Budget Committee

January 13, 2025 · 2 min read

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Minneapolis City Council Budget Committee Meeting Summary

Meeting Information

Date: January 13, 2025
Title: Budget Committee Meeting
Present: Payne, Wonsley, Rainville, Vetaw, Osman, Chavez, Chowdhury, Palmisano, Chughtai (Chair)
Absent: Ellison, Cashman, Jenkins (joined later), Koski
Guests: Brenda Miller (Human Resources Department), Chief Brian O’Hara (Police Department)
Votes: 2 (Consent agenda and Bureau Chief Civilian position)

Highlights

Creation of new Bureau Chief Civilian position in Minneapolis Police Department
Appointment of Ward 3 and Ward 13 representatives (consent agenda)

Discussion

Bureau Chief Civilian Position in Police Department

Chief O’Hara presented a proposal to create a new civilian executive position equivalent to Deputy Chief level. The position would report to the Assistant Police Chief of Community Trust and Engagement, with a salary range of $158,652 to $188,071. The role would oversee constitutional policing, internal affairs, training, and reform efforts.

Chief O’Hara emphasized that similar civilian leadership positions exist in other major police departments, including New York, Los Angeles, and Baltimore. He argued that civilian leadership would bring diverse perspectives and help modernize the department, particularly during the implementation of state and federal consent decree reforms.

Several council members asked clarifying questions:

Council Member Rainville inquired about the success of similar positions in other cities
Council Member Jenkins asked about desired qualifications
Council Member Chowdhury questioned the timeline and recruitment strategy

Chief O’Hara indicated he has already identified a potential candidate within Minnesota with relevant experience.

Quote from Chief O’Hara: “I think it’s clear that when you bring civilians in on this level it has to be real both internally and externally. The civilian needs to clearly have the same level of authority as sworn members on that level.”

Vote: Passed unanimously

Appointments for Ward 3 and Ward 13 representatives were approved without discussion. Vote: Passed unanimously

Public Comments

No public comments were recorded during this session.

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