Minneapolis Administration & Enterprise Oversight Committee Meeting Summary

Meeting Information

• Date: November 18, 2024
• Title: Administration & Enterprise Oversight Committee Regular Meeting
• Present: Wonsley (Chair), Vetaw, Cashman, Chughtai, Palmisano (Vice Chair)
• Absent: Ellison
• Guests: MPD Chief O’Hara, Assistant Chief Blackwell, City Attorney staff, Neighborhood Safety Department Director Nelson-Brown and staff
• Votes: 6 roll call votes

Highlights

• Letter of Agreement for vacation accrual extension for MPD officers
• Letter of Agreement for MPD critical staffing overtime extension
• Contract amendments for Community Trauma Response services
• City Attorney’s Office Civil Division presentation
• Legislative directive regarding independent legal counsel research

Discussion

MPD Vacation Accrual Extension

Discussion centered around extending maximum vacation accrual from 400 to 550 hours through 2025 for MPD officers. Currently 105 officers across three bargaining units are at risk of losing accrued vacation hours. Questions were raised about budgetary impacts and why this wasn’t addressed in recent contract negotiations. Chief O’Hara explained staffing shortages make it difficult for officers to use vacation time.

Quote from Assistant Chief Blackwell: “We’re asking for one-year extension…Our hiring has gotten a lot better. It’s getting a lot better in 2025, for more relief for our officers.”

Forwarded without recommendation in a 6-0 vote.

MPD Critical Staffing Overtime Extension

Extended discussion about continuing critical staffing overtime through 2025. Chief O’Hara described severe staffing shortages with only 519 active duty officers out of 577 total sworn positions. Concerns raised about officer fatigue and wellness. Questions about tracking overtime hours and defining “critical” staffing needs.

Quote from Chief O’Hara: “The reality is, all of them are overworked. They’re all tired. They’re all exhausted. At the same time, I cannot allow a shift to go out with no cops.”

Forwarded without recommendation in a 6-0 vote.

Community Trauma Response Contracts

Neighborhood Safety Department presented comprehensive overview of $12 million in contracts with 12 organizations providing trauma response services. Director Nelson-Brown detailed the RFP process, conflict of interest procedures, and reporting requirements. Council members expressed appreciation for the thorough presentation and community-based approach.

Approved in 6-0 vote (Councilmember Vetaw recusing from one contract).

City Attorney Civil Division Overview

Deputy City Attorney Nelson and managing attorneys presented structure and functions of civil division. Some tension emerged when Nelson expressed offense at agenda item questioning legal staffing model. Discussion clarified separation between implementation team handling settlement agreement and litigation team handling other cases.

Received and filed.

Public Comments

No public comments were recorded in this transcript.