Photo Credit: YouTube/Minneapolis City Council May 7
(Minneapolis, Minnesota) During the regular City Council meeting May 7, in Minneapolis, members failed to override two key vetoes issued by the mayor on proposals: decriminalizing drug paraphernalia and extending pre-eviction notice requirements. Both policy areas remain in control of Mayor Frey, as the Council remains divided by a narrow margin (7-6).
The same margin saw the Council, once again, rejecting Toddrick Barnette's Commissioner of Community Safety nomination. Mayor Frey famously vetoed the Council's rejection, but it appears that veto has been overridden by the Council. The move led many Council members to express frustration about conflicts surrounding public safety leadership and the ongoing ‘political loop’ it seems to be stuck in regarding the issue. Operation Metro Surge also continues to be a topic of unrest. Public commenter's came to discuss how the initiative negatively affected small businesses owned by minorities (specifically Asian American, Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders) that were already struggling to stay afloat before Metro Surge.
On a positive note, the Council agreed to contract changes with Meet Minneapolis that increase transparency over spending by requiring the administration to report to the Council before leftover incentive funds are spent. In general, this provides a way to track spending of surplus tourism-related monies, thereby increasing fiscal accountability. The Council also approved the renaming of a street on Blazedale Avenue to posthumously honor Officer Jamal Mitchell, as well as recognized May as Mental Health Awareness and Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage, Older Adults, and Community Action month. Cinco de Mayo was also recognized as community contributions and awareness efforts were celebrated.
Legislative issues were addressed including street resurfacing projects, flood mitigation studies, and overall infrastructural improvements needed within Minneapolis. A new ordinance was introduced that reinforced the health department’s authority to address the spread of infectious disease, but it was referred to committee for further review. A reporting error was identified in housing code language that relates to encampment reporting, no new ordinance was needed to correct the issue as it was treated as a clerical error and corrected as such.
Mayor Frey’s nomination of Brian O’Hara for Police Chief was referred to the Public Health, Safety, and Equity Committee for review, while William Walker’s nomination as Civil Service Commissioner was referred to the Enterprise and Labor Relations Committee. Toward the end of the meeting the rejection of Barnette's nomination once again rose during announcements but the sudden attempt to restart the debate was ruled out of order.
To add to or correct any information in this report, please contact me at kristin.h@lead4earth.org and leave a comment below.
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