [64:13] Ann [64:20] Annne Hogan. All right, we if Ann comes, [64:23] we'll add you uh later in the list. So, [64:25] next is Doug Johnson from Ward Four. [64:30] >> All right. [64:40] >> Welcome. [64:41] >> Thanks. [64:44] Good afternoon everyone. My name is Anne [64:46] Hogan. I live in the fifth ward in the [64:48] green zone and I also work in the fifth [64:52] ward at St. Olaf Lutheran Church and we [64:55] do quite a bit of community work there [64:57] at St. Olaf. And what I'm getting uh in [65:02] our community a lot of people are living [65:04] in homes that needs repair. They have [65:10] quite a weatherization needs to be done. [65:13] The utility bills are very high and same [65:16] as another person spoke when you sign up [65:20] there's no funds. I have seen uh the [65:24] benefits of getting a healthy home [65:27] through my daughter who got her home [65:30] done and it uh her asthma went down and [65:36] all of these breathing diseases that's [65:38] in our communities due to not having [65:41] healthy homes. A lot of them have uh [65:44] mold in the basement. And I I would like [65:48] for you to approve to approve this uh [65:53] franchise fee for especially the people [65:56] who just can't afford to repair these [65:59] things. Um like I said on a daily basis [66:03] I speak to my community in the fifth [66:05] ward and the most things they need is [66:07] just to weatherize their homes and make [66:10] them um livable. [66:13] >> Thank you so much. appreciate your time [66:15] today. Next is Doug Johnson followed by [66:18] Erin Thompson. [66:29] Madame Chair and honorable council [66:31] members, my name is Doug Johnson. I live [66:33] in the fourth ward. Um [66:37] I'm speaking I'm speaking in [laughter] [66:39] favor of increasing the franchise fee. [66:42] [clears throat and cough] Excuse me. And [66:42] here's why. [66:47] >> [clears throat] [66:47] >> My home was built in 1938. [66:50] Some years back, I decided to upgrade my [66:52] wall insulation and [66:55] with some popular at the time ura [66:59] forldahhide foam insulation. A few years [67:01] later, stories came out about people [67:04] getting sick from this outgassing [67:07] insulation. Not wanting to expose my [67:09] family to the possible dangers, I [67:12] decided to remove the blown in [67:14] insulation myself. I had to remove the [67:17] siding and the sheathing to get at the [67:19] insulation. When I got the insulation [67:20] removed, I found out that it was 1-in [67:23] bats of newspaper was the original [67:25] insulation in my house. [67:29] [clears throat] [67:33] And uh, of course, that's a good way to [67:36] use newspapers when you don't have [67:37] anything else to do with them, but back [67:39] then that's all they had. Now, that's a [67:41] very bad way to insulate a house. [67:44] >> Thank you so much for your comments, [67:45] Doug. Unfortunately, the minute is up. [67:47] >> Oh, thank you so much. I just wanted to [67:49] say that a lot of houses now in the [67:51] green zone don't even have insulation [67:52] and so there's a danger of people using [67:55] space heaters [67:56] >> to uh to make their homes comfortable [67:59] and the uh the danger is that you can [68:03] have a electrical fire. [68:04] >> Thank you so much. [68:06] >> All right. Next we'll recognize we'll [68:08] welcome Erin Thompson followed by Megan [68:10] Reich and then Michelle Shaw. [68:14] >> Good afternoon Erin Thompson. at 11. [68:18] I would love for you to increase the [68:20] franchise fee to at least 15 million [68:22] this year. We need to be bold, to take [68:24] risks, and to think abundantly instead [68:26] of out of scarcity. [68:29] I care deeply about the histories in our [68:31] city of racism, environmental racism, [68:34] and inequality. Uh we know that in our [68:37] low income and in communities of color, [68:39] um the rates of asthma and respiratory [68:41] illnesses are staggering. A Stanford [68:45] University researcher has studied the [68:46] ways exposure to air pollution ripples [68:49] across generations. Toxic air particles [68:51] make their way into the bloodstream, [68:53] affecting a developing fetus. They also [68:56] can affect both male and female [68:57] reproductive organs, altering genetics [69:01] and affecting future generations [69:03] ongoingly. This is happening to our [69:05] neighbors who live near industrial [69:07] pollution. Energy uh enabling home [69:09] energy upgrades and across the city is a [69:12] first step. We need to keep the [69:13] franchise fee increases moving upward to [69:16] ensure that our city is doing the best [69:19] that we can right now. Thank you so [69:21] much. [69:23] >> Thank you. Next is Megan Reich followed [69:25] by Michelle Shaw then Carter Davis. [69:30] >> Hello council members. My name is Megan [69:32] Reich and I live in W 2. I'm here to [69:34] voice my support for increasing the [69:35] franchise fee ordinance rates to expand [69:37] energy efficiency programs starting in [69:39] Minneapolis green zones. I'm speaking [69:42] today for younger millennials and Gen Z [69:44] renters and homeowners. My generation [69:46] and those younger than me largely cannot [69:48] afford to decarbonize our homes. We are [69:50] wondering what our future will look [69:51] like. Many of us worry about the future [69:53] of our children and some are choosing [69:55] not to have children at all because of [69:56] where the climate is heading. Climate [69:58] action has to start locally, but right [70:00] now Minneapolis is not on track to reach [70:02] its climate equity plan goals. Funding, [70:04] as others said, runs out halfway through [70:06] the year for clean energy programs, even [70:07] as resident demand continues to grow. [70:10] Weatherization is not abstract. It means [70:12] lower energy bills, healthier homes, and [70:13] cleaner airs. It means that families can [70:15] live in comfort and dignity [70:16] [clears throat] while also protecting [70:17] our shared climate. These programs [70:19] create options for action and [70:20] empowerment, especially for people who [70:22] feel like they've been left without a [70:24] way to contribute. We know city leaders [70:26] are being pressured by the biggest [70:27] polluters to say no to increased funding [70:29] for energy upgrades. But what is more [70:31] important, our polluters or our pe [70:32] people? Let's give the next generation [70:34] something to stand on. Thank you. [70:39] >> Thank you. Next is Michelle Shaw, [70:41] followed by Carter Davis and then Todd [70:44] Bartholomew. [70:47] >> Hello, council members. Michelle Shaw, [70:49] word one. I'm all for funding this [70:51] program. However, I think it'd be [70:53] helpful for people to see the breakdown [70:54] of what neighborhoods are receiving the [70:56] funding as there's misinformation out [70:58] there about who is and who isn't getting [71:00] funding. I don't understand why the [71:02] money is running out in August and how [71:05] the program is being run. Should people [71:07] who can afford to pay for energy [71:09] upgrades without a loan be eligible for [71:11] the funding? And what about those of us [71:13] who fall through the cracks like people [71:15] with disabilities, students, recent [71:17] grads, and young families? If those on [71:19] the city advisory councils like the [71:21] green zones are supposed to make uh [71:23] program recommendations for this [71:25] franchise fee, please listen and follow [71:27] through on our recommendations. Thank [71:29] you for your time. [71:32] >> Wonderful. Next is Carter Davis, [71:34] followed by Todd Bartholomew. [71:41] >> Hi, my name is Carter Davis. I live in W [71:44] 2. I'm 30 years old and everyone around [71:47] my age talks about climate change like [71:49] it's an im imminent unavoidable [71:51] apocalypse. People my age aren't [71:54] starting families or buying homes or [71:55] saving for retirement out of a belief [71:57] that there won't be a future. It's easy [72:00] to see why. We only have 5 years to [72:02] dramatically reduce our reliance on [72:04] carbon to avoid ecological collapse. And [72:06] our executive branch is ideologically [72:09] committed to making the problem worse. [72:11] But this is not an all or nothing [72:12] situation. Every way we can reduce our [72:15] carbon emissions will help make this [72:17] planet more livable for future [72:18] generations. Climate pessimism is not an [72:21] option. We have a chance to make a [72:23] difference and join the rest of the [72:24] world in tackling this existential [72:26] threat. That's why I support raising the [72:29] fr franchise fee so we can better meet [72:31] the goals of the Minneapolis 20 240 plan [72:34] and ensure a more equitable future for [72:36] all. [72:38] >> Thank you. [72:40] Next, we'll hear from Todd Bartholomew [72:43] followed by Lee Samson. [72:47] >> Good afternoon, esteemed council [72:49] members. My name is Todd Bartholomew. I [72:52] live in South Minneapolis [72:54] with my wife and my 13-year-old daughter [72:56] who is on the green team at Justice Page [72:58] School and with whom we have nearly [73:00] nightly conversations about conservation [73:03] in the future. I'm also grandfather of [73:06] two of two grandkids and an older [73:08] daughter's family who live in the green [73:10] the green zone in South Minneapolis. I [73:13] support the ordinance urgently and I [73:15] challenge you to demonstrate your [73:16] leadership in this moment by passing it. [73:19] The excellent plan we established in [73:21] 2023 is nothing if not executed. The $10 [73:25] million fund, as you've heard, has run [73:28] out midyear so far, uh leaving thousands [73:31] of of homeowners waiting for [73:33] weatherization. The ordinance is [73:36] affordable. What's not affordable is [73:38] abandoning our path to the on the clean [73:40] energy goal. The cost of gas and [73:43] electric and the ex existential cost to [73:46] our planet makes the ordinance [73:48] investment almost inconsequential by [73:51] comparison. [73:53] I implore you, dear council [73:55] representatives, to step up to this [73:57] moment and pass this important [73:59] ordinance. [74:02] >> Thank you so much. Next, we'll recognize [74:04] uh Lee Samson followed by Lorenzo Lean [74:07] and then Arlene Mat. [74:13] Yeah, Chair Kashman, members of the [74:15] committee, the message from community [74:18] power has been clear and consistent all [74:20] along. We value initiatives that link a [74:22] climate vision with a pathway to [74:24] affordability. And as a supplement to [74:27] our organizational comments that my [74:29] colleague will submit to the clerk, I [74:31] have an additional graph to reference [74:34] that uh shows the um number of [74:36] citybacked weatherization and deep [74:38] energy efficiency retrofits. suddenly [74:40] tripled when the climate legacy [74:42] initiative went to effect in 2024 [74:45] indicating a strong correlation. So it [74:48] is uh best for the community that the [74:50] proposals get approved so that we don't [74:53] have another year of funding running out [74:55] in August at the same level of demand. [74:58] And the the chart also shows that 54% of [75:01] the funds are going toward those in need [75:05] and we'll continue to follow the [75:07] implementation of the climate legacy [75:10] initiative roundt to make sure that's [75:12] the case. And uh I do want to lastly [75:15] thank you for your um October 22nd Star [75:18] Tribune commentary on the ideas. Thank [75:21] you. [75:24] >> Thank you. Next we'll have Lorenzo Lean [75:26] followed by Arlene Mat and then Cat [75:28] Kudson. [75:36] Hello, I'm Lorenzo Lean from W 12. I [75:39] strongly support the raising of the [75:42] franchise fees. Um [75:45] earlier this year I was volunteering [75:47] with the foster grandparent program at [75:49] House School. They were excited and [75:52] looking forward to a day at uh Riverview [75:55] Theater a block away. Because the um air [76:00] quality was so bad that day, it got [76:03] cancelled and it was not reinstituted. [76:06] I would like our kids to be able to look [76:08] forward to things and not be [76:10] disappointed. Thank you. [76:13] >> Thank you. Next, we'll have Arlene Mat. [76:18] Welcome. [76:19] Thank you. My name is Arlene Mat. I live [76:22] in Ward 11. I'd like to thank my council [76:24] member, Vice Chair Kausski and Chair [76:26] Cash Cashman for your leadership and [76:28] support of climate equity programs. I [76:31] urge the council to pass these two [76:33] franchise fee ordinances as part of a [76:35] ramp up to at least 118 million a year [76:38] by 2030. [76:40] Uh besides the essential and urgent [76:42] benefit of reducing emissions, clean [76:45] energy home upgrades provide immediate [76:47] savings for residents. As you've heard, [76:49] they create good local jobs and they [76:51] improve residents health. The city's [76:54] investments in weatherizing homes so far [76:56] has resulted in $380 million in lifetime [76:59] savings. We can't afford not to do this. [77:02] Thank you. [77:04] >> Thank you. Next, we'll welcome Cat [77:06] Kudson from Centerpoint, followed by [77:09] Adam Dunning from the downtown council, [77:11] and then Justin Justice Jones from W 7. [77:16] Hi, I'm Cat Kudson with Centerpoint [77:18] Energy. Centerpoint provides this city's [77:20] homes, businesses, hospitals, [77:23] nonprofits, and others with safe, [77:25] reliable, cost-effective energy. [77:27] Franchise fees are paid 100% by our [77:30] customers, who are the city's residents [77:32] and standalone homes, multif family [77:35] properties, schools, hospitals, [77:38] businesses, and places of worship to [77:40] name just a few. Two years ago, when the [77:42] city increased fees, it did so after a [77:44] datadriven monthsl long engagement [77:47] process that involves significant [77:48] analysis, including understanding the [77:51] customer impacts and consideration of [77:53] unintended consequences. That process [77:56] seems to have been abandoned this year. [78:00] Because of this, Centerpoint cannot [78:02] support this gas franchise fee increase. [78:06] Thank you. [78:08] >> All right. Next to welcome Adam Dunning [78:10] from downtown council. [78:19] >> Okay. Thank you. Next we'll recognize or [78:22] welcome Justice Jones from W 7 followed [78:25] by Jay Lieberman followed by Katherine [78:28] Gilbertson. [78:33] Hello. My name is Justice Jones. Um, and [78:36] as she said, I'm from W 7. Um, and I, [78:41] well, I'm not from W 7. I live in W 7, [78:43] but I'm from the north side. And I work [78:45] for a north sidebased organization [78:46] called CMEJ that's connected to various [78:49] EJ communities and groups in various [78:51] different ways. My previous mentor and [78:54] CMEJ's founder, Roxan O'Brien, always [78:56] told me that if you want to know the [78:57] truth, you need to ask at least five [78:59] people. [79:00] Initially, I believed that increasing [79:02] these franchise fees would serve as a [79:04] stepping stone to achieve our goals with [79:06] the knowledge that every cent of these [79:08] fees would be spent on the [79:09] weatherization of homes and EJ [79:11] initiatives within the green zones. [79:13] However, when I arrived here today, I [79:15] was shown data that was brought to [79:16] elders from Ed Hario, the mayor's senior [79:19] policy aid on climate and public health [79:21] that shows that these fees aren't being [79:22] used appropriately or within true energy [79:25] burden communities. I was also shown [79:27] data by city staff that contradicted [79:29] what was shown to elders at the most [79:31] recent Green Zone meeting that says the [79:33] money is being used correctly. I find it [79:36] deeply concerning that city staff and [79:38] city officials are sharing contradicting [79:40] information with community members. It [79:42] is a clear violation of the rights [79:44] constituents have to make decisions [79:46] about what happens in the communities [79:47] that we live in. And if we choose to [79:49] increase these franchise fees, I urge [79:52] you to get your house in order. It is [79:54] your job to ensure that the money from [79:55] these fees goes directly into [79:57] weatherization, green zones, and the [79:59] initiatives that are on the ground doing [80:00] the work because we are the ones footing [80:02] the bill. [80:03] >> Thank you. [80:06] Next, we'll have Jay Lieberman followed [80:08] by Katherine Gilbertson and then Joe [80:11] Hesla. [80:14] Jay Lieberman, word 12. Thanks for the [80:17] opportunity to speak in favor of the [80:19] franchise fee increase. For the last two [80:22] years, I've had the opportunity to have [80:24] extended discussions with dozens of [80:27] neighbors about doing clean energy [80:29] upgrades in their homes and the problems [80:31] that people run into, like what is the [80:35] best thing for me to do for the home, uh [80:38] what kind of products or process do I [80:40] need, who should I hire to help me do [80:42] that work, and how do I pay for it are [80:46] common to everybody. [80:48] The programs that are funded by the [80:51] clean en energy initiative uh provide [80:54] the answers, people who can answer those [80:56] questions and they provide the financial [80:59] aid that's critical, grants and loans [81:03] that should be going to the people that [81:06] need that funding the most. [81:08] Uh this increase, while relatively [81:12] small, will fund hundreds of projects in [81:15] people's homes. So, I hope you will [81:17] approve it. Thank you. [81:20] >> Next, I'll recognize Katherine [81:22] Gilbertson, followed by Joe Hesla, and [81:24] then Bonnie Beckl. [81:32] >> Good afternoon. Uh, my name is Katherine [81:33] Gilbertson. I am here on behalf of the [81:36] Sheridan Downtown, uh, Ambridge [81:38] Hospitality, as well as Hospitality [81:40] Minnesota. Um, it's been very [81:42] enlightening sitting here. Um, I have to [81:44] listen to, uh, what people are saying. I [81:46] have to look at uh the the items that [81:49] have been shown today and wonder where [81:50] this money is going. Um because I can [81:54] see the increase in franchise fees that [81:56] have occurred um at the companies that I [81:58] work for and yet you're running out of [82:01] money each year. Uh a little bit [82:03] concerning. Um I know that we've spent [82:06] $336,000 [82:07] on utilities alone this year and that's [82:10] with being closed from January 1st [82:11] through May 20th. So utilities are uh a [82:15] little bit out of control at this point. [82:17] We are a larger operation and we can [82:19] absorb the cost. However, small [82:20] businesses will be hit hard as they [82:23] operate with less financial flexibility [82:24] and cannot easily pass the added [82:26] expenses along without without losing [82:30] competitiveness. [82:32] I see this being as an opportunity um [82:34] for the city to uh get some short-term [82:36] revenue gains with long-term [82:38] consequences. Thank you for your time. [82:43] Okay, next uh we'll have Joe Hesla [82:45] followed by Bonnie Beckl and then [82:48] Katherine Ringham. [82:51] Chair Cashman, council members, asthma [82:54] is on the rise in Minneapolis. And why [82:56] is that? One reason is gas stoves and [82:59] gas furnaces, gas stoves cause asthma at [83:02] a similar rate to secondhand smoke. And [83:06] that's just gas stoves. [83:09] [clears throat] Asthma is present is [83:10] preventable. [83:12] We can put electric stoves in everyone's [83:14] homes starting with the poorest [83:16] neighborhoods. This will cost money and [83:19] yes, that money should come from all of [83:20] us, but the greatest contribution should [83:23] come from the biggest energy users and [83:25] biggest polluters. That's only fair. [83:28] That's why we're here today to ask you [83:30] to raise the franchise fee to $15 [83:32] million. [83:34] The mayor will tell you that we can't [83:36] burden our big corporations like that or [83:38] inconvenience our energy monopolies, [83:41] Excel and Centerpoint Energy. But I'm [83:44] here to tell you that we cannot burden [83:45] our precious children and our vibrant [83:48] health of our neighbors like that, [83:50] particularly our lowest income [83:52] neighbors. I cannot think of a morally [83:55] defensible reason not to do this. Please [83:58] vote for this increase. [84:02] Next, we'll welcome Bonnie Heckle, [84:04] followed by Katherine Ringham, and then [84:06] Maddie Fiser. [84:12] >> That's Bonnie Beckle. [84:14] >> Apologies. [laughter] [84:17] >> All right. I I want you to increase the [84:19] franchise fees to continue to help [84:21] residents who have low incomes and who [84:24] live in the green zones to get their [84:26] homes made energy efficient. When I [84:29] first heard about the climate crisis, I [84:31] learned that it along with habitat loss [84:35] has caused the extinction of hundreds of [84:38] animal species. [84:41] So, and also that the populations of [84:44] thousands more species are plummeting. [84:48] It struck me as the epitome of the [84:51] arrogance of the human species that we [84:54] think we are so much more important that [84:57] is it's okay to destroy the very [84:59] existence of other creatures that we [85:01] share this planet with. [85:04] And we know that the greed of this [85:05] capitalist system is killing human [85:08] beings also. [85:10] So we can do something about this right [85:13] here in Minneapolis about this upside [85:16] down world. [85:17] we can bring down the carbon pollution [85:19] from our homes and buildings. Thank you. [85:23] >> Thank you, Bonnie. [85:26] Next, we'll welcome Katherine Ringham, [85:28] followed by Mattie Fischer, and then [85:29] Alice Madden. [85:34] >> Good afternoon, um um Cashman Chair and [85:38] other council members. My name is [85:40] Katherine Ringham. Live in Ward 13, [85:42] current leader of Elders Climate Action [85:44] in the Twin Cities and a Unidito's [85:46] champion. We've lived in Minneapolis for [85:49] a long time raising children. And now [85:51] I'm lucky enough to watch our [85:53] grandchildren uh grow up here, too. And [85:55] like so many of my neighbors, I care [85:57] deeply about what kind of world we are [85:59] leaving them. Not just the planet, but [86:02] the day-to-day life right here, right [86:04] now. That's why I'm here today to ask [86:06] you to increase the climate equity [86:08] funding. We now know that these programs [86:11] are really work by cutting energy bills. [86:14] They make h homes warmer in the winter, [86:17] cooler in the summer, and safer to [86:19] breathe in. And what I love about this [86:21] fund is that it's supported mainly by [86:23] fees from big polluters, not from [86:25] taxpayers. It's a fair way to turn the [86:28] damage of pollution into something [86:30] positive. healthier homes, lower costs, [86:32] and a stronger, more resilient [86:34] community. So, I'm asking you, please [86:36] keep moving forward. Strengthen the [86:38] climate equity fund. Let's make clean [86:41] energy homes for all a reality in our [86:43] city. That would be a legacy worth uh [86:45] worth leaving. So, thank you so much for [86:48] listening and for all of your good [86:49] leadership. [86:52] >> Thank you. Next, we'll recognize Maddie [86:55] Fiser, followed by Alice Madden, and [86:58] then Jara Elhassen. [87:04] Good afternoon. My name is Mattie [87:06] Fischer and I'm here on behalf of the [87:07] Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce [87:09] and the Minneapolis Downtown Council. [87:11] Thank you for the opportunity to comment [87:12] on the proposed franchise fee [87:14] ordinances. [87:15] Of the chamber's 700 member businesses [87:18] across the Twin Cities, nearly 40% of [87:19] them are based here in the city of [87:21] Minneapolis. And as an organization [87:23] focused on advocating for business, [87:24] we're disappointed to see a pass through [87:26] tax on both residents and corporations [87:28] on the table before this committee. [87:29] Again, we understand the city's need to [87:32] address budget shortfalls during this [87:34] time of uncertainty, but any increase [87:36] should come with a greater degree of [87:38] transparency and public input. It is [87:40] unfair to the companies that choose to [87:42] be in the city of Minneapolis and to ask [87:44] them to pay the biggest price. And it [87:46] places a monetary burden during a time [87:48] of soaring costs for businesses. We hope [87:51] you'll consider leaving franchise fees [87:53] where they are and not increasing them [87:54] for the second time in as many years. [87:56] Thank you. [88:00] Next is Alice Madden from Community [88:03] Power. [88:11] >> Hi council members. My name is Alice [88:13] Madden. Um I work with community power [88:15] but I'm also on the climate legacy [88:17] initiative round table which is the um [88:19] community advisory board to the climate [88:21] legacy initiative. Um just want to [88:23] ground [clears throat] us first that we [88:24] are in this room here but um of all of [88:26] our global peers we have the biggest [88:28] responsibility in the US among other [88:30] wealthy nations um to address this [88:32] climate crisis. Um while the federal [88:35] government is not attending the PI Paris [88:37] climate uh uh uh the COP convenings [88:41] right now, uh mayors and governors are. [88:43] It is the local level that is holding [88:45] the water for this issue right now. We [88:47] have to keep it there. But also that all [88:50] of these costs of climate change will [88:51] affect public works. It will affect [88:53] roads. It will affect uh insurance costs [88:56] for people's homes. That those costs are [88:58] being absorbed like residents and [89:00] businesses are paying them. and the [89:01] green cost share program and the climate [89:02] legacy initiative is available for [89:04] everyone. The return on investment is $4 [89:06] to9 for every dollar that the city [89:09] invests. That's huge. $9 is for [89:11] businesses. So for the folks who are [89:12] representing business here, I hope you [89:13] reach out and take advantage of it. Um I [89:16] just want to close my comments here by [89:18] saying if the utilities care about cost [89:20] increases, they should not be asking for [89:22] 20% rate increases or raises to their [89:24] 10% return on investment. And please, [89:27] you have lots of lobbying time other [89:28] places. Um, if that's that's what you [89:31] want to do, please do it there. Um, [89:33] >> and lastly, that the information about [89:35] what is happening with these fees should [89:37] come from city staff [89:39] because there's it can't come from [89:41] multiple sources and it's really got to [89:42] come from the staff who know what [89:44] they're talking about circulating to [89:46] green zones, seak, evac, etc. [89:48] >> Thanks, Alice. If you have more [89:49] comments, please submit them to writing. [89:51] >> Thank you for your time. Um, next we'll [89:55] welcome Jara Elhassan, followed by Bill [89:57] Adams Ski and then Aaron Bax. [90:06] My name is Geriel Hassen. I am a W 5 [90:10] resident. I'm also a recipient of some [90:12] of these grants and loans that this [90:14] ordinance or this franchise fee pays [90:17] for. I would just like to advocate that [90:19] the process to get these um grants and [90:23] fees is very hard. People have dropped [90:25] the ball. It took me three years to get [90:27] in for the for the services and what I [90:30] was allowed to have as far as like [90:33] insulation wasn't necessarily the best [90:36] choice for my home. For instance, I [90:39] would have chosen radiant barrier [90:41] insulation versus the spray foam insul [90:43] insulation that I got that now is [90:45] voiding my homeowner's policy because [90:47] that type of insulation makes it so you [90:50] cannot see the floor joistices when they [90:52] do inspections and lowers your property [90:53] value. Also, I was not approved to get a [90:57] new AC unit because I do not have [90:59] central air and was told to use three [91:01] different air conditioners to keep my [91:03] home cool in the summertime, which is a [91:05] greater cost of from $300 to $600 a [91:09] month in utility costs. So, my utilities [91:12] have not gone down because of these [91:13] programs. So, I would like the [91:15] homeowners to be able to have better [91:16] choices to be able to make their homes [91:18] more efficient. and the north side [91:21] residents do are are in favor of this [91:24] franchise um tax despite the fact that [91:27] we are low income. We still need this. [91:29] Our community would greatly benefit from [91:31] these resources. Thank you. [91:33] >> Thank you for those insights and [91:35] feedback. Um next we'll have Adam or [91:39] sorry Bill Adamsky followed by Aaron Bax [91:42] and then Abby [91:45] Guthman. [91:49] My name is Bill Damsky of W 8. Thank you [91:52] for this opportunity to speak. I urge [91:54] you to approve the proposed increase in [91:58] the franchise fees which are still [92:00] wolffully inadequate to funding the [92:02] goals of the clean energy initiative [92:05] which is increased efficiency of re and [92:08] increased efficiency renewables [92:11] and reduced emissions and affordability. [92:14] The necessary home upgrades are too [92:16] costly for most residents, especially [92:18] those living in the green zones. [92:21] We need to put people ahead of profits [92:24] and striving to meet the CLI objectives. [92:27] Let's have the polluter pay for most of [92:29] the home energy upgrades. Thank you. [92:33] >> Thanks. Next is Aaron Bax from W 7. [92:42] Uh good afternoon. My name is Aaron Bax [92:45] and I live in Ward 7 and I believe the [92:47] council should vote in favor of this uh [92:49] funding increase. Um I've been [92:51] considering my comments in context of [92:53] the SNAP food affordability program [92:55] crisis that has affected many [92:57] individuals and families in our city. [92:59] And as a former as a former SNAP enrolle [93:02] and someone who has helped many motans [93:03] [snorts] navigate the primary energy [93:06] burden reduction program we have in this [93:07] country energy assistance there's a [93:10] common thread while energy assistance is [93:12] a powerful tool to make energy more [93:14] affordable it cannot change any of the [93:16] things that makes energy unaffordable to [93:18] begin with and it's a program that [93:20] requires a social security number [93:24] on the other hand is an upstream [93:26] solution. It enables participants to [93:28] save hundreds of dollars a year in the [93:30] winter and in the summer on their energy [93:32] bills because the cheapest kilowatt hour [93:33] is the one that is never used. In [93:35] addition, lie can never realize safety [93:38] and comfort improvements in the home. [93:40] Weatherization is the only tool that can [93:42] ensure that your bedroom isn't windy [93:44] even when the windows are closed. And [93:46] lastly, this is a local solution, one [93:48] that can't be swept up in federal [93:49] assistance cuts um and savings will [93:52] never be delayed by two months because [93:54] the government is shut down. Thank you [93:55] for your consideration. [93:59] >> Thank you. Next is Abby Gothman, [94:01] followed by Lauren Davis and then Byron [94:03] Richard. [94:07] >> Hello, my name is Dr. Abby Gothman. I [94:09] live in Ward 6. Um, I am an ecological [94:12] research scientist and I would like you [94:14] to please support the franchise fee [94:16] increase. I'm sure you all are well [94:18] aware of the idea of social costs of [94:20] carbon. Things like costs and damages to [94:23] human society and to human health. Um [94:26] increased heat stress. Um increase in [94:28] tropical communicable diseases. Um costs [94:31] and agriculture. Many many things. Uh a [94:34] 2022 Nature article estimated about $185 [94:38] per of a cost per metric ton of carbon [94:41] admitted into the atmosphere. a re a [94:44] more recent article um accounting for [94:47] inflation estimated about $525 [94:51] per metric ton of carbon emitted into [94:53] the atmosphere. That is costs that we as [94:56] average everyday citizens incur. What we [94:58] are asking currently with this franchise [95:00] fee is about [95:03] $5. That's about 1% of what we are [95:08] actually paying for in our day-to-day [95:11] societies. This is not a radical thing [95:13] we're asking for. It's not even [95:15] moderate. Frankly, it's mild. And gosh, [95:18] do I wish we had started 50 years ago, [95:20] but we can start today. Thank you for [95:23] your time. [95:25] Thank you. Next, we'll uh welcome up [95:27] Lauren Davis, followed by Byron Richard. [95:34] >> Hi, my name is Lauren Davis. I live in W [95:36] 2. And I guess I just want to say after [95:40] hearing everybody that I'm coming here [95:42] as a community member and a citizen and [95:45] I just urge the council members to [95:48] listen to the people that have talked [95:50] and not the corporate interest that is [95:53] in the room. Um I would like the council [95:56] members to increase the franchise fee [95:58] which would directly support clean [95:59] energy homes for neighbors who need the [96:02] most support. Um low-income families and [96:04] households in the green zone. Um, I hope [96:06] that there I know there are a lot of [96:08] fires to put out in this current moment, [96:09] but increasing the franchise fee is an [96:11] opportunity to make homes safer and [96:14] healthier for our most in need neighbors [96:16] and to let those that work be funded by [96:18] the polluters in the city and being I [96:22] would like Minneapolis to be an example [96:23] of a city that takes a climate crisis [96:25] seriously even when this current moment [96:27] feels really hard. Thank you. [96:30] >> Thank you. So, next we have Byron [96:33] Richard followed by Mike Roland and Mark [96:35] Schultz. [96:40] >> Okay, we'll have Mike Roland followed by [96:42] Mark Schultz and Amy Blumenshine. [96:52] >> Thank you. Uh my name is Mike Rollin. I [96:54] live in W 8. Thank you, Chair Kman and [96:56] committee members. Um, I'm here in [96:58] support um of increasing the franchise [97:00] fee to $20 million yearly. Um, I want to [97:04] thank all the council members for their [97:05] support in 2023, the 130 vote to start [97:09] the climate legacy funding. Um, and [97:11] really think about what you've heard [97:13] today about how are we doing? um that we [97:16] are running out of funds every year, [97:19] that we've reduced our goals from how [97:21] many homes we want to uh weatherize in [97:24] the um city from 100% to 25%. [97:27] Um all that with our electricity rates [97:30] are still going up, our weather is still [97:33] getting more extreme, uh and the demand [97:35] is only getting worse. Um and so this is [97:38] no time to pull back on our climate or [97:40] our equity goals. And so I urge you to [97:42] vote to support this uh increase in the [97:45] franchise fee so that everyone in [97:46] Minneapolis can have clean air, more [97:49] affordable, and clean energy homes no [97:51] matter our income, our race, or our [97:53] neighborhood. Thank you. [97:57] >> Thank you. Next is Mark Schultz, [97:58] followed by Amy Bloomshine, and then [98:00] Dale Howe. [98:01] >> Hello. Yeah, my name is Mark Schultz. I [98:04] live in Powder Horn Park neighborhood [98:05] and um I'm here with Unidos today. Um, [98:11] now is the time for you to pass this [98:16] increase in funding for the climate [98:18] inequity plan. [98:20] You know, as somebody mentioned, we are [98:21] still in, in fact, we are in a worsening [98:24] climate crisis. So, now is not the time [98:27] to delay or to short give it short [98:29] shrift. Now is the time for you all to [98:32] pass this. In addition to myself and um [98:36] and my wife, my my daughter and her [98:37] husband and their two young girls also [98:40] live in Powder Horn Park neighborhood [98:41] and I'm concerned about them. Strong [98:44] action is needed on climate and our city [98:47] can do it. I'm also concerned about the [98:49] continued racial disparities in [98:52] Minneapolis on many fronts. [98:55] I encourage you to allocate $20 million [98:58] this year, focus on the the work in the [99:01] designated green zones, and tackle this [99:04] as the real solution. It is. Thank you. [99:08] >> Thank you, Amy. Next is Amy Blumenshine. [99:11] what Mark said. Honorable council [99:13] members, I am Amy Blumenshine and I will [99:16] make the economic argument for why we [99:19] should support this resolution and [99:22] listen and heed the smoke alarms going [99:24] off. Uh 40 years ago, I recall being [99:27] urged to minimize our fossil fuel use by [99:30] weatherizing our home. The argument, [99:32] which still has merit today, is to keep [99:35] the money that we use to heat our homes [99:37] as local as possible, circulating and [99:39] boosting locally. All that money we pay [99:42] for monthly fossil fuel bills leaks away [99:44] from here to other places. Now, other [99:47] Minneapolis councils have known about [99:48] the need, but never invested seriously [99:50] enough to make impact. We've got to do [99:53] better. You could stop kicking the gas [99:55] can down the road. I urge you to plug [99:58] the leaks and plug in the green [100:00] electricity. [100:01] You've already heard about the great [100:03] return on investment for every dollar [100:05] invested in in these decarbonizing [100:07] efforts in generated energy and [100:10] non-energy benefits. Uh I'll be [100:13] submitting a study and there's another [100:14] one global climate. No more kicking the [100:17] gas count on the road. As we say in [100:18] third act, no time to waste. [100:23] >> Thank you. Next is Dale Howe followed by [100:27] Abdi Futa Abdi and Randall Smith. Very [100:31] excited to be here. Thank you for [100:32] letting me talk. My name is Dale Howe [100:35] aka Crazy Green Landlord. That's my [100:37] YouTube channel. I have no electric [100:39] bills. Sorry, Excel. Uh Exxon could kiss [100:42] my assets goodbye. I haven't burned gas [100:44] in my car since 2011. I'm so done with [100:48] fossil fuels. We put up a quarter [100:50] million watts of solar at Green Rock [100:51] Apartments. We have 12 locations in [100:53] Minneapolis. I self-run 185 units [100:55] because I'm too cheap to pay a manager. [100:57] So, I work 80 hours a week uh fighting [101:00] climate change. I found out about the uh [101:03] existential threat of climate change [101:04] during the 2000 election and I've been [101:06] busting my tail ever since. So, I urge [101:09] you to increase the fees. If businesses [101:11] want to can retain their profits, then [101:13] put up solar panels. If you want to [101:15] harden yourself and be resilient against [101:17] uh future increases in your utility [101:19] costs, I think they left the room. Put [101:21] up solar panels on your roof. So, I can [101:23] keep my rents low. I've utilized the [101:24] Minneapolis cost share, Excel rebates. [101:27] Uh I'm involved with the 4D program in [101:29] Minneapolis and uh yeah, thank you for [101:33] your time. [101:37] >> Next is Abdi Fata Abdi. I believe maybe [101:40] he was here for the pri one of the prior [101:43] public hearings. Okay, so next we'll [101:45] have Randall Smith followed by Mary [101:47] Kasith and then Robert Reid. [101:54] Randall Smith, Ward Two. Uh, nice to [101:57] meet you, council members. Nice to be [101:59] able to talk to you. I rise to, uh, ask [102:03] you to approve the increase in the [102:04] franchise fees. Uh, weatherization is [102:08] the most coste effective method of [102:11] reducing energy use. What that means is [102:14] increased affordability and reduced [102:17] pressure on climate change. Uh I think [102:20] we've heard today that uh there is some [102:23] imperfection in the implementation of [102:25] the climate equity program. We've also [102:28] heard I think in spades that it's [102:30] equally obvious that there just isn't [102:33] enough money in the program and that's [102:36] the primary problem with implementation. [102:39] Uh let's fund the program at the best [102:42] level we can. uh this increase in fr [102:46] franchise fees at least is a step in the [102:48] right direction. Thank you. [102:52] >> Thanks Randall. Next is Mary Kasa [102:55] followed by Robert Reid and Mitchell [102:56] Hansen. [103:02] >> Hello Mary Cass Ward 8. Um please raise [103:05] the franchise fee. In 2004 I rented a [103:08] 400 foot efficiency in Luring Park. It [103:10] was so small, yet I was paying $30 uh a [103:14] month for electricity. I called the [103:16] electric company to investigate and they [103:18] they were like, "Do you own a [103:20] hydroponics garden?" You know, "Uh, do [103:22] you have a 30,000, you know, gallon [103:24] heated fish tank?" No, I did not have a [103:27] TV, a microwave, a coffee maker, and my [103:30] stove was gas. But my fridge was very [103:32] old. So, I told the management about [103:33] that, and they ignored me. I'm a [103:35] scientist, so I did an experiment. It [103:37] was winter, so I unplugged my fridge and [103:39] put all of my food and beer in the [103:41] window sill. My bill went down to $5. [103:44] Uh, I brought this evidence to [103:45] management and they had to buy me a new [103:48] refrigerator. That brought my bill down [103:50] to $12. That means I could have saved [103:52] $200 that year. We need efficiency. [103:56] Thank you. [103:58] >> All right, [104:00] next is Robert Reid, followed by [104:02] Mitchell Hansen, and then Adam [104:03] Schneider. [104:07] Good afternoon, council members. My name [104:09] is Robert Reid. I live in Ward 11. I [104:12] would like to express my gratitude for [104:15] your foresight in passing the climate [104:17] equity plan in 2023. It both reduces [104:20] fossil fuel use and redresses historic [104:23] inequities by investing in the neediest [104:26] neighborhoods. [104:28] Yes, we need to red uh raise the [104:31] franchise fees and but we also need to [104:33] look beyond that. Other cities are using [104:35] tools such as green bonds. St. Paul has [104:37] been using them since 2015, pay as you [104:40] save programs, and making the largest [104:44] polluters and utility companies pay [104:46] their fair share. Minneapolis has a [104:49] history of visionary leaders. We owe our [104:52] amazing park system to the foresight of [104:55] leaders who in 1883 knew the value of [104:59] green spaces. What will be your legacy? [105:04] The federal government has abandoned us. [105:07] So, state and local leaders like [105:09] yourself are now the only front lines we [105:12] have. We are living through an [105:13] existential climate crisis. Leaders are [105:16] known by the difficult choices they [105:18] make, not the easy ones. Please continue [105:21] to be the visionary leaders that make [105:24] tough choices that protect future [105:26] generations just as our city leaders did [105:29] in 1883. [105:31] >> Thank you. [105:31] >> Thank you so much. [105:34] All right. Next, we'll hear from [105:36] Mitchell Hansen from war four, followed [105:38] by Adam Schneider, and then Joshua. [105:42] >> Hello. [clears throat] Thank you. Um, so [105:44] I've been a grateful participant uh with [105:46] the city of Minneapolis Sustainability [105:48] Department um as one of their partners [105:50] and it I mean it is obvious that you [105:51] need money to save money for energy [105:53] efficiency and solar. Um I think the [105:55] people at the department are good, but [105:56] honestly they're just basically throwing [105:58] their hands up a lot of times saying the [105:59] money is gone. Um, so who is this really [106:01] benefiting? I'm just urging you to look [106:03] deeper into your budget and scrutinize [106:04] where where this money is going before [106:05] voting on anything. I've been working [106:07] with a woman in Harrison for years to [106:08] get financial support so she can make [106:10] essential health and safety fixes to her [106:11] home. Instead of instead of a healthy [106:13] homes grant that could help her stay in [106:14] her home, she just sold her life [106:15] insurance policy in order to get health [106:17] insurance, pay her property taxes, and [106:19] start making a dent in her utility debt, [106:20] which on her recently reduced SSI [106:22] payments have put her in a catastrophic [106:23] financial situ situation. Those that [106:26] need this money the most and support are [106:27] being left in the dust as we watch money [106:29] intended to b benefit public health get [106:30] washed into cosmetic upgrades for too [106:32] big to fail affordableish housing [106:34] developers. We we match costs for [106:36] entities that realistically don't need [106:37] it and celebrate them slapping a few [106:39] dimable LEDs, some green formaldahhide [106:41] laden cabinets, low flow shower heads, [106:42] some energy star hopper windows, and a [106:44] smart energy and a smart energy [106:46] thermostat. Yeah. Um just thank you for [106:48] your time. I'm not going to say one [106:49] thing way the other. Just I really would [106:51] appreciate just attention to where this [106:53] money is going. Thank you. [106:56] Thank you for those comments. Next is [106:58] Adam Schneider from W 10 followed by [107:01] Joshua K. Uh Joshua K more date. [107:06] >> Awesome. Uh thank you chair Kashman and [107:08] council members. My name is Am [107:09] Schneider. I'm a W 10 Uptown resident [107:11] and I'm here to speak in favor of the [107:13] franchi franchise fee increase. Uh these [107:15] franchise agreements effectively provide [107:17] XL and Centerpoint Energy with state [107:19] sanctioned monopolies and thus forth [107:21] state sanctioned profits. So these [107:23] corporations must be better partners [107:25] with the city and we must hold them [107:26] responsible. At a presentation uh to the [107:29] community environmental advisory [107:31] commission, Centerpoint had no [107:32] projection to become carbon neutral by [107:34] 2050, which is the bare minimum we can [107:36] ask for at this point in the climate [107:38] crisis. Additionally, they and XL oppose [107:40] further transparency on the clean energy [107:42] partnership without providing us with a [107:44] reason. We need to demand more from [107:46] these massive corporations as we address [107:48] the climate crisis, the emergency of my [107:50] generation. As we have a backlog of [107:53] weatherization work, increased demand [107:54] for renewable energy and urban [107:56] agriculture opportunities, and [107:57] communities like the green zones [107:59] demanding a cleaner environment, we [108:01] cannot be too ambitious in our efforts [108:03] for a more sustainable and equitable [108:04] Minneapolis. Thank you. [108:08] >> Thank you for those comments. Next is [108:09] Joshua K from W 8, followed by Jay [108:12] Adams. [108:14] >> Hi, Chair Cashman, members of the [108:15] committee. Uh my name is Josh Kirk. I [108:17] live in W 8. Uh, I'm a lifelong [108:19] Minneapolis resident and love this city [108:21] immensely. I want to speak in support of [108:23] increasing the franchise fee to bolster [108:25] climate equity funding in the city. Uh, [108:28] specifically, I see the urgent need to [108:29] decarbonize in the face of the climate [108:31] crisis. Uh, together with the city [108:33] flagging behind on climate goals, and [108:35] I'm deeply troubled. Increasing the [108:37] franchise fee is a step in the right [108:38] direction towards meeting these goals. [108:40] Most importantly, achieving carbon [108:42] neutrality by 2050. So often it feels [108:45] like the world's problems are so big and [108:47] overwhelming that solutions are [108:48] impossible. Um for me the climate crisis [108:51] is the number one issue that provokes [108:53] that fear and sense of powerlessness [108:55] powerlessness. Um these ordinances are a [108:57] real tangible way that we can push back [108:59] and achieve something together as a city [109:01] to undermine that feeling of [109:03] helplessness. Um again I just want to [109:05] say to not pursue this increase right [109:07] now would be to turn a blind eye to both [109:10] the climate and the cost of living [109:11] crisis. Um therefore I implore all [109:13] council members to vote to improve these [109:15] franchise fee ordinances. Thank you for [109:17] your time. [109:20] >> Thank you Josh. Next is Jay Adams [109:22] followed by Maggie R and then Satic. [109:29] >> Hey, thanks for having this public [109:30] hearing and letting folks talk. Jay [109:32] Adams Ward 12. Um, I enjoyed this nice [109:36] warm uh, November day thanks to climate [109:39] change. But then I thought about my [109:40] friend up in Brimson, Minnesota. The [109:43] camp house fire ripped through a corner [109:45] of his property and his neighbors [109:47] weren't so lucky. A lot of people lost [109:49] their homes and cabins. Um, and when we [109:53] look at the federal situation, climate [109:55] change policies being dismantled, are we [109:58] supposed to feel helpless? Well, we got [110:02] something here we can do. Rather than [110:04] tear things down, we can build them up. [110:07] And I suggest different reasons to [110:09] support increasing the franchise fee. [110:11] Depending on your philosophy, maybe for [110:14] some is to help low-income people pay [110:16] their bills. Um, others, uh, to be a [110:19] model for other cities, and, uh, uh, for [110:22] some, look at the return on on [110:25] investment if you're more [110:26] entrepreneurial. [110:27] >> [snorts] [110:27] >> Um, so when you vote, picture the [110:29] installer who's got work, a proud mom or [110:32] dad who's providing for their children [110:33] and their children's children. Thanks [110:35] very much. [110:37] Thank you, Jay. Next is Maggie R, [110:39] followed by Satish Desai and then [110:42] Kasimira. [110:47] Maggie R from W 9. [110:53] All right. Next we'll we'll welcome [110:55] Satish Desai from W 8. [111:07] >> Good afternoon. Uh my name is Sicai from [111:10] W 8. Um when I reflect on how I spent [111:13] this past summer, I'm really struck by [111:16] how little time I spent outside. Uh, and [111:19] that was because more often than not, it [111:21] was either brutally hot or it was [111:23] pouring rain or even worse, it was so [111:26] smoky that I got a headache almost as [111:28] soon as I came outside. Uh, it seems [111:30] that this kind of thing is becoming more [111:32] and more typical of our summers. As the [111:35] climate crisis drives our weather [111:36] patterns to ever greater extremes, um, [111:39] as the Trump administration tries to put [111:41] climate policy in reverse, cities like [111:44] Minneapolis need to take the lead and [111:46] set an example for others to follow. Uh [111:49] bold climate action would have other [111:50] benefits besides that climate action of [111:53] course. Um as energy prices skyrocket, [111:56] it would keep our energy bills [111:57] affordable and predictable. We can clean [111:59] up our air inside and out, reducing [112:02] asthma, heart disease, and so many other [112:04] health problems. Um of course, this is [112:06] going to take a lot of money. I think [112:08] there was a Star Tribune article a [112:10] couple of years ago. Oh, pardon me. I'm [112:12] urging you to support the franchise free [112:14] agreement. [112:16] >> Thanks. [112:18] for being here. All right, so we have 10 [112:21] speakers left and then we have about 30 [112:23] 40 minutes left of the room. So we'll [112:25] have a discussion after that. Uh and [112:28] we'll recognize Casemira Z from W 7. [112:34] Hello council members. Um my name is [112:37] Casemira. I live in W 7 and I hope that [112:41] you guys support the increase in the [112:43] franchise fee. Um, I personally know [112:46] what it feels like to struggle and I [112:49] think that the people in these green [112:51] zones deserve better. Um I have family [112:55] in wards four and wards five. One of [112:59] them has weatherized their home and [113:01] their energy cost is zero. Whereas the [113:05] other family members that live in ward 4 [113:10] um they pay on average $200 to $300 a [113:13] month and they deserve better than that. [113:17] >> Thank you. [113:18] >> Thank you for your comments. [113:20] Next is Aisha Everett followed by Sha G [113:24] and then Ula Nelson. [113:30] >> Hello. Uh my name is Aisha Everett. I'm [113:33] a home homeowner in Hawthorne [113:35] neighborhood, fifth ward north side [113:38] green zone resident, executive director [113:40] of Minneapolis Climate Action that [113:42] manages the regional apprenticeship [113:43] training center at 1200 Plymouth Avenue [113:46] North. Uh I don't know most of you [113:51] uh but because I really don't do [113:53] politics but this um th this coming to [113:56] knowledge has impacted me. Um my home [114:00] has received energy efficiency updates [114:02] and retrogrades. My organization [114:05] Minneapolis Climate Action has also [114:06] received dollars that provide um clean [114:09] career workforce training for residents. [114:13] more than 200 have uh went through our [114:16] solar um PV training. This year [114:19] um while providing stipens and other [114:22] support services, we've added solar [114:24] panels to the training center and [114:25] continue to develop community solar [114:28] gardens for lowincome uh energy [114:30] subscribers. And so I notice a lot of [114:34] the manipulation that the utilities are [114:36] doing with the data. I would just urge [114:39] you guys to support this franchise fee. [114:41] Thank you. [114:43] Thank you for your testimony. Next, [114:46] we'll recognize Sean just um I'm sorry I [114:49] can't pronounce your last name. [114:50] >> Sean Gasheski here from W Nine. And I'm [114:54] with Brazilian cities and communities in [114:55] our Minneapolis neighborhood green teams [114:58] coalition. And we've been working with [115:00] neighborhood groups across the city to [115:02] help more people use the green car share [115:04] funds. So, it's important that we keep [115:07] the green car share funds going all year [115:09] and not run out in August. Uh, if people [115:13] are worried about rate increases, let's [115:16] work with Frank Hornstein, our new [115:18] lobbyist, to push back against Excel [115:21] trying to increase their rate so much. [115:24] Uh, there's key things that we can also [115:26] do. Council member Payne would like to [115:28] use some of the new franchise fee [115:30] outlers to actually pay the debt- on [115:33] bonds because we could get some other [115:36] bonds to get we need $100,000 a year [115:39] according to center for energy [115:40] environment to get this work done. So [115:43] we're working with neighbors uh in [115:45] Corkran to get home retrofits. These air [115:48] source heat pumps will be very critical [115:49] when it's so hot out. I'm working with [115:52] highwa at lake to get new netzero [115:54] development there. And the multif family [115:56] efficiency is also a great program. So [115:58] it's gets from 10 up to 15 million. [116:01] Okay. [116:02] >> Thank you so much. Next is Ula Nelson [116:04] followed by Mark Arnison and Lisa [116:06] Rudolph. [116:12] >> Hi, my name is Ula Nelson. I'm going to [116:14] read a statement from Ottawa Pew who is [116:16] the executive director of the Jordan [116:18] Area Community Council. uh in favor of [116:20] the franch uh she says I am here in [116:23] favor of the franchise fee increase and [116:26] urged the city to allocate all of the [116:28] additional funds to clean energy homes [116:30] programs with a priority for lowincome [116:32] residents. I recently learned that the [116:35] mayor's staff has been naming Jordan [116:37] neighborhood as a reason not to increase [116:39] funding. They are saying that because [116:42] Jordan is the neighborhood with the [116:43] highest energy burden where people pay [116:45] the highest energy bills, the franchise [116:47] fee will hurt residents. Nothing could [116:50] be further from the truth. The burden we [116:52] are facing is already here. My neighbors [116:55] and I pay very high bills right now. We [116:57] need these programs to reduce them. I [117:00] don't have money sitting around to pay a [117:01] contractor to insulate my home and then [117:03] wait for a rebate. I can only make the [117:06] improvements to lower my energy bill [117:07] with programs like the sustainable homes [117:10] program that don't require any money [117:11] down. The mayor's team is also saying [117:14] that we should not raise the franchise [117:16] fee because the green zones are not [117:17] getting enough funding. Green zones are [117:20] not getting enough funding because the [117:21] city is not putting the effort into [117:23] letting people know about these [117:24] programs. The sustainable pro homes [117:27] program is not even on their website. [117:30] Instead, they are spending their energy [117:31] trying to turn the people who can [117:32] benefit most from this investment [117:35] against it. Thank you. [117:37] >> All right. Thanks. Next, we will welcome [117:40] Mark Arnerson followed by Lisa Rudolph [117:42] and then Ken Fritz Sme. [117:47] >> Hello, I am Mark Arnerson. I live in [117:49] Ward Six in the Seward neighborhood. And [117:52] during this [clears throat] past year, I [117:54] became acquainted with the climate [117:55] equity plan funded by the franchise fee [117:58] on carbon usage. And I was immediately [118:00] so impressed by a really good piece of [118:03] policy, a policy crafted to decrease our [118:05] use of carbon and a policy crafted to [118:07] decrease residents energy use costs. So [118:10] at our national night out gathering last [118:13] August, I shared this smart policy with [118:16] my neighbors. I informed them of this [118:18] clean energy homes program available to [118:20] them to make the most cost-effective [118:22] investments into weatherizing their [118:23] homes and other strategies to use less [118:25] carbon. And then my neighbors shared my [118:28] enthusiasm. [118:29] Many of my neighbors continued this [118:31] conversation over this last fall. [118:33] However, when it came time to actually [118:35] act, I had to share with them that the [118:36] funding for the year was already [118:39] exhausted. [118:40] I could feel the frustration almost [118:43] mixed with a little cynicism. It's like, [118:45] okay, it's good policy, but it's not [118:47] actually funded in a way to be useful to [118:49] meet the interests of our demand of our [118:51] cities. [118:53] So, as you make choices for next year's [118:55] um funding for this initiative, know [118:58] that the city's residents are very [119:00] interested in decreasing their carbon [119:03] usage and in saving money. [119:06] >> There is demand for this program. [119:08] >> Thank you. [119:10] >> Next, we'll welcome Lisa Rudolph [119:12] followed by Kent Fritzme and then Marie [119:14] Franch. [119:19] >> Hi, welcome. Thank you all for being [119:21] here. I am here on behalf of my mother [119:23] who is 95 and she lives in a senior [119:26] complex in near Elliot Park and they [119:29] have no chance where they are with the [119:31] last three owners of making any clean [119:33] energy upgrades as a renter on a fixed [119:36] income in a ginormous complex with four [119:39] or five buildings. She was talking to [119:41] the most recent owners about [119:44] possibilities from the green cost share [119:46] program. things, simple things, [119:48] insulation, windows, air quality, [119:51] outdated electrical, and she was hopeful [119:54] and they were hopeful. But again, as you [119:56] heard over and over again, out of [119:58] funding in big red letters here. So, I [120:01] am encouraging you all to be advocates [120:03] for people who are on fixed incomes, for [120:05] seniors who have no hope of clean energy [120:09] without the council. your vote on [120:11] December 11th along with those of the [120:13] rest of the council members. I encourage [120:15] you to encourage them to have a positive [120:18] vote to increase the franchise fee for [120:20] everybody in Minneapolis. [120:23] >> Thanks for those comments, Lisa. So, we [120:26] have four speakers left. Kent Fritzme, [120:29] followed by Marie Franchett, then Lisa [120:31] Franchett, and then Carla Irwin. [120:34] >> Hi, council members. Kent Fritzmeid, W [120:37] two. Um, I'm here in support of [120:39] increasing the franchise fees. Um, [120:42] clearly, as you've been hearing and as [120:44] if you pay any attention to the media, [120:46] we're in a huge climate crisis. There's [120:48] no doubt about it. And I know that the [120:50] council members have been motivated um [120:53] uh to commit some resource to that to [120:55] that in the fa in the past. Clearly, um [120:59] two, this is an equity issue. People [121:02] most affected are those having fewer [121:04] resources to protect themselves, their [121:06] families, and communities. This involves [121:09] lower income, older homes, and many of [121:12] them are renters. [121:14] >> [clears throat] [121:14] >> So, I'm asking you to vote to continue [121:16] and increase uh the uh work for climate [121:19] resilience to protect human life and [121:22] well-being. Um reduce utility bills, [121:25] increase comfort and decarbonize homes, [121:28] um in particular with electric pumps and [121:31] stoves. Um lastly, I'd like to counter [121:34] uh the representative from Centerpoint. [121:37] They have been spending millions of [121:38] dollars upgrading meters and lines into [121:43] the homes. They've torn up streets in [121:44] Seward neighborhood um over in W W W W W [121:48] W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W [121:48] W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W 10 and [121:49] in Southeast Minneapolis. [121:50] >> Thank you. If you have additional uh [121:52] comments, you can submit them in [121:53] writing. Thank you. [121:53] >> Appreciate your testimony. Next, we'll [121:55] welcome Marie Franched by Lisa Franch, [121:59] then Carla Irwin, and then Peter from [122:01] Jordan. [122:02] >> Good afternoon, Chair Cashman and [122:04] members of the committee. My name is [122:06] Marie Franchad and I'm from W 11 and [122:08] would like to thank you all for your [122:10] leadership in passing the initial $10 [122:12] million franchise fee and the climate [122:15] legacy initiative program that's been [122:18] rolled out by the city and especially [122:21] wanted to thank uh council member [122:23] Kashman and Ksky for your strong [122:25] leadership in moving this forward. Um, [122:28] and I would like to ask all of you to [122:30] support the $15 million franchise fee [122:33] increase for this year and and we're [122:35] going to need more in future years to [122:36] get to all the homes in Minneapolis. Um, [122:39] and I also would like to ask that the [122:42] the the funds be targeted uh in the [122:45] green zones and to the clean energy home [122:47] upgrades and weatherization that really [122:50] benefit low-income homes the most. Um, [122:53] and this is important to me because I [122:54] love the natural environment in [122:57] Minneapolis and Minnesota and the world [122:59] and the biodiversity of this planet and [123:02] climate change is is destroying all [123:04] that. You know, we've seen all record [123:07] temperatures. Um, so we can make a huge [123:10] impact in Minneapolis and be a leader. [123:12] So, I encourage you to support the [123:14] increase in the franchise fee. [123:16] >> Thank you. Next is Lisa Franchet and [123:19] then Carla and Peter. [123:24] Good afternoon, committee members. My [123:26] name is Lisa Franchad. I'm from Ward 8, [123:29] and I want to encourage you to pass this [123:32] ordinance to increase the franchise [123:34] fees. I came downtown today because I am [123:37] worried about how a climate crisis will [123:40] affect the lives of my children, their [123:42] generation, and future generations, not [123:45] to mention animals and plants who aren't [123:48] here to express their needs today. My [123:50] concern about the climate crisis [123:53] motivated me to have panels, solar [123:55] panels installed on my roof. [123:57] Financially, I was in a situation that [123:59] enabled me to do that. I currently have [124:02] negative electric bills and we received [124:05] money back from Excel on many months. I [124:08] also had my house house weatherized two [124:10] years ago and I have been impressed at [124:13] how much longer it can retain the [124:15] temperature regardless of the [124:17] temperature outside. Unfortunately, many [124:20] homeowners in Minneapolis do not have [124:22] the means to pay for clean energy [124:25] upgrades. [124:27] In addition, Whoops. [124:29] >> Thank you so much. Appreciate your [124:30] written comments being submitted to [124:32] >> and then we'll welcome Carla Irwin from [124:36] W 9, followed by Peter from Jordan. [124:41] >> Hello, council committee members. I'm [124:44] happy to be here. I gave up work at [124:47] public school where they really need me. [124:49] and I came down here, gave up pay [124:52] because I have important things to say. [124:54] I'm glad that they passed the bill to [124:57] help people and I know people from [124:59] Unidos who have been recipients of that, [125:02] but I still haven't gotten any help. Um, [125:06] I'm low income. I don't sub all the time [125:08] because I'm also the caretaker for my [125:11] wonderful parents and um you know I have [125:15] broken windows and I have new property [125:17] tax assessments for redoing Cedar Avenue [125:20] and um [125:23] one of the reasons I work so hard is to [125:25] live a good life. And so I really want [125:28] to support the franchise fee, but also [125:31] ask that polluters pay and that the [125:35] corporations don't get these big cuts [125:37] because if they look within themselves, [125:40] we all do better when everyone does [125:42] better. And so I made these signs and um [125:47] have to go. It says, "Release the red [125:50] roof depot to EPNE because I fought on [125:54] that for since 2008." [125:56] >> Thank you [125:57] >> for the EPE funds and then also give the [125:59] funding needed to Unidito's goals. Thank [126:02] you so much. [126:02] >> Thank you so much for taking the time to [126:04] be here today. So, our last speaker is [126:07] Peter from Jordan. [126:10] >> Good afternoon. First of all, uh any [126:13] type of franchise fee or however you [126:15] want to say it, I relate it as a tax. [126:20] So, uh with that in mind, I want to say [126:23] the following. I fully support funding [126:26] for solar pan solar energy is clean, [126:28] renewable, and reduces our dependence [126:32] authorization [126:34] in Minneapolis. Minnesota Minneapolis [126:37] encouraging [126:39] I'm certainly have received Whoops. [126:44] Sorry about that. I flipped the page and [126:47] so I'm off script. Anyway, solar panels [126:51] uh reduces bills. I would appreciate if [126:54] the Minneapolis public schools would put [126:57] solar panels on the roofs because [126:59] they're quite frankly the roofs aren't [127:02] doing anything. and for the schools to [127:05] reduce their electrical bills will [127:08] reduce our taxes as citizens. Thank you. [127:14] >> Thank you everyone uh who came to speak [127:17] today. I'll just do a last call if [127:19] anyone did not sign up but wishes to [127:21] speak during the public hearing today. [127:25] All right. So, I'm going to close the [127:27] public hearing and just thank everyone [127:30] for taking time out of their day to come [127:32] and communicate and share your feedback [127:34] and your thoughts on these ordinances, [127:36] but also the roll out of these programs. [127:38] It's really important that we hear from [127:40] you, your feedback on how to improve, [127:42] how to improve our communications, our [127:44] data collection, the distribution of [127:46] these new programs, our progress towards [127:48] our climate equity plan. Um, so your [127:51] your voice in this is very very [127:53] important to us and I want to give the [127:56] opportunity here to um, city staff if [128:01] you're willing to come up and answer [128:03] some questions about a few of the uh, [128:06] pieces of information we heard about. [128:08] So, I do understand that with the [128:12] climate legacy initiative um money that [128:14] we currently have, we are dedicating [128:17] over 40% to environmental justice areas, [128:20] which encompasses green zones, but also [128:22] low-income properties and eligible [128:24] nonprofits. And I want to hear from you [128:26] how we are quantifying that so we can [128:29] really make sure that we're being as [128:30] transparent as possible and then [128:33] hopefully improve on how much we're [128:35] distributing of this money in the years [128:36] to come. Chair Kashman. Uh, thank you [128:38] for the question. Uh, I'd like to [128:40] recognize Deputy Commissioner Patrick [128:42] Hanland to provide some more insight on [128:44] that. [128:45] >> Okay. Welcome, Deputy Commissioner [128:46] Hanlin. [128:49] >> We we may have a few slides to help. [128:51] Okay. [128:51] >> Okay, that's great. We [128:54] we have heard some updates about this in [128:56] this committee in the um in the last few [128:58] sessions and I know there's also, you [129:00] know, the SEAK and the North Side Green [129:02] Zone Task Force and the Climate Legacy [129:04] Initiative roundt. So, there's a lot of [129:06] uh people who have heard this [129:08] information, but I think it's great if [129:09] we can set set some baselines here. [129:11] >> Sure. Chair Cashman, council members, [129:14] Luke is going to help me load up a [129:15] couple slides here. Um that I'm just [129:18] going to uh talk about some of our [129:21] program results that we had in our Q3 [129:24] updates that we brought to council. Uh [129:27] this was a [129:30] uh this was sorry if I didn't introduce [129:31] introduce myself. uh deputy [129:33] commissioner, mayor or deputy [129:34] commissioner Patrick Hamlin, not mayor [129:36] today. Um [laughter] [129:37] >> and mayor of Hopkins. [129:39] >> Um this is one of the slides that we had [129:41] in our Q3 update. This is the 2025 [129:44] year-to date. These are the residential [129:46] investments. Uh and again, this is a [129:48] snapshot that was on 1016. So there the [129:51] numbers that we have now are actually a [129:52] little bit more than this. Um, in this [129:55] map of where it shows the investments [129:57] in, uh, mainly in Ward four and five, [130:01] uh, and then also W eight in in South [130:03] Minneapolis is really if I if we run the [130:06] numbers for all of our programs or for [130:08] using commercial and residential, this [130:11] the this map kind of looks the same. Um [130:13] and that map looks that way because of [130:16] the intentional investments uh [130:18] incentives that we have in the north [130:19] side green zones in lowincome properties [130:22] as you mentioned any organizations that [130:24] are serving folks in uh non [130:27] uh nonprofits serving folks in [130:29] low-income situations. Um and so it was [130:32] 218 uh projects in green zones or [130:35] low-inccome qualified properties. Uh at [130:37] that point it was about 54% of funding. [130:39] I think we're up a little bit higher [130:40] than that. And again, we looked if you [130:42] add in multifamily on this slide on the [130:44] other on the other side of that map [130:46] looks pretty pretty much the same. And [130:47] if I were to add commercial, it would [130:49] look very similar. And a lot of that has [130:50] to do not only with the incentives that [130:52] we have, but with the intentional [130:53] relationships uh that we've built with [130:55] folks in these community to get the word [130:57] out. And I would say we are far from [130:59] perfect uh and being able to to solve [131:01] this. Uh but that is the um the the [131:05] priority that we put is on those [131:07] relationships, on incentives, and making [131:09] it as easy as possible. [131:12] uh in environmental justice investments [131:14] and again from the beginning of when we [131:16] started this programming those we've [131:17] defined those environmental justice [131:19] investments as north side green zone [131:21] southside green zone and recommendations [131:23] that came from the green zones and from [131:26] the energy visioning advisory committee [131:28] that was assigned to examine this issue [131:31] is to include lowinccome so there's [131:33] folks that are outside of those green [131:34] zone areas that also need help and [131:36] perhaps some of the folks that came up [131:37] here uh are some of the folks that you [131:39] heard from Um so number of EJ projects [131:42] year to date for 2025 is 268. [131:45] The dollars that went towards EJ [131:47] projects are around 1.8 million. Uh the [131:50] percentage that go to uh the EJ projects [131:54] is 60% and this is where you may see [131:56] some of the different um uh ways that [132:00] people are talking about the [132:01] environmental uh justice investment. So [132:04] uh 13% went to the north side green [132:06] zone. And just to remind or just to to [132:09] say again, I think I said this in the Q3 [132:11] update, is that the north side green [132:12] zones is about 3.7% of uh Minneapolis [132:15] properties. So that's far uh [132:17] outperforming. It's uh those those [132:19] properties are far more likely to [132:20] receive funding at 13% uh and then 8% in [132:24] the southside green zones. And again, we [132:26] would we would love to have those [132:27] numbers improve. And I think some of the [132:29] tools that we're developing for 2026 [132:32] around having uh with cooperative energy [132:35] futures is around having no uh no [132:37] upfront cost in financing. So to be able [132:40] to uh for them to deliver projects and [132:43] then folks don't have any money that [132:44] they have to pay upfront to limit some [132:46] of those barriers uh and then to [132:48] continue to build on those relationships [132:50] that we've built in the north and [132:51] southside uh green zones to deliver [132:54] those projects. we've 38% or almost 40% [132:57] has been to low-income properties. And [133:00] then I also between 2024 and 2025, we've [133:03] had 2,464 [133:05] low-income households benefit from these [133:08] programs. And I want to uh also just [133:11] clarify, I am I know today is on the [133:13] franchise uh the franchise uh fees and I [133:17] am up here just clarifying information. [133:19] This is not a a budget ask. We are uh [133:21] clarifying the information that was put [133:23] out. We also have an email that we sent [133:25] to our north side green zone. Uh I noted [133:28] there was a comment up here about some [133:29] information uh that was presented to a [133:33] community member and they thought our [133:34] our information was different. Um the [133:37] email uh puts into context that [133:40] information that was shared with that [133:41] community member that we're both [133:42] speaking about the same thing from [133:44] different perspectives. So I can share [133:46] that as well and just to clarify that [133:48] comment that was made. Um, yeah. And so [133:51] I can stand for questions after after [133:52] all that. [133:54] >> Okay. Thank you so much for for that uh [133:56] clarification. And I just want to add [133:58] that seven of the 10 most energy burden [134:00] neighborhoods in the city are not [134:02] actually in green zones. And the north [134:04] side green zone doesn't include [134:05] neighborhoods like Jordan, Cleveland, [134:07] Fwell, Harrison, etc. And so there is [134:11] maybe a conversation that needs to be [134:12] had about expanding the north side green [134:14] zone to cover more neighborhoods, but [134:15] that's something I'll leave to the um [134:18] other committees and council members who [134:20] do represent that area. Um so I will [134:24] recognize council member Rainville. [134:27] >> Thank you. Uh so I just I have some [134:29] questions and I don't expect to answer [134:31] today, but I would like to have it [134:33] before the council meeting so it'll [134:35] influence my vote. So I'm just curious [134:38] the the total amount of money uh that [134:41] this increase would give to the [134:42] commercial and industrial users as well [134:46] as the uh how much this uh proposed [134:49] increase would uh would be with the [134:53] commercial industrial versus the [134:56] residential [134:58] trying to look for who's paying what. [135:00] >> Do you want to answer now or would you [135:01] like to have a followup for that? [135:04] I'd be uh I don't have the numbers um on [135:07] me, but there [135:07] >> and I don't expect it. I just I I'm [135:09] asking for this information before the [135:11] full council vote. [135:12] >> Yeah, I think we'd be happy to provide [135:13] that. We that is provided in a memo um [135:16] that has been um I think uploaded to not [135:20] uh this legislative file, but the last [135:23] um the last legislative file. And we can [135:25] make sure to to point you to that memo [135:27] because I believe the numbers you're [135:28] looking for are are in that memo. [135:30] >> Great. Thank you very much. I'll ask [135:32] clerk Michael to to note that if it's [135:34] already in the memo, then let's just uh [135:36] distribute that to all committee [135:39] members. [135:40] >> Understood. I'll follow up with staff. [135:42] >> Thank you. [135:44] >> All right. Um I just got in Q as well to [135:48] to share that um that there's a lot more [135:53] that we need to be doing with this [135:54] funding. And one of my budget amendments [135:57] this year, assuming that we pass this [135:59] increase, will be to dedicate the [136:01] additional 5 million that we're [136:02] expecting from it towards the [136:05] sustainable homes programs so that it's [136:08] all going towards the programs that have [136:10] the highest demand that we're hearing [136:11] from residents here today is the best [136:14] way to lower their energy bills. And so [136:16] that is where I'm intending for this [136:19] money to go so that next year we can [136:22] deliver even more of these upgrades to [136:24] the families who need it. And like we [136:26] heard that money ran out this year in [136:28] August and there is high demand. And so [136:30] I I believe that these ordinances are a [136:34] matter of climate denial or uh [136:37] acknowledgement of the climate crisis. [136:40] So if we really are acknowledging the [136:41] climate crisis that we're in, we need to [136:43] be funding the work that it will take to [136:46] to manage it and to live through it. So [136:50] we will be um continuing this item for [136:54] the sake of honoring the timelines that [136:57] we have with the utilities. So we will [136:59] not be taking a vote on this in [137:00] committee today, but rather at the uh [137:03] climate infrastructure committee on [137:05] December 4th and then the full council [137:07] meeting on December 11th. So, with that, [137:10] oh, I'll recognize Council Member Osman. [137:13] >> Thank you, Chair. Uh, and just want to [137:15] thank the residents who show up and [137:17] really speak the truth on what's [137:19] happening. Thank you so much for [137:21] continue to educate us and to be the [137:23] voice uh that that really raised this [137:26] and made this possible, this ordinance. [137:28] I do support this and uh we have to [137:31] continue to make sure that we are you [137:35] know investing um you know [137:39] uh green uh friendly um uh so people's [137:44] lives can be saved. I live one of the [137:47] most populated uh polluted uh [137:49] neighborhoods in in Minnesota which is [137:52] uh Phillips area and um this kind of uh [137:56] investment is much needed and thank you [137:58] director for coming to my community and [138:00] hosting that uh information session [138:03] where people are able to get in that [138:04] program. So again, uh thank you uh [138:08] president of 46. I see Lisa there and [138:11] and and many others who continue to uh [138:14] uh come and advocate and and speak [138:16] today. You definitely spoke the truth [138:18] and I'm sure many people are listening [138:21] including the u [138:24] energy providers in the state of [138:25] Minnesota. So um thanks a lot and I [138:29] guess we don't have to take any action. [138:31] We'll just [138:32] >> we're not [138:33] >> we're not taking action. [138:33] >> We're not taking action today. [138:35] >> Sound good. [138:36] >> Next, I'll recognize Council Chavez. [138:38] >> Thank you, Chair Cashman. I'll keep it [138:40] brief. I just want to thank everybody [138:42] that came and testified in support of [138:45] both of these ordinances, particularly [138:47] the Word Night residents who always show [138:49] up uh to advocate for climate justice uh [138:52] to address environmental racism that [138:54] impacts uh the green zones here and [138:56] folks that live in Minneapolis. So, I [138:58] can't wait to vote for this uh next [139:01] cycle. I'm excited to vote for it. [139:03] >> Thank you so much. So, with that, I will [139:05] ask deputy commissioner if you can share [139:07] that email with the council or at least [139:09] with me to share out with committee [139:10] members about the north side green zone [139:12] information. And with that, we'll [139:15] continue this item to December 4th. And [139:18] seeing no further business before [139:22] >> What's that? [139:23] >> Make a motion to continue. [139:24] >> Do we need to vote to continue it? [139:27] Uh you could do a voice vote or a roll [139:28] call. [139:29] >> Okay. So on the motion to continue this [139:31] to December 4th, all those in favor say [139:33] I. I. [139:34] >> Those opposed say nay. Any abstensions? [139:37] That motion carries. Thank you. [139:38] >> And with that we've concluded all [139:39] business to come before the committee. [139:41] So without objection, we are adjourned.