a meeting of the Salem City Council to order Roll Call, please. Coleman. Johnson toast Council PRESIDENT, a Kurd here, 6 present one. Absent that being Councilmember Johnson, she I excused. Want to take a moment to welcome everyone to our city council meeting today. Thank you all so much for coming. We invite everyone to join us in standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. a United States and to Republic for which it stands. One nation under in fall justice for all. Consent agenda items for through 14 or before you for your Understanding is 14 is being pulled for separate consideration. Is there anything else to be taken off of can sense? Not seeing anything up. Take a motion from Vice PRESIDENT Kim for the balance of the consent agenda. All in favor say Aye.
I'll post 6 in favor. None opposed the resolution for the cut. Let the consent agenda is adopted as amended item number 14 is resolution 26 dash 2.15, defending the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law. Councilor Yang. If you cut the PRESIDENT, I'm going look to the podium. Everybody I would like introduce Erie, PRESIDENT To the podium here along with members of comment coming cause Minnesota and into this. But cities so come on up and join me here. If you stand right between the 2 gold columns, all 5 live cameras will get you at once. I want to say thank you for the time here. I a and very grateful to say, Gary. He says he Paul resident, they reached out to my office when I was still on maternity leave. But then ask for the council to pass this resolution shall speak more about it. There's
been so much work on this by by Kyrie and organizational partners inside us and so grateful for it because we know tat right now we are living during Inc a time of deep uncertainty and chaos. And there are so many families right now who are hurting. This is a a that is critical for citizens and local governments to be very clear about where we stand when it comes to our rights, rule of law in our constitutional system of governance, especially as more cities are impacted by ice and other federal actions. We hope after hopefully the unanimous support of the council here that many of the units of government will cnsider consider following suit and resolution like this as well. You both come and step closer
to me. Going to be reading because really beautifully lays out the ways in which our federal government right now is violating our rights. And want to be very clear about this. This is a resolution to funding the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law, whereas the Paul City Council believes that the United States Constitution is the basis for our Democratic Republic and our civil society. And whereas the first 3 articles of the U.S. Constitution established 3 separate but equal branches of the United States government. And whereas the Paul City Council acknowledges the unconstitutional consolidation of power and executive branch by executive orders and willful misdeeds such as but not limited to the replication of birthright citizenship. Freezing of federal spending approved by Congress. Decision of
appropriated funds, shuttering of federal agencies demonstrating a pattern of usurping the duties of a legislative branch violating due process. Rights of the person said the United States. And if you with and threatening free enterprise and economic academic freedom infringing upon and provoking civil service protections for federal employees. During individuals we lift deportation investigation and prosecution based on political views that teeny individuals based on racial or ethnic criteria alone, ignoring or disobeying judicial mandates politicizing law enforcement and the military and violating the Posse Comet hottest act imposing import taxes and engaging in trade agreements
without congressional authorization. Apprehending members of the press and generally exhibit in contempt for the separation of powers, freedom of speech and equal justice under the law. And whereas the Minnesota Attorney general's office has filed multiple lawsuits against Pacific executive orders and other abuses of power. And whereas each member of the Saint Paul Cty Council swears on and off to the U.S. Constitution and U.S. Has a duty to support, protect and defend the U.S. Constitution and the rights of residents within their jurisdictions that are being harmed by violations of the U.S. Constitution, therefore, be it resolved that we the Saint Paul City Council declare our support for the role of the United States Congress as a coequal partner of 3 in our constitutional Federal republic support encourage the congressional delegation in Minnesota, 2 leader colleagues
to stand up and reclaim their constitutional duty. To be equal partner in the administration of the U.S. Government to work hand-in-hand with the judicial branch to ensure that the U.S. Constitution is not violated by the executive branch and to ensure that illegal or unconstitutional actions that have occurred or overturned. And also that direct that this resolution be forwarded to the office of each member of the Minnesota congressional delegation. And that will be something that my office takes care of. And so with that, I would like to hand over the mine to Gary and Rebecca. Council PRESIDENT An acre vice PRESIDENT Council members. My name is Gary Fi field. I'm a constituent of or
3. I want to thank Councilmembers and Johnson for authoring this important resolution. The second paragraph of our Declaration of Independence States, quote. Governments are instituted among men deriving their powers from consent of the governed. Whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it. We have no desire to abolish or government, but we surely wish to alter its behavior. That declaration goes on to list abuses and usurp patients, including. Keeping among us in times of peace standing armies, protecting them from punishment for any murders which they should commit on the inhabitants of these
states. Cutting off our trade with all parts of the world. Imposing taxes on us without our consent. Exciting domestic insurrections amongst us. These abuses and others mirror those in the resolution before Many of our elected and appointed leaders daily violate their oath to defend the Constitution, the United States. And to see that the laws her faithfully execute. It's time for this council and the people of the city to be put on record and to call our leaders to account. This resolution is a statement of both are per phone displeasure. And the expectations we have of our federal government. Our democracy is facing facing existential threat. This resolution maybe only words on paper, but so was the
Declaration of Independence. This is a statement of where we stand. What we value. Thank urge you all vote in favor of the resolution. Thank Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for inviting us here today. My name I Rebecca Larson and one of the co-leaders of Indivisible twin Cities, a volunteer lead chapter of the pro-democracy, an anti authoritarian movement. That is called Indivisible. Until a year ago. I was a resident of Saint Paul, but I made the brave move to cross the river into Minneapolis. So I'm speaking today as a leader the pro-democracy movement. Indivisible twin cities has been able employing a variety of tactics during this time of occupation by ice in our
communities. But also over the past year, especially as Trump and his regime have escalated their brood, brutal and cruel tactics. All that we do is in the interest of saving what is left of our fledgling democracy. This means organizing protests such as no Kings inviting people to be civically engaged and trying when it's necessary to send the word to our elected officials at all levels that when they stand up for democracy and against authoritarian running our federal government that we the people will stand with you. Some tactics will be labeled performative people question whether protest matter whether strongly worded letters matter. Or sit ins at target for example. But are firmly
held belief. Is that nonviolent peaceful movements sustained for as long as it takes are the only way to overturn authoritarian governments as we have seen throughout history and around the world. We believe every time an elected official shows courage and resolve and people see it. It gives them courage and resolve. And right now courage and resolve or what we all need. So thank you for considering this proposal to stand up for democracy and our Constitution. Thank you for your consideration. Thank you very much. Can I just add one thing? Another supporting organization for this is
common cause Minnesota. Honest hub, Deltona cover was planning to be here to speak, but she's tied up at the Capitol with negotiations that are national organization, asked her to participate in around the metro surge, an election issues. So she sends her regrets and support for this resolution. Thank Thank all so much. With that, I will close by saying that Gary was very moved by what use both that. Yes, these are words paper. But these are also values and that this is a body that can convey to other government entities about where we stand in fighting fascism in protecting our communities. And I still remember how it feels to sit in in where you
are now in on the benches in the council chambers here when I was in somebody who was a decision maker at the table and it matter to me, what might the jurors believed and where they stand? And so to me, I just some people to know that those of you who are so brave, are pretty in time to be out there in the streets in fighting against ice and standing up for communities. Icu. I'm here in solidarity with you. Gosh, I feel like every single time you have a council meeting on my tears always falling because this is something that is so personal toe. And if any of you have resolutions that you want to bring forward, please know that the doors t my office are open open to always reading them and consumed in bringing that forward to the council here because I will collect to work, take collective work together we will be fascism. And I believe that we will prevail. Thank
you. Thank you so much. Missing for your powerful words and also to our speakers. Really appreciate you being here. Bring this forward. I'll take that as a motion in to approve. Is there any further discussion of the motion? Seeing none all in favor say Aye. Aye. All opposed 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item. Number 15 is resolution. 25 dash 1914, outlining the city's 2026 legislative agenda. This was laid over from JANUARY 21st. All right. So we've had this presented to us at Policy Committee, a number of times. According to our schedule, laid out an ordinance. We want to make sure w adopt or legislative agenda ahead of the start of legislative
session which begins next Tuesday. So welcome as a work day and now 5 and a half, whatever it is to share our legislative agenda, which I think has had some changes and some input since last week, which is what we're hoping for. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT And council members. My name is Jennifer Work and the director of government relations. Here at the city and you're right. It is day 6. I you have before you the 2026 legislative top priorities. a summary and document along with the support items you've seen similar versions like we talked about for you described, I believe assistant nears the linger and then you cheating presented at the council on the 21st. We have made some additions from the discussion of last week and some input from both the mayor and your office through those quickly, we updated the
federal disruption impacts language too, just makes more additions and some clarifications. It's longer Minneapolis hit adopted something similar last week. So we thought it would makes sense, too, move in that direction. Added 2 additions to the public safety section, both to 6 to look for securing additional funding for programming already exists within the police department. One around non-fatal shooting and one around juvenile trades program that the police department once. And then finally we made an addition excuse me, 2 finals, one coming from your office council PRESIDENT Dealing with I'll just read it supporting state allocations to provide mitigation funds to businesses, nonprofits and other community serving
entities adversely impacted by transportation Indot Street reconstruction projects last last legislative session. There was something done on the Eastside. I think it was Payne Avenue and I know Robert Street is one that you highlighted for office. But if nothing else, this sends a good message to men dot, to move the projects him to account for all o the just added pressures that is on community and businesses. Ad then finally, we did make an addition around the land value tax the discussion we had last week with you member comment. Thanks so much. And as a work, I know what there have been a question about our bonding priorities and dollar amounts, which I think we're not on the last version, have those. Ad utters a word it a can provide. That's right, Matt, I'm sure we will have that in our final document
when we take it to I can read those off to you as they were. I went and looked it. The legislation that was introduced in 2025. So it could be that there are increases. Project costs go up and what not. But I'll read them quickly for the Mississippi River Learning Center and Project comes in at 10 million dollars. They are asking of the state. Fr come was the big cat exhibit renovation. That is 20 Million. Randolph Avenue Bridge. Reconstruction is 3.5 million. The Saints ballpark stadium upgrades and improvements as 8 Million. We do have a number yet on the historic moment steps Summit Avenue and Kellogg Avenue Bridge Reconstruction. That legislation was introduced with a blink appropriation. Which means we'd be presenting
that if we get a hearing. Great. Thanks so much. As a work looking to my colleagues to see if there any questions or comments present came as PRESIDENT. Was a hair net. really appreciate this to him. And I think it's really clear what our consulate, the priorities of the city are. And I see, you know, priorities across the city as well. I asked you as our new it, our directors. How can we help? Thank you for the question. Council member at the last organization meeting. We talked about ways to connect with your office is about what your priorities. Obviously, you know, projects in your district are I think that's it's the student for the city for able to use all over legislative relationships up there with a delegation. So
I'll be reaching out tomorrow and working to set up time with all of us phone calls, nothing else. And just figure out ways to plug more of you at the Capitol. Thank you for that. Thanks for the question. Best PRESIDENT. We did talk a little bit about how being strategically involved at the outset rather than kind of last minute hearing that there's a hearing is really helpful and we want to be there to support administration and our whole city on the. Thank you for the question. Any comments? Otherwise I'll take a motion from as Bowie to approve. All right. All in favor say Aye. Aye. All post 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item number. So get them thanks to item. Number 16 is resolution 26 dash. 58 amending appendix a to of the Administrative code relating
to council committees. This was laid over from JANUARY. 28 and I believe we have a brief staff report from MR. Greenfield actually policy officer will come up. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT MAY just pull this up. It started. It's already looks like it's ok. So I'm here today to talk about I believe there's a version, too. So maybe we should move the for Jen to first. But that before the just give race for Just tell us it's revolution. 25 dash 58 is there is a version to posted. And so I'm going to walk through kind of that the intent behind the changes and kind of describe briefly what section is attempting to do that. What resolution is doing is amending appendix to the administrative code that pertains to our city council committees. It's inherent in
our counsel's legislative authority to establish these committees use these committees as is provided in the existing appendix to allow for the efficient operation of the legislative branch of the city government. We intend to, you know, make these changes to allow for more structured space to focus our policy discussions while for stakeholder engagement and expert input. The changes also made it into the appendix are also technical in nature and reflect current practices of city council committees. And so I would just want you know, specially think, Greg, we're for his appreciate for his work on, you know, giving feedback about legistar practices and and ways that, you know, the city council has
evolved operations to then put this into rule. So I just wanted to to highlight that contribution. There. Section one of 25 dash 58 in the appendix pertains to the council committees that are names. So the purpose of these changes to is to reflect current council practices, separate the operations committee and the Policy Committee, which is actually known as the organizational committee legistar and to allow for better consistency in public materials. So if you look at the current text of to appendix, you'll see the following listed committees in it. Alex, we have a finance and budget city operations, community and economic development audit committee and public safety Community Wellness Committee. So the proposed changes and
nomenclature are too. The Budget Council operations, which will be newly created. But have the past practices accounts of the organizational Committee policy Committee Audit Committee and Public Safety Committee. Section one paragraph b pertains to the PRESIDENT Of the council's authority related to council committees. So the proposed language is to empower the PRESIDENT Of the council with the authority to schedule the dates and times for regular committee meetings, eliminate or consolidate committees with the consent. A majority of council, which also can happen to the amendment to this appendix and sure effective operation of committee meetings, which includes the preparation of an agenda telling all matters for consideration, applying enforcing the rules of City Council as far as their
clickable internal to those meetings and providing authorization to a committee chair to hold a meeting outside of the City Council chamber. Our regularly scheduled meeting place or incur any expense related to a committee meeting. Section 2 makes mostly technical changes to committee membership to provide that every member of the City Council self serve as a member of every standing committee unless otherwise specified by resolution. That last clause applies to the audit committee. Technical changes in sections. 3, 4, 6, of the 8 to appendix outdated language regarding referral and recommendation process is stricken from to appendix. This is kind of a vestigial function of when committees existed to take up specific legislative action to make
recommendations on them. Don't have the capacity in legistar in or do tke official action on ordinances or anything that would require full council authority in our committees. So the stricken language thanks to Geg's help and the new intended to reflect the operating principle that currently exists for the city Council, which I that committee service working groups and develop proposals. But they themselves are not responsible for referral recommendation of items by themselves. This doesn't apply to hra. This doesn't apply to, you know, those you know that that that domain where a jury items that come before council, this is specific to the standing committees that we've established as the city counts. Section 4, 6, are mostly technical changes. The process remains the same
regarding amendments to to appendix. And a technical change for a director council operations. Section 5 specifies the committee functions in particular. I'm not going to go into detail what these lists are. But the budget Committee functions are specified. The policy up committee functions are specified again. This is meant to identify that we're reviewing and developing legislation to move City Council not taking in specific items and eye-catching a referral of whether it should be passed or not passed anything like state legislative process. Finally, while it has existed in other domains and under other names, we are creating a council operations committee. This was previously held under the description of the policy committee duties and has been titled alleges stars the
organizational committee. So instead, we are creating a separate committee known as Council operations are, you know, Jay dates. And that would allow for. Essentially the council's operations to separated from policy development. So that. If you know, the director wants to provide quarterly updates or other members wants to provide updates on the other work that they're doing that can be centralized and focused that committee. And then that way with adopting this next week and then reflects that practice, you know, with our publicly noticed us. And then finally, technical changes to the audit committee and public Safety. Any questions? Thanks much, MR. Greenfield, appreciate staff report questions. My colleagues. That's Anthony, thank you
so much. This is just a resolution. So that's before us for approval. Sorry. Version 2 so that's when we'll be taking a vote on. Is there any discussion the motion? Seeing none all in favor say Aye. I post 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted as amended item. Number 17 is resolution public hearing. 26 dash. 37 establishing the festivals and event security credit and the public hearing was closed and it was laid over on FEBRUARY 4th. This is know. So I would look to as Billy to To start this conversation. We begin this discussion last week with the description version 2, which is legit star and I know Councilmember has been doing some work on another version. Thank you so much council PRESIDENT And
yes, I I believe the procedure would be for me to motion to bring forth the version 3. So I will motion for us to bring forth them a version 3. So then I can talk about it. So it if I. To clarify, you be moving version 3, you can move. And then I would say have discussion and then the vote like you can discuss it before the vote and then the vote is say yes or no thank Perfect. So. I will be moving a version 3. I know some of you all had a chance to discuss it with me. I'm just going to also re didn't just give some framework for it for people who have questions. We do have interim director Melanie McMahon and also economic development director Jamie
Lloyd. And I believe also invited spd here. And if there's any questions the council for those 2 departments, but essentially would version the the distinction I want to make before you even read the resolution is that this is a resolution to actually advance policy vision to support and stabilize our community events and festivals also to promote our events that bring vitality to our city and also the goal of this resolution is streamline in create a centralized billing system to make it easier for event organizers to do business and host festivals here in Saint Paul. We know we've talked
about this early on these are these are evolving conversations. But this policy, particularly it's authorizing determining which department it's more appropriate to be able to advance. Now we are policy goals but also administer these funds. I also it once really do appreciate all the work that has gone into it. Council PRESIDENT Maker the versions both version, version, 2your staff and mean, you have put a lot of work with trying to figure out a solution and we heard loud and clear from community Security cause has been the largest barrier for them to actually skill their festivals. And even haring
from event festivals this year that can no longer operate and have to take a pause. So we do know the economic challenges. I do want to say the clear contrast between these versions 2, 3, slely just which department has authorized to reduce the fees, which which departments authorized to create this reimbursement function. And when I think about whose role it to actually implement our policy goals and to support the stabilization of these free and open communi festivals. It's really crystal-clear to me that this is the appropriate that planning and eonomic development is appropriate will house for it. A our a department that are ready ad ministers, tens of millions of dollars to that only
businesses, but they've also our experience dlivering funds t events and festivals. And we have seen through our star Grant and they can actually treat this a treat. Our event, organizers as the small business that they are. And as we're aware, our festivals generate a credible amount of revenue for our city and serve as a cultural attraction for our neighborhoods and attract visitors. Thousands of visitors all across the country. And when their economic barriers to our festivals, we bear that cost and we see that revenue loss. And also now only as as as revenue but a decline in our Cointreau identity and community belonging and no for
someone who grew up in Rondo. And remember the experience of going to days parade of being in a rattled days parade and going to rattle days. And now it's like the the highlight of my summer you know, I I think it's incredible and urgent for us to make sure that we're investing in our departments are investing into it. So I'm going read the resolution. Just because, you know, I do think for the public it will be important for them to know. So add the title still remain as events and festivals. But whereas in rsponse to concerns from event organizers about rising security costs, the safest city Council allocated 155,000 and the 2026 budget to support public safety services. For a limited
number of festivals, events. Whereas community festivals and events play a vital role in strengthening social bonds by bringing residents together across diverse backgrounds, also contributing to the local economy by attracting visitors supporting small businesses and creating temporary employment opportunities whereas such events serve as an important expressions of contro heritage celebrating the unique traditions and identities within communities while fostering civic pride and enhancing the city's reputation by showcasing its and create showcasing its creativity, diversity and community spirit, whereas the Saint Paul City Council recognized both the benefits and associated costs of
activating public spaces through festivals and events and seeks eliminate security cause for a limited number of eligible. Organizers by funding such services through a dedicated allocation. Now, therefore, it be resolve that the city council here by tkes the following actions. So there I about 7 actions that we are. I'm directing in this resolution. The first action is transferring the allocated $155,000 the planning and economic development department. We have rceived their county numbers. So if there are questions particularly around like the financial know, I do want to say we do have that information. That 155 k will be directed to eligible city
service costs associated with festivals and events. The direction. And resolution is authorized to pd to administer reduction to city department expenses through reimbursement of eligible city expenses and them out to not exceed 7,000. So we're still going to keep that maximum reimbursement per event at 7,000. So that remains the same. And reads First come first serve and is subject to find availability. So once the funds run out, that's it as a good problem to have. And we can, you work on the budget for next year. The 3rd thing intending to do with this policies established that reimbursements shall apply only to city departments build expenses. So this will not be direct pay. Check directly to
the organization that we see that the city, that this is a public service costs. We want to use these funds to to reduce the eternal finds that exist throughout the department. And we listen. Departments and the resolution as police security cost Parks and Rec public Works. Department of Safety, Inspection, even fire and any other eligible city department related costs. This also any permit application fees. So look for people MAY be wondering when you apply for a traffic control permit it for a community festival. You pay $200 and then you get your bill from Sdpd in terms of what what that costs is related to police. That. So
this will just rimbursed that it that cost extends from the application. So you still will be paying. You still will required to pay the application, but that would not be remembers. The 4th thing this will do is a limit. The eligibility for reimbursements, the festival's beating based off the criteria that we talked about last year, wich includes hosting organizations are organizations to be hosted in based in Saint Paul. Must take place in city limits. The festival must be free and open to the public and free of all participants. The festival event must be held and Saint Paul for at least 5 years or take place in area of
concentrated poverty. And was really important fr us because we do want to set residents to wear for festivals that, you know, are are successful in carrying on. We want them to be eligible for these funds as well in the last 2 things but not least is directing pd are the doesn't need ad this case will be the economic development director team. To require event organizers to submit documentation of city invoices. So this requirement basically spells out that our verification process. Well, require for the vent festival organizers to basically send their invoices. City relates expenses needs to be sent to this department. The other requirement that we're asking p e d is to provide annual
written report to council. This is different than what we had asked from Sdpd which the version to was a quarterly. This one is just one time annual report. It includes a number of festivals that receive reimbursements. So we'll just have validation o that. And then also the total amount that's been reimbursed. A total mount expenses that's been billed to those events as well categorize ation of costs. So we can just have a clear picture of what cost that each department bills and the remaining balance for all of those accounts and so the last bullet point is really just authorizing and directing pd 2. Now develop this internal administrative procedure, you know, as policymakers, I'm very clear about my role is not I'm not
operate or I don't create programs. You know, am I before it was in the council. I worked in nonprofits. I love creating programs. But in this and policy go here, it's important that, you know, we. Are in conversation and collaboration with the department and really, you know, have strong confidence in the staff, particularly to, you know, help them whether its policy or budget to make sure that they can get this done. So if people have other questions, you know, obviously in terms of pt is capacity. I think those questions should be directed to our director. Thanks so much. Disbelief for that couple description of the proposal so is there any discussion of the motion or any questions from my colleagues? Just few think you can certainly into council PRESIDENT Maker for. Your work on this. I think
I just want to point out a few things that different between the version that you brought forth in this version and that I have some questions and just some concerns about the I think the language around anymore. We're trying to do years, provide money for events and festivals, especially to build help alleviate the security costs, which is their largest costs. And I think Grandal they, fr example, is like a $90,000 security caucus. And so the way that was intended to function originally was as credit. To that cost because that's the largest cost that we have. You know, that the permits I can't imagine are quite expensive. And so this a simple way to do that. Te - only light kind of questions or concerns I have around some of the language around seeking
to eliminate police security costs. I just don't want our events and festival organizers to get the idea that we're going to be eliminating security costs because those are tens of thousands of dollars. We only have 155 $1000 and are aiming to give this to 20 or so events and festivals. I think the difference here, too, is the difference between what would be a security credit and the language used. Here's a dedicated allocation. And so to me before this is going just, you know, credit their bill so they don't have to pay $7,000 seem to be a little bit more simple administratively. But if we're now talking about certain eligible city service costs, which are lsted here, does that what does that look
like? Does that mean then that one, you know, events and festival organizers apply for this that they'll have to, you submit some approved costs are approved. Services. Does that have to go through, you know, you know, being that would have to require more coordination with other departments, depending on what services departments coming from. I'm jst it's not clear to exactly what the administrative work would look like for that. It seems to be more than original proposal of the the credit and then just, you know, having t develop an internal procedure in pd to do I think I want little bit more clarity about what that would look like or that's possible. So I'm generally supportive of us trying to find a way to
administer this. That's easy for the people that are applying for it. Easy for departments. I just don't know that we're quite there yet with everything that's in front of us. But again, I appreciate the work that's going forward. But just questions. And so I don't know if Director McMahon can concerning those direct or thanks for being here. Council. PRESIDENT Councilmember just wanted to start by. Acknowledging that we all have a shared value and appreciation for events and festivals and for everything they do in our community is community bilding events and with are within our neighborhoods, specifically councilmember Joseph, I'm understanding your question. It was on what it would take administratively within the department. I do What currently? This is not something that
was in pd is part of the 2026 budget rights. We've got our 2026 budget. We have our economic development team and we've got are plans, programs and priorities for the year. So we would be diverting some economic development staff in order to create and administer this fund few different ways of a minister the fund. This him visions it as something in working with other city departments, as I understand for like a credit, a credit down as to what those city departments with Bill out. I think at p g's North to this conversation on the logistics of trying operationalize it. So I think really have to do some work and work across and within other city departments to determine. Exactly. Just even from a
technical perspective how that would work if us a first come first serve basis on the applications, but the bills go out in a different order than the applications come in and so on. What does that mean? How do you reconcile that? And then even within the billing system of if the money's in pd and then we are literally just transferring it to other city departments. How does that how does that work? Logistically? Is that the most efficient way, cetera? That is something we would have to do some more more work into it looking and trying to figure out how we would operational isis. I think just say it's just the carries to like. And of course, but we are concerned a Kurd know anything about this. But you know, what are the folks that are putting on these events and festivals like what is their feedback back? And I mean, a process that isn't fully developed yet. What is the feedback on
that process if that's going to be easier for them? Because that's I mean, that's another big goal. We want this to be as easy as possible for for them to be able to navigate. Thanks. Just I don't know that we have. I don't know that I don't have that back. I guess to follow up on your questions director would be helpful to understand the process by which what would what would actually happen for an applicant applying for this? This fund, if it were to be administered through pd, how how how would it work? Sure. Council PRESIDENT Council members so we would establish an application and application process and we've worked internally to determine what that looks like. We have different programs and they have different applications and application process, depending on the unique needs
of that program. So we really look at the unique needs of this program. Trying work with organizers to determine what their goals are and what their needs are and develop an application and application process based off of that, our programs typically end again for the funds being public funds and needing to meet that public purpose. Also wanted to ensure financial oversight and that the funds are used for the intended purpose. Few different wys typically work on a reimbursement basis. And so they incur the cost, submit documentation of that. And we in for for the cost to turning the eligible actual expenses within that. This is set up a little differently, right? For a to the bill. And so we have to work. We have to work. The finance would have to work with the send out those bills to understand when the bills
are sent when we get the credit to him. And again, the application process, we want to ensure is distributed an equitable manner that we're not picking wnners and losers in Muncie, that festivals that we're not making this a subjective decision and determination as to who gets the money. And so again, trying to reconcile that the application process with the actual disbursement process and any conflict that might occur that. That might not. I apologize if that didn't answer question. I'm happy to provide follow-up. It's just super this week. So it sounds like there's you would be. You would be essentially developing how this would work. You MAY be crane application and then developing the plan for how organizations would get. But that they get reimbursed for that. The department gets reimbursed. You need to figure out those steps because the PRESIDENT Has members, yes, we would have to get this will be
a new fund within pd. So it's similar take creating a new program, creating a fund with in We have establish it as such and again, it not being part of the original 26 budget for us. We would be working within the constraints of what we have currently in the 26 budget to create and administer the fund. Thank you, MISS Billy. Yeah, I I do appreciate the questions. I don't have any further questions. I think it's really important that, you know, the what's before us is just basically up a policy intention in terms of. We frame the framework is this is our attention. This is the requirements. This is our goals. A lot of these questions can also be figured
out as they are building it. If you know, council decides move forward and authorize these funds, I think this is also where just seen a foundation of like good government building and structure building to actually sustain arts. I think this is a step in the right direction to wear. Now, if we're able to build the ship my will on how to actually stabilize our communities. And this is also the the building blocks for us in conversation for te 2027 budget around how we can expand and scale. So I do think it's really important that we just don't stuck into the weeds because I do think. It is important think about how we can get this money out the door because that is their point of this. But in terms of how our staff and how pd team will actually create. You know, the system to to get
this money, you know, to write down the cost I have faith and confidence in it. And up there is issues and that is opportunities for the director to come back to me that the commission or come back to the council, particularly around what policies are supports that they MAY need. But I do now when ice think about, you know how much this is important to our event organizers. It's really important that we demonstrate that our city leaders are willing to take the task in like health, or community event. Organizers, know, lower their bills. And I hear you council member gels that, you know, this policy right here is not to eliminate police cars. I do have a policy in resolutions, particularly and
have heard event organizers at that is the asset they want, that is what they want council to do. I think given the fact that, you know, this is just a very limited amount of funds like we just need to be able to put intentions in place place a policy direction and clarity around these dollars. So if we don't. This ida's pd and we want to go a different route. I think we heard last council meeting loud and clear event organizers that they has not been successful. You know, working with police said they want to have or centralize partner the city to work with. So I do think it's most appropriate. I do appreciate the transparency and your direct interim director McMahon are in terms of you know, trying to come up with some scenarios that make this work. But I really do think
think we can make this happen. - I would also like to just call on the boat. You know, for it if people Bill for feel comfortable moving forward or if there is if there is. If people do have, you know, some considerations are not prepared to vote for it, you know, can ask for a one-week Leo for Thanks for We have this wasn't him and his comment. Just a quick things are considerably. And I I think You know, a lot of a lot of progress was made between last week and this week. And I agree with like your intention around what you're trying to do. And I think there is potential for pd to administer this. I just think at this point in time that they're
still, you know. There are details, but there is like a significant out of work to figure out in a plan and to be able to make sure that this is going to work. And I just don't think it's there yet. You know, as director, man mentioned, this was we've you've already established a budget for 2026. Know there's a question of does the administration of this program going to be additional cost that pd department? That hasn't been answered and just wanting to understand more about how this how this would work. Exactly. And so I think it needs a little more time. So I wouldn't the support of of this yet today, but I think it's moving in the right direction. And I would support Landover for another week. Just PRESIDENT. Yeah, I appreciate I think for me, really appreciate her to the values that there are
being center with this version. 3, the thing that I heard loud and clear from the public testimony was that they didn't want sit in the police department and that crediting the police department for their own costs instead of going directly to community organizations. I heard that loud and clear. I think this resolution does that this version 3 does that. And if they're if the author of the Amendment is interested in. Answering a few more questions for a layer of I would support it. But I'm also prepared to support the person 3 today. So for tougher to the lead. Author. Thanks as present common. Thank you. Yeah. That. I think I'm sitting where consomme for justice, which is feeling like they're You know, I think we're a lot further along than we were
at this point lst week. Was helpful to hear from direction. And I do have re of additional questions based on what was shared today that and they need to be answered right now if motion to lead this over for a week, I think that that would be appropriate to get. More answers, make sure that this is fully ready to go. I think the shared priority as he said, that's wonderfully us to get the funds out the door as quickly as possible. So make sure ready to do since we since we vote yes, on whatever the final resolution So this sort of up to one left over. If you have questions for clarity, because, you know, I think the one-week layover, I just want to be intentional about like, what are we? What are expectations were setting with the one weekly over and what are we expecting to hear are what you clear improvements they want. You want to see in this language
to feel comfortable moving forward with that because I don't want to. I think this is clear from my part in since we have like the interim director here. That if there if we need to see more concrete plans. I think I's on the council members who are having hesitation, particularly our reservations to share what that is for them to get to the yes, because I just wouldn't want to kick the can down the road. And we had the same conversation and the neo these funds are still staude endeavor back at Square one. Thanks, Bree. Thank MRS. Yeah, I think that for me the some of the things that Director McMahon raises that, you know, we would need to an internal procedure we would need to. There's still things probably to iron out Fs. There's still things that. You know, budget questions that we might You know, how does this process work 100 people apply? She said been
developing application and that to say that I cnfidence that pd can do those things. But I just think that a more formalized plan about what that looks like is required that needs to be done before. This resolution is ready to go. And so that's what I see the work being. You know, this is I guess you in mostly you at this point council present maker that working on that. So I guess that would be my expectation that for me to be supportive of this said that you would put in the work that I think is still needed with Director McMahon and her staff to figure that out. Thanks, just as really and then help insert myself have to again getting in line. Yes, okay. Okay. thank you for that clarity because I wrote down sets to request develop a plan and the website in the process. I just
want to be very crystal clear. That word. That is not the council members worked to create. We could put that in the language of you want that to be in the resolution authorizing that pd comes up with the plan comes up with the process because this is this will essentially be a program that would be in their department and its there. It's their responsibility to design what that program looks like. It would be inappropriate. Actually not part of our role for us to design with that program. Looks like for them. Yeah, I'm not saying that we should design that saying that that. At this point all done is talk about these things and say with these things are apd hasn't put in work and and it's not even 100% clear to me. It seems feasible, but just making sure
that they are far enough in development of the program to make sure that is feasible. And also like, again, the question of is there a budget implication for this directing department to do something that was not in the original budget and the council doesn't generally direct departments to do things either when they're not part of a budget program. So I just think that it needs for me needs to brought a little bit further to make sure that we know something that is feasible within the resources we have for this year with, you know, maybe it's an initial plan. Again, this is my things want thank doctor within what I think she should do. But I just think that that is what i would like to see any point more information to know that this plant ready to go from pd
from all of us from, you know, s p pd since they're still going to have security costs and also probably from our events and festivals, folks. That's just what I would need to see. I don't know where their consular stand, but that's kind of what I my goodness. Thanks comes a and just that. Put in my $0.2 here. Chris has memorably. Really appreciate your leadership on this in the conversations that we've had over the last week about this. And I think other people have said it, but we. We all around this table share the same goals. We want to get these dollars at the door. We want to provide the relief that our community event organizers have been asking for ad I also want to acknowledge I share your goal of discussing ways to waive security cost completely center. You've talked about that as being a priority. And I think we've talked about having that be part of a public safety committee or
policy committee discussion this year. So we can find a way to do that. And that would ultimately be I think that everyone's looking for because what everyone also seems to recognize in my conversations with community members is 155,000 is great. It's not nearly enough as we all know to cover these costs. I said last week at the table and I want to be consistent in this that really want to I don't want to set up expectations on the part of community members. So I want to be really transparent in what we're doing here. And when we when we pass this resolution, I want to pass it when the fnds are ready t be dispersed. I don't want to pass a resolution and then have an indeterminate amount of time after which the program will be ready because I think when we passed the resolution, people are going to expect
that this is ready to go unless we have a clear timeline associated with it in the resolution. So if we can say, you know, this program will be ready to go on the state are in this number o weeks. I feel more comfortable about that. But in the moment, I don't get the sense that pd has a timeline or a plan or staffing plan. I don't fully understand how the reimbursement works and to whom it goes and I just I really want to make sure that we understand that before we say this is ready to go so I also be supportive of the one we play over to give p time to present that to us. I think that we're considering 2 options aversion to a number. Jen, 3. That we can make a decision about based on some some actual accurate timelines
and staffing plans. Their discussion of. So currently the motion is for adoption. I guess I'm looking to my colleagues to see if there is that. The motion was just for approval version. 3, not necessarily adopt mistress for approval of a shooting. Not to Okay. So Monday. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT. I'll just that for spportive of version, 3 software proving that I will support I like the plan that customer we constantly put together about this being a process that is house within are plenty economic development department and I'm also supportive of a legal for 2. If that that questions from Councilmembers, can you get answered and soul? I just wanted to name that. So I think we should take a vote on putting version 3 on the table and then we take should take a vote on have a motion over and
then take a vote on that. So there's much on the table for version 3, all in favor of putting version 3 up for consideration adoption say Aye. All opposed 6. I win just considering version. Has the version that we're talking This is about approval considering. But we are also pull up the version. So. 3 can let's say. For instance, version 3 were too. Like if version 3 were to fail, it could get edited and then be Reid offered next week or if it passes, can change back into for Jen to next week. It can. There can be Russian for end next So if we wish to not adopt any version until we have had a week layover than we would vote against approving version right now.
Yes, it might. Also another option is just to move a layover without moving a new version this Okay. Right. Sorry for the confusion, Michael, in the distance. But just for reality purposes capacity purposes, if we can. Initially wen I brought for or last week. Well, my intent was to get this ready by the 25th so we can actually have a two-week layover because I don't want be in kind of at same position having to sprint and put a lot of stress. You know, when we are ready going to be covering a lot of different ordinances and so if we could have a two-week layover to the 25th, do you want to withdraw your motion? Make the motion for the 2, including yes, I
withdraw my motion for one week. Layover it and bringing forth motion for a two-week layover to have this review on the every 25th. Thank you as funny. And I will support that motion. And again, I think we're I think we're real I think that still have give us the time to get there any further discussion of the motion. Seeing none all in favor say Aye. Aye opposed 6 in favor. None opposed of the item is laid over to FEBRUARY. 25th item number 18 is resolution. 26 dash 2.67 denouncing the Trump administration to tackle gender affirming care for you. present him. Appreciate. Thank you, everyone. And so I am going to do maybe 9 thing. But the important thing, which is to read this resolution and record because I think it's really important that we all
hear why this resolution is so important. So today I'm bringing forward a resolution that denounces the Trump administration's attack on gender affirming care for you. Bres trends. Transgender non-binary spray youth and adults are valued and celebrated as residents in the city of Saint Paul and whereas the Trump administration is engaged a campaign of undermining the rights of transgender non-binary and 2 spirit individuals including targeting medical care providers who offer legal appropriate and protected services in the state of Minnesota. Whereas Trump signed executive order on JANUARY 28th 2025. Directing the Health and Human Services to ban hospitals from performing gender affirming care and has engaged in numerous steps to end this
care nationwide through unilateral authority to withhold federal funding in an attempt to end safe legal and appropriate care. Whereas the attorney General Keith Ellison along with 18 other states and Washington, D.C., has sued hhs Secretary Robert f Kennedy junior over his declaration falsely claiming gender affirming care as unsafe and ineffective and threatening critical federal and threatening critical federal funding. And whereas children's Minnesota is a prominent provider of essential care services for youth, including gender affirming Karen, Minnesota. And it has announced it will pause for prescribing puberty, suppressing medications and purity Harmon's, which included a notice sharing a suicide hotline resources to the children and families
currently receiving care. Whereas children's Minnesota will temporarily paused preventing prescribe medications to use on FEBRUARY 27th 2026. Due to the threat of the administration, including the pursuit investigations of providers that specifically named children's threats of cuts to Medicaid funding and the ongoing reality of targeted harassment and threats towards medical providers from individual actors. And whereas Minnesota established itself as a trans Rashid State and 2023. And with that mde a promise that Minnesota will protect families, patients and providers pursuing essential health care in the state. And these actions are already having significant ad widespread impacts on current patients and will limit the availability of gender
affirming care for all Minnesotans. And whereas the attack from the federal government threatens health care providers and their ability to provide legal appropriate and medically necessary and life-saving health care in partnership with in partnership with family U.S.. And where is gender? Affirming care takes many forms is evidence based and supported by peer reviewed science and the lived experiences of trans and gender expensive people and were other youth receive identical treatments for home and care for their precocious puberty is fire. It issues, family planning and other conditions without barrier, Andres gender affirming care has been provided to be evidence-based medically necessary and lifesaving by the American Medical Association. The American
Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the end or can society the American Psychic Psychiatric Association, the World Professional Association for Transgender Health and many, many more institutions and whereas actions to limit access to care, legal recognition and the civil protections are part of a system and a colonial ratification. Transgender non-binary into spirit use in adults from public life. Now, therefore be it resolved. The same post city Clint Council denounces the attack on gender affirming care for youth and celebrates the supports and of and supports the rights of all of our residents to access health care. They need to make these personal choices for themselves and their families
free from political and in interference. So I'm going to have 2 speakers here and I'll speak briefly at the end. I think the first one you can buy it up is the executive director about for Minnesota cat Room. Thank you. My name is kept around. I'm the executive director of up from Minnesota, our state's largest lgbtq advocacy organization. I'm also proud to live and work here in the city of Saint Paul. Gender, diverse people are here and have always been a part of our communities. One before the formal boundaries of Minnesota or the city existed. In the 18, maybe 5 Saint Paul police arrested Cecilia, Regina Gonzaga for violating the city's then prohibition on wearing clothing of the opposite gender before being
released on the condition that she quote, dress as either a man or a woman, but not both. She left Saint Paul for good. The next day. Sure this to know that our stories are not new, nor are attempts to limit our ability to live freely and openly as ourselves. But over the past couple of years, there's been a widespread effort to curtail lgbtq rights and in particular access to gender affirming care for you. Care that states like Minnesota have established as safe legal and protected. Since JANUARY of last year, the federal government has sought to pressure our state and its care providers into curtailing that care using executive orders, investigations, declarations and other administrative actions. The target, not only
the care but the basic legal rights and recognition of transgender youth and adults. These actions stand in contrast to the scientific and medical consensus and they inject politics into deeply personal care decisions that are best made by families and the expert medical care providers working with that. The rights of lgbtq people, including our access to medical care, shouldn't be a partisan issue. And yet only yesterday the federal government took down the pride flag at Stonewall National Monument in New York City. But small but deeply symbolic gesture that sends a message to lgbtq people, especially our youth. That our stories in our experience is are not welcome part of the story of
this country. No one should hear that. Least of all our youth. Now more than ever. I think it's important for us to speak up for the safety and belonging of all those who call Saint Paul Minnesota, home. And I'm grateful to the authors in the city for considering this resolution rejecting the continued politicized attacks on health care and making aclear statement. The lgbtq residents are welcome and celebrated members of this community. Thank you. Thank you very much. I know a parish I live here in Saint Paul on were 3 and I'm the communications director at gender Justice. We're nonprofit also based in Saint Paul that works to advance gender equity under the law. I'm here today to voice our strong support of
this resolution denouncing attacks on gender, affirming care for use. We want to be crystal clear. The 9 trends youth access to this care is illegal. Under Minnesota law. But the Trump administration is trying to ed that access any way by threatening hospitals, federal funding. Last week, families were told that their child care at children's would be paused. Not because of any change in medical guidance, but because of political threats. Parents are scrambling. They're asking if they need to travel out of state if their children need to go without the care they need or if they need to leave the country entirely. And trans youth who are experiencing the Eason, the confidence in the stability, the gender affirming care provides are being thrown into limbo. In 2023, Minnesota made a promise to be a trans refuge state. It wasn't a symbolic
gesture. It's state law and this resolution help Sri informant reinforce that promise. It tells trans youth in Saint Paul that you belong here. It tells families that you are not alone. And it tells health care providers, we have your back. I think importantly, we should remind folks that these attacks on trans people right now are not isolated. They're part of a broader authoritarian playbook playing out right now in our community and throughout our country. From the ice raids in our neighborhoods to these types of attacks on trans lives. The goal is the same to dry certain people out of public life. So I want to thank you all for taking a stand today and sending a clear message that Saint Paul will always stand up for its
neighbors. Thank you very much. Thank Just going to have some brief comments as well. I think a lot of it has summed up, but I think this is a very heartbreaking and difficult moment for trans families and trans youth in Minnesota. And it's because children's Minnesota has just been a beacon of hope enjoy providing compassionate evident, evidence-based care, rooted and dignity bodily atonomy and the lying. I just want to emphasize that in the proactive reach out, the providers give to families in its. They provided the suicide hotline. I don't know how he let it take you a that to say the gender affirming care states lights. It's a white umbrella from social support to self expression and some cases reversible puberty delaying
medications that just gives young people the time and space to breathe and just decide for their future for they want to be. This care saves and affirms lights. I know that families are really struggling to figure out where they get care from. And as someone who has a family member of my family's, the Trans family, I can say firsthand that this care is necessary and the instability that this law is providing these families to scramble together the costs and access to care is unconscionable. And I just want to emphasize to all of the families and all the trance cousin Saint Paul that you belong and you are loved here in Saint Paul. We have to thank you. So shame. Shame on this administration for wagering the lives of our nation's youth for political gain. When children tell us who they are, we must listen love and
support them. Gender affirming Karen means legal here Minnesota. Lures are stronger. Valleys are clear. Our commitment is unshakeable and we will fight to the bitter end. Without a move, a motion to approve. And I look forward to this for my colleagues. Thank you very much, Vice PRESIDENT And thank you again so much to our speakers today for your very eloquent and moving Thank you. There's a motion for support. Is there any approvals, any discussion of the motion? Ms Coleman? Thank you. That's PRESIDENT. Thank you so much. Council vice PRESIDENT For bringing this resolution forward. I just want to echo the thanks to our 2 speakers for their words and also for the incredible work that out from Minnesota and gender justice to every single day, too. Make Minnesota a state that doesn't just say the right words when it comes to supporting gender. Affirming care is supporting trans youth
supporting people regardless of their gender identity but actually make that something real for people to make sure that our legal structures that our policies, that everything that we're doing as a state is actually supporting the communities that we purport to care about. So thank you so very much for being here today. And I look forward to and possess sickly supporting this resolution that I deeply wish was not necessary. And you come trusted and I want to say thank you to council vice PRESIDENT And also to the speakers, the organizational partners. Mike, I see you here with us. Thank you for your work. I have friends and Fam family members who are lgbtq. Many of them who much younger than me and for me to be able to see them access, gender, affirming care brings me so much joy. And it brings me joy, knowing that my children are able to live in a
world. Where there is more equity and where young people are able to talk about openly about their gender, their sexuality. But I also recognize hall right now we are we are moving backwards and how that is so dangerous. But I'm so deeply pwered and grateful for the front for the folks at the front lines. We have fighting for this. What I said earlier, I know that we will prevail. We will. And so I want to keep up the amazing work. And I'm here in solidarity with you. Thank you. Yang. It's just this Thank yu, council PRESIDENT, thank you council vice PRESIDENT For bringing this forward. Want appreciation to out from Minnesota and gender justice. We know that gender affirming care is health care is lifesaving care is
critical, especially to our our youth. And I'm really grateful that we live in the community and the state that that that's a value that we have that our youth deserve to, to be them to be themselves and have access to that care so they can thrive and they can grow. Also add that, you know, for for my family, very close to me. And my family works in insurance for gender, affirming care and is also facing kind of on the front lines of being able to make sure that we can continue to provide this the scare in our state. And so I I expect this fully to pass, but just want to share very supportive of it. Thank you. It's just as Thank you. Council presidents want say thank you. Vice PRESIDENT Can fr bringing this resolution. I just was.
In just seeing the amazing leaders in the speakers and something people who here today. And in our in our chambers for doing is chance to speak. - But just get chances from them. And thank you so much for just leading with love. Legislating would love. I know sometimes with these resolutions, you know, it feels like it's just words, but just the opportunity to be able to have these leaders coming to the room and hear what their stance are, particularly in all the work that they're doing and investments and the critical care really helps us become better leaders to because we all are connected to someone who either a trans are part of the lgbt q I a community and we have amazing leaders that we can connect them with. So again, thank you. I'm just in
a spirit of just like the bad bunny halftime show where you know, though, the par full thing early mean that book does. Let me get this quote, right? The only thing more powerful than hate is love. And, you know, I was in tears when you had made a commitment in the stance by localizing that trans kids are loved and that we need to hear more and more again and leaders that we love our neighbors. We love our kids. We love our trans kids. We love our black kids. We love all of our kids in it. There's not enough love that can go around. And as we are, you know, bringing resolutions also recognizing some of the great leaders as well a thank you so much. And I'm excited to support this. I'm also
excited to continue, you know, leading on your leadership more ways that the council can be supportive of this community. Thank you. Thank you. Councilmember Billy. I echo all of my colleagues powerful learns and again, thank you so much as PRESIDENT For bringing this forward. Think we should take a vote. All in favor say Aye. All opposed 6 in favor, not oppose. The resolution is adopted. Motion from his aunt to suspend the rules all in favor say aye. opposed 6 in favor, not oppose. The rules are suspended us. That's present. Kim is the aim both Vice PRESIDENT Kim and this We also have guessed from that Sunrise Movement. So I that you join me at the podium. He Thank you so much for the Council Council support on
suspending the rules so that we can bring for this resolution urging hotels to not House federal immigration agents. I want to say thank you to our leaders from Sunrise Movement who have been at the front lines of protesting hotels and really conveying to There are clear values about why hotels should not be housing immigration agents and sharing with them the harm that this perpetuates in our communities want to say thank you, council vice PRESIDENT Can because you are the person that had the vision for this resolution here and I'm so proud to work on in partnership with you. And also I want to see thank yu to legislative a fair and you have Meade who it did the hard
work of putting together this very eloquent resolution. And I just want to name like for me, it was really important to bring this forward because I have been hearing from committee mmbers about what they are seeing in the hotels and just the the violence that we see happen whenever there isn't anything done about this. And I just want to be really clear that as a council. There isn't any action we can take that could require hotels to refuse service to federal agents. But we can do what we are doing now, which is putting forward a resolution that conveys what I said earlier, where we stand in fighting fascism. We want ice out and to send a message about how this is impacting our communities and how we as
council members are having to respond to come. You members about their concerns regarding hotels, housing, federal immigration agents. And as a council member who people go to when they are in despair, need help or just want to share an idea with us to improve their community neighborhood, especially during these uncertain times. I epecially want hotels to know. When their housing ice agents, they are a part of the problem. We need them to do better and to be a part of stabilizing and building safety for their staff customers and the neighborhood. So again, this is a resolution urging hotel us to not House federal immigration agents. Whereas the city of Saint Paul is a welcoming and inclusive city that values and supports
immigrants and refugees. And whereas the city of Saint Paul recognizes the strength diversity and economic vitality that immigrants and refugees contribute to the community. Whereas the city of Saint Paul has demonstrated its commitment to protecting immigrant communities through policies and investments that promote safety, inclusion and trust. And whereas federal immigration enforcement practices including large-scale enforcement operations, have generated widespread fear and disruption in communities across the nation. And there is resident of Saint Paul of reporting increase anxiety, fear and economic hardship as a result of hyden immigration enforcement activities in the Twin Cities, metropolitan area. And where is the state of Minnesota has experienced an unusually large deployment of federal immigration agents
from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection. Whereas the presence of these federal personnel housed in local hotels has caused significant concern among residents, workers and business owners and the city of Saint Paul. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the city of Saint Paul's of this the same pass City Council strongly urges hotel operators hotels operating within the city of Saint Paul. Refrain from housing, federal immigration agents and be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution will be transmitted to relevant city departments and hotel Anderson stakeholders for awareness. I believe we have to potentially 2 speakers here
them a brief Think if you haven't found a space to plug this is not even a tiny it but a fun and 90 way to fight back against fascism and to get loud, have fun while you're at it. But also draw the line in the sand. And it's one of the better ways to participate. But also I think a lot of folks can identify, you know, that the hospital, the hotels that are housing, some of these agents. And so if you want names named just look up sunrise twin cities and you'll find where you MAY not want to spend any of your money. And so I venture to speakers to come forward. Thank you. Vice PRESIDENT. I my name is Maggie. I am the communications from a college's chapter of Sunrise
which means that recently I have been getting a lot of messages asking for People are scared. People in Saint Paul, their partners work at hotels with men with loaded guns. They see their neighbors going missing. They see their friends going missing. They don't know where they are. Their friends are endangered. I am also a second year student at McAllister College. I love my college. I love going to college ad I love my college because it is an incredible community because it is. Diverse because it is a place where I encounter people that I would never have encountered if I hadn't gone to this college. And I love that about my college. But recently I have seen not become a reason to be afraid. And the reason to be constantly vigilant to reason to be sending messages to be suspicious of every single suv because we know that. They
haven't calm for our friends yet, but they well, our college is 14% international students. That is 40% of my peers and they should not have to live in fear for going to college. That is important. They should get to love their college experience. And they should be able to do that without constantly looking over their shoulder. I'm also aware that we are not the only students who are at risk. The schools in Saint Paul are not safe. The homes in Saint Paul are not safe. The public parks and public spaces in Saint Paul are not safe and they should be. And it is the reason that they are not safe is because of armed federal agents who are on. All of this property who are endangering children who are endangering community members who are making this community unsafe.
And it is I believe the City council's responsibility to make sure that it is very clear that the safety of our community members, the safety of our students, the safety of our children is our priority. And that. Federal agents will not prevent that from being the priority. And I think that this resolution is important for sending that message. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. My name is Kay kind him a resident of Saint Paul and a member of Sunrise Twin Cities where the local chapter of the National Youth Movement fighting for good livable futures for all. And we cannot stand by as federal immigration aents terrorize cities and threatened that future for our community members. Everybody I know is exhausted, stressed and
freight. Eyewitness states raids on they would work. I'm constantly on alert listing for whistles. Him a neighborhood. But what's more important to me is that I have friends in hiding friends with fled the cities. Fully legal citizens, most of whom report here. They're not just experiencing racial profiling. They're being hunted. Federal agencies are carrying out this campaign of terror loan hotel companies in Saint Paul are actively spreading ice creations by allowing them to stay at their hotels, endangering their staff. Other patrons and the greater community. Sunrise has confirmed that at least 6 hotels in Saint Paul are actively housing ice. In addition to many more in the surrounding area. There have been reports of them recklessly weaving loaded firearms in the rooms that staff of come across. The Star Tribune has
reported in DECEMBER agent fired a weapon in their hotel room that went through a ball and into the head forward joining room, another agent has been charged with driving under the influence in the cities and the hotels. They're staying not currently hold liquor licenses that facilitate this dangerous behavior. Sunrise has been peacefully protesting these hotels urge them to stop housing, ice. And we've been receiving constant messages from hotel staff and neighbors asking us to come and protest at new locations to try and get them to leave. Far more than we have capacity to respond to. Paul resident deeply for my community. I ask you to support this resolution and should tell stop housing federal immigration agents. Thank you. Thank you very
much. Thank you to our speakers. I I will close with for me. It is deeply unsettling. It just thinking about. The corporation's the companies, companies that are profiting off of our suffering, her pain. Mean, this is aresolution of hotels that don't get me started about car rental companies. Hundreds and hundreds of cars gotten have been rented to carry out the actions that we're seeing from ice. It is unacceptable. And so I can like I can go on about who is a part of that lists. But I I asked the council for your support and this resolution here. We have committee members out there fighting to make sure that for them that they're holding. I hotels accountable that hotels are
answering to the community and this part of an effort for us uplift and support them. Thank you. Thank you. MISS Yang. Thank you so much. Vice PRESIDENT Kim and thank you to our speakers again. We'll take that as a motion for approval. there any discussion of the motion? Seem up? His plea? Just just again. I want to say thank you so much for council vice PRESIDENT Count and chair Yang for your leadership in bringing this responding, be responsive to community leadership. Also, thank you. Sunrise Movement, the speaker's chair and a youth leaders I just like in so heart felt particularly around just how environmental justice movement has really made way for all of our movements and the intersectionality that we see and how we have been seeing young leader show up in an
incredible way in the face of just tyranny and fascism and just total dictatorship. The bravery and courage is just, you I I and you know, not an excuse me in my ear. All of that. I just want say, particularly I do appreciate Chair Yang. You mentioning the rental companies. I also appreciate my look at the language. It we don't list any of the the hotel's there, but I just want to share, you know, as someone who serves on the board for visit Saint Paul, this is a conversation that we have had particularly around the hotels and hospitality industry to has been impacted from my awareness. I believe there are 2 hotels in Saint Paul, downtown Saint Paul that has
closed doors have been impacted, decided to not rent to anyone just because of the e u base of Nus that this entire industry is experiencing. You know, I someone who likes seen federal agents at my and had to, you know, witness my husband being arrested. When I looked at all the license plates of the 9 vehicles that was on my street, they're all Minnesota license plates. They're all cars that look lke rgular cars. I mean, there wasn't even like black squad cars are the typical military vehicles. These just look like regular mom and pop vehicles. So we are starting to see tese federal immigration agents, our being sophisticated
incoming, particularly around how they are just. Camouflaging in our own neighborhoods. I do think, you know, also I just want to share on record as well just because since we are having this public discussion, the letter that we have sought from, I believe the six-year, 80 businesses across Minnesota. I felt did not deliver the message and commitment that community wants to see from businesses that this is opportunity for businesses to choose people over profit in that the people your profit base in. If you are not catering to the safety in the care of your of your
consumer base, which is saying residents. And then you know, what does that say about your overall values? So thank you for making a statement. I am support of this I do think, you know, I'm Ialso in support of, you know, going beyond and being more having more urgency, particularly around language that we want to see the future. So thank you again. Thanks, Billy. Thanks, council PRESIDENT I I wanted to think sunrise Twin cities for for being here today and especially to student for McCallister for for being here. My word is home to 2 colleges, McAllister and Saint Kate's, both of which have, you know, very diverse populations and a lot of people that are from. All around the country all around the world. And I just want to echo that, you know, our our city is welcoming to to everyone. And we especially appreciate students coming.
You're choosing to sing Saint Paul to pursue their education and to hopefully pursue this the future. And so that's very important to me. I just I really want really want to make sure that folks understand impact that this federal occupation is having on on our city in the future of our city. I'll also add that. You know, the discussion local tells and car rental businesses that, you know, it's important that our everyone in our community stands up against ice as long as tere's no one business or one group or are industry that is still allowing ice or to supporting them. That means that ice is going still continue to have the resources
to be here. So any any and all avenues that we can, you know, make more difficult for them to be. Support is going to be really important in order to get out of Minnesota. Thanks. Jus. Common. Thank you. And b the mny voices. It just a thank yu. Thank you. To our speakers. It to a sunrise movement. Everybody who was 18 so much incredible organizing across our city who is doing it the hard work of engaging community business leaders consumers and consumer boycotts, an economic activity that is so essential to the holistic strategy, it that will be required in order to overcome what our region is experiencing in this moment, what our country is
experiencing, we wouldn't be able to do it without pople like our leaders and sunrises like everybody who is out there finding new ways to show up for their community every single day. So for exporting this resolution and thank you. Can't everybody has to all this day in and day out. Thank you. Is common. Thanks again to my colleagues for bringing this forward. And thank you so much to our speakers. We love seeing young people here in our chambers. We hope this won't be your last city council meeting either in person or one of our millions of viewers at home. And thank you for all that you're doing with that emotion on the table. All in favor say Aye. Aye. All opposed 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted. Item. Number 1 is final adoption of ordinance.
26 Dash 6. I think after 2 68 8 legislative code require law enforcement officers performing law enforcement duties to visibly display identification on the outermost layer of their uniform. So this brings us to the ordinance section of our Some folks have been hit multiple times now. So this will sound familiar. But for those who are you, all of our ordinances have 3 readings. So you'll see final adoption is the last reading. That means that we've already had a first reading in a staff report. We've had a second reading in a public hearing and this is now before us for final adoption. So these are major policies and they seem like if you're just tuning in, that they're just being adopted and one fell swoop, but they're actually the product of several weeks, at least of deliberation and discussion and information. So this is just one of many ordinances that we have
adopted to try to rein in the federal assault in our community. This one requiring law enforcement officers to visibly display identification, including agency badge number and our name on the outermost layer of their uniform. And it is before us for final adoption. So I would move approval. Is there any discussion of that motion? As present very quick. Simple residents have the right t be aware of an officer's identity and agency affiliation in order just understand and know their rights and understand lawful authority of that officer. As different law enforcement officers operating in the city have different levels of authority and have make arrests and under certain spaces. So it's just that distinguishing peace is super important for us as we continue to say, know your
rights. But it's also to know what your rights like, depending on which officer engaging with without knowledge of aloft law enforcement officers agency. There's just no way for people to report or hold officers accountable for unprofessional behavior, misconduct and even into instances of violence or illegal activity. So again, I think this Just 1, one of the many things that we're trying to pass in terms of a comprehensive and sort of sequential rollout of the ordinances that are part of the council's priorities in terms of how do we tighten up not just a separation ordinance, but how we look across all the different avenues that we have. And just always extending gratitude colleagues. Council recall many burying for just all the work that we're putting in the last mnute calls and last-minute folks are throwing on just to to make this
happen. So really deep gratitude for my colleagues in the partnerships. Thanks. PRESIDENT. Council PRESIDENT, everything that you said council vice PRESIDENT, this is about accountability and transparency. So lets get this approved. Discussion is common and then this. But have similarly keep this very brief on them. Quite as brief as comes from being a record. I I want to see 2 things, one that, you know at this week we have heard the conversation about is a drawdown him in and are we about to be on the other side of this? And I think it is so important. And our work. I hope will continue to show that we recognize that that we are not going to get to the other side of this anytime soon. While we hope desperately that community
will see some relief from some of the attacks in the near future. We know that every single city that ice has made a target continues to see heightened ice activity months and months and months after the initial surge. Unfortunately, is not going away. And so this work that we're doing here, the continued efforts to force accountability, move towards public safety is absolutely essential. I think that this is an important step in in moving us to a place where we will be able to have the reckoning that is needed with the ice agents were having a community. The one other thing that I wanted to say because I have been obsessed with this this week, has it folks know from conversations we've had at this table and related to this ordinance the one that will have a public hearing on
that later today and other items. This is an area where states and cities are working to innovate in real time. As we think about what is the appropriate legal response, what measures can state's and city's take in response to a federal government that is turning against the people? We had a decision come out of the District of California this week that looked at their efforts to require federal agents to wear visible to ideas like this resolution or this ordinance of our stories and prohibits them from wearing face coverings for effort to mask their identities. And I just would really point people to that really. I think it was a really important statement showing that not only our elected leaders, you know, executives with or mayors or
governors and legislative Bodies Council's state legislatures in support of this type of work. But it is something that is his legal. It is constitutional to something that judges have attendance. That is an appropriate exercise of our authority. I think that is really important. Remember, and I think it is a reminder to all of us to continue to push into think differently, to innovate and to do whatever we possibly can to alleviate pain and suffering that our residents are experiencing. Thank you as common as Thank you. I kind of wish I went before customer recall man, because I think that was really important to to get that legal context. I'm just here that you share know, values and just also. Appreciation to take this vote. I think when I when I think about this vote now, this was the first ordinance
that we have heard from mayor her. Her first minutes of being elected. A mayor calling for the council t bring this this ordinance to her to sign. So I think this is, you know, a really a great day for justice for the for the council. You know, respect of, you know, in the face of lawlessness is really important that we as a council demonstrate our respect and I dedication and commitment to passing laws. And I do want to say appreciate the incredible work that Councilmember Coleman you did to make sure that we are within the legal contacts with also acting urgency and like in the way that we face this out, I think
was really important to tat process. Like everyone else said this, this ordinance the baseline. I see this as this is just a professional standard of operations of what we should expect from law enforcement across the board. Keeping in mind, these are tax payer tax paying dllars is going to this operation. And when we think about just even what his expectations for us to identify our role as council members, I think about, you know, being cautious of wearing a lapel pin, right? That's just a baseline in terms of how we as professionals distinguish ourselves. So. I think see this as a way to not only build trust, but ensure that their safety not only for community members, identify but on the law enforcement side. For a law enforcement, agent to be able to identify
who they are. So if they are interacting with people like there is there is a set of no expectations in terms of how them win over that situation. So I'm happy that we're able to bring this to me or hers deaths for her to sign it. And I look forward to the the the Long marathon of more ordinances that will be bringing forward to to this body. Thank you. MISS Billy. To that excellent pint. There are so many different levers that we are trying to pull at once to try to respond again to this federal assault on our community. And we have heard loud and clear for many folks, some of them are in this room. That we need to do a better job communicating about that and giving it a name. And ideally even making a graphic representation of the different things that we're doing. So that it's clear all the different ways in which we're
trying to fight back. I can assure you that we are working on that as we speak and we hope to be able to have that name and that illustration sometimes in Saint Paul, we just focus so much and doing the work that we don't do a good job talking about it. We know that in this case it is important to be talking about everything that we're doing as well. So that is that is on its way. You'll see that s with think we're ready to take a vote all in favor say Aye. I'll post 6 in favor. None opposed. The ordinance is adopted. Item number 20 is ordinance is public ordinance? 26. Item number 2 is public. Hear a second reading public hearing of ordinance 26 Dash 8 amending section. 86 Point 0, 1, a at the same on this sort of code authorizes 3 assistance to the mayor to execute certain contracts made
in the name of the city of Saint Paul and authorized by the city's council and further amending section. 86 Point '01 a to increase the dollar value on mount for contracts, executed by designees. This brings us to the public hearing section of our agenda. So if you're here to testify item when that item is read, will ask is for you to come up to the front line up on both sides. When it's your turn, come to the front. Stand between the 2 microphones. You don't need to move them or lean over to them. They will pick you up just fine. Everyone has 2 minutes to testify. That 2 minutes to go by extremely quickly. And it's my unenviable job to keep everybody to the 2 minutes. So please help me help you. By paying attention to the clock. That's right in front of you as you're speaking. And if you
do run out of time and you have written testimony, want to share with u. Here are the email later. We're happy to accept that as well. Lots of ways to communicate with us make sure to sign in on either side when you're done testifying as so and ask you to start your name and where you're coming from. When you begin your testimony. So with that, this is a public hearing on number 2020, if you're here for that item, this is your public hearing, please. Coming up. All I'll take a motion for common to close the public hearing on this matter. A layover till FEBRUARY 18th for final adoption. All in favor say Aye. I all post 6 in favor. None opposed. The public haring is closed and the ordinance is laid over to February 18 for final adoption item number. 21 is ordinance 26 Dash 7. And in Chapter 2.68, the to the legislative code to require law enforcement
officers conduct law enforcement operations without a mask or facial a certain exceptions. Apply. This is a public haring. Is there anyone here to speak to this item? First up, I will take a motion from this just for version 2. In favor say Aye. I post 6 in favor. None oppose. The amendment is approved. It's just an amendment. Coming up. And we'll just kind of alternate side. So. am John Paul. I live in Fort 5 for a cake. As you can see over in. 95 respirator out the public most times to avoid the transmission of respiratory illnesses. This protects me. It also protects my community. Ice agents demonstrably not protect my community. Indeed. There's that outbreak of measles in ice detention centers in Texas. So I support this resolution urge you to do the
same for ice officers who are concerned about public health or to to quit your jobs. Thank you. Thank you so My name is Mike and around. I live in Ward one. I'm very concerned about the exceptions laid out in this ordinance, specifically the exemption for swat operations, the violence that we've seen perpetrated by ice during the second patient has been extreme and horrific, but it's not new. It is the same violence that has always been carried out by law enforcement on our black and brown neighbors in this state and the city almost one year ago on FEBRUARY 18th 2025. Spp the swat operation was carried out my neighbors across the street. I emailed Councilmember Bowie and I never heard back. I will read from that email now at 06:00am
when the air tempest 13 below as ppd swat cleared out their threat to my neighbors across the street. At first they said they were executing a search warrant and demanded everyone come out with their hands up. Then on the last order said it was arrest warrant. One of my neighbors came out first in a sweat shirt and pants. They handcuffed him and led him to an unmarked van. Halfway down the block. At some point he lost one shoe and was forced to Happ most of the way down a snow-covered street. I watched as the rest of the household came out, one other adult and 3 young children that forced out into that dangerous cold in their pajamas toward screaming cops where a tactical armor and carrying massive guns helicopter
hovering overhead. Councilmember Bowie. Now that, you know, the pain and terror of armed masked law enforcement arresting your loved one at 06:00am on a cold winter day. Would you still ignore my email? This moment demands so much from all of us. But you all asked for this power. Use it for good. We should not be carving out exceptions like this, though. Many expect elected officials are trying desperately to draw distinctions between federal and local law enforcement. There are They are diseased trees born from the same poisonous brew. And if you don't close the loopholes in this ordinance, all levels of law enforcement will continue to exploit them. To harm us, please make the stronger, please close the loopholes. Thank you very much sure. The Senate. My name is Tony. I'm in
Ward one and also a member of neighbors potecting neighbors. And it's a live round as the speaker earlier said that I'm here to support him to testify on an ordinance supporting an ordinance that limits the use of masking by law enforcement and ice in particular. But, you know, there are a lot of reasons for wearing masks as the other person indicated, one I'm immunocompromised have to wear this. I'm getting cancer treatment as I speak. And so I need to protect myself. There are other reasons. And one is intimidate and to cause fear. And that is and also to prevent being identified and scene. And that is ice. Some
people who have defended ice wearing masks have said, well, that's because they're worried about getting docks. Well, I'll tell you why. Getting 12 pizzas delivered to your home is a far cry from the trauma that's being experienced by people on the street. Biden asked agents who are causing Iowa, who are attacking neighbors on the street and within their homes. That type of masking is only about creating fear. More likely, though, I think that I skate ice agents and other federal agents to mask simply don't want people to know who they are and what they're doing. We'll have to ask if you're really proud of what you're doing. You think it's legal? Then why hide? You don't need to hide behind the mask. Take it off and be accountable for
your own behaviors. I've also heard some rumors that there are some city leaders who are opposed to this ordinance because of their fear. It will be it will produce costly litigation to the city. To that, I have to say you need talk to your neighbors. You need to have face-to-face. Real-time conversations with people who are going to experience the trauma that comes from having mask agents, the barge into their homes, shattered their car windows, kidnapping them from the streets and matures. Thank you so much. That is time on the to staff there. Thank you. Thank you very much. Make sure to sign in will come up. Slight lisp and Morgan testified today in remembrance of Renee Good. And activists Amanda Gorman
wrote. We respond in every strife and struggle. Because every child is phenomenal. And to every child we are responsible. It's it's fall needs to become bankrupt from last. To potect children and the most vulnerable. So be it. Authoritarianism isn't just pounding on front door. He is flipping over a living room. Couch sleeping in our bed and during food across the kitchen. He must know unequivocally that his presence will not be tolerated. If this ordinance is going to be more than just words on paper, we need to be able to enforce them. Enforce it. We cannot act like anything is business as usual. Al pretext is gone. All sense
of safety is gone. That with the radical courage this moment calls for. Our city council is unprecedented in the history of this country. You are all women. Who better than you to lead us in this courageous charge to preserve our democracy and throw out fascism. You do not need the mayor's approval to be courageous. You do not need sp pd to pass city lot. We just need you 7 to speak on behalf of us with one voice. We need safe zones. Police accountability, emergency housing funding Inter city solidarity. You can't fight fascism alone. To every child. We are responsible. And they deserve to know what democracy feels like. Thank you. Thank you very much. Make sure to
sign it. Say my voice matters. But you clowns clearly our favorite eyes in the clown show and transgenders, but start anyway, where you're coming from police. Was your name and where you're coming from? The name? Zak some coming from Saint Cloud. Minnesota been assaulted several times in this county. The police to nothing they should wear a mask because they're dealing pay. Please, me have my time. I let everybody else talk. Anyway. As I was saying, these people deserve to wear a mask because these are freak shows that are after them. It is very concerning that you guys are supporting them. Your embracing psycho is to attack police get in the inner interfere. Docks police have you ever been docks? Because my name in my car is on picture right now over the Whipple Center right now. If you ever had that happen to
you. You hear this. You guys are supporting the freak shows that are destroying this county and this. State. And it's so sad to watch it fall apart, but it's all in your power, especially you over there. Criticize everything yet cure. Just thinking. Queen Latifa, thank you. gender Thanks so much. Make sure to sign Welcome that. Hi there. And we had a caucus I don't have anything prepared. All I can say is we need accountability. You say they deserve to be masked. We have evidence that on a regular basis, they're violating our first second 4th and 10th Amendment rights. You know, we are being attacked as we assemble. I know I have had tear gas. Turn me flash bang
grenades thrown at me and rubber bullet guns. And at me all all non violently protesting on 26 and Nicolette on the day that Pretti was executed and shot. What, 10, 11 times. He it stepped in to try to protect a woman who had been shelves and pepper sprayed. And they called him a domestic terrorist trying to inflict maximum damage. It's it leaves me speechless. Sometimes. They lie. So blatantly and they know if they were doing what was truly rights, they wouldn't have to hide their faces. And so I just think we need to have accountability for the people who are terrorizing our neighbors because cbs News is
what out the poll that in 2025 out of all the people who were detained by ice, 14% had any sort of criminal record. And over half had No violent crime. And out of that 14%. I think it was only less than 2% who were at any alleged gang affiliations. Is this actually, you know, targeting criminals or is this about terrorizing bipoc communities? This is the culmination of white supremacy that we have seen throughout the history of our country. We call ice the Gestapo, but then, you know, not Germany was inspired by American practices of colonization genocide and slavery we need to. Fight against that with everything we have. Thank you very much. Make sure to sign an unwelcome
up. I'm going to wait to say more until the public prevents about ice at the end. But I just want to say that behavior was despicable. Gfa can rip rest home over county. We want you here. I'm sorry. You had to endure a, stupid, racist comments. and just can I can Iask everyone to please keep the expletives to a minimum avoid personal attacks in this entire chamber. Thanks please come. Alright, is there anyone else to hear speak on this item? Seeing none. I'll take a motion from is just to close the public hearing and this item will over until FEBRUARY 18 for final adoption. All in favor say Aye. Post 5 in favor. None opposed. The public hearing is closed and the ordinance is laid over to FEBRUARY. He for final
adoption. Item number, 22 is resolution public hearing. 26 dash. 41 authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to accept a grant funding. The amount of $275,000 from the state of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to invest in forestry, planning and management of the tree can Simple. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak on this item? Seeing none. I'll take a motion from this yang to close the public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. Hey, all post 5 in favor. None opposed 6 in favor. None opose. The resolution is adopted item number Twenty-three's resolution public hearing. 26 Dash 6 approving the application of jr Max for some level variance in order to present amplified sound for the Saint Patrick's Day tend to vent on MARCH 14th and
MARCH 17th 2026. A 14 27th Street West are mixed. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak on this item? Seeing none. I'll take a motion from is buoyed to close the public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. Aye. All opposed 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item number. 24 is resolution public hearing. 26 dash. 32 proving the application of burger most for some of variance in order to present amplified sound Saint Patrick's Day. Lucky Palooza event on MARCH 14.0. 26 at 2.42, 7th Street West for most parking lot. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak on this item? Seeing none. I'll take a motion from is going to close the public hearing and approve all in favor. Say aye. I also sticks in favor. None opposed.
Resolution is adopted item number. 25 is resolution public hearing. 26 dash. 36 approving the application of Patrick McGovern's pub for some of the variants present amplified sound for the Saint Patrick's Day. Lucky palooza Events on MARCH 14th and 17th at 2, 2, 5, 7, 3, West Patrick recovers pub parking lot. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak on this item? Seeing none. Take a motion from his just to close the public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. All posts 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item number. 26 is being withdrawn is that people can't to item number. 2 item number 27 is a bza 26 dash considering the appeal of Minnesota Department of Administration to the Board of Zoning Appeals lack of an approval of a zoning variance to permit a 10 foot tall fence between the surface parking lot at Phalen Boulevard and
Barclay Street. And for this we have a staff report. Welcome. A must-read council PRESIDENT And your country and those are here to speak on the feel free to stand. You can also take a seat. We're going staff report. For High Council, PRESIDENT Maker Council members, David it with the Department Safety inspections. I was staffing the Board Zoning in this application initials and variance application is submitted and they appeal both applications are by this that Palin to map attended the same here. It's them in a city. I'm nt speaking the mend and console committees. David, it department's it inspections of this is a bza ce. 26 dash one since the first appeal from Board of Zoning Appeals to city Council and it that. The address is 14, 30
Maryland Avenue East. Why is this in front of the city Council today? The city council has the power to hear and decide upon appeals where it's alleged by the appellant that there's an error in any fact-finding. The procedure made by the Board Zoning Appeals. And they're in this instance. Initial applicant is the talent and disagree that the Board of Zoning Appeals declining to approve a zoning variance request. So the property in question, it's the existing Bureau of Criminal Apprehension headquarters that on the side of Saint Paul, Maryland Phalen Boulevard. It a 6.7 5 acre parcel all the surrounding land uses in zoning to the 52 to the West north and east. That is residential. This the bank to
the north to the West. Rm one zoning to the east which self and now they're self and island, which is the multiple family goings rm to which is to the multiple family dwellings. The building opened in 2003. The request stems from department administration as posing they're looking at their security on the site and proposing to replace fencing. An ad new fencing. And the variance requested only applies between the off-street parking facilities. We'll have the map up. I wanted to show. It's only along Barclay and feeling that this variance request highs. So they're allowed to have a fence around the other side's and they don't need a variance for that to the height they want. So the zoning code section of applicant request a variance from was 63 3, 1, 4, which is a screening landscape requirement. So some know sits that in all districts except
industrial screenings will be provided consisting of a missing wallet. That defense that does not include chain link sapulpa into landscape material. And this is the next part, the other pressing variance from there's a minimum and maximum height of minimum, 3 feet, 4 and a half. Max. applicant wants to exceed the 4 and a half a foot height limits. So I just want to show some examples of what the screening landscape requirement looks like in the city. So this is a bank that's located to the north of the subject. Property. And that black fence with the landscape in behind. It is what that looks like. Scream and stiff. And then here's an Retail used to the west of the property. And then this is a zoomed-in
map of the applicants plans the boxes. So where the zoning variance apartment apply. Joining marriage is requested. I would note that the left Bart should go up a little bit higher because they have a drop-off zone that I missed. And I was making so that you can see that applicant bubble during bubble up there and they would apply on that sid to the right is what type of fence is proposed. So there were 2 zoning variance cases and the initial cases not front of you. But I thought it important to have the context. For that application and report proposing 10 feet along Feeling Boulevard 8 feet long. Barclay Street. And the reason why now it's 10 on side is that they did. They found there was enough for a month-long Barclay. So the retaining walls quite close to the property line. There wasn't enough room
to cite the fence next to that. Like an 8 foot tall fence. So they moved it on top of the retaining on that slight increase to 10 feet. So we have a public hearing on SEPTEMBER 15th staff recommended approval of the request of variance. Received a letter from the Greater Side Community Council opposing request, but that was received after the hearing. She had one person that spoke in support of their quest at the The Board Zoning Appeals ended up. Nothing past because of a need for votes in any direction to make a decision of the Board Zoning Appeals. So there was a motion for denial based upon findings to 2, 6, because there's 6 finds. And if untreated grants on mayor in surplus. I failed in a vote of 3 to 2. Like I said, you 4 votes to make any decision. And then there's a second
motion to approve an alignment. The staff recommendation. But there wasn't a second. So that failed. The part of the administration did not appeal this request of the and the next we'll get into 15 99 and when properly made vote on a problem, a motion to approve fails for any reason. The failure constitute a denial. Their quest provided those voting against the motion stated on the record, reasons why they oppose the request. So as part of this, the board members Spoke about it. The findings to in 6 front met, although the board a passing anything at the But 59 United says that it is denied they could have appealed that, but they elected not to. So it. It stopped there and it denied. Than current administration
applied again this time, 10 feet along, failing in 10 feel on Barclay. Had a public hearing on JANUARY 5th 2026. Staff did not change recommendation recommending approval. I contacted the Greater East Side Community Council director and referring that. They're there for him that their their letter speaking against it still stands. At that hearing. Didn't have anyone speak in support. Received one letter and supports and 2 people spoke in opposition and use it to but is aainst proposal. At this meeting. Other was a motion to deny based on findings, 1, 2, 6, That was moved and seconded and it there's a vote of 3 to 2. So that one didn't pass because we didn't have for go to a new direction. And then there's a motion of approval along with the staff recommendation, which is moved and seconded.
The also failed. And like I said, Minnesota statutes 15 99. There was a vote to approve that failed. And the folks that voted against approval stated why they disagreed. So also that's I think what is The question today is they failed to approve it. And then these are the 3 findings that individuals that were speaking against the approval. Found not met. So I want to elaborate on those. Find number one that the variants must be her with the general purpose is an intent of the zoning code. So then us finding means that. You can't read his only variance unless a general lines of overall intent of zoning code. So the some of the things that the board member that's of spoke against And this is all in your materials. They provided this to us. They stated the fence is not in harmony of the
John for intent as it's not one of 6, 60.1 of 3, which is one of that parts of the states to protect all years of the city from harm, harmful encroachment by incompatible uses. And it's inconsistent land. Uses a Jason, whether they be commercial residential. A mixed use area and they disagreed it. The staffing that it was a decorative sense. Thing to run the comp plan. The board members that voted against it stated that. It was contrary to ou 9 which promote high-quality urban design. And contrary you 20 for that prior prioritize infrastructure private investments that maintain improve the public As the they pointed out that the fence is very close. The sidewalk, particularly along. 51. And then finding 6 the intent of this I that the request not nearly affect the surrounding area. Staff thought that it would not
negatively affect the surrounding area, but the board members that voted against approval stated that staff aired in finding has this is a mixed residential commercial neighborhood. They said that this military grade high security fence enclosure the bc a building and its entire parking lot does not maintain and improve the public around and does not protect all areas of the city from harmful encroachment incompatible. Use us. So that next steps of the city. Like I said, a video presentation to city Council. Has the power hear and decide if an appeals where it's alleged by the appellant, a dozen Aaron fact-finding, procedure. What this means for you is that granting the appeal would mean that the property owner for Establishment, 10 foot tall fence between the parking also
part late in the streets, denying it. The property owner be limited to 4 and a half feet tall. And I think the applicant for the appellant and applicant are here operate their rationale Thanks so there any questions for staff before we open up the public hearing? Thank you, council PRESIDENT It. Just go back to that last line. Thank you for your the presentation. I. You see the last night with the extension to you just clarifies that the date for the final? But for the Sun? It's churning Kirk Councilmember. That would be year. So 15 99. It would have run out next Tuesday. It's essentially they refreshed the decisions. Now it's up to you because the board, if they win the appeal, that it would be
denied at bza 15. 99 because there was a motion to approve that failed. But they essentially now brought at City Council Now it's up to you potentially them airspace eyeing. So this is just saying that you. You have enough time to make a decision and does that make cake has so APRIL 18th. Okay. Okay. That that makes sense. I I do just want to let you know that the notice to me about that extension until APRIL 18th, like I got that very last minute in. And so. Right now a confused about on basically like today if we were ready, we want to take the final vote on the U.S. Or if I have the option to lead over, does I mean I have that that option. Can you just clarify that? Councilmember? I
apologize. I sent that yesterday extending it. You do have time until. Theoretically 4/18/2026, to make this decision. So you become over is my understanding. Okay. But if we wanted to make a decision today and we're ready to do that, we could do that correct. Okay. That's helpful to Thank you. I don't have any other questions. Thank you, MISS Seeing other questions for secretary King. It doesn't look like it. This is a little bit of a different public hearing. We give the appellant minutes in this case to make the case. And then w'll open it up to others who wish to come in. So the appellant can start. My name is Ryan Allen from the Minnesota Department must ration of the Palin it applicant and thank you.
Council PRESIDENT And council members to consider the appeal decision of the bca. To permit a 10 foot tall fence between the surface Park for want. With Phalen Boulevard in Barclay Street for the Minnesota, the permit ministration that will allow this fence to proceed for the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. I'm here with it. Bca Superintendent Evans. Speak next. That will describe the service of the bca. And then Eric Daniels, the architect that will show slides of the proposed Some of the meat see already. But we have a slightly different slide. Chopra prepared here. And I think we're all said here. So with that, turn it over to superintendent evidence. Good afternoon council. PRESIDENT Members of City Council. My name is from the superintendent, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal
Apprehension. Thank you for your consideration of this variance requests for facility. This was designed a lot of security assessments that we've been undergoing. Our mission is to prevent investigate and solve crimes in collaboration with their criminal justice partners where your state's criminal investigative agency providing investigative assistance, the bulk of all forensic testing for the state. And then we provide all of the records for criminal justice across the state. Our Marilyn facility. Glad to be in your city and community member and neighbor in that process. But with that building, there's a number of significant security concerns with highly sensitive systems. This fence would allow us to ensure that we're able to protect that property will still be a member of the community, the gates and pedestrian gates have been
placed strategically. So that would be open to the public throughout the day. And it would only be close when the security need arises or after hours to protect this facility in a public forum. Difficult to go into al the sensitivities. But I assure you there's a number of very sensitive systems that don't just service the be, say the service, the city of Saint Paul Police Department and all law enforcement agencies across the state of Minnesota. And so I'm in the interest of time, design or up on it. We're going to turn this over to go through a few more pieces with this. But what we're really asking at the end of the day is the same fence that just went up around. Your police department is the same fence is being contemplated here today with this variance requests. Eric Daniels up senior project manager of Climate Kirstie. Our Tips. We were brought on after some studies were dne to
design this fence and on the pictures here is an example of another type of security fence that you might find around military installations in prisons. It chain-link fence with razor wire on top of that, this is not the type of offense that we are contemplating. It is a more ornamental style security fence. And this was recently installed the joint campus of that city of Saint Paul Police Department and the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office. And then our case, all what we have is we have And interesting. Sage that was planned well before a lot of the new security features that happened government facilities. They find today. And our offense. Will be easy for the most part and a lot of places behind landscaping. So
it will be concealed the best that that existing landscape can provide us. So here's some renderings of what the defense will look like around the facility. So this is at the Maryland. And failing intersection. This is down all on family by the employee entrance and the access points, as you can see, way, far from the street that you can get it ay from the sidewalk and all the existing landscape there. Well. Hide it, the best that we can. And then this is the view on Barclay with The offense going on top of that with existing retaining wall that we have today. Working So with that, we stand for any questions that you MAY have for the superintendent or the state.
Thanks so much. We will first can for the public hearing the questions for Is there anyone else here to testify on this item? Seeing none. I'll take a motion from Santa Public hearing all in favor say Aye. 6 in favor not pose. A public hearing is closed as thank you, council PRESIDENT. Appreciate this. Because the speakers here today are the parents for continued speaking. I I actually understood like that that you know about the extensions differently. Sights on I'm not ready to make a final vote today, but I would like to this whole for next week. So the motions for a one-week layover. Any discussion of the motion? Seeing none all in favor say Aye, aye. Aye. All opposed 6 in favor. None opposed the public or the public hearing, MR. To close its laid over 2 FEBRUARY 18th. Item number 20 is public hearing. 26 tense
for public hearing and grievances about federal immigration operations. All right. This is a public hearing as we begin this public. I just want to remind folks welcome all points of view here. We do not welcome racist, sexist, hateful language. We asked folks to refrain from profanity. Tis is something that can be viewed by people of all ages live and online. So hope folks can express their opinions freely. But within those guidelines. So we are now holding a public hearing on grievances with federal immigration operations. Generally. And as 2 minutes, it's hard to keep it to that. So help me help you. Well, come up. My name is Ashley Van Desserts and a resident of Saint Paul 3.
And I am here to represent our community affected today by the abduction and car crash caused by a nice agents. Pursuit of a resident on Western and sell I 9 as cafe. I want to acknowledge and think council vice PRESIDENT Kim for coming out to support the community being on scene there today. We call on the council to designate these. These are 2 and motions. Basically I'd like you to consider. One is I urge you to designate hospitals and ambulances as sanctuary sites where ice is prohibited from conducting enforcement actions. Furthermore, that a social worker should be assigned or social justice partner should be assigned to
provide protection for residents targeted by ice and in their stay at the hospital where their injury was a result ice's actions. Health care should be a safe space for all residents. Regardless of immigration status, allowing ice agents deters a vulnerable community is from seeking emergency care, endangering public health. And secondly, the second motion we call on the City Council to mandate immediate comprehensive de-escalation training for all Saint Paul police officers. That would be specifically tailored to scenarios involving federal immigration enforcement operations. This must include clear protocols for communicating the department's role and intent at the scene. Officers should emphasize
their duty to maintain public safety and include how they are going to do this. Officers must be trained to verbally and visibly clarify their presence to the public. Prevent confusion and avoid complicity in federal ations that undermine community trust. For the more we demand that the Saint Paul Police Department establish a publicly accountable process to address harm caused by its actions during these past events, such as today, including medical, emotional and civil rights ipacts through transparency. Thank you very much. That is thank you. Appreciate it. Make sure to sign an unwelcome up. Hello, my name is Peter Award to resident and member of a local Saint Paul neighborhood community organization, neighbors protecting neighbors. If I
lived in this city's official press releases or on the city council's freshly minted Instagram page, I would think that we are making incredible momentous progress with each council meeting. I might even think that we are a few more meetings away from Operation Metro Surge being a thing of the past. Unfortunately, I don't live in a city hall press release live in the real Saint Paul. And in the real Saint Paul, things are not getting any better. They are getting worse with each passing day. I spent my morning talking with my friends who live in the Blair House condominiums at the corner of Selby in Western who have had their sense of safety and peace of mind stripped from them violently by the reckless and dangerous actions perpetrated by isis on our city's residents. Every day, the physical, emotional and financial cost of this federal
occupation mount and compound. So far, all seen from this council are relatively empty symbolic district victories. I appreciate the sentiment, but we must pass resolutions for eviction. More her sight. You pass resolutions for the action moratoriums, but they languish on the governor's desk. We passed piecemeal ordinances but have no way to realistically enforce them. Our residents need real relief relief like the 1 million dollars in rental assistance. Minneapolis has already passed funded out of their general fund. We have also proposed increasing the required notice of eviction from 30 to 60 days. These are real and tangible measures that would help our most vulnerable residents stay housed and stay safe. Why has this not been discussed here? You can see it's not feasible
because it's already been done across the river. I get it. There might be some differences, but it is politically feasible and you can see we don't have money for this because we're spending 146 million dollars on police whose only job seems to be tear gassing and running interference for ice. I asking you, please get creative, get the money we need tangible help. Thank you very much. Make sure to sign in. Well, come up. Speaking on row for one resident. I came here this afternoon straight after spending hours standing on the corner of Saudi and Western where the car crash happened this morning. Thank you, Councilmember Tim, for showing up there. I wish I had seen evidence of more of you have
been there today. Resolutions and ordinances that take 3 weeks to move through counsel and another 30 days to go into effect are not enough. It was late NOVEMBER when Saint Paul Police assisted ice after a raid. Isn't chemical irritants and munitions against protesters and observers. It is mid FEBRUARY. And what material relief do we have here? My credit card bill this month is over $6,000 because of all of the GoFundMe donations I have made and grocery runs. I am doing on behalf of neighbors. I do this because I can. But my resources are finite. We need the government to step here again. Minneapolis passed emergency funding for rent relief. Is that energy from you all? Real solutions that are helping Saint Paul light.
That is what we need. I don't want to see mayor her sharing press about a GoFundMe supporting local businesses. I want you all to step up and support our residents with money with material really. The resolutions passed today are meaningful, but they are not enough to keep people housed to keep them while we are under occupation. Please get creative. Do more. Thank you. Thank you very much. Make sure to sign in. Not? Mine and Zach x from Saint Cloud, but not supporting nice. You are enabling a lot of mentally ill Trump. Arrangement having lunatics. run wild. These lists 6 need to be evaluated for delusion. Minneapolis. Excuse me. Plus in Saint Paul has endorsing encourage protests
and violence essentially because these wild animals are not peaceful. Our governor, mayor and attorney general, quite frankly, there. Tarts with no. There's people standing on corners watching Tulare for ice. You're traitors to America. People uploading plates for ice agents, toxin them. Traders. This is very concerning that we are allowing this and we are encouraging this. Again, sir, on Americans, everybody in sharing interfering with already hard arrests and making ice agents fear for their personal lives and their family less. It's not ok. Edwards on streets, overkill, lies here. Focus there. Only saying scene that you guys are allowing these kids see on the streets think it's pretty sad. People are obsessing about hating people who love
America. Doesn't that seem odd? Well, just leave. What country doesn't have borders. If there's bad processes, they need to be addressed. But if illegal aliens just left peacefully, then we wouldn't have It's our problem. Previous presidents created Trump has to deal with the now I'm seeing this Hennepin County and any blue cities left are going to run this country and the ground and look like George Floyd Square. Disgusting. Shame on all of you who sleep peacefully. Picking illegal criminals and aliens over its on vets and homeless, especially. Thank you. Thank you very much. Make sure to sign Well, coming I mean, been good man. I live in Ward I'm here today to make you aware of maybe something they are not aware
of, which is that their addiction still going on with our unhoused folks in this city. Others one scheduled for tomorrow in 5. It's a problem when we are asking governor was to have an addiction moratorium that we are still busy evicting are most vulnerable. Historically, most abuse population in the city. I There's not enough time for me to get into the history of abuses on House residents have faced in the city. But I would ask you to consider offering a resolution to stop the s I from proceedings, evictions and cam and demolitions at least while operation. Research is going Thank you. Thank you. Make sure to send in. Hi, I'm Stephanie and live here in Saint Paul. I guess I just more so in general. Want to. Just say that since JANUARY, 7th. The day that are
in a spot. I was only a block and a half away from her and at 10:00am so before even know what was going on. I had ice agents approached me with a mask. And dark sunglasses police ice. All of that on his thing and for second, it tricked me because they are using manipulation tactics. To specifically invoke fear, especially on those who have already lived in some way, shape or form of abuse from there. Close loved ones or the system or whatever. So. Since then. I I have I have remembered every single second of every single dy that that could offend me. Renee good could have been me. Alex Pretti could have been me. No one should have to live in
fear because here's the thing. Orders didn't exist before. No one is illegal Turtle and on stolen land. And just want my neighbors and myself and my coworkers to be able to live like Normally. So honestly, I say just abolish ice. It's just get rid because, again, no is illegal on stolen land. Thank you very much. Make sure to sign in. I only had a somebody giving their time to me right now. Try to go fast. Since the launch of Operation Metro Surge, ice and cbp agents have conducted warrantless raids and detentions based on racial him. And with profiling used excessive force on civilians and residential neighborhoods started sensitive locations, such as schools, places of worship in medical facilities and violated first second, 4th and 10th Amendment rights. Neighbors protecting
neighbors, demanded the Saint Paul City Council take action specifically. We demand that you adopted legislation incorporating the establishment of public schools, hospitals and child care centers, a safe zones which federal agents prohibited from entering prior to JANUARY of 2025, these public areas were already deemed sensitive ice agents were to avoid them. There's already precedent for the protection of safe zones and it's recommended by the National Education Association. So I have. Thank Minnesota residents are delaying medical care out of fear. Expecting parents are afraid to go to their appointments and reconsidering birth and medical centers which can increase the risk of mortality and complications. Children are being detained at school and on their way home. Teachers are being targeted. There's an immediate need for
the establishment of safe zones to protect the vulnerable. What crimes have these children committed? If this is about criminals being targeted? Actually just an excuse to terrorize bipoc communities. The got the Supreme Court and Prince versus United States. 97 ruled that the federal government can not compel state or local officials to enforce federal law, education and public health. Our state and city responsibilities. Not delegated to the federal government. Anti common during principal support Saint Paul and their right to limit cooperation with ice and cbp, according to the 10th Amendment powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution nor prohibited by it to the states are reserved
the states respectively or to the people and federalist. 28 Alexander Hamilton stated that the states government's well and all possible contingencies for a complete security against invasions of the public liberty by the National Authority. We are at a turning point. We have a fascist regime terrorizing our residents and we need to take action. One of the agenda items today is to pass the city's top priorities for legislative session. It includes state funding for reimbursement to support families, community organizations, business and local governments for the costs incurred during the federal immigration surge. This seems to be the top priority right Just priorities are only asking for money from the state is not asking the state for a more robust cohesive plan to protect
residents and Minnesota values. I think legislative goals this season should be stronger, more robust, strategic, cohesive with the response, state and across the local levels for ice, including the establishment of safe zones. I understand that in some ways your hands are tied. I can understand being concerned about budgets and litigation. But I think that this is an important risk. We need to take even better if we can connect with other cities in and out of Minnesota to establish the same type of regulations if we stand in solidarity with other cities and set a precedent that we will not fix except abuse of executive power. That is how we make real change. I wanted to add some definitions here. Fascism is a system of government MARCH by centralization of authority
under a dictator, a capitalist economy, subject to stringent government control, violent suppression of the opposition. And typically a policy belligerent nationalism and racism sounds pretty familiar right now. Concentration camps, a place where large numbers of people such as prisoners of war, refugees, members of ethnic or religious minorities are detained under armed guard often without like trial or legal process. It sounds very familiar to things that we have experienced in the past and we need to do everything we can now is not the time to be silent. I get there are risks, but we have to do with that after this. We can't set the precedent that we're going to be complicit in
the face of a fascist takeover. That's it. Thank you. Thank you very well, come up and why you're coming up in just going to kind of a last call, if you're here to speak on the site and we'd appreciate it. If you could line up. Now, just we have a sense of how many folks are left. Thank you. I introduce can I am from Ward I'm back again this week as part of the group that I belong to, that's called neighbors protecting neighbors. We are meeting weekly. We are talking throughout the week about how we can continue to be courageous and support our neighbors. I'm here today to encourage you again to be as creative as you can to step up. Now to help us protect our
neighbors. I listen to you today. Talk about how you're going to be more forward about what you're doing. It has to happen. Today. We secret police. Chased down a man. And the Saudi western area. It's horrifying. I have never seen a crash site clean up. So quickly. There there was not the normal surveillance you do to see who caused Quickly, the police came in. His city came in. They cleaned up debris. I walked by less than 90 minutes later. No. Advocates that anything had happened. No evidence that 3 cards handed damage that man had been ijured and taken
away, abducted. A hrrifying that rate. Now I can live in my neighborhood at 3 blocks away. No, this is going on and walk by. Minutes later. And it looks like nothing has happened. I want you. To work with cities to do whatever you can for safe zones, eviction relief. We need people to feel safe. We need to know that they're not to be on the street. And finally, I ask if you are not to please Ramsey County and not agreeing to to 87. Kate, it thank you. Thank you very much. Make sure to sign in. I yield my time. My neighbor and John, for more thank you. Erin for more. Also word good afternoon Council. I'm here to support testify in
support of safe zones and ever stronger separation policies between spd and U.S. Ppd and ice. I am also going to reference the car crash that happened earlier today because it's to perfect an example. I'm part of the parent patrol at the Education building on Rondo between Dale and the covid. W stand outside our building which houses 3 public schools and early childhood education center. And early intervention offices. We stand there and organized and visible way during multiple drop-offs and pickups given how many dfferent student bodies are in the building every single day. This morning, approximately 10 minutes after drop-off ended, apparent patrol observers witnessed a red Prius being chased at high speed by an unmarked vehicle. With lights
and no sirens. They were driving at a very high speed on Rondo, the same street that had been lined with cars dropping off children. Just 10 minutes earlier. This chase ended less than half a mile away in a multi-car crash at Selby and Western that injured. At least 2 people. The speed limit in front of the school is 20 miles per hour. Intersection where the crash happened. It's 25. According to the Minnesota Reformer Council, vice PRESIDENT Kim was at the scene and she asked the question that we are all asking. They're going on. Car chases, going 80 down residential streets to do what? This is not a hypothetical danger. Ice engaged in a high-speed chase past our school building minutes minutes after hundreds of children have been dropped off on that exact street. Less than half a mile later caused
a multi-car crash. At least 2 public schools and a day care went into lockdown. And those are only the ones I happen to be aware of. We cannot have this kind of, quote, enforcement where it could hurt or chip kill children. And were was s p p d according to witnesses they were. Walking ice agents to their vehicles. Well, those agents had tear gas canisters out. Tey were staging 15 police vehicles in the cathedral parking lot. They were insulting bystanders for being concerned about federal agents endangering their community. And then they left the crash scene so dirty that neighbors had to clean up glass with their own household brooms. Saint Paul Police Department Commander Joshua
Lego has requested videos, photographs and statements from witnesses which I find encouraging. And I hope this is the beginning of a full investigation. Not all the police department employees are aiding and abetting ice, but some are and the public does not. I asked the council to immediately demand preservation of all surveillance footage. 9-1-1 calls radio dispatch Dan Dashcam body Cam reports and witness statements from this incident. The separation ordinances are essential and I am grateful to the council for the work that I have seen happen in these last few weeks. Especially to those of you who are out there metaphorically and literally on the streets with However, these ordinances mean nothing without enforcement. Right now, we're not enforcing even
basic traffic laws for the ice agents. And I am very worried that means that these things that you guys are passing as wonderful as they are, will do. Nothing. Ice is causing chaos and putting our children at risk. Please hold the police department accountable when they fail to act for Thank you very Dustin by. So we're to also with neighbors, protecting neighbors. There ae so many things I'd like to address today with 2 minutes that my topics to solidarity and accountability. At the previous session acknowledge it a good knowledge. The city's reticence to hold the Department of Homeland Security legally accountable fear of litigation. I also point out that other cities are pledging to do this despite the potential for a lawsuit. Urge the city Council to reach out to the da's of those cities for Philadelphia,
Chicago La and our very own neighbor, Minneapolis, to collaborate on receive guidance about what worked for them so far in this battle and what we can do to mitigate the risks involved. Fascism is at our doorstep. This is no time to live in fear of arbitration. The consequence of inaction will prove to be far worse. Acting as a collective will be crucial to our success and the success of future targets of this regime. Additionally, as you've already heard today, ice agents were involved in a serious vehicle collision at the intersection Selby in Western Cathedral. Hill. As ppd showed up at the scene, not assisting Iceman. You performing some cloud crowd control and often being heard telling observers to mind their own business. I'd like to assert that it is our business. If we don't keep records of these things, who will? We know that shout Saint Paul does not retain its video data for more than a few days. Observers feel a duty to document these instance for
own safety. Some of us come from position of distrust of our local pd to handle this incident appropriately, especially since NOVEMBER's event and Roe Street. Thank you. And they have not been publicly acknowledged or even commented on by them. This enormous problem for accountability. Cataloging this footage should absolutely be mandatory for future investigation as evidence to be used against these and our place. Our police. Should be serving and protecting us. Also, I apologize for having to endure. Zack Exley just heard about a court date is coming up on MARCH 19. So I worry about Cole, thank you. Thank you very much. Make sure to sign in. want to apologize earlier again for my language, but if you're not angry right now, you're not. You're not witnessing what's going on. And you guys have all mentioned, you know, you did a
lot of good work have never been to a city council meeting and never spoke at a city council meeting. But what I you guys do at the beginning of this meeting was very positive rate. A lot of also alluded to that. It's just words great. It's not direct action. You know, I'm not a guy that goes out and potests is Vogue with any organization directly. But I have been buying meals and delivering meals to people. I can't leave their homes right? I don't know anything that the city's done that I'm aware o. It could be a communication issue like you alluded to. Also. That the city has directly done to, you know, help people that can't leave their homes to, you know, help them with rent. You know, costs or whatever. And I don't even know what I can do. I just know I live 3 blocks from where the car crash happened
this morning in Ward. One. My immediate reaction was just like. I'm over it now lke this is can't keep happening. You know, it's you know this. I thought the guy was dead right away because it was a pretty ridiculous looking crash. Like the other lady mentioned earlier, the clean it up right away and, you know, I know there's a no collaboration. Suppose it agreement with Saint Paul Police and ice, which is fine on paper. But regardless like if they commit a crime in the police show up and they don't arrest somebody that committed that cime. Like if crashed into 3 cars and fled the scene, they wouldn't run cover for me. That arrest me right. If I shot somebody 10 times be arrested. Thank And I just think it's like what's the point of all these words and ordinances? If people still can't leave their homes,
crimes are still being committed, nothing changes and every day. Tonight there, it's a nightmare just trying to live a life. Go to work, come home. And it's just to cast all the time. And I don't know if it's a disconnect here. What but yeah, thank you. Hopefully something changes soon. Thank you very much. Like assignment. Last but not least welcome up. Hello, my name is I like to to start off by thanking you all for your commitment Supporting Trans Minnesotans him. A lot. And I would also like to thank council under Billy for all the good work she does and she doesn't deserve to be. To endure verbal abuse like what happened earlier. I'm here to ask for police accountability. Kind of a laundry list what Tiffany neighbors has has for
protecting neighbors. Housing assistance like Minneapolis has for people who are struggling right now and who are not safe in the city. Intercity collaboration and solidarity. I think there's a lot. That can be done. Help each other. Maybe share the load around because you guys are doing a lot of work right now. It's very important that we get some sort of safe zones for schools, hospitals and child care centers. It's really awful to hear that people are afraid to receive care that they are not safe in hospitals are ambulances that they can't go with their family members who are injured by that ice forces them out of the hospital. And I just like to say that I'd like to see every single councilmember bringing ordinances. Right now relating to ice and protecting Minnesotans. I think that that's just the most urgent thing right now. And it will
save the most lives. And I just I know that there's a lot of worry about. Litigation and all that. But I just wondered who looking back their actions under like rising fascism. Would have said I wish I had done less or that I follow procedure more exactly. Fascism doesn't stop for bureaucracy and we need action Thank you. Thank you very much. Take a motion Vice PRESIDENT Kim to close the public hearing we'll have some discussion all in favor or sorry to continue the public hearing to next week. All in favor say Aye opposed 6 in favor. None opposed. The public hearings continued to FEBRUARY 18th. I just want to take a moment again to thank everyone so much for coming out and speaking, we we hear the demand for urgency. We hear the demand for ation for the emergency rent assistance
for the safe zones. I kow Councilmember Yang had an and I had opportunity With neighbors protecting neighbors last week. And both of us have been talking about whether whether and how we can advance many of the demands that you made. So just know that these are all going into our running list of things that we want to take action on and move forward. I looked to my colleagues to see if there are additional specific comments that folks want to make at this point. Council PRESIDENT. Well, I want to say thank you to everybody who came and I see so many faces. Familiar faces, folks, Dustin, you being one of them who have come back. Week after week ad it it. It really means a that you're here for yourself here. Your loved ones, your community and to. Look forward seeing you all come back and continue to
bring people along. We want people to know that late today was the very you need very different the the plea in racism homophobia. And and that that we heard from a testifier. That is something that I have not seen before in her chambers here. And I've been here for 5 years. I do recognize that we are living in a time where it is. I'm trying Trump's second presidency but also like the rise of neoliberalism fascism is literally here at our front door steps. And so we probably will continue to see that. But we are the ones who are fighting back and we must always speak u for our values for, I believe, start in the world and the future that we know we deserve to live in, which is rooted in dignity and justice for all people and
equity as well. And so I want to say thank you for for what you're doing. I have. You know, it's like there's been very few times. So in that the chambers here where I fel unsafe, I want to be clear that in terms of times when I feel unsafe, it's not when I'm sitting next to somebody who looks different for me. Not when I'm sitting next to somebody who is not a citizen, but it is when I'm in spaces with people who steal rhetoric deeply filled with hate and that that not welcomed at all. It was very unacceptable and that customer believe did not deserve that at all. It was unacceptable for that person to say that about you is very racist and also council vice PRESIDENT Kim, it was unacceptable for that person to say what they said and to be attacking our chance community. And that I want to
continue having this plea be a place where it is safe and welcoming to all people and that that is something I'm very committed to incite a smart you on and on that I care deeply about preserving and protecting that. And also that this is our space. It's our people. You know, this is the people's home. The people space. And so thank for everything you're doing. You've got to keep fighting back. And I look forward to seeing folks come back next week. Thank you. As a as vice PRESIDENT Can. Yeah, appreciate it. I just wanted to share his folks that the person from the cell, the Western instead this morning was brought to the hospital. They were stables lost in that. Can share about them. I. You know, I think there's a lot of great now works and will provide after care. And there are a lot of great resources for that person. So we're doing our best to
contact their family and to make sure that they've got the full support of community behind them. And I know tat looks like all of came today. So I really appreciate it. Stay out there. I know like, you a customer comments that earlier a lake metro surge isn't over this the job that doesn't matter because the point that I know that you all understand, but just to name it for all of us is that it doesn't matter if isis and harming us Minnesota. And that that they're harming anyone. So we need to abolish And I will take a moment to to name. I just appreciate the council PRESIDENT Told a quorum. The only thing that we witnessed today or that eyewitness speak for myself was hate speech inside of these chambers and has a look around the room and see the
representation of the multitude of cultures and beings that are here. That's not allowed. It's not only it's not only not a lot of snow covered by the First Amendment. You cannot. That's it's just like that said sailors used to fun. Run. I think all of you for being here, but also standing by the community is that fascism is attacking. And if they come for one of us, they come for all of us full stop. And, yu know, if you've been linked up in a line, if they push someone back, we need someone to step forward and take their place. And so the moment that we show weakness that they're willing to come after trans kids they're willing racist, throw racist attack councilmember and our own chambers. The moment the we allow them to do that. As the
moment they start to gain ground. So hold steady. Do not accept that. This is the reality and keep dreaming on what's possible. But I just like I send my love to council member Leanna, see it thought I saw your lovely partner here. Your lovely. Partner But I just want to make it very, very clear that that racist attack against who is completely unacceptable. It is not something that we stand for here in Saint Paul. And you've got my full support behind you for that. And I'm so sorry that you had to experience today. Thank you. Vice PRESIDENT. Yeah, just a really quick. Thank you, everyone for coming out today. I, too, just want to comment on person that was year earlier. I also have never felt unsafe in his chambers and we've to recess multiple times. We've had protests never once they feel unsafe
until that person got up and said the things that they did that were racist. They were homophobic in a space that is supposed to be safe for everyone. This is a sacred space. I take it very seriously. I want everyone to feel comfortable coming in here. And I've also never heard someone come in here and directly attack one of our council members. That's unacceptable. And that to me is an attack on all of us. And so and I just want to make sure everyone knows that that's not welcome here. And I also stand against that, making sre that the space remains welcoming for everyone. Thank you. MRS. Any other commencements, thank you. Council PRESIDENT. I really all of my council members and I my colleagues now. In my time as councilmember, I've never thought that I experience that singling out. I think all of
us have been very courageous and bold and we're doing everything in our powers as elected officials as council members to really show up from people's first amendments rights and also encourage and support and protect people as they are standing up against hate. And I will never tolerate any racist or sexist or homophobic are 0 phobic remarks. Iknow particularly what I job is here. No, I don't tink I am Queen Latifa, but I have a lot respect for Queen Latifa and I think it's. We if we let people can see herself in need of. I can see myself in Queen Latifa, the the rapper and artists who who coined the un it. Why song If I can use my power on the council make sure that we are unifying our city, a unifying
our state. You know, that is my role. I think I am a council member and I think I do that really firmly in really strongly and confidently. And I think it's important that we show up for each other. And I just want to say it does mean a lot to check in with me. Thank you so much. Councilmember advice, Vice PRESIDENT Kim, for ensuring that we have a safety plan. Thank you so much. Council PRESIDENT Maker for not tolerating that behavior. And for all my colleagues from checked in with me it is very scary in the eye. Also experience the fear. But I do know that in my position I have a responsibility to work beyond that fear. And that actually what was meant to be painful and what was meant to hurt me is actually that feel to be resilient to ensure that
we're showing up more than ever. I come from it community who literally their own freedom in their own autonomy for their body was a crime. And we I come from a community that had outbreak that have over Cain and I am literally using all of my expertise leaning forward into my creativity. We have been asked to be more innovative. All of you are always know. I'm always pushing the envelope and trying to be ambitious. That's not going to stop. Just like we're not going to see the hate stopping just like every single day we wake up. We hear another ice incidents, another ice raid and knock on wood. I pray to GOD, honestly that we do not ever experience a murder on from the hands of ice or murder and hands from any law enforcement here in the city of Saint Paul. We worked very hard as the chair of the Public Safety
Committee. We worked very hard to ensure that public safety is protected and that the state of the law is ensuring that professionalize our law enforcement here in Saint Paul. We have to be the model of what good law enforcement looks like because our what we're seeing from our federal government right now is not law enforcement. We're just seen completely recklessness like we have heard today, particularly and with the incident that took place still be in Western What is I see as good governance and good response and ensuring that we have communication. I did get a chance. As soon as I found out the news had a chance to talk with Assistant Mayor. I
do what I have not had a chance to talk what directly with our mayor. But I was made aware that se was physically there are drove by that. There was an order for that space to cleaned up. I can welcome more information found my residents, particularly about that situation. I did a video and posted on Facebook. I'm not saying tat is enough, but I think what is important is to ensure that we're fact checking. We did see rumors out there eyewitnesses assumed I thought that someone was deceased. It's really important that we, you know, fact, check that. And from the information I have received that the person who was detained very clear to not call him a detainee because we
need to humanize people. And as we're under the surge, but the person who was detain had actually asked for that link it to be over them. I think it's really critical to understand that Hill as people are getting arrested and we have seen that Trump is literally staging tv productions, you know, in the Mid South, these are right arrests we also are thinking through around what privacy looks like. I know that feels like a very oxymoron concept, especially since we heal. We heard on in our last public safety committee meeting. Alright data is just, you know, just the pervasiveness of access to data and what that means I want to land a plane and I know we I want all from the purpose of these
public hearings are for. These are for vehicles for us to actually get policy and put. I know it's framed as a public hearing and and I also know like initially we were not going to do public hearings because we didn't want to open up public without having action. But I think we could. We can know, walk and chew gum at the same time. I'm also what I'm hearing, particularly. From the public is that we need to have lost that. Really identify and name that this behavior is is technically a nuisance to our our city. Looking at are ordinances. That's something I'm committed to particularly around. How can we use our ordinances to actually identify when something is a safety hazard to our
neighborhoods. W have seen even this morning a damage to our property like that is not a bill that the city should continue paying that bill needs to go to federal government. I also encourage people who are documenting getting photos and videos. I encourage you to submit it into the attorney general's evidence portal. I cannot stress that enough. This is not a city issue. This is a state issue and our attorney general have created a portal for people to this documentation. All of this I know right now real time, we're not able to act, you know, but our legal systems will be able to use everything that is summit. It to make the case on why the federal government should be paying for this and last but not
least because the conversation around our legislative agenda came up. Agenda that we adopted today is not final is not in concrete. As Kyle Council members, I'm really act of way having conversations with constituents, particularly around how our state leaders can strengthen are now only our sovereignty laws strengthen our public works. Laws and use or excusing public's safety laws and use infrastructure and budgetary powers to ensure that tese organizations that are standing up these organizations showing up in our community, have the resources. We know that up against a a federal government that's using lies and hate to to suppress our resources. They're trying to starve us to be able to even take care of the bsics. It's important that we make sure that we're
keeping track of like. What we are dishing out. What are we? What are the resources that are using and being really fiscally smart around, making sure that we cn invest into a future to be able to continue operating our city. And last but not least I heard from I don't Megan is still here, but I as someone who is really being responsible. I want to say Megan know my apologies. I did read. I look at your e-mail from last if you are so here you want to continue. Getting more information about that terrible incident that took place on your neighborhood. You know, I'm here. I really intentional be inaccessible as much as possible. I know. Want to and sure that any questions that
people have related to, whether it's federal immigration agents are even as pdf believe in this case. It was a swat a swat team raided her neighbors that we get those questions answered. I do want to say to on record it does look like as bpd. You had a chance to respond. But that is really important. Now, you know, of course, everyone to use these hearings as ways to talk directly with their council members. But I just want to send the invitation. If you have not heard back from er, if you even have some more pressing questions, police set up a time when my office my of 8 is Polly, hence, you can always set up times on Thursdays and Fridays. I'm always in community and welcome to have coffee are even virtual conversations. So again, you
know. I will not tolerate this hate and especially in a in the midst of Black History month. I think being caught a queen Latifa was probably the the the Nyces get. So And hey, we don't tolerate it. But at the same time, I'm someone who have turn pain into power for change at every single incident. Every single pathway. So thank you again for for the solidarity in this moment. Thank you for Thank you your powerful words, MISS Billy. I want to thank all of my colleagues talking about what occurred here today. I think that that's really important. And I just want to reaffirm that this this is the people's House. This is a place for ideas for. Innovation, for creativity. It's a place for disagreement. It's a place for different ideas to be aired and vetted because that's healthy. That's constructive. That's how we get to the
right. Way forward. It is not a space for hate. It is not a space fr personal attacks and it's not a space for violence. And as long as I'm council PRESIDENT And long after that, we will be holding the line against anything like that in these chambers and outside of our chambers as well. Thank you, everyone for reaffirming that and always proud to be part of this council. And again, want to give too much credence to the one person who spoke tonight. I want to give a lot of credence to everyone else. Spoke tonight and the things that you have left us So again, thank you all very much. We're gonna move on our legislative hearing consent agenda now, which is a hard welcome to stay. But thank you again for moving up. Legislative hearing consent
agenda items. 29 through. 38 her before you for your consideration. All right. Then we will hold a public hearing if you're here on items. 29 through. 30 eights any of those items. This is your public hearing. That seeing anybody else take a motion from his and close the public hearing and approve the items with nations and changes from and recommendations of a legislative hearing. Officer all in favor say Aye. Post 6 in favor not oppose the legislative hearing. Consent agenda is adopted amended does bring us to the end of our meeting. I would look to PRESIDENT Kim for some immediate news from the North side. You have actually media news hot off the press potentially. I am sharing good news for more at 7. From council member Johnson Chair Johnson her mission. Yes, with permission first
baby of 47. Isaiah. Chair. Johnson would like to I would like for community to know that we have heard a demand for additional rental assistance for our Saint Paul families. She was vital to secure 2.3, 8 million for rental assistance so far in 2025. In Twenty-twenty 6 here in the city of Saint Paul. She's currently working with pd staff to get an additional 1.4, 8 million allocated to our same poll. Emergency rental assistance program in order to ensure we can have the staffing needs to get money out the door to support and support that the need at this time, which is huge news as we know, stabilizing families right now is really important. And she also has a message for you. Councilmember Billy Consumer. Billy, We know
that Queen Latifa is never an insult. Racism has no place in Saint Paul. The next time someone wants to spew racism and hate in our chambers. We will and have to shut that down immediately. This is Black History Month. This History Month is our centennial. Ignorance is a choice. Racism is deadly and Onyeka says continue to shine you an eye to eye and that is from Chair Johnson. And last. But I just want to offer and I know that my colleagues on the sentiment is is present. But I just want to be really explicit that the attacks today, all the it like racist. Also transphobic. So let's be very clear, right? Like what we're talking about because there is a very systemic attempt to erase non-binary to spirit and trans people from public life right now. So homophobic, yes, and most - importantly transphobic. So let's let's name the thing as well. And I really appreciate
the way that everyone showed up today. Yeah, and thank you for that meeting. Meet the difficult many say comes PRESIDENT. Thank you. PRESIDENT. Other news from boards. As news. But just happy Valentine's and Happy Galentine's a woman councils almost forgot about All right. I think that's good note to end. And so thank you all very