Minneapolis City Council Meeting Summary

Meeting Information

• Date: November 14, 2024
• Title: Regular Meeting of the Minneapolis City Council
• Present: President Payne, Vice President Chughtai, Cashman, Chavez, Chowdhury, Jenkins, Koski, Osman, Palmisano, Rainville, Vetaw. Ellison joined later.
• Absent: Wonsley
• Guests: Rox (Our Space/MN Transgender Health Coalition), Cat (Executive Director, OutFront Minnesota)
• Votes: 14 roll call votes

Highlights

• Labor Standards Board Resolution: Extensive debate over creating a new advisory board for labor standards
• Amendments to Civil Rights Department & Board Structure: Multiple amendments proposed to change oversight and composition
• Budget Committee Salary Schedule: Item referred back to committee for appointed positions salary adjustments
• Affordable Housing Right of First Refusal: Mayor’s veto sustained
• Lake Street Safety Center: Discussion of new community safety resource center opening

Discussion

Labor Standards Board Resolution

Intense debate over creating an advisory board for labor standards. Multiple amendments were proposed, including changing voting thresholds and board composition. Key points of contention:

• Whether sufficient community engagement had occurred
• Representation of small businesses vs workers
• Role of community stakeholders
• Timing and process concerns

Council Member Chavez argued passionately: “This is an opportunity to say to our residents that we support workers… My mother had to work three fricking jobs to barely afford rent, to barely be able to put food on the table.”

Council Member Vetaw advocated for delay: “We’ve seen, we’ve had engagement from folks who have said they haven’t been heard. They just wanted a public hearing.”

Resolution passed 9-3.

Civil Rights Department Oversight

Debate over whether the Labor Standards Board should be overseen by Civil Rights Department or Office of Public Service. Council Member Jenkins argued Civil Rights lacked expertise, while Vice President Chughtai countered that Civil Rights had the most relevant experience and worker trust.

Amendment failed 6-6.

Budget Committee Salary Schedule

Item regarding 4% raise for appointed and non-represented employees was referred back to committee. Total cost approximately $2.7 million affecting about 690 employees. Questions raised about equity with other employee groups and need for more information.

Referred back to committee 12-0.

Affordable Housing Right of First Refusal

Mayor’s veto of previously passed ordinance considered. Required 9 votes to override. Discussion focused on implementation concerns and impact on property owners.

Veto sustained 7-5.

Lake Street Safety Center

Discussion of new safety center opening near light rail. Will provide non-emergency safety services, police report filing, and 311 services. Council members praised collaboration between departments and community partners.

Passed as part of larger committee report.

Public Comments

The meeting began with comments regarding Transgender Day of Remembrance:

• Rox (Our Space/MN Transgender Health Coalition): Spoke about mourning the deaths of two transgender community members in the metro area and called for support of transgender individuals.

• Cat (OutFront Minnesota): Discussed the loss of Savannah Williams and Kiara Sie, emphasizing the importance of Minneapolis maintaining its status as a transgender refuge city in face of hostile federal environment.