Honorary Resolution Recognizing Disability Pride Month
Recognized and Celebrated
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Whiting [0:00:26] · Seconded by Implied through presentation and subsequent celebration.
Council Member Whiting presented the resolution, highlighting the 1990 ADA and the significant contributions of Minneapolis residents with disabilities. Ken, Chair of the Minneapolis Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities, emphasized the resolution's importance in codifying the city's values and recognizing the disability community's 50 years of advocacy and increased visibility.
Budget Committee Report - Item 1 (Burn Discretionary Community Project Funding Grants)
12-0 Approved
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Schaefer [0:13:58] · Seconded by Unknown [0:14:04]
Council Member Schaefer presented the report, which included one item: acceptance of Burn discretionary community project funding grants for evaluating problem nature codes and appropriating funds to the Office of Community Safety.
Business Housing and Zoning Committee Report (Multiple Items)
11-0 Approved (excluding items 5, 15, 17)
Dissent: None
Moved by Vice President Osman [0:15:37] · Seconded by Unknown [0:16:11]
Vice President Osman moved for approval of most items, excluding three for separate votes. Council Member Chowry specifically highlighted and praised Item 1, the liquor license for Bill's Bait Shop, as a significant positive development for the 12th ward, noting its potential to activate the area and the overwhelming community support for the woman-owned business.
Business Housing and Zoning Committee Report - Item 5 (Variance Appeal for 4710 Humboldt Ave North)
11-0 Approved
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Vita [0:18:59] · Seconded by Unknown [0:19:10]
Council Member Vita moved to grant the appeal regarding screening requirements for refuse and recycling containers at the property. The motion was seconded and approved without further discussion.
Business Housing and Zoning Committee Report - Item 15 (Loan contract with Metro Consortium of Community Developers)
10-0 Approved, 1 Abstention
Dissent: Council Member Whiting (abstained due to personal conflict).
Moved by Vice President Osman [0:15:37] (part of original report motion) · Seconded by Unknown
Council Member Whiting announced a recusal from the vote due to a personal conflict, highlighting ethical considerations in council decision-making.
Business Housing and Zoning Committee Report - Item 17 (Lakeshore Arms Apartments Historic Designation)
9-2 Denied
Dissent: Council Member Chavez, Council Member Chowry
Moved by Council Member Schaefer [0:23:36] · Seconded by Council Member Stevenson [0:26:40]
Council Member Schaefer moved to deny the historic designation, arguing the property was not unique, was an average example of its style, and its designation would hinder development in a crucial transit corridor consistent with the 2040 Plan. City staff and the Heritage Preservation Commission had recommended approval. Council Members Chavez and Chowry expressed discomfort with the decision given staff's position and the lack of time for deeper discernment, but a motion for delay was not supported.
Climate and Infrastructure Committee Report (Items 2-9)
12-0 Approved
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Stevenson [0:37:37] · Seconded by Unknown [0:38:43]
Council Member Schaefer acknowledged the land sale of Wedge Point Park (Item 6) as a long-sought 'win for the neighborhood' and thanked city staff for its completion.
Climate and Infrastructure Committee Report - Item 1 (Lindale Avenue Reconstruction Project)
8-4 Approved (as amended)
Dissent: Council Member Warren, Council Member Schaefer, Council Member Rainville, Council Member Vita
Moved by Council Member Stevenson [0:38:59] (to amend and approve) · Seconded by Council Member Chavez [0:41:00]
The council debated municipal consent for the county-led Lindale Avenue reconstruction. Amendments were introduced to prioritize tree preservation, modify medians for business access, minimize construction disruption, and promote 'whimsical' community activations during construction. Opponents cited negative business impacts from previous projects (Hennepin Avenue), tree removal concerns, and perceived hindrance to emergency vehicles. Proponents stressed the street's age, safety record (Lyn Lake as highest injury intersection), federal funding dependency, and the need for climate action and multimodal transportation.
Committee of the Whole Report - Items 1 & 2 (Target Field Workers Resolution & Aquatennial Permits)
12-0 Approved
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Chowry [1:08:44] · Seconded by Unknown [1:09:02]
Council Member Rainville spoke in strong support of the resolution expressing solidarity with workers at Target Field, citing his past union involvement and emphasizing the importance of supporting workers, especially regarding healthcare.
Committee of the Whole Report - Item 3 (Heritage Park Affordable Housing Trust Fund Allocation)
12-0 Approved (for item 3.4 on reporting); 7-5 Approved (for item 3.5 on legal memo); 12-0 Approved (for final package)
Dissent: Council Member Warren, Council Member Schaefer, Council Member Rainville, Council Member Vita, Council Member Pomisano (on legal memo request)
Moved by Council Member Wanssley [1:14:38] (for amendments); Council Member Warren [1:27:16] (for final package) · Seconded by Unknown [1:14:40] (for amendments); Unknown [1:27:26] (for final package)
Council Member Warren presented the $2.5 million allocation, prioritizing resident relocation and emergency repairs. Council Member Wansley moved amendments for regular reporting on the relocation process and a legal memo on recouping funds from responsible entities, citing the city's budget deficit and need for property owner accountability. Vice President Osman criticized the city's regulatory services for failing to enforce housing standards, leading to the crisis.
Enterprise and Labor Relations Committee Report (Multiple Items)
12-0 Approved
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Pomosano [1:38:23] · Seconded by Unknown [1:38:59]
Council Member Pomosano presented the report, which included the appointment of Rebecca Malmquist as City Assessor and a collective bargaining agreement for firefighters. Council Member Chowry praised both Malmquist and Kayla McConnata (Civil Rights Director nominee) as exceptional women leaders in the city, highlighting their staff's dedication and their national recognition in their fields.
Public Health Safety and Equity Committee Report - Items 1 & 3 (Civil Rights Director & Police Inspector Donation)
12-0 Approved
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Chavez [1:39:56] · Seconded by Unknown [1:40:02]
Council Member Chavez moved for approval, specifically thanking Kayla McConnata for stepping up as the permanent Civil Rights Department Director. Council Member Chowry reiterated praise for both McConnata and City Assessor Rebecca Malmquist, highlighting their leadership and the positive impact on their departments.
Public Health Safety and Equity Committee Report - Item 2 (Sky Deio Drone as First Responder Pilot Program)
Discussion ongoing; no vote recorded.
Council Member Vita passionately advocated for the free 75-day pilot program, citing current slow police response times (7+ minutes in the 4th precinct) and the potential for drones to reduce this to under two minutes for eligible calls. He highlighted a case where a drone found a missing person quickly and dismissed concerns about the vendor's federal contracts, arguing for a pragmatic approach to improve public safety. Discussion was ongoing when the transcript ended.