Minneapolis City Council Meeting Summary

Meeting Information

• Date: February 13, 2024
• Title: Regular Meeting of the Minneapolis City Council
• Present: All 13 council members initially present
• Absent: None
• Guests: Commissioner Todd Barnette, Reverend McAffey (during public discussion), representatives from electrical and gas utility companies
• Votes: 17 roll call votes taken

Highlights

• Debate over moving $1.3M in violence prevention funding from Neighborhood Safety Department to Hennepin County
• Discussion of George Floyd Square layout and pedestrian mall concept
• Franchise agreements with Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy approved
• Demolition appeal for historic church property at Victory Memorial Drive
• Concerns raised about Community Commission on Police Oversight review panel staffing
• Discussion of 24/7 operating license for Lowry Handy Stop with new security conditions

Discussion

Violence Prevention Funding Transfer

Contentious debate over Council Member Wonsley’s proposal to move GVI (Group Violence Intervention) and YGVI (Youth Group Violence Intervention) funding to Hennepin County. The discussion revealed deep divisions over the Neighborhood Safety Department’s effectiveness and management. Commissioner Barnette made public statements suggesting council members were trying to benefit specific nonprofits, leading to heated exchanges. After extensive debate, the proposal was postponed indefinitely.

Notable quote from CM Wonsley: “The Neighborhood Safety Department is not functional. And that dysfunction has simply put residents’ safety at risk. In 2024 homicides decreased across the country, while they increased here in Minneapolis.”

Vote: Motion to postpone indefinitely passed 13-0

George Floyd Square Layout

Debate centered on whether to proceed with the city’s recommended concept layout or explore a pedestrian mall option. CM Jenkins strongly opposed any delay, citing years of community engagement. CM Cashman advocated for further study of pedestrian options. The discussion revealed tensions between different visions for the space and questions of council member deference to ward representatives.

Quote from CM Jenkins: “I see this as a delay in progress at George Floyd Square. There have been hundreds of hours of community engagement over the past 4.5 years.”

Vote on referral to clerk: 8-5 Vote on legislative directive: 9-4

Energy Franchise Agreements

Council approved new franchise agreements with Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy, along with Clean Energy Partnership memorandums. Discussion focused on the city’s climate goals and the need for utility accountability. Multiple council members praised staff work while emphasizing the agreements’ importance for meeting climate targets.

Vote: 13-0

Historic Church Demolition

Debate over demolition of a historic church at Victory Memorial Drive. CM Vetaw opposed the demolition, arguing for more time to study the property’s historical significance. City Attorney clarified that staff research showed the property did not meet landmark criteria.

Vote: 9-4 in favor of granting the demolition appeal

Public Comments

No formal public comments were taken during this meeting, though there were references to heated exchanges during previous committee meetings, particularly regarding the violence prevention funding debate and comments made by Reverend McAffey.