Metropolitan Council

The Committee of the Whole discussed the impact of federal law enforcement agency deployment within the community and explored the Metropolitan Council's legal authority regarding separation ordinances and policy-based bans on federal agent access to council property. The meeting addressed the support and safety training provided to frontline staff and transit operators working in affected areas. Additionally, the committee reviewed recent security enhancements at council buildings, including restricted badge access, and established a channel for public questions regarding federal enforcement actions.

The committee meeting covered information items related to the regional solicitation and active transportation solicitation processes. Discussions focused on application changes, community considerations criteria, funding priorities, and maintenance requirements. The committee evaluated criteria weighting across various application categories, including safety, transit, and roadway projects, and discussed eligibility for car-sharing and bike-sharing projects. The committee also outlined upcoming steps, including a public comment period and the timeline for the next call for projects.

The committee reviewed and approved the audit framework, consisting of an internal audit policy, an audit committee charter, and an audit department charter. Discussions included updates on the audit department's staffing, progress on the internal audit plan, and status reports on external audits by the Federal Transit Administration and the Minnesota Office of State Safety Oversight. The Chief Audit Executive provided an update on their dual role as Chief Risk and Compliance Officer and presented findings regarding a grant recipient review of Move Minneapolis, which highlighted significant concerns regarding financial controls, intermingling of funds, and an alleged diversion of assets.

The committee meeting covered several key agenda items, including reports from the TAB, MDOT, and the Metropolitan Council. Key discussions included regional solicitation policy, safety updates regarding traffic fatalities, rail service improvement grants, and updates on transit ridership and project amendments. The committee also reviewed a program year extension request for a Hennepin County project on Marshall Street Northeast and received an information presentation on the electric vehicle public charging needs analysis, which focused on community and destination charging strategies.

The committee discussed several transportation projects and funding requests. Key topics included the extension of program years and the combination of two corridor improvement projects on Trunk Highway 47 for the City of Anoka, due to coordination and federal grant complexities. Reports were provided on state fatalities, legislative bonding sessions, regional project solicitation, climate action frameworks, and passenger numbers for metropolitan airports. Additionally, the committee reviewed updates on arterial bus rapid transit planning, a travel demand management scan, and discussions regarding land and water acknowledgments.