Deborah Maloney

The meeting included the approval of the current agenda and the consent agenda, which covered licenses, permits, claims, and Resolution 26-018 concerning a grant agreement with Metropolitan Council Environmental Services for infrastructure improvement. A public hearing was held regarding the 2027 Budget Calendar and Process, which involved discussions on budget allocation, particularly police expenditures, and opportunities for public input. The Council approved the 2027 budget calendar and process. Additionally, the 2026 Planning Commission Work Plan and the 2026 Parks & Environmental Commission Work Plan were approved. Under general business, Resolution 26-019 affirming the Council's stance on Community Safety, Inclusion, and Immigration was approved, along with Resolution 26-020 authorizing $15,000 to subsidize towing and storage fees for residents impacted by Federal Immigration Enforcement during Operation Metro Surge. The Council also approved the Active Transportation Plan, emphasizing safe routes to schools and complete streets, and the 2026 Strategic Plan, noting alignment with legislative priorities. Community forum discussions included follow-up on immigration-related resolutions and concerns regarding police policy and ICE activity.

The agenda for the City Council meeting included several key actions and discussions. Business items involved accepting and approving a Grant Agreement with Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) for the 2026 Private Property Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) Grant Program, which allocates funds for private sewer infrastructure repairs. A Public Hearing was scheduled regarding the 2027 Budget Calendar and process. Staff and Commission reports covered the 2026 Planning Commission Work Plan and the 2026 Parks & Environmental Commission Work Plan. General Council business included adopting resolutions affirming the Council's stance on community safety, inclusion, and immigration enforcement, authorizing funds to respond to Operation Metro Surge impacts, and adopting the Active Transportation Plan and the 2026 Strategic Plan. The Consent Agenda covered approval of previous minutes, licenses and permits, and claims.

This document outlines the 2026 work plan for the Parks & Environmental Commission. It focuses on supporting the city's Climate Plan implementation, providing recommendations on environmental and sustainability policies, and conducting community education and outreach. Key priorities include a specific focus on water and waste initiatives for 2026, advising on potential ordinances for sustainable buildings and waste, promoting conservation, participating in sustainability events, enhancing city green spaces, conducting a business survey for waste reduction, and initiating preliminary tasks for a 2050 Comprehensive Plan. The plan aims to advance environmental stewardship and sustainability efforts within the community.

The Planning Commission public hearing focused on the Southern Gateway Development Project. Key discussions involved four requests related to this project: a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to increase density from 40 units/acre to 48 units/acre, a Preliminary Planned Unit Development (PUD) Development Plan, a Preliminary Plat for subdivision, and a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to re-guide the 2401 Lowry Avenue property from Commercial to High Density Residential. The Commission recommended denial for the first three items. The density amendment vote resulted in 4 votes in support and 2 against, failing to achieve the necessary super majority recommendation for approval. All four requests will be forwarded to the City Council meeting scheduled for September 26, 2017.

The Special Work Session focused on a detailed discussion regarding Federal Immigration Enforcement. Key topics included the viability and legal implications of drafting separation ordinances, requiring law enforcement notification, implementing body camera usage, and considering moratoriums on evictions or towing fees. Council members debated the legal risks versus the moral imperative to protect vulnerable residents. The discussion evolved toward collaborative actions, such as joining legal actions via amicus briefs, and directing staff to coordinate with other cities and counties. Ultimately, the consensus directed staff to draft a resolution communicating the City's stance, and directed legal counsel to prepare an amicus brief, while also reviewing the potential for the City to subsidize towing and storage fees for vehicles directly impacted by ICE detentions.