Noelle Bakken

The meeting commenced with introductions of the City Attorney, Rachel Tierney, and the City Manager, Pat Trean. Following roll call, the Council approved the evening's agenda and opened the floor for general public comment, though no specific items outside the agenda were raised. A proclamation declaring January 2026 as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month was read and unanimously approved. The Mayor then offered a statement regarding recent communications causing fear and anxiety within the local Somali community, affirming the City's stance against discrimination. The primary business involved continuing the budget and tax hearing, which was rescheduled from the 1st to the 8th of December. The City Manager and Finance Director presented detailed information regarding the proposed preliminary budget, the 12% proposed city tax levy increase, factors affecting property taxes such as assessed valuation changes (noting a city-wide 3% market increase), and provided an example calculation of tax impact. The presentation also reviewed the budget process timeline since August and covered utility rate and fee schedule reviews.

The agenda for the meeting included calling the session to order, reviewing the April Ethics Training Event, and discussing non-filing of disclosure statements. Key discussion points also involved topics for the upcoming joint meeting with the City Council scheduled for May 21, 2012, and general ethics tips. The agenda also scheduled the swearing-in of the new Ethics Commissioner, Nancy O'Brien.

The Eden Prairie Players, a community theater program of the City of Eden Prairie, undertook a strategic planning process in 2011 to re-visualize its mission and achieve its vision of being a highly regarded live theater destination. The plan aims to foster outstanding theater opportunities, ensure healthy and sustainable growth, and increase community engagement. Key goals include developing a clear organizational structure, increasing audience participation, growing community awareness, and expanding collaborations with other organizations.

The agenda includes standard items such as call to order, roll call, and approval of minutes. Key discussion points involve the recognition of the Living Smarter Home and Garden Fair sponsor, community comments, and consent agenda items like adopting contracts for fiscal, staff, and executive director services, accepting the HRC 2011 Report and Abatement Report, affirming the continuation of legal and secretarial services, adopting a contract with the Housing Resource Center, and approving the 2012 Marketing Contract and 2011 Year-end Financial Report. Action items include approving bylaws, electing officers, discussing multifamily rental properties, considering a CURA intern, reviewing the 2012-2017 Strategic Plan, and discussing the potential purchase of properties on Dale Street and Rice Street. The meeting also covers information reports, board and staff reports, and adjourns to the Local Development Corporation Annual Meeting.

The commission discussed several key areas including board training, development, operations, outreach, program development, and a review of various sources for additional funds. The commission reviewed the 2011 strategic plan and commission initiatives for 2012. Other topics included mission statement, operational rules and procedures, partnerships with neighboring cities and organizations, engaging youth in human rights efforts, communication networks, accessibility of events, participation in the Rosefest Parade, assessing city government activities, encouraging neighborhood groups, monitoring data trends, race programs, diversity dialogues, and the student essay project.