So to order, roll call, please moment Johnson Ghost. Him. Present maker here. 5 present to absent those being councilmembers, Kim and Johnson and they are excused. Welcome everyone to our Saint Paul City Council Chambers. Thank you for joining us today. We invite everyone to join us in standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. there? Incentives items one through 5 or before you for your consideration, anything to be taken for separate consideration. Seeing none. We'll take a motion from his yang for the consent agenda. All in favor say Aye. All opposed 5 in favor. None opposed the consent agenda is adopted. Take a motion from his chose to suspend the rules to consider a new director of human resources all in favor
say Aye. a post 5 in favor. None opposed. The rules are suspended resolution 26 dash 2.31. Approving the appointment of Kemery. A can seem as the director of human resources effective FEBRUARY 9th 2026. All right. And keep forgetting with that. We passed the resolution. Passed resolution first and then do the all right. I will take a motion from his to approve any discussion of the motion. I'll just say welcome. Really excited. They really excited to work with you looking forward to getting to know you better. So thanks for joining our All in favor say Aye. I'll post I'm in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted. MR. Wells will do the official swearing in. Please raise your right after I state your Cambria. Do you solemnly swear to silence where to support the Constitution, support the
Constitution and the United States and the state of Minnesota and of the state of Minnesota and to discharge faithfully and to discharge a duties devolving upon me, the duties of awful as the director of human resources as a director of human resources at the city of Saint Paul of the city of Saint to the best of my judgment the best of my judgment Education summit. again, we look forward to working with you. And take a motion from ms Yang to suspend the rules to energy in cash, moratorium all in favor say aye. All post they are 6 in favor. Not close. The rules are suspended resolution 26 dash 2.53. Calling on the state of Minnesota and Governor Wolf to enact an energy and gas shutoff moratorium to keep Minnesota family safe and protect them from come for PRESIDENT. I will go to the
podium. Everybody before I begin, I do want to invite o seen call to join me at the podium here. The Citizens Utility board an energy sense for their work on this issue. Thank Thank you, Megan Jean, for being here. Also, the East Siders want to see. Mike, thank you for reaching out directly onto me. Your word, 6 presidents and and sent over this resolution which is so important and also a lifesaving resolution. Before I read this, I wnt to say thank you to our council here because we have a few weeks ago, unanimous unanimously approved in eviction moratorium was really about calling for governor was to issue that so we can protect families right now in our city and Chile all across the state who are being
displaced a result of the horrendous ice rates. You can see all across our state. This is a resolution. To call on the state of Minnesota. Governor Walz to enact an energy and gas shutoff moratorium to keep Minnesota family safe and protect them from ice. I would like read through just because I really believe this sheds light on what is happening right now all across our state. And I know many of you in the room. Sure you feel it. You have been impacted directly or know somebody who has you have shown up and some new ways to raise is the atrocities that we're seeing happening to our communities, especially folks who are immigrants, refugees undocumented and are black and brown families and also are
working class families because what will he laid out in this resolution is how impacted our black and brown and working class people are as a result of Operation Best Metro surge in the state of Minnesota. Here. And after I speak, I would like to invite the 2 leaders behind me to see a few remarks as well. Whereas the federal government's campaign of discriminatory mass deportation has inflicted terror nationwide and the Trump administration's fixation on Minnesota has cruelly target it or a community with harassment, intimidation and violence. And whereas Minnesota is currently experiencing the largest immigration operation by the Department of Homeland Security in the nation's history with the Trump administration claiming to have sent over 2000 agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Patrol, Homeland
Security investigations and other federal agencies to Minnesota. And whereas the public has experienced and documented countless instances, federal agents targeting and harassing residents based on the color of their skin regardless of immigration status. And whereas federal agents have been escalating violence against legal observers and committee members protecting their neighbors, including Renee Nicole, good, who was murdered by ice agent on JANUARY 7th 2026. And Alex Jeffrey Party, who was murdered by multiple ice agents on JANUARY 24th 2026. And whereas these threatening and violent attacks on our residents have occurred in public spaces, including schools, streets, hospitals, sidewalks, grocery stores,
places of worship and bus stops. As a result, many residents are unable to move freely due to the threat of harassment. The violence and abduction forcing them to shelter in place and impacting their ability to work to provide for their families. Whereas in addition to the threat of violence and abduction. Many families are grappling with the fear of having their electricity and heating shot off due to an inability to see if they go to work whereas some cold weather protections do exist in Minnesota with the cold weather rule. But only when a resident proactively contacts the utility and is able to work out a payment plan or enroll in an energy assistance program leaving everyone else vulnerable to shut offs during the coldest months of the year. Whereas utilities such as Excel Energy only provide
support in English and Spanish on their support line. The residents need to navigate in order to set up payment plans, making them inaccessible to a significant proportion of residents, whereas the state and federal assistance programs that are available can only be applied for by U.S. Citizens and in order to apply the must submit sensitive personal data about every resident of their household, including whether or not they have a Social Security card which could potentially be exported by ice if they subpoena that information. Whereas the 5, 5, 1, 0, 6, zip code, which is in my ward, words 7 and believe parts of war 5 as well. Already have the highest rates of utility shut offs all of Xcel Energy's territories before Operation Metro Surge began. Whereas in response to the covid-19 pandemic,
Governor Walz issued executive order, 20 Dash 0, 1, to clearing a peace time emergency and directed the Public Utility commission saying that a moratorium utility shut-offs and gave residents statewide a lifeline and protection during an unprecedented national crisis. Whereas residents in Minnesota are once again experiencing unprecedented danger and are vulnerable to losing their power and heat without government intervention, increasing their vulnerability to violence and abduction by the Trump administration, whereas the Saint Paul City Council stands alongside our neighbors who are under attack and calls and elected leaders at all levels to support our efforts to protect our residents. Now, therefore, be it resolved to see Paul City Council that subject to applicable laws and regulations. Calls on the
state of Minnesota and governor was to direct the public utility Commission, Xanax and Energy and gas shutoff moratorium to protect residents who have been harmed by the federal government's unprecedented attacks. For the resolve that we call on the state to direct the public Utility commission. So we late fees, interest and penalties for late payments and utilities for the duration of the moratorium. For the result that the Saint Paul City Council calls an excel energy to expand language service and bill payment assistance. In a rear forgiveness to the languages spoken in our communities, including monk Iran and Somali. To my colleagues. Ask for your support for this resolution.
When I read through it, it just really gave me chills and I want it to be really clear that for me was really important to read this loud because for the people who are out of our state, they are looking at Minnesota and we are the ones who are holding the line. The ones who are holding the line. That's why. But the ice agents have continue to be here rather than going out and targeting many other states and cities through the power of our communities coming together, doing rapid response. I just even had a meeting the other day with organization. And in my word, I was planning on fundraising dollars to be able to support households that cannot pay for their utility bills. Mean, there's so much that is happening all across our state and it is phenomenal. And also it is not sustainable. They are doing their absolute best. And right
now is a moment where elected officials need to be coming together and really pushing for governor say to issue these moratoriums in the 5, 5, 6, zip code, which is in my ward. That is also neighborhood that has experienced the highest levels of evictions. Experiences and disparities that are only exacerbated by the by the surge of ice agents that we're seeing here all across our state. And it is unacceptable. And again, this it hurts me over and over to talk about this. And I said this a few weeks ago, it hurts to be here again because we know that with every crisis it is our black and brown communities. It is a working class communities who get hit hardest. And right now they need us the most. They need all of us. The most is so I am empowered to put for this
resolution. And I want to name like the work. This work is not possible without a coalition coming together. And I'm so proud of organizations. Like the ones I mean before needles, he'd call. The Citizens Utility Bard Energy Sense and many, many more partners who are doing this for could look collectively weather in Minneapolis or in many other cities all across our state. And so with that, I do want to yield over to my care She are wonderful words, 6 PRESIDENT And also a member of needle Saint Paul. Thank you, missing. Welcome up. Thank Hi, I'm like you're by Ashley Live in Sherwood Avenue toward 6 and a volunteer with uni Dose Minnesota has been besieged by unprecedented, unlawful and unconstitutional tech from the federal government.
Operation Metro surge, thousands of ice agents terrorized communities with wanton violence and sadistic cruelty. Putting us in a state of emergency that we haven't felt since covid just like with the pandemic. Many of our neighbors have found themselves forced to shelter in place for their safety and the safety of their families. Many businesses have closed or operating limited capacity to protect themselves and their employees. Many in our community are increasingly difficult struggle to pay their bills. According to the Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota, struggling households now own an average of $464 utility bit that putting them in precarious position. Many people do believe that we're protected by the cold weather rule. But unfortunately, this is a coming this Christmas conception. The cold weather rule only applies to households the proactively
contacted utilities before shut off successfully negotiate a payment plan. And according to the Pew actually still can get shut off even when a payment plan. Minnesotans have no automatic protection and neighbors in to get through Chile shut off in the winter all the time. Heard qc just today, but it's so customers calling in this morning about their energy getting shut off. We recognize that Xcel has just declared a supposedly voluntary moratorium for Minneapolis, a staple only, but they're keeping it secret from the public. They have no timeline or scope associated with it and they maintain the right to ended whenever they want to as business decision. That's not real protection. A mediator at the Peuc expressed skepticism about whether this declaration would even do anything at all given excels heavily automated slow to respond system that
lacks the discretion of center point system or any disconnections actually gonna be averted in their system or is this just pr? But are governor does have the power to help her community? During the pandemic. He declared a peacetime state of emergency and a exit moratorium on evictions. Well, directing the public utility Commission to enact moratorium on energy shut off since especially related late fees. However, exemptions were made that lets late fees and interest continue. But these exemptions do not need to be repeated this time. We can and must protect our neighbors, including applying pressure on those who can help. Thank you. Thank you very much. Welcome up thank you. Hi, I'm Jeanne Comstock. I love some 2096 street. And that is Ward 7. And I want you to know that we are fully supportive of this resolution. Also and thank
Councilor Yang very much bringing it up. And Mike for and others work on it I don't need to tell you what's going on in town. You know, and I cannot imagine going through all of that and then still have to wonder, am I going to be able to be warm tonight? We've had too much that really hope that you will. We'll pass this and support it. Thank you Thank you so much. I'll take that as a motion for missing for Louisville. And I look to. Oh, I'm sorry. Did you want to move the person to get to that return Little bit of choreography. Thank you very much for testing. To doing that. Question to that. All right. So there's a motion coming for version. 2, is there discussion of the motion? I would say. Thank you so much for your leadership in bringing this frward. I think for all of the reasons you're to did we need to be doing
everything we can right now to support our neighbors? And when we can't do things we can, we can ask others to do things. And so in this case, the governors, one who are calling on. So I appreciate does bring this forward. And thank you for your leadership. Yeah, I just concerning. Thank you so mch for bringing this forward. I think this is so important right now and I really appreciate our partnership me I do want also share that, you it's. It's been confirms to it. He testified around that the just connections are suspended right now by Accel. That's what confirmed. That is as mentioned our cold weather rule. I think they're still my understanding. Is there still and communication around this? And they don't have a timeline but the winter because that is this. We'll be continuing indefinitely. And they're working with the Public Utilities Commission, the
Department of Commerce, but that the disconnections as a less week are not taking place in Saint Paul. And we'll be taking place I the immediate future. So some of this is already in process, but also hear the concerns from people and making sure that like this won't continue to happen. One thing I did want also add this isn't related to. To the steps of shops that simple regional water has a watershed, a policy and they do not shut off your water if you don't pay your bills. So I just want to make sure that folks are I'm aware of That's something that we always have. But especially dring this time. So just want to add some information. Thank you so much. For your comments. Thank you. As just any other discussion of this item. Seeing none. I'll take him up that have taken mission all in favor say aye. All opposed 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted as amended. Item number 6 is or is final adoption of
ordinance. 26 dash granting the application of filing company to rezone 4. I one light industrial parcels to be 5 Central Business Service. So we're moving into the ordinance section of our agenda. And just for folks who aren't following along with us at every every week hanging on her, every word we have a 3 step process for adopting ordinances at the city Council. So the very first time we hear a new ordinance, it is the first reading and we have a staff report to talk about what the ordinance is the next week. We have a public hearing and that ordinance and then the 3rd week we take a final vote on it. So you'll see here that their items on the agenda for final adoption, those are items that haven't had at least those 2 readings already as well as a public hearing. You'll also see there will be items today for first reading. We will have a staff report and public hearings are also
on the agenda today. We'll talk more about public hearings when we get there. So this is before us for final adoption I'll take a motion from vice PRESIDENT Can assert any discussion of te motion. Seeing none all in favor say I almost 6 in favor. None opposed. The ordinance is adopted item number 7 and final adoption of ordinance. 26 Dash 5. And chapter 2.68 of legislative code to prohibit law enforcement staging operations on city-owned limit access to nonpublic city space. This I before us for final adoption. Up to motion from is common for final adoption. Is there discussion of the motion vice PRESIDENT Yeah. Appraisal every Talk a lot about gratitude. And I think it's really important because now more than ever hope is is a conscious I'm center and gratitude today saying it's my colleagues, Councilmember Coleman in constant worrying.
Thank you so much for your partnership and helping us or to strategize and roll these out and phased in sequential approaches and just really thought the hard work behind the scenes that not everyone likes to talk about needs to be done because that's that's how And the federal the federal immigration operation has just changed so much about how our city and residents have had to operate. The cruelty and recklessness that we've all witnessed literally firsthand has made it clear that we need to act. Our residents have been asking for more decisive action and more clarity and our residents deserve at least - that much by prohibiting federal law enforcement from using city-owned staging areas for immigrant immigration enforcement operations. We are establishing a clear boundary about how are city resources
can and will be used. Our city staff work is incredible and they work really hard to ensure that our parks and libraries and rec centers are as well coming to Saint Paul residents as possible immigrant neighbors documented or not are welcome in Saint Paul and they're welcome to access rec center and library programs. Thank you so much for PRESIDENT. Other discussion of the motion Ms Yang. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT. I'd like echo everything that you share council vice PRESIDENT On. That's really been an honor working with u n. Customer comment on on not just this piece of legislation many more to comment and i very supportive of this. I shared my support for many times now. But it what I do want to share is that frustrated with the current charter new ordinances that will actually not take effect
until 30 days after approval. And I see this as a huge barrier to will be actually want to get to on during a time of crisis like this. And so I want to my commitment and it. But interest in looking at our charter for our city and making changes necessary. S that we asked the council actually have discretion determine in determining what that window should be like. Do we want policy to take effect in right away upon approval to be need 30 days or, you know, however, many days and like that should be apart that we get to decide and in partnership with many of our weather, its stakeholders are staffed. They were working in tandem with on legislation here. So wanted to share that. So all of because I believe
that right now is a critical moment for us to be having that conversation to be heard from coming from many residents who came and testified here the need for us to make our process work for us. If we see that something isn't working. Well, we have the power to come together and decide what those changes should be to actually make a break for us in Seoul. I'm very committed to that. This is obviously a let legislation that I want to see happen right away. And even though that this is something that can happen right now until 30 days after I welcome my colleagues here to join me in working on the charter changes that are necessary to me. Thank you, MISS Seeing. Other comments on the motion. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT. Yes,
want say I've always been in support of this ordinance. I'm really happy to for the stay for us to have final adoption. Also, do support Councilmember to adjust our time frame of when our ordinances are adopted. I do think as we are in a spirit of urgency, we should be looking at every single aspect for us to be able to make sure that our policies are real. I also I'm asking for us to assess only our budget, but also assess, know the executive orders and the powers that be Mayer does have where she does have powers to actually and make sure this is in effect and a lot sooner than what we have in terms as legislative body. So again, I know this is just one step into that direction to making sure that
we have stronger laws. And that we are updating our ordinance to meet the conditions that in today. Thank you. MISS Just well, really excited to support this, especially in the Chair Library board. And I heard a lot about ice skating and our library or parks parking lots and the season desist letter that we shoot around Parkland and apply the library. So this is something I'm very supportive every part of this for the specially for the part the appreciate the comments from worrying customer verbally around the, you know, the 30 day period for ordinances turning. It does otline language around emergency ordinances. So I'm open to. No diving into both of those things further and
seeing, you know what, what might be most typical if there's something in between that we need to connect the charter commission about to make a change so that we can be it move things further along when we're in a situation like this. But just play. That's something we can also think about. Thanks, MRS. Other discussion, the motion. Well, I will add my thanks to my colleagues everyone's leadership on this and not just this. I mean, I think one of the things that is really striking to me about this moment is the way that you're taking so many different actions with such urgency to respond. So this is one banning staging and public parking lots city controlled spaces. But prior to this, we passed a resolution, as was mentioned earlier, calling on the governor to enact an eviction moratorium, not just
for residents, but also for small business tenants today. Really, we will be having a public hearing on an ordinance we introduced last week requiring that federal agents have identification their agency name their name badge number on outermost layer of their clothing. We will also be introducing an ordinance today banning masking by federal agents. And we are at the same time working on strengthening our separation ordinance and taking other ideas that are coming to us both here at our standing public hearing the phone call the email, the meetings we're having in the community. So I just want to continue to contest JULY's the fact that this is one piece and it's just a piece of many, many actions that we are trying to take in response. And we welcome other ideas and feedback. So thank you again
to everyone who is hard work has brought us to this point. There's a motion for final adoption all in favor say Aye. 6 in favor. None opposed. The ordinance is adopted. Item. Number 8 is first reading of ordinance 26 Dash 8 amending section. 86 Point 0, 1, a of a Saint Paul administrative code to authorize up to 3 assistance to the mayor to execute certain contracts made in the name of the city. authorized by the city council in further amending 86 Point to increase the dollar out for contracts executed by designees. And since this is a first reading, believe we have staff. Courts. We have support from MR. Gill coming up. Welcome. Thanks for being here. You PRESIDENT Council members. Daniel Chris's city attorney's office. This
ordinance is. The men's 86.1, a of the administrative code. Right. Which currently authorizes the mayor. And the executive assistant to the mayor to contracts. It also authorizes the mayor to designate the person to sign contracts under 50,000. The mayor would like to amend 86 Point '01 a to add 3 assistant mayors. To have the same authority as the crew as the mayor and executive assistant currently have. In addition, the mayor would like to amend 86 point to increase the dollar value of the contracts that have such authority. For as needs up from 50,000, 275,000. The reason for the request is to remove signature
contract bottlenecks and to allow the 3 assistant Mares to focus on areas that there responsible for. Any questions. Thank Turn eat. Thank you. Any questions. It doesn't look like it. Thanks so much. And this will be before us next week for a public hearing. Item is laid over to FEBRUARY 11th for secondary public hearing. I'll take a motion from Vice PRESIDENT Kim to suspend the rules at to introduce ordinance. 2, that's 7 all in favor. Say Aye. All guests. 6 in favor. None oppose. The rules are suspended ordinance. 26 test 7 adding Chapter. 2268 be to the legislative code to require law enforcement officers to conduct law enforcement operations without a mask or facial covering unless certain exceptions apply as PRESIDENT
Can. believe we have it staff report. It's just part My children will be very pleased to watch the recording of this and see what you did there. I saw that. 26 session. I will be using lights right away. So I figured if he could, to just start reduction my name is Jim Greenfield on the chief policy officer for the City Council. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT Council members for the opportunity to present today. I'm here for the 3rd straight week to present on the city council's immigration-related and forsman ordinances and ordinances that generally speak to the conduct of law enforcement in our city as a legislative body of the city. The city council's empowered to create make changes to our city's loss, which includes both the city charter is Councilmember Yang noted our administrative code which dictates what actions are city
staff can take and our legislative code which applies to the public living and working in our city limits. The city has committed itself to meeting the needs of first cities. People during this time of crisis, including updates to the city's existing separation on. That's however. Based on that phase. Approach that was agreed upon by this council and moving ordinance is based on their legal ability and their readiness to move forward. This is the 3rd and that phased approach to recognize the need to address certain conduct that we we are seeing in our community. So I want to before I dive into the details of the ordinance and of highlight 4 major arguments that exist within the whereas clauses to kind of give a little bit more detail to the rationale behind a requirement
for law enforcement to conduct their operations without a facial covering. The first target is up until 2025. It was very rare for common pleas practice to be conducted without man mask or facial covering. Only tactical are very specific. Special situations would exist across the country across a variety of different certain circumstances, including those that put officers in danger, which did not necessitate the need of a facial covering. This is you know, the the main source of alarm that has been raised by cities like ours and states in the legislation that they've enacted to address this alarming rise in mass law enforcement operations and the threat that it poses to public trust and public safety. The second argument reason why a
mask required. You know, a facial covering requirement ordinance in the city of Saint Paul's appropriate is that it's consistent with Minnesota State law and Minnesota's history requiring that individuals not wear a mask conceal their identity. And in fact, it's been a lot of Minnesota statute for over 100 years acted in response to Ku Klux activity across the country built in with an intent requirement. Initially that Section 609-3735, makes it a misdemeanor for a person conceal their identity in a public place with a row of mask or other to skies and less certain specified exemptions apply including things like Halloween costumes. The idea is that
skies one's personal identity is something that's already reflected in state law is already unexpected practice of everyone. That includes law enforcement. The 3rd term attic argument you know, more of a general, you know, there will be question of whether this is a constitutional act, given that the potential agents that are potential officers that are applicable to this ordinance include federal law enforcement. However, first, the masking requirement is not inconsistent or does anything too take away from the federal government's authority to enforce federal immigration law. Second immigration enforcement operations up until 2025 were conducted without a mask. This is reflected in rulemaking
authority where they require ice of agents identify themselves at the point of making Existing codified practice has not enabled them to wear masks or authorize or require them to use a mask. Rather. It's a new practice that's emerging and there's no regulation speaking for or against it. And given that environment, wich poses a very real threat to public safety as laid out in the second part of the rest of the whereas clauses. Thus the city is not doing anything in this ordinance that would undermine the ability to conduct those operations as they had done so before 2025 before this with this use of masking and the terror that it ran rampant over our community. So those are the 3 major fanatic buckets. The 4th is more of a substantive policy argument.
And I think it, you know, in addition to that, the claims that were and additions, the arguments that were advanced last week regarding the visible displayed insignia about 8% on on the street or resident calling for assistance needs to know with whom they are interacting. The same applies for being able to visibly identifying and their facial characteristics. So there are a variety of reasons laid out in the ordinance language itself. That's best specifically identify the threats posed by mascot. The first is the implications for public perception office officer community interactions and accountability. Individuals port themselves to be in law enforcement and easy way to impersonate law enforcement would be to conceal your face. We in Minnesota know the tragic history that's connected to that activity. And we know that the rampant use of it by
certain law enforcement making questionable who is legitimate and who is not legit. Visibility of another special features. It's also important to understand. Thanks, language, verbal and nonverbal communication, which are essential tools for law enforcement. They have to be able to interact, understand, communicate and incorporate that in their dialogue with and with whom they with whoever they interact 3 preventing other law enforcement officers from identifying other mass of law enforcement agents in the city poses a very real public safety threat to our own officers. The Saint Paul Police Department, especially when both officers MAY be armed. So when officers armed and masked and unable to identify or produce those credentials, there is very real danger situation that exists at that point of
contact. Unnecessary escalations in the community based on the intensity and the fear that's caused by masking with law enforcement. And that is very likely to heighten or intensify the risk of not compliance or the situation escalating either party's control. Finally, barista, not native English speakers, persons with disabilities, pursed persons with speech processing or auditory issues, persons in mental health crisis or any other physical or mental health reason. We're an interaction with mask. Law enforcement officer would become extremely difficult. So its it's not so much the te conduct of the officer that is is important here. It's the safety of the public with whom they're interacting with the officer that matters the most. And so that is the basic crux
of that. The reasoning behind there's, you know, I think both a compelling legal argument to say that this is not necessary for any law enforcement officer to conduct their activity, nor is it authorized in any federal law for them too. The exempt from from this ordinance is requirements. So up until 2025, this was an issue. But now it is. And so the city has to move forward with the proper durable legal approach, which I will cover. And briefly tell So starting from the beginning, we are adding Chapter 62 68 be to the legislative code as a legislative ordinance. So this again would apply to external actors, not just city employees, the crux of the requirement is that a law
enforcement officer shall not wear a face covering or personal. The skies. That conceals are scarce official identity in the performance of law enforcement duties. Prohibit official coverings and certain mask permitted under certain certain specified circumstances while certain facial coverings are not subject to the requirement. And I will do a little bit of statutory interpretation to justify why those 2 categories or treats. In terms of an overview of our ordinance, 26 dash 7, the definition of face covering and personal. The skies I think is really important to focus on. There what I would highlight U.S.. 3 categories, one of which is not subject to the requirement that a law enforcement officer conduct their operations without that covering. So put the facial coverings that are prohibited, include any opaque
mask. Garment helmet had here or any other item that can secure. Scares official identity, including Apollo Cava. Tactical masking mask, get a mask or any similar type of facial covering her face showing item tips, cure effect of an individual's facial features. So the intent behind this plaza is. This anything covering te face that is meant to? You know, you know, you know, make it almost incredibly unpopular, incredibly difficult to identify with that officer case. And the final catchall at the at the back of the that language. Makes it clear that there is a distinction between what is not applicable, not subject to the prohibition includes an 95 medical msks. Surgical
masks are transparent, face shield, designed to transmit or protect against transmission disease or any other mask helmet device. Air-purifying respirator, full or half mast for self-contained breathing apparatus necessary to protect against any toxin gas gas smoke. Inclement weather are any other harmful or hazardous condition? And again, that modifier in the back end is meant to highlights that there is not meant to be a uniform exception to allow the face covering up a gator or abolish Papa or you know where the percentage of most mask law enforcement are using facial coverings, rather supposed to identify very clear health and safety. Situations where a face covering isn't considered a mask and isn't subject applicable apart. So I think those categories MAY be all on together say there is, you
know, a potential way to say because of the, you know, the weather that tey are not ale to that were justified and wearing abalaclava. This would say that there has to hazardous o harmful environmental condition related to that inclement weather. And it's related to a medical health and safety reasons. Not just a parking lot. It's cold outside to situation. Other definitions include law enforcement agency. This is consistent with the language of ordinance. 26 Dash 6 of the the physical display Sydney as well as law enforcement officers. So we have consistency across categories as well as the definition of law enforcement duties of which the requirement is to apply. And then finally, there are exceptions to the requirement to not conduct law enforcement operations with a
facial covering. And those are specified here. The first is conducting active undercover operations are investigative activities second conducting tactical operations were protected. Here is necessary for physical safety. 3rd utilizing eye protection with a face covering from the use of threat. No weapons and forth assigned to swat Team units agency equivalent will actively performing their swat responsibility. It's and again, similar to the ordinance. 26 staff just Dash 6, the criminal penalty is the same. Law enforcement officer who really willfully and knowingly violates the ordinance is guilty of a misdemeanor and MAY be punished pursuant to the city's legislative code. Great Thank you very much for the comprehensive report. MISTER Greenfield, are there questions? All right. This he laid over to next week for a public hearing. Thanks so much
again for the staff report. Thank you. The ordinance is rated late over to FEBRUARY. 11th helped And times and Thank you on. Our speaker today Tim, our chief policy officer. So thank you, Tim, for the very detailed presentation there. Very proud to co-sponsor this. And and again. Been great working with you, Councilmembers Coleman and will cause vice PRESIDENT Came on this. I do want to say thank you to all the staff for the time you put into this room tend to Dan or city attorney. The partnership from the mayor's office countless others. Also the committee members who commit testified about this over and over again, like the ordinances that you're seeing us introduces coming directly from the community. Tis ordinance is really about transparency and
accountability. Which is essential to maintaining public trust when it comes to law enforcement operations. I'd like to read a line that we have in ordinance here. It's a whereas class and it talks to says mask law enforcement interactions render it nearly impossible to report or hold officers accountable for unprofessional behavior or conduct even in instances of violent activity. And that's really just speaks to the importance of making sure that our law enforcement officers are not masked that what this is new ordinance that it does create exceptions for that. But for the most part mean, the there is there should be no question that ought to why the Trump reaching the story authoritarian Trump urging has wanted to cover the faces of ice agents and clearly this is
also ordinance that applies to law enforcement officers across all units of government. I'm talking specifically about ice agents because we're seeing instances where they are detaining citizens. Children. I spoke to one of my my constituents yesterday was a very young person. His father was the teen and they said that their father got a call from ice agents about a new process where ice check-ins are happening at her home. So they came to that family's home. And that persons loved one got a teen. This is horrendous. These are straight applies coming the Trump administration and being acted out by ice agents. And it is unacceptable and it is time for accountability. It is time for transparency. We've always
wanted that from the start. Unfortunately takes ordinances like this to try and put put a stop to the things that we're seeing happening in the injustices that are happening. And so I want to see thank you to everybody in the committee has been speaking up so much about this that that would be that. My marks. Thank you. Thank you so much. Missing other comments fiscally and this comment. Thank you, council PRESIDENT And also thank you. Councilmember Yang. I think this moment really requires often see in gravity of like just a moment. I never thought in a million years when I will Councilmember, but we will be revealing a masked man policy on so on. So called law enforcement. I just think about you know, even my own
story, my own lineage, my grandfather born raised in Mississippi and had told their terrifying stories of seeing kkk members burning process in his yard and being terrorized hate groups that were too afraid to, Kyra, is to show their face and how we are up against that same type of force of white supremacy. That is to cowardice to show their face and that we need to make sure that the profession of law enforcement has a standard that is across the board. Even if you are a federal agent, you do not. You can that, you violate our laws and we need to also make sure holding not only the profession of law enforcement but having a complete ban on anyone who can come in here and terrorize our neighbors and not show their
face. Very, very important. So i am full support of this ordinance. I am aware that this ordinance liking seeing across different cities across the country has challenges legal challenges. But I think the biggest risk right now is making sure that our neighbors feel safe and that we are tolerating any inch are not tolerating any amount of legal risk to to give any it's for anyone to come into our neighborhoods and not show their face. So it's so important all the work that we have been doing to make sure that we have not only a police department that is is is respectful of our neighbors.
But all different forms of of police departments should follow these rles. So thank you so much. I also want to say I appreciate the staff that put the time and for this, you know, from my experience here, I know really been dependent on council members to bring Forth Language Council members to bring for the first reading. So I am really happy to see just that we have the staff to actually make sure that we are conveying to the public what all of the ins and outs of our policy I can do for our community. So again, thank you. Thank you. MISS. Believe comment. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT Elect thanks, particularly to come to PRESIDENT Kim and Councilmember Yang for their partnership on this and to MISTER Greenfield and all the city staff been integral to getting us to this point of
introduction. For months. As we all know, federal agents have terrorized community under the color of law and the cloak of anonymity. For the first large-scale rate in Ward. 4 back in mid-NOVEMBER. But it's not very attacks on immigrants, citizens, the elderly and children alike. We've seen ice and Border Patrol agents obscure their identity to avoid the accountability. That Minnesotans know must come. There's wants from the residents of Saint Paul has been clear. People are demanding that these agents be unmasked and identifiable. This is our local law enforcement is required to be. Adam Serwer wrote recently in the Atlantic, quote, the public has a right to know the identity of the people who power in their name so that they can withdraw that power from those who abuse or misuse it. If people can wield power
over life and death without showing their face, you have a criminals, not a police force, end quote. Today. Council introduced this ordinance which would prohibit the performance of law enforcement operations. While officer wears a facial covering or personal disguise and less certain exceptions, as he told MR. Greenfield apply. This is such a common sense measure that it's long been standard practice, not just in the Saint Paul Police Department, both in the very federal agencies that are now attacking your neighbors. Until tell 2025 federal law enforcement officers did not conduct in person operations all wearing masks again, unless they were certain limited exceptions. No federal law changed suddenly permit masking. In fact, no such law does provide them permit masking what changed simply the desire of Donald Trump see
the Mueller and others to allow men and women tumor streets with weapons objecting, even killing our residents with complete and total anonymity. As councilmember sworn to uphold the Constitution. It's our obligation to understand the limits of our power. As a municipality. We do not have the authority to regulate the actions of the federal government for its officers. Strictly. We are, however, required to an action uphold generally applicable laws designed to keep our residents safe. It is in my opinion, our highest duty as public servants. No fderal agent is above the law when they're in Saint Paul, as much as men in I want them to w saw this just last week when a Border Patrol agent was found in his car in my neighborhood covered in his own apartment, he was arrested by strict state trooper because our laws against driving apply to federal agents just as they do
to you and me. Similarly, we see in the assurances from our Saint Paul Police Department that our speed limits and other road safety laws are enforced when violated by ice agents, even if those violations occur. When an agent is ostensibly acting in the course of duty. As federal courts established on-duty federal employees MAY be subjected to non-federal legal restrictions like city laws. If the federal employees actions are unnecessary or improper to carrying out their duties. Immigration officials do not need to cover their faces, masks to their jobs as long-standing ice practice makes clear. Everyone can see that. And he believes that they do is unreasonable. This ordinance doesn't t touch federal activity in our city but is not unconstitutional. Director regulation. It is instead a legitimate exercise of our city's authority generally applicable to all law enforcement with only an
incidental effect on the behavior federal enforcement officers. I'm confident that this ordinance is well within our constitutional power. And I am certain that it is the correct public policy, one that will make our community safer than we are today. I expect the federal government will disagree, but I refuse to live in advance. They're tortured reading of the Constitution and their disdain for the safety and well-being of our neighbors in our city. First, the public hearing on the site of next week and to casting a final vote later this month. Thank you so much was coming. Any other discussion on this present. Thank you brief. I really appreciate the comments of my colleagues and ordinance really more than anything is responsive to the reality of our neighbors that they're living in right now
when mass agents can operate without identification, there's no accountability. There's no recourse when someone's rights are being trampled. And we know this ordinance will push legal boundaries. You know, the federal agents, federal government will challenge us, but our residents are living in fear and with little or no recourse when their rights are being violated, the city can and must do something. The risk of doing nothing is far greater than the risk of this fight. Our residents need to see U.S. Act and at with courage. The federal government has abandoned its responsibility to govern with transparency and accountability. So residents are left to organize ourselves and create networks of support and care. Local municipalities are left carrying the weight.
We're the ones feeling the calls from terrified families. For those watching are small businesses shuttered because customers are too afraid to leave their homes. Their workers are too afraid to go to work and the business owners are struggling to leave their house with safety. We are the ones who are dealing with the trauma. The economic fallout the shattered trust of our residents and has felt every single day in the city of Saint Paul. If the federal government will protect our residents, basics rights, we well, at this point we've seen countless videos and firsthand accounts of agents who are massed in plain clothes and refused to identify themselves and kidnap our residents without warrants. And one of the first times we saw this happen downtown Saint Paul was when they unmarked vehicle and some mask. An unidentified
agents arrested are neighbor Isabella Lopez. Back in JUNE. So this trend. Is one that we've been seeing for. Since since JUNE, too many months. These aren't just random or isolated events there clear patterns to their operations because cruelty, confusion and fear are intentional. We must point our efforts towards what we can do and we can demand transparency. We can continue to record who is violating our residents rights or ordinances and we can establish the in Saint Paul public safety means accountability. Even for federal law enforcement and look forward to the public hearing. Please submit written testimony to our offices and consider coming down in testifying in person next week. Thanks so much. Vice PRESIDENT. Thank you so much. Cause for just a quick
comment. Also want express my thanks to MR. Greenfield, our policy officer for all this work on this. It's really helped us sort through what is you know, lot of very complex legislation that matter so much. Our community. I just want to share that. You know, the other thing I've been thinking about, I this isn't some second graders a few week ago. And really great questions for me. I was hoping to talk to them about parks and libraries, but they asked me lot of questions about ice, but particularly what are you gonna do about our federal tax dollars being spent to support from 8 year-old. And I I think the other thing that's just really I'm I'm thinking about this is the idea that agents can come in communities and inflict violence harm. Ks will not showing their faces. As my
council members said on our dime. And that's something that I'm not ok with. Additionally, the next item you're going to hear us talk about not while they're not displaying their identification. And that's just not acceptable to us. And so I'm so glad to see this moving forward. I think it is, as my colleagues have said something that is within our power, something that reasonable and appropriately, I think balances the risk that we're facing of what you know could happen if we do. When we do move forward with this ordinance. But I just think - that this is so important in this Thank you so much. Thank you, MR. Ost. Thank you again to all my colleagues for your courage and leadership in bringing this forward and proud to be part of this council. I think the fact that we are applying a lot originally
intended for the kkk to our own federal government really says a lot about the moment that we're in. So thank you. We'll have public hearing on this next week we will not transition to public hearings this week. Item is laid over to FEBRUARY 11 for second reading public hearing item number 9 is public. Second reading public hearing of ordinance 26 Dash 6 and chapter 2.68, and legislative code require law enforcement officers from law enforcement duties displayed just to visibly display identification on the outermost layer, their uniforms. So this brings us to the public hearing section of our agenda. So for public hearings, U.S. Ask folks to come on up and lined up on both sides of the 2 huge golden columns when it's your turn to speak. Just coming up,
stand in between the 2 microphones. You don't need to adjust them or lean over towards understanding between both of them and they'll pick up your voice just fine. We ask that you start your testimony with your name and where you're coming from. That can be as broad as you'd like. And then when you're done testifying to please sign in on ether of the 2 citing boards on either side we we do limit testimony to 2 minutes per person. There is a clock right in front of you. I you're testifying. 2 minutes does go quickly. But the purpose of this is to make sure that everyone gets a chance to be heard and have a lot of folks here today and it's not fun, but it's my duty to make sure everyone sticks to the 2 minutes. So please take a look at the clock as you're speaking. If you find that you've run out of time, I will ask you to stop. You can always give us additional
testimony in writing. And if you brought with you and want to head that around are welcome to do that as well. So with that, this is a public hearing on ordinance 26 Dash 6, wich again does require law enforcement officers to visibly display identification. And if you're here for this public hearing, please come on up. I mean, the Silas I live in track town and I believe this was brought last week when this ordinance was first read. But I am concerned I have brought some of the exceptions are for this ordinance. I know if someone is determined to find a loophole, probably can't stop them to some degree. But I would urge you to make the exceptions as specific as possible so we can do what we can prevent people from this us.
Thank you so much. Make sure to sign in. I'm Sarah Gardner. I live in Ward 7 and I specifically wanted to call out that comment about the loophole, specifically the mobile field force. I just want to make sure that as we're looking to tighten up these ordinances that we are. Ensuring that officers that are deployed as part of the mobile field force and crowd control does not exempt them from displaying their badge or any other identifiers, especially i they're activated by the chief of police thank you. Thank you very much. To make sure silent. Everyone so far has been well below the 2 minutes. Just to be not everyone has Well, coming up. Hello, I'm John Benda. A state ball resident for more
3. I'm a board member and co-chair of an organization called Icon the Minnesota Interfaith Coalition and Immigration. I was at the 2 large ice raids that took place Saint Paul in NOVEMBER. One at Borough Tax Incorporated and the other on Rose Avenue. Both were shocking experiences, especially the Rose Avenue vet where Saint Paul police collaborated with ice formed a perimeter around the home and sprayed chemical irritants as peaceful protesters. Despite our so-called separation policy. They also say puppies for all were all masked and most do show names or badges that day. My precinct caucus last 8, our culture member toast, stop by and forcibly stated that our city Council stance against ice. That was great to hear. But I have to say that I am disappointed that it's taken this long for the city council to get around to making some changes. I do understand that some of that
is now happening. We just you just passed an ordinance important. Preventing ice to city-owned properties stage. And this one that we're discussing now about showing identification on their uniforms and what just discussed about showing their the requirement to show their faces are coming. Those are great. Thank you for those. And we would like to see more. We'd like to see the call to work with in different levels of government and then feel the influence, influence tem, do everything in their power to advocate for protections from ice in our hospitals. Schools, daycares and churches. We'd like to see that. It's clearly and publicly restated that our sample police will not cooperate with ice in any manner. And that they will, in fact, intervene and arrest them if they're breaking the
law and the city will prosecute them in solidarity with other cities. Namely Chicago and Philadelphia that have promised to do so. We'd also like to hear a public apology for the Saint Paul Police Department cooperation with ice pack on. Please push back hard. And show us that you do indeed stand against ice. Our sample residents, the latter. What their status is. You to push back with virgin she during this evil again says he'll regime. Thank you very much. Thank you for this to sure to sign and thank you. Good afternoon. My name is John Joslin. I'm not rnk. I just an otherwise I'd have a candidate here. I'm here to express. I've been like 23 year member of Saint Paul. come from out of town, but discussed totally discussed happening with ice like of show me your I also member of
comic been to the border and so im very happy to stand here and support everything that was just said, everything that you're doing now to move this forward in terms of because I've been here before time. So I appreciate I wuld simply say Aye. Supported people coming from coming to the from the border here Bishop Whipple Way. They immigration court helped. Family get a asylum. And hoping that they are safe keeping now, but I'm worried about them as well. So I just hope proud to everybody here is moving forward on and making sure we're holding our current in administration, federal administration, culpable for all things. And I
can't believe that their word 2 murders already. Conducted by ice hopefully that we get all these ordinances passed before they try a 3rd one. So that, I again. Thank all you for being here. Thank you very Make sure to sign in. Well, come up. To be up here a couple times today. My name is Heather. Lou. I live in Ward 6. Councilmember Yang is by council member. Thank you for pushing this forward. There's a few different things I want to put guess we need to think about face coverings. We also need to be thinking about public health and safety. My biggest concern is the way of that ice and law enforcement. There's a lot of collusion. And I do believe that we need
to abolish ice. One of my concerns is how you particularly children have been abducted, trafficked, detain, traumatized and terrorized. I was advocate for survivors of violence, particularly the youth for many years educator as well and in local Prentiss. And what we need to do is to act within and look apprentice and protect our youth. One of my concerns that youth are being detained. They're the most vulnerable and the PRESIDENT And people operating in ladership roles have been confirmed. Pedophiles who have trafficked assaulted and murdered infants, children and women for over 40 years. These people are detaining youth. They have little to no trainings, no requirements around those detained months. And then also when we are
asking for them to say who they are, they're not telling us. And then these children are going in unmarked cars to places like Whipple. And we have no idea what happens. There is no documentation of what happens between the time they are detained through Whipple and then also going to Dilley which are completely inhumane, cruel and unusual conditions for anybody to be detained under. And so we need to have these folks be obviously identified. They need to say who they are. They need to roll up an actual cars that are very clearly quote, unquote, law enforcement, even if it's federal. Thank you. However, my concern is what is happening in terms of accountability around violence, assault as well as other kinds of trauma that are having to youth our families. And this is going to impact us for generations. This is at the genetic trauma. Impacting and taking our children
because if and when they don't make it back, this is on all of us. That community. Thank Thank signing. Is there anyone else here to testify on this ordinance, which again, is about the identification being required? Coming up and maybe if anyone else is here to testify in the ordinance, this ordinance, if you could just line up now. So we have a snse coming Hello, it's nice to speak with everybody here today. I heard about this meeting in connection with the waterfall contract discuss any I'm sorry. The Lockheed Martin contact will discuss later today. And I just want to highlight that. I really feel that I represent a lot of people who care about both of these issues in connection. There is, you know, a crossover and how people are
funded from ice too, where ice trains in occupied Palestine and the people who come to these protests and show up for a community. We care about people, you know, all around the world and we see our shows is connected and the world's eyes are on us. So I'm really proud of my community for showing up in all these ways to be here for each other as from opposing the war on Venezuela, the sanctions on Cuba and opposing ice in the Twin cities. So thank yu. Everybody would would you say your your name my name is Linden. Birns Garcia thought I am a member of seiu health care worker at Planned Parenthood yeah, grateful to everybody here today. Thank you very much. Make sure to sign it. Hi there. My name is Samantha
Branson from Ward 6. I didn't actually come here intending to speak today, but this is common sense. We create an environment where anyone can be put in danger. Anyone can put on a gator claim their police, ice and limitless Le Carre's community and say that any defense against them is a federal crime. We had an official killed last year by someone impersonating a cop. This can't continue. It's common sense. Thank you very much this island. It's not like there's anyone else testify on this item. So I will take a motion from this to close the public hearing in matter, really over to next week for final adoption all in favor say Aye. Aye, all opposed. 6 in favor. None opposed to public hearing is closing. The item is laid over to FEBRUARY.
11th for final adoption. Item. Number 10 is resolution public hearing 26 dash 28 authorizing the city to accept a $500,000 grant from the state to pay for the technology rich space improvements to the Rondo Community Library authorizing the execution of a grant agreement related there to authorizing the appropriate city officials to record a declaration related to the grant agreement. The Rondo Community Library, property and the man the Saint Paul Public Library 2026 financing and spending plans. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak on this item? Seeing none. I'll take a motion from is just to close. The public hearing will have some comments all in favor say Aye. I'll post. 6 in favor. None oppose the resolution that there's a public hearing is closed. That's I just wanted to say a
little more about what accepting a grant from the state to be able to do the renovation. For the technology ridge bases around the library. Well, we're doing the renovation that's currently already happening there. Now to the entryway. This is part of the transforming libraries of projects that same public library doing where we're going to be making these updates every library in the city. And so really looking forward to being done at the same time, I want to think our library staff director and councilmember believe for a partnership on this. Thanks so Josiah little bit start of the for second. All right. So any further discussion and the motion? I was all in favor say ae. I opposed to 6 in favor, not oppose. The resolution is
about So my discussion just there was a turns out there's a version 2 of the ordinance, 26 Dash 6 that we just considered. That includes a severability clause that intended to move before the public hearing serving advise. We should recall. Motion to lay over so you can adopt the version 2 and then later, I am. And held a public hearing and urgent. So I want I will take a motion from his yang to reconsider the last item. All in favor say Aye. All posts. 6 in favor. None opposed. The item is reconsidered item. Number 9 ordinance, 26 Dash 6 adding Chapter To the legislative code to require law enforcement officers performing law enforcement duties to visibly display identification on the outermost layer of the Take a motion for vice PRESIDENT Version 2 of ordinance. On favor say aye opposed 6 in favor, not oppose. Amendment is approved. So this is a public hearing on
the same thing. We just had a public hearing about the ordinance requiring identification. We added a severability clause do want to say, but severability clause us. It just means that there's any provision, ordinance struck down by a charge all other provisions will stay in place. So basically allows us to not harm the entire ordinance of one part of it is found to illegal, which us very important to do. So this is a public hearing again on the same item. Anyone want to testify on the side. Seeing none. I want to close the public time. Is that you council PRESIDENT? I just have a question for clarification. The testimony that we heard earlier, will that be added to the public records still?
Okay. Great. Thank you. Yes. Thank you so all the testimony will in the record. So I don't want to close the public hearing in the federally over to next week for final adoption. All in favor say Aye. Opposed 6 in favor. None opposed. The ordinance is laid over have 11 for final adoption item. Number 11, its resolution public hearing 26 Dash 13 ratifying the assessment for Repair Sanitary Sewer line of private property. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak on the Seeing nne. I'll take motion from his plea to close the public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. I almost 6 in favor. None opposed. Resolution is adopted item. Number 12, its resolution public hearing. 26 Dash 14 ratifying the assessment for Replacement of Lead Water Service Line Private Properties. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here
to speak on this item? Seeing Take a motion from his coma to close the public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. I almost 6 in favor. None oppose. The resolution is adopted. Number 13 is resolution public hearing. 26 Dash 16 ending the financing spending plan Department of Parks and Recreation Grant funding the amount of $35,000 to reflect grant funds received from the state are exported to support the Saint. Paul get down program. Just as a point of personal privilege, I will say if you have not gone to a simple get down performance, it remarkable to see the talents of our young people. And this is this is a really wonderful program. So this is a public hearing. Anyone here to speak on this item? Seeing none. All take a motion from is just to close the public hearing and
approve all in favor say Aye. I almost 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item. Number 14 is resolution public hearing. 26 dash 18 proving the 2026 2027 Capital Improvement Budget Committee. Capital Maintenance Fund. Funding recommendations and amending the 2026 Capital Improvement. Budget to allocate funding for the capital maintenance projects to the appropriate departments recommended by the committee. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak on this item? Seeing none. I'll take a motion from Vice PRESIDENT Kim to close the public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. Almost 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item. Number 15 is resolution public hearing 26 dash. 21. Authorizing the extension of the terms of the Minnesota Department of Employment and
Economic Development. Grant under the Minnesota Investment Fund program for Forward Edge, a Sick llc and just for people get up for this one, we are going to just a quick staff report just to say what we're talking about since this hasn't been before us before. And we want to make sure that we have some contact. S. Well, come up as Lawrence. From our planning and economic development department. Good evening. Everybody has come PRESIDENT Maker said I'm Danielle of rents. I work for our planning and economic development department. As a project manager project manager Supervisor. So a little bit of background about the item before yu tonight in APRIL 2023, the Saint Paul City Council unanimously approved application to the state of Minnesota has Minnesota Investment Fund if program for a project that will be benefiting Jason Kelce
or Florida just going forward. Dede approved the and awarded $800,000 Forgivable Loan to for an to the city actually for project benefiting forward Edge in MAY of 2023. So te action before you all tonight is to approved a one-year or consider approving a one-year extension to an approved agreements. Compliance timeline tat would allow the Ford Edge to complete its requirement to hire 113 jobs as part of consideration for its loan forgiveness. So a little bit about the Minnesota Investment Fund program if as it is commonly recall called is a business retention and attraction program that is administered by the Minnesota Department of Economic Development. Unemployment soared, Eat this program provides loans to manufacturing and tech based businesses that are locating 2 are expanding in Minnesota. So
either be for somebody that is brand-new to the state of Minnesota, the city of Saint Paul or is already here and planning to do a substantial expansion within their space award. Eligibility and ties if loans are determined by the state based on the number of jobs created at secific wage levels, us a program that's really meant to attract high paying jobs on. Typically unlike the manufacturing industrial and tech sectors. And then these dollars, this is a structured as a pastor program. So a lot of our development loans and grants are done the same way. So what happens is the city is awarded these funds. We apply for them, are awarded them and then pass them on to the business. The benefit business. At the end of the day. About 40 just projects. So you understand what we're
looking at here today for an edge, as we stated is located at 23, 40 Energy Park Drive as part of their midst funded project for edges, located adventure in Saint Paul with the plan create 113 jobs ranging from $40 an hour, $227 an hour. That is exclusive of benefits. All of these jobs also come with significant managing benefit packages as well. Today Ford created 83 jobs there at the end of their original two-year kind of compliance period. They said that they were going to create 113. So there are about 30 jobs short of what they're anticipating hiring for them. If program, they are allowed one, we are allowed to consider one extension for them at the city. So that is what they're asking for from us here today. They're very confident that they will hire all their jobs and for the end of 2026, their new compliance period. If we do decide to extend this would be in MARCH of 2027 rather than what it is now, which would be MARCH of
2026. The actual for the council, as I said, again, is to allow that one-year extension to the initial to your job creation period give Ford edge additional time to create that remaining 30 jobs. If they do not create all 10130 jobs. But that is because we decide not to. Extend or they just don't make it. The state will simply reduce the amount of the award that's already been approved to them on a pro rata basis. Happy to answer any questions. Couple questions. Many questions. My colleagues. Did did. This company was is based in Saint Paul prior to them. If and was this grant brought them to say. Know, Florida a brand-new company forcing Paul. If they are not granted the extension or if they don't create the 30 additional jobs, what would be due the rough amount that they would need to
return to the state. I don't know the exact amount the state would have the actual formula, but in my quick math from on the loan agreement that currently it's it's it could be up to about a $200,000 reduction in their overall word. And the last question, if those dollars come back to the state, do they go back into the? The mit funds and do they remain allocated to Saint Paul do they go statewide? Cause the PRESIDENT. I believe that is correct that they would go back into Memphis just overall pot wouldn't be allocated specific one community or am one specifype of project. It would just go back into statewide fund. Any other questions really think you have a technical since these are state dollars. Can you explain maybe like legally what grants like the
council, the authority t approve the extension or not approve the extension. I'm just trying to understand why the council has to make this decision when these are state dollars. Comes PRESIDENT Councilmember good question because we're a pass through agency where the original applicant. That is what gives us that authority threaten to the state program guidelines and that whoever the governmental agency is would be the one that makes the decision. So initially the city was the ones who actually apply for these dollars. So where the sick, the are, the entity that's asking for this extension monitor that this organize for this company? Yes, that's correct. As police question many think of another question, are do? We have other businesses that were also getting funds through funds? Can you give us a sense
of sort of what this how big the total pool is in terms of supporting this PRESIDENT, I am not sure the total pool funds that they have available. This is something any business that is eligible can inquire about at a time. And there's a application deadline. It's rolling. It's always open because these are pretty specific programs meant to be able to have economic development. People from across the state be able to say where we're wanting to get this company to move in. We think this is an opportunity for us. Saint Paul has participated in this program before we've got right now. I think 3 active, including Ford lo none that that run through
this program depends on when businesses are moving in. And again, the amount of investment that they're making, the job that they're hiring pretty narrow in terms of what this is used to attract. And but yes, we've we've been users of this program in other ways. Right? Thank you very much. Any final Not seeing any. Thanks so much. Ends preceded maybe stick around. His questions up public hearing. Great. All right. So again, this is a public hearing. So welcome, folks up. You can stand right between the 2 microphone 2 minutes. Start with your name where you're coming from. My name is Janet for silliest and I live in the Saint Anthony Park neighborhood I Saint Paul. Therefore, in a word for resident. Absolutely enraged that not only did my city Councilmember Malik home and not respond to my emails or calls about this.
I or city council did not. Thank you. All would consider continuing a contract with a military contractor. Sit which is a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin. The most powerful weapons manufacturer in the world. A chamber that don't know. This military contractor is located at 23. 44 energy part dry. Sitting up using this grant for good paying union jobs for honest, hardworking people, not murder. Unity military-grade weapons. Wants double to allow our tax dollars. Tiffany company that distributes to aim violent. Here are 10 to 8. Not just the tech company they the world's deadliest on the. Pei who local 12, which taken a strong stance against. Palestinian family.
Extension request today. Forgivable loan will be forgiven The funds to go towards say. Course Thank you very it. Hello, my name Christina and the Saint Paul resident and I am a United States military veteran. I'm also a member of the organization about face veterans against the war. I was trained not to question violence. I was taught that a pda. It's was duty. The harm done in the name of patriotism, made the harm acceptable. I know now that this is how the machinery of or protect itself by turning human beings, abstractions and accountability into paperwork. That is what this vote represents. Ford stated before is a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin. Lockheed Martin is the largest weapons manufacturer in the world. Its technology
is being used right now to bomb civilians to destroy hospitals that families in Palestine. The sub operating in Saint Paul decides components the feed directly into that machinery. There is no plausible deniability left and yet this city chose to fund it. $800,000 in public money, money that could have gone to schools, health care and or husing was given to a war profiteer with clear conditions attached. Those conditions were not met. Now that from the company is asking for more time, more leniency and more silence so that they MAY continue to profit from our talks. Dollars. This is not economic development. This is how violent is normalized. This vote is about whether our city will be complicit in violence. And you are being asked whether Saint Paul will help
pay for it. Neutrality is a choice. Silence is a choice. Complicity is a choice as a veteran. And here to tell you what comes after those choices. I was complicit in the destruction carried out by the American War Machine, wants. And I will live with those consequences for the rest of my life. You don't have to, but not all. High council members. My name is Jacqueline Joe. I am a resident of work to live just a few blocks down that way. I'm testifying today to urge you to not approve not approve. The Minnesota Investment Fund grant Extension Florida. Jason is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin in 2024. Locking Martin made over 71 billion dollars of profit.
26% of which came specifically from the sales of the f 35 fighter jet, which is the main focus of 46 work. Israel has used at 35 security of crimes against humanity in Palestine, including Bonnie, safe zones in Gaza, such as the gb Live refugee camp a lot humanitarian zone Jason itself claims to have made the brain of the f 35 smarter. I'm extremely concerned. That's a city resources are being used to fund this horrifying genocidal violence. Furthermore, I think it is pretty ridiculous that despite U.S. Taxpayers funneling billions of dollars and if into Lockheed Martin each year, they still want more free money from like really have Toughen violence abroad is to ensure violence at home. We know that many of the strategies ice is using to
terrorize our community first been battle tested on the eye by Pella City are on by the idea on Palestinians. Lockheed Martin currently has contracts to modernize Black Hawk Helicopters used by ice Turn Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago. During this time of crisis in our state. We have seen how important Minnesota businesses are to the fabric of our community. If you look at the other beneficiaries of the Minnesota Investment Fund, you'll find numerous tech companies that are creating products that actually better people's lives. If you vote against this resolution today, perhaps the money for a smple return to the state can be invested back into 4 companies like these, I believe in a world free from backed Mylan's. I will fight for it. And voting against this great extension. Today would be one step towards that future. Thank you. Thank you very
much. Just alternate side. So we can come on and you'll be next. Hello, Council members. My name is below Stevens. I'm a member of war. 4. I would just like to reiterate. The e opinions put forth by people before me. Do not want my state tax dollars to fund genocide here or abroad. Thank you very much. Hello. My name is Shelby JUNE. Pemberton. I live in work in Saint Anthony Park right around the corner from the Ford basic office citing the number. 44. I'm asking you to vote against the grant extension today because this company is a subsidiary of
Lockheed Martin. As we know it produces. The semiconductor chips used in the Jets that carry out the genocide in the Palestinian people. To vote no would follow the recent precedent set by the Minneapolis City Council when they chose to divest from Saint City. An Israeli company. Here in Saint Paul, the Board of Water Commissioners recently decided to explore alternative options to their contract with an Israeli cybersecurity company. Waterfall, a waterfall security solutions. Many of U.S. Saint Paul residents do not want our taxpayers dollars to to support Israel because of their. Violations of international law Gaza. We don't want our money used to create weapons and we don't want those weapons to go and fight a war. That's weekly different continent right here
right now ice is terrorizing our communities. And many people don't have the money to afford basic necessities. Today we have the opportunity to see some of tat $800,000 loan to Ford Edge, a sick return to our community and invest in businesses that would help us. I strongly believe this is the right choice and I appreciate your consideration. Thank you very much. Hi, my name is Maria. I'm a child care provider in Ward 5. It wasn't originally planning to speak on this item today. But when I learned about it, I couldn't stomach it. So. Today urging city Council not to extend their contract with Ford Edge and otherwise is Lockheed Martin and demand that they pay back their forgivable loan. Not only did Lockheed Martin failed to deliver on their end of the bargain by not creating jobs. They're profiting from ice is reign of terror on Saint Paul to the tune of 1.1
billion dollars in contracts to ice. Lockheed Martin specialize in surveillance equipment like the helicopters that circle my child care center and scare kids. They also make the biometric identification systems at the feds used to label us well-meaning neighbors as domestic to us. We can thank Lockheed Martin for that, too. The on what's happening locally. Lockheed Martin participates in horrific acts of violence for years on a global scale. They create weapons that are used to kill people in Palestine, but as well. Our freedom is inextricably linked with our neighbors next door and across the world. Saint Paul wants its blood money back from
Lockheed Martin. We want to invest into the community for something that actually makes our lives better. No billion Dollar Corporation needs a forgivable loan from the let alone I also call on the city council and the mayor's office to conduct immediate audit of any city spending that directly or indirectly benefits ice. And there are 82. Health care is simple for decades to know what we always hear. There's not enough money for that. What sounds to me by law cannot keep our nose U.S. $800,000. My name is Remy. I live in Ward 3 and I work in Saint Anthony Park in work for NOVEMBER. I was pleased to hear that you all voted. I think, unanimously to pass a gun violence prevention ordinance banning assault
rifles and other weapons components that put our community in danger. I feel grateful to be represented by council members that have a shared interest in getting military grade wapons off of our streets. But in the age of smart warfare and globalized supply chains, the work you've already started is far from over. Forwarded a sick is using this deep loan to design. Computer chips used in air strikes, surveillance and electronic warfare. They have bombed Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, Iran and Syria. I am not exaggerating when I say that the planes operated by computers made by this company in Saint Anthony Park are responsible for the deaths of thousands of people. It should be kept safe here in Saint
Paul and everywhere us a subsidiary of the largest weapons manufacturer in the world does not need grants from the states. We spoke not to authorize this grant extension. Thank you. Thank you very much. Hi, my name is Raymond. I'm a concerned community member. I for disgusted with how much taxpayer money has already gone too. Ford Edge a I strongly urge City Council to vote against any further funding for 2 for get any taxpayer money to box. Our money. Our money should not be going towards weapons should be going towards food towards housing ports, health care for our most vulnerable populations right now this time of terror that has been imposed upon us by the federal government. Thank you. Thank you very much. Emily. I am Minneapolis neighbor and reserve teacher
in Saint Paul Lockheed Martin and Ford Edge. Basic Design, Micro chips that go into intercontinental missiles. They go into f 35 planes have bombed Palestine and Venezuela recently and Lebanon and Yemen and know our community needs other things and from can tell you that our schools need funded. Roads need clearing right? it's just ridiculous that the biggest the biggest weapons contractor in the world's biggest in the world is giving this money from us. They have so much money and they just got a billion dollars from ice last week, right? There's ice. Just give Martin, a billion dollars.
To to make to maintain planes that are doing 4 of immigrants and this money that has a much better place. So I think just just like all people here asking you all. To not renew this money into not go through with it. I think we all in this room know that there are things our community needs right now. Our neighbors need rats. Are schools funding. We need health care. There's so much we need. And this company you can't even sell 100 jobs and make some money off of terrorizing whole world does not use money. Do the right thing support communities. My name is Carolyn. I've worked in Saint Paul for the last several years serving Saint Paul residents experiencing homelessness. Recently. That work is focused on young people experiencing
homelessness. I want to stay off the bat that homelessness should not exist. We live in the wealthiest country in the world. There's no reason that we can to ensure that everyone has a roof over their heads at night. Too much of that wealth is currently being spent on war and weapons manufacturing so much so that social services and the people of this country have to operate on scraps. According to the pitch count data from 2024, there were 200 young people and their children experiencing homelessness on the night of the pitch count. And Ramsey County. 200 is too many. And yet we know that the pitch count is not a perfect measure. This is an underrepresentation of what homelessness looks like for young people in this community. While this research says that 13,000 young people experience homelessness across
the state the course of the year. Where we put our money matters, it communicates our values. At a time when social programs are being cut. Every dollar counts. $800,000 for a weapons manufacturer to operate in Saint Paul is criminal at any time. But how can we look young people in this city in the eye? And tell them that there are no shelter beds and there are no long-term housing solutions for them. When there is close to 1 million dollars that our city would rather be spent on creating the bombs that are developed. Dropped on young people across the world. I'm sure everyone in this room could tell you how to spend $100,000 to prove this to improve the city and to build more jobs in the city. If that's the goal. I don't think anyone's top answer would be to incentivize jobs in the
weapons manufacturing business. And I urge you to consider the 200 plus young people who are homeless on one night in JANUARY. When you make a decision on this extension. Thank you very much. My name is Xavier Pavement. Saint Paul resident. If you Anyone in this room. Would you terrorize? Kitten that brutalized or kill a child. I would hope most people in this room was saying no. Ad yet. That is exactly what you are asking us to do. By extending this grant. If I asked the same question about mother. Or a doctor. Everyone would be horrified as they should. That
is what you are asking. Currently our tax dollars support these brutal, disgusting and violent acts of the police in the genocide in Gaza. Directly assists and killing thousands of children. Brutalizing thousands of families. And killing. Thousands of people. You are making us accomplices. And murder. I demand you. You stop. Funding this yar. Lets you continue to make us accomplishments. Accomplice U.S.. To cruelty both abroad and and are very neighborhoods. Thank you. Thank you very much. My name is Emily and I and the nurse and Minneapolis. I just want to everyone knows that a lot of things that I've already wanted to say. But I
do want to point out that y'all just passed an ordinance around masking and wanting people to like name themselves for who they are. And this is how these corporations like continue to gain. Well, they create this enormous wealth disparity by creating these companies that new companies starting Minnesota to bring economic development. Tis is the most profitable weapons manufacturer in the world and they got us, you know, and I just like. Meant rainfall. These like this our obsession with like economic development and like creating jobs just because like. They're going to like, bring some jobs to the economy. It's like He is think about all the minerals all
over the world that have to be extracted all the places that we've had to colonize and that read, we colonize put our military bases there, put put these corporations and all of these places too. Be able to build these weapons, which is going to lead climate collapse because the U.S. Military is the largest fossil fuel waster. Also few user in the world. We are like the driving force of climate catastrophe. So it's all it's his genocide since the violence here at home from ice. We're just this violence will be cyclical like continuing to vote for these things. Going to Korean Unliveable planet sciety that. Is just a continuing violence. Thank you very much, Richard assigned. My name is Wyatt Miller. I live in Ward 4 where the Ford
Edge facility is lcated. I implore this council to vote not to extend the terms of the Minnesota director Ford Edge. Over the last month. Saint Paul, along with the rest of Minnesota has been on the receiving end of the federal government's so-called national security apparatus in a way that is unprecedented in the modern history. The United States. Advanced surveillance technology and weapons of war been deployed by federal agents against Saint Paul residents. Now the technology produced by Lockheed Martin subsidiary Ford Edge might not have been directly used on Saint Paul residents. But as the world's largest weapons manufacturer, Lockheed is deeply built into that same so-called national security apparatus. Courageous Minnesotans have drawn a line in the sand to say no to this federal occupation. The city
of Saint Paul can be part of this historic movement refusing to offer any public resources to any part of the federal government's machinery of oppression. Inside city limits. The actions of ordinary Minnesotans have opened up totally new political possibilities for the entire nation. It's time for our elected officials to come with us into the future to take a stand against the business as usual complicity that brought us to this point. And to build a resilient Saint Paul, whose economy is not tied to war crimes, nor dependent on the company's that make the tools to commit by voting? No, this council would be making a powerful statement against the militarism and the moral rot of the Trump administration. Please vote no on this
resolution. Free Palestine. Hello, my name is Mason persons. I use he him pronouns. I was born and raised Minnesota have ben a resident the Saint Paul for 7 years. Lockheed Martin is not only one of the wealthiest companies in the world by also produces weapons for ice. As we are now aware. The same weapons that are being used to brutalize our neighbors and yours. Also voting for this extension is voting against the safety and well-being of Saint Paul residents. $800,000 could go towards the many other better things that the people of Saint Paul have already been asking for for a while, affordable housing efforts, schools, the arts, things that actually help our communities thrive. This extension also goes against the crossroads to justice
plan, to create pathways to housing, racial health, justice for people facing homelessness. It was created by a group of people with lived experience of homelessness in Minnesota, including myself. This plan centers, homelessness and connects to everything. We are here fighting for today. Vote no for this extension and use your position of power to put that money back into the hands of the people it affects most. Thank you. Thank you very much. Council members. My name is Mary Study ends and I worked in Anthony Park about a mile away from the forward edge basic facility. Every time I passed by the building in the parking lot is empty and the building is dark. Ford edge of the sick is mostly remote employees. And we do not engage are economically invest in the neighborhood that they pretend to support it. Speakers tonight have
talked about a lot of social issues like housing, health care and education. While understanding that this money is not restricted and will be returned to the Minnesota Investment Fund. I believe we have an opportunity to put $200,000 for company that designs technology to uplift our community, the influx the care and consideration. We've shown each other in the past few months. And I hope you take this opportunity to do Thank you very much. To be in a room with so many dedicated people. Back or PRESIDENT Council members. And all the members of the public. I just really got think that my name is a Saint Paul resident, nonprofit leader and community advocate. And I stand before you today grounded in one true. The people. Are the power. As you can that. So my comments are in
direct response to pa's. 26 for the public hearing and grievous about federal immigration operations. And Ari, as ph, 26 2.37 x tab listing the festivals and events security credit. First on immigrations, I want to say across a pop families are living in fear. As you all know and parents are afraid to take their children to school. Workers are afraid to report to their jobs. Even the elders are even afraid to attend. Church is and we're all working together as community members to support one another. And so when people feel targeted, I do want to point out that trust it collapsed. And when that collapse. The safety the instability is safety increases and our safety slowly begins to deteriorate. So we see
isolation. Trauma is stability to take root in our neighborhoods. So say pie has both a moral and governing responsibility. And we want you to protect the dignity, humanity and civil rights of all residents and to ensure that city policies partnerships in practices. I'm not contributing to fear harm or displacement in our communities. And second, I want to talk about the festivals because this is exactly why community led cultural festivals matter. - Now, more than you ever before. The fstivals like Rondo Days and days. Brando days are not just entertaining. They are generational institutions.
They are spaces of healing and unity. Youth engagement, cultural pride and economic opportunity. Local vendors and families. I just want to be clear. And I know 2 minutes back. He really is. Actually I I'm sorry to stop you. But actually, we have a just on the festivals and events credit later on in our Subject of that is time. But you can come back, ok, so well. come to Those they were going go in a different me take the money from it. In you are. And it and it is a public hearing later in this meeting. Just also don't go away. Yeah, I think 7, we have a lot of public hearings and we do. We do ask that people keep their comments to the topic at hand. So this one remains of the Ford Edge Extension. So go
ahead, sir. Thank you. Good evening. All my name is Nick and I'm a teacher with Saint Paul Public Schools and a proud alumni. And I'm here today to talk about the state of education. Long before I snatched up beloved and cherished community members, students and staff, many of them on the way to school are Schools are struggling to get by as is. Nobody wants to talk about it because everybody that second plane or is already out of education. But everyone in education knows the simple reality of the situation. It's a whole different ballgame Post-covid. I want you all to pay attention actually is proving results time and time again in Minnesota. Our teachers, Lockheed Martin subsidiary, is currently asking for an extension after failing to hire the contractually out
without even having jobs posted on LinkedIn has a 04:00:02pm, today. I'd like to ask to rhetorical can questions to the committee at what point in your educational career where you allowed to ask for an extension. Yes, I'm it was even started. And second. I should the citizens of Minnesota be the hook for big corporations and inability to meet basic and wrecked contractual obligations that individuals are consistently forced to me. This teacher called baloney sausage on the idea the security of the world's largest weapons manufacturer can't meet simple deadlines, especially when they've already received significant federal subsidies. I bet if you ask the citizens Saint Paul, if they want more dollars for weapon, mitten factors. Resoundingly saying no, all. The committee feels this money shouldn't go
to our children. There's other not evil corporations with no ice contracts that could have positive effects beyond a simple job posting just last year, the Raspberry Pi Foundation announced a yearly computer science Comp Conference in Minnesota. They have the best free resources for students. Teachers, administrators are highly ethical. Cambridge University Research, computer science company that could help take our state from 48 out of 50 in public access to computer science, education I by saying how many educational statistics, only 48 of 50 states. Thank you very much. It's not fun to cut people Please help me by doing welcome. My name's Stuart Bennett. I'm a resident in Still it down the street from Ford 6 corporate office. And I'm also
from engineer working in industries adjacent to weapons, manufacturing. I was not planning to speak today, but I've been inspired by how many people are there are that are very passionate here. And one thing that has me thinking about despite the number of people that you see here today, I think that this issue is very likely to not be the most publicized one that comes out of all the ordinances being spoken at this meeting. We are living in a time where publicity I think often the main and of our politics, people are saying things and doing things just to prove promote careers to push party agendas and and that and we see so much of that in our leadership. I see it. You know, had a meeting like this where we are passing or you're
talking about passing meaningful and impactful, things like blocking ice agents from blocking their faces displaying their badges keeping him out of city-owned property. And there's a lot of self Gretchen congratulatory talk there. Idon't mean to deride those things. Those things deserve. Congratulations is the leadership we need in the city and this country. Admittedly as a Minneapolis resident, sometimes they look to your counsel and think, well, he got it together. And it's not just Minneapolis looking at you right now. It's not just Minnesota. It's not just the United States America. I was out of the country recently and people as far as New Zealand were saying, wow, you're in Minnesota, thank yu for what you're doing. What can we do to help what I'm asking you to do is be the kind of leadership that we
need. And even though this is not issue that will buy you any sort of political credit in MAY even hurt. I know that, you know, there's important people with a lot of money that make decisions about this that aren't here today that are more powerful than the people speaking. But if this council, it means what they say about wanting to protect our communities and other communities and being the real leadership we need as a city, a state as a country. You will not extend for 6th project. Thanks very Thank you very much. My name is Mitchell Bronco, resident of Minneapolis and finishing manufacturing for 10 years now. For 3 or 4 years, I worked at the company call our that had there. Hands and a lot of
different. Different things. They manufactured medical devices. They helped manufacture civilian aircraft and military aircraft. And you get to see those products out in the world and say, hey, I had a hand I And Grandma, Betty got a heart stent put in, I got to say. I weapon started going t Ukraine. I got to say I have a They started bombing Gaza. I had to tell myself. The summer I repair for one of engineers and handed it. And the part back to and asked, what does this changes for this? This machine built? And you're told me. But this machine built land mines. And had to tell myself. In that. So I'm asking you with all of this money from Lockheed Martin. They spend it on something better
so that you can tell yourself. I figured somebody with gray hair needed to come up here as an 84 year-old grandmother. I thank you to say no to this. I never heard of this company. In total DECEMBER, but I was walking in the streets in Saint Anthony Park where I lived for many years. I a group of these protesters walking around the science and Justin costumes. And since then, I've been actually appalled. But this company does. And so is your grandmother. I ask you to say thank you. If anyone else plans to speak on this issue would be great to know how many more folks we have. So if you could just stand up now line up, if you're planning to speak on this now, that wuld That would be great. Thank you. Welcome. You could be my
grandma. Heatherly words Fix. I'm gonna start with some story telling what I was a left. So I grew up Jewish. I grew up in l a I'm also a Chinese and Southeast Asian. But I went to Hebrew school. When I was 11 years old, I went to Hebrew school. I was almost amendment 5 and I went and talked to the teachers and I said I think about this like apartheid in Palestine. All of my teachers staff and said you don't need to be here anymore. And as one of the only cat, the caller Persian And as you do, I get asked to leave and I never went back. If I knew at 11 years old that the ways in Palestine a part-time and continued genocide as well as other countries that, you know, we're having genocide right now impacted by Lockheed Martin. It 11 that was not ok.
I know that all of us in this space know that it is also still not ok. I will see white supremacy and capitalism go hand in hand. Also, Lockheed Martin is the peanut and that's team files. I just talked about that. The best way that I can ask the council to actually do something is to not extend loan the best way to combat the on complicity and the bare minimum would be to not approve this loan. This can go to reparations to our communities, especially those and Rondo Rondo Cathedral Hill. It is not congruent to be anti ice and want to abolish ice and to extend this well. 6th member. If you continue with this, I'm happy to leave community organizing to make sure you are unseated that you are recalled and we are going to make sure tat our community action represents the interests of
the people in this space. And if you are 13 0nd clip, if you're going to speak, even if you want to cops come up and say your name and say no, please do that. It's important. I urge you. My name is Aexis. I live in shoreview show them in the burbs simple. And I want us the Sper honest right now that I didn't even know about this until like last week. I've been getting very into the protest free anti-ice Buckeyes and I can understand how you MAY have voted on this at one point being ignorant or on aware what was going on as I was until I got here until I learned about this. So not only. Hey, guys getting a lot heat, which honestly necessary. But also I what I would ask that you do take a modicum of grace. If you are a good person, if you are an understanding person that you
made a bad decision but also like. And turned. And I know this is just a part-time gig for you. But how did this pass in the first place? How did you not look into these companies in first place? Willis is a public hearing. You're going to hear him. Again. I'm I'm. The first to admit to my own ignorance about even how our government City Council's working all that jazz and and again, I reiterate get that this a part-time gig for y'all, but this is obviously like making a huge are in packed and I ever flock and thought that the city council do so. I would ask that you please just really moving forward on everything. We've put a little bit more due diligence cause you are being paid to put due diligence into your decisions. You shouldn't have to just be taken. Whoever's word. It's coming up there telling you all this is what
our thing isn't just taken at face value. Especially now with specially now in the infirm in the misinformation hiding. Should that that we know is happening all the talk in time. Thank you very much. Just want to remind folks, we do have young people here people watching at home. I would love it if people could express themselves without using expletives. Thank you. I'm not here to testify again. I just have a legitimate safety concern that I think should be brought up. In front of everyone choosing to speak as well as you guys. I see now 2 men and didn't identify themselves, come up and take photos of the site and she's which list our phone numbers or addresses not, you just well as our names. I know now having confronted them that their members of the press, but they did not ask for permission and it was not disclosed to any of us by choosing to office
signage, she. Buying information could be released like So I think that's something one everyone speaking should be made aware of. And I think the council should terrify whether that's standard procedure or not. Think especially in the current security concern. Yes, I'm it. Thank you very much. I I appreciate that note choosing to testify publicly. It is public data. This is a public meeting. It's being recorded. So I do want everyone to know that. Welcome. My name is Kristin Term Room. I in court for just really echoing Everybody's already said. I don't understand how this was approved in the first place. Why such a rich corporation needs money from us for them to say that they promise us jobs. I think that's
ludicrous. And going forward, first of all, no, do not extend the ordinance and going forward, please. Take some more consideration who these companies are that we're doing business with giving us giving them teir money, you know, like especially with everybody pointing out that we have all these anti-ice ordinances coming into this. We need to be consistent with our actions and where we're putting our So. From now. Thank thank you very much. Hi, everybody. Thank you for being here. Thank you for choosing to do what you do. Every one, everyone. Life and limb to come live here in Saint Paul. I've been fighting to come live here for years. I finally got the opportunity to move here and stay here in
2024. And since then. I have had. Of the feelings, all of the emotions. But right now I am so proud of everyone for doing what you're doing. Even you guys sitting in the seats right now. I know you can make the right decision. I know you're going to make the right decision. Everyone's watching us. Everyone's watching you. Starts pink and purple for more one. Thank Thank you very much. Hi, my name is Jackie. I was not anticipating speaking today but hearing the information given about the amount that you're paying. For this massive corporation to have weapons destruction created here basically, I think it's really interesting coming from North End neighborhood where I'm considered to be in an area
that's densely pp area of. Concentrated poverty. That race street is getting redone and then get the city asks every single one of the residents in the area to pay about $600. Now have Sarah Lee $600 be paying for road work when this massacre is getting state 100 are getting $100,000 from. The city. I think there's better things that we could spending our money to. I think a lot of people already spoken on that. That's all I wanted to add was that there are other projects that could be seeing this Thank you very much. My name is Susan them up and I was not planning speak today. I don't have anything prepared. I live in search board it's really upsetting. That this was ever approved in the first that we would give money to people who? a green people around the world helping murder people
around the world. And right now. To know that ice is using these technologies onerous. In the way that violence abroad does come back to us. It's very frustrating that we even a conversation. That isn't a given that we're not going to fund this. That we're not going to fund genocide. I just urge you to do the right thing and think about what you want. Saint Paul in Minnesota, the stand for and whether that is murder. Thank you very much. Welcome up. Hello, I'm Jackie Pokorny. I live in Saint Anthony Park, which is a Ward 4. I strongly support all the information that's been shared today and ask you to vote to not expand. The grants time frame for for dead, a sick, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin. I I wanted to spend this time just to say as as others recently have said, I'm disappointed.
That Saint Paul City Council approved this grant in the first place. I strongly encourage all of us that have testified today that I think we need to reach out to the state as well for this whole grant program. When I hear that this not only all the things that we know about Lockheed Martin, but then to hear the details that, they were going create a small number of jobs that they have the field starting out like 40 some 1000 up to 140 some dollars up to $127 an hour. And then a physical therapist for 35 years. I'm and barely over that bttom right? You know, so if we're going to do this work in the future and these sorts of grants are important. They need to be for
working class and middle class people or they need to be to help support these other. Programs that we talked about. Schools, health care day care. This is what we voted you into office 4 and we will hold you accountable for. So I strongly encourage you to vote no on this extension. Thank you very much. Anyone the said, no one standing to speak on the set, ok? Keep coming on Hi, my name is Peter setting around the Saint. Paul resident of Ward. 2 fans want to throw my name in with all of the really impassioned and powerful speakers. You just heard countless moral economic and just common sense reasons to not extend this contract to not provide a loan forgiveness
when this company did not meet the terms of the agreement with it when we set them out. A company like Lockheed Martin, subsidiary of Lockheed Martin. Any of these big corporations, it would not give us a loan forgiveness if we fail to meet our financial commitments. We should. So please. Vote your conscience here. Thank you. Thank you very much. Never spoken before at a city council. And so I don't know if this is allowed, but can I ask a question? We can't interact like it's out of island. But you're welcome ask a question, can you not very Bolivia. I just want to know because it's been raised a few times that any of you vote to pass original funding for this. It's not I don't feel proud to test and I'm just curious
because it seems as we were bringing forward, some people were confused. You're curious are asking questions on program itself. I will admit I was an informed of this as a citizen. So I just looked into a little bit about what program is. I'm going to read a tiny excerpt if time allows. The Minnesota investment fun myth is a loan program and available to businesses engaged manufacturing, warehousing distribution ad technology related industries and other activities that could be located generally anywhere. Yes, still service. A marketing customers is designed to generate new income and wealth to the state that would not be generated by local demand conditions. And there is so much more. But the reason I think it's important is that so many people today have brought really great ideas about what the money could be used for. But please understand that some of them MAY not be eligible for this
particular pot of money and we can't change what was done. Whether you here today did or did not have a hand in that. We can't change that. But we can do is urge you as our city council members to look out for any funding that comes through and is eligible as laid out by to reiterate what another prson who spoke earlier said that whatever it is that it uplifts our community. And so with that in mind, I do want to understand - more and just ask for this particular motion to nt extend the loan. Thank you. Thank you very much. And it arguments and I live in Shore precinct 2 and ever since current administration come
into power, I wondering as these despicable actions are happening all the time. How can the people to support this administration? Look in the mirror night. So I just hope you are all and you must have been listening. This has been an amazing, amazing number of people spoke. And I hope you all will vote no. So you can look in the mirror at night. Thank you. Thank you very much. Hi, my name is And I just kind of jumped in line. I'm heartbroken about this. It's hard to even speak. Violates my conscience and even just being humid. Violates my religion to be forced to fund something. Care rises. People in kills people. A huge part my own spiritual
path. Was visiting the birthplace of Jesus, which is in the occupied territories of Palestine. Where people are. Terrorized every day. And there's people that I care full there. And make sure double me and they're still my friends. I tend not. In good conscience. Pay my taxes, knowing that it's hurting my friends in people who supported me and my spiritual journey. And again, it just violates my religion and my own humanity. Thank you very much. It just might be the last. T 3 speakers. Okay. Is again and nice to speak with everyone here. I just wanted to highlight. That while. The funds that this company has connected itself with ice. Make it
directly complicit against the crimes that ice continues to perpetrate against Minnesotans. And it also contributes to global death and destruction. From the bombs dropped on Somalia to Venezuela. Palestine. Whatever people feel about those different operations. The f 35 is the world's deadliest for plane. They can carry 1000 to 2000 pound bombs and nuclear bombs. After we see us having nuclear weapons off the coast of Venezuela. I think this is the kind of that we can do in the local level to oppose. That massive risk to the entire world population that risk of nuclear war. That risk of, you know, war right off the coast of this country and to protect American citizens. But also to remember the victims of these horrific
operations. I just want to say we should remember Henry job. A terrified 5 year-old. Just like. Liam Quinn. They had on walls who was shot 335 times. I think we should remember. Muhammad has a a 7 month-old baby killed with her mother in Somalia. I think we should remember sign a nickel in silence. Venezuelan up with the killed Bay Hill that 79 years old. In an American, a palm apartment bombing. These are the companies that make that possible. And they make that possible in a situation where funding is directed away from preventing maternal mortality rising in this country and generally serving the public. So. Thank you for everyone who came here in
solidarity today and know my time is about up. So use the rest of it in a moment of silence for those people. Thank you very much. Hello Council members. My name is Alexander Con and I am a middle school educator and resident of Ward. One. I echo all the beliefs and sentiments of the people who have spoken before me, the United States War machine and military industrial compound plex demands us handing over money, our resources, our livelihoods and our futures on ending early so that it can continue to terrorize and destroy for profit and power. If the city Council believes what it says. And if you as people believe what you say that you care about this community and its people and you will be your money where your mouth is and not into the hands of military contractors to continue their reign of destruction abroad. And right here at home. Voting against this grant extension is a clear investment in the city. A clear stance against militarized violence and the
decision that the hardworking people of this city and the world at large deserve. Thank you. Thank you very much. Last speaker on this public hearing, it looks like just the last call anyone else wants to speak. This is this is last call on this topic. if I'm the last speaker, this is an anti climax I don't sell yourself short. You know, my name is Claire. I'm a constituent from Ward. One. This Vote You have spoken so eloquently and so forcefully. Your commitment to stand behind the people of Saint Paul, your commitment to stopping this violence in our community, your commitment to wanting to do what is right. If you want to do what is right, you need to do what is right. Every time. This time it's voting now. It it's easy. It's one where it's so small. 2 letters. That's it,
though. We got it. Thank you all very much for taking time to testify. I'm gonna common for a motion to close the public hearing and then we will honor the moment of silence has asked for earlier all in favor say Aye, aye, all opposed 6 in favor. None opposed. The public hearing is closed. We'll just take brief moment of silence. Thank you again for coming out to testify. And I would look to MISS Coleman. And PRESIDENT, thanks to everybody who came today and I know folks waited. Nearly 2 and a half hours to speak in some instances. So I thank you for your dedication to our community and to making your voice heard and being a part of this process. Think at this point, I have outstanding questions not for
planning that comment on department, but for our city attorney's office around the terms of this understanding. Is that we had the possibility of a extension baked into the original contract back from 2023. But I think understanding what our options, but both our obligations, options are under. That would be. Is necessary for me to know how to proceed at this point. So I would like make a motion over for a have a to get more information from the Thank you. We really need to be able to hear each other. I understand when we play to be able to get more information our city attorney's office is the discussion of that. Thank you, council PRESIDENT. I'm I would not be supporting the layover. And I want to. Or form and I I respect the ask that you put I just windy for me personally. I have had
the conversations I needed to to get my questions answered. I met with rpd staff. I got communication from our city attorney as well at this point. I don't have questions. I. I will not be supporting the layover. I also will not be supporting the extension as well. Okay, we're not going we're not going to have that in here. Okay. I need to ask you to please stop disrupting the meeting. Thank you. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT And respectfully know councilmember comment. I know everybody has their own style of governing, but and this. Moment, all the overwhelming amount of testimonies that we have heard. And even the the separation ordinance that you have both the lead on. I think all of this is. None of this is isolated
moment. This is all part of the military industrial complex. And what we will support, you can't piecemeal. We have to be from what we are up dance as a council member. And it also black cap and Black History Month. That one I want to. Want to give a quote from a artists are off their ordeal. Her stand if we are silent in our oppression, they will kill us and say that we enjoyed it. We are consensus fighting. We have the power to vte. Yes or no are refrain from my vote. I was here elected to make sure that I'm standing in solidarity with my community. i heard several Ward, one residents stand up today and asked for us to vote. No one of them said it was so simple. It's to letter word. And when
I tink about the week that I had to go through personally as a councilmember violently awake in by miliry guns, extremely unnecessary force at my door. A tribute shunt weaponization of our Department of Defense. Rest my husband call with someone who does not have a violent past to rest. My husband was not a flight risk. I Stanley stand against off alarms of domestic terrorism. And then this industrial complex. For someone who also have been through several uprisings. I think about the time when Leno Castille was murdered our community stood up and said we will not stand for police brutality. From any levels of law enforcement and how we have
witnessed experience, helicopters, military grade officers on the streets. And that we as a as a state decided that it was ok invest into a manufacturing company that is producing tear and contributing and have a hand and this violence. So it is very simple for me to vote. No. To read that I would not in support of this. And for anyone who was asking were asking earlier this actually and then Councilmember Coleman, you had mentioned this that this was actually voted in 2023, this is before our council see here. So no, I did not have to play approving
that our our city request these dollars apply for dollars. But this is yet another example of how a council can inherit violet practices policies and procedures. But just because we inherent these practices and policies and procedures does not man that we have to continue going forward. Have the power. PRESIDENT. Yeah. I'm gonna comments for potentially develop, but I am not part of a layover. Like Councilmember Yang of all the information that I need. I'm voting no today because they met their contractual obligation to the And so it also has to roll call, vote. So it's been request for a roll call. Vote on this comment. You might buy one more an ounce. Sure might've missed
because what I also want to just up left that there was requests for us also have on it. On spending. With company? Audit committee here in this council. I don't serve on this audit committee, but I do think that is appropriate body to review make that action. If that's something that we do have to forth. But I think that's deeply important because as a council member, I was not aware of this. If I literally was relying on social media, influencers and educators letting us know that is a problem. This is something that should have been alerted to that why ahead of time. So I do want to say I do appreciate how the people power that showed up today to inform because these are just on these agenda items are very
technical. Very technical, but it's really important that our staff also alerts us because something as controversial as this could have really, really, really took us by storm. So I do want to say, I do support audit for all of the businesses that in Saint Paul, thank you. It's going. I'm happy to withdraw my motion. I think it's clear their support for taking a look today. And like I said, I would have I think given that we're doing the contract fair and appreciate the time to You know, we've had some preliminary conversations with city Attorney's office, but I think it would've been valuable to have additional time. That said if we are voting today and will be voting against the contract extension, like I said, I really appreciate everybody taking the time to be here today. And so want to show that will be live from moving
forward. Just have one more question for MISTER Ends of. She's still here. Can you remind us you said that the country to actually epires in MARCH. Can you let us know that the date? Could the PRESIDENT Yes, they're compliant state would be MARCH of 2026. End of MARCH 26th and they get. couple of months. So I think it actually is probably expect those JUNE. It technically, but they have to complete their hiring. 31st of MARCH. Thank you. MR. Ends. I guess I would just say that. I think that JUNE is plenty of time for them to be able to make some Lincoln posts and complete this contract. So it sounds like we hve our quest for a roll call vote. Is there any further discussion? Vice PRESIDENT And surge a point of clarification owns asking for a roll call, vote on the motion fairly over. But if that's being withdrawn, I
don't. I don't Any discussion on the motion to. Buying that moving to vote against There's a motion currently no, is there a motion table. Committee hasn't come I'll make a motion to on Not a contract extension motions to deny the contract extension. Is there any discussion of that motion? Thank you. Council PRESIDENT, a council vice PRESIDENT. I will be supporting their motion to deny extension for forward edge. I have a lot that I want to say. The first thing is I want to say thank you to each and every one of you who came here to testify. When I looked at the faces of folks in that in the from the or even, you know, just sitting on the backbenches. I see many familiar faces that have been
in the chambers before from when here comes 2 years ago pushing for a cease-fire resolution to end the war in Gaza. And that passes unanimously bcause of your organizing and I was on maternity leave recently. I did hear about your requests for the water bard to end the contract with Waterfall Security solutions. It was because of your advocacy in that water board commissioners like me, even new about the elation that the company hd. It was Israeli-based company. And for me personally, like I don't want to do any business with think a company that is going to perpetuate warfare in her people and have them whether it's overseas or here. And and that's exactly you why I am so grateful once again for your leadership in showing
up in the chambers today, urging us to to step up and be leaders and vote against this extension one because this is a company that has not met their contractual goals, but also for me personally, I see many uses where this these public dollars can go. I mean, we have many large projects happening all across our city. And these are dollars that in the future could be used for the heights where we have. We have many light and national companies that we want bring in to Paul here. I'm even thinking about the vacant Kmart site framework. 5, 2, I hope that one day that would be a future use of these dollars from the state. And this is all to say that these are dollars that are coming directly from each and every
one of And even though those of you in the in here and maybe watching, even though you're not at the table here, voting all of us, the 7 of us or Johnson here. She is on maternity leave. It's the 6 of us here have a duty. We have a duty to listen and to honor and to cast a vote that we believe is in the best interests of Students our city. At least that's that's what I believe. My role is here. And I will I will definitely carry that forward. I'm in the spirit of me being a mom, daughter refugees, even though I was born in Duluth, Minnesota, I will always remember the story from my parents. Alders my ancestors who basically are year because of warfare where they had to flee political persecution. My
parents had to leave their home country of Laos after this Secret War was lost. That is the U.S. Literally a secret war during the Vietnam War. Where are people that were left to die after the usda recruited to fight for them? To fight off communism. I mean, there's so much grief that I hold in and many of you have heard be sure about it before even recently when I introduced a resolution to honor 50 years of the most people come here us. These are stories that are important to be shared. And the same people that we are fighting to deceive and make sure that, you know, we we endorse mney internationally. I mean that this that fight us for the fight for people in our state right now. Who are
you getting terrorized by ice? There's there's a intersectionality there. But I really want to point I just want to thank you. And we you know, you all are looking to us for leadership like I learning from you and looking to you for leadership. And so thank you for what have brought into the room here in the space here. But also the clarity that you bring in the global issues that happen that are happening right now and how care yu are in the role that here. Have to play even though we are at a local level. I we have we have a way to be able to leverage and make sure that we are playing a key role in ending in the international warfare. Because you know what? Even after passing, that's the ceasefire resolution. A couple of years
ago. The war in Gaza has not ended and people are still hurting. And I. There were discussions at the front of the room there all. How did this pass in the first place? The This is a pretty new council that was back in 2023 where this was voted on. And so it some just 2 of us at the table who are there for the vote. I I think probably this passing unanimously, by the way, I remember this being framed up and really when the company came relocated here to Saint Paul was this is a really great opportunity for us to bring in more jobs into Saint Paul. And that was really the message behind it. So it had I known then what I know now, I would not have voted for because I want to
I'm very sorry about that. And today probably cast able to make sure that this extension does not take. We have to. I - have very high expectations for how our public dollars should be used. And we all should. I'm questioning the requirements of this from Minnesota teed. I do not want to see these dollars go to large corporations or employers. Think that maybe they see a use for that. But I personally am very invested in making sure that these dollars go to small businesses that are hurting so deeply right now. There is not enough mutual aid for our small businesses, businesses that are hurting. In fact, it's actually it's Ashley people like us who are who are going to local
restaurants, local stores, helping him making sure that they survive this crisis that we're living in. And I hope along the wy. We'll see. You know, we'll see a bit more more many more initiatives where and hopefully corporations are coming together to to support our small businesses. I think I that come out. But that's happening right now Minneapolis Foundation. I think there actually will be out funny right now for program for that, which is incredible. And we marked that. But we did not have enough of that right now. So it's so important for us to figure out how we can how we can or how we can. I educate people to organize them, right? Because you don't want to just organize people and then educate them. And that that set we actually want to educate to organize them to
make decisions that are in favor of the future that we want to build together the future that we want to live together, where people can the dignified lives regardless of your race or class gender sexuality, your citizenship status. And so I just wanted to put up or to perspective like a very visionary person. So put into perspective how how far even a conversation in a decision like this can reach because the apps they have more work to do and it is not just at here. The no votes that I hope will take place and that we will be successful in. And this is just odd to you all are incredible and there's something more powerful ad the power of people cming together and please continue everything that you are doing. Their son. Nobody can be sure to save us. But us.
Present Thank you, council PRESIDENT. Yeah. Reasoning for my know today's. It's very clear they haven't met their contractual. Obligation to the city. And that being said, I do just want to take a moment to respond to some of the testimony that we heard today. I just really feel tat all the shone a light on the potential opera see that this chamber and this council could act on. You are all not only calling out what you don't want to, you're also showing us the things that you want to see fom here from your city council member. What is the way forward housing food security front, drivable wages. So it's I just appreciate the fact that it's not just about saying no, which I said earlier. It's not just about what we're against, but what are the things that
we're fighting for together and where are we going? What's that bigger vision that we're doing? Most iportantly, together. And I also heard. In the same in know your testimony and no military-grade weapons here, but use them on others. Safety here, but not anywhere else. Ice out but occupy and bomb other countries. And a lot of times you we've heard in this chamber being talked about as an occupation. And I've even said it. We are experiencing a military occupation in our cities right now. By saying that we are okay with. Some of the city resources going towards funding violence in other lands and occupations and other lands were saying don't occupy us, but it's okay for other people to live under an authoritarian regime and occupation. I want to just and which I said during my
comments when we brought for the resolution for for Palestine, is tat my my ancestors have also lived under 2 occupations are currently experiencing U.S. Imperialism thousands of troops still in my homeland. And the reason why bring this forward is because this is a mindset. White supremacy is not this. It's the s and that's what all of our constituents here telling us colonial colonization is not this. It's this. So we think that we share the way that you understand that are futures intersecting. So as we continue to move, this is sort of my ask of all of you truthfully to to help me do this. Colonization. We can. We can talk about it, right. We also need to understand that it is a rebrand what we're experiencing here right now. And it now the place of the world as a rebranded version
of ice is a rebranded version of our military of militarized Police Force that have a long history of violence, systemic violence against our black and brown communities. It's also a rebranded version of slave catchers. And it's a rebranded version. Colonial violence that happened on indigenous lands and at a certain point, we need to understand that we are also a settler state. So as as loud as you, we are around pushing bck against this occupation, occupations and other lands. We also have to recognize that we need to bring forward indigenous sovereignty in indigenous rights in this conversation. Had honored sovereignty of indigenous peoples. How different this moment with luck. And so look at what our indigenous sovereign nations are doing right now, passing their own legislation in their own rules about whether or not
the license of their sovereign nations right here in Minnesota. And on the last note. In the same breath, they saw a really cool t-shirt that said genders, maybe garbage or trash. But also in this moment, the first act of colonial violence was gender side. So as we fight for the liberation of others, we need to do it at the intersection of yes, race and class. But we also need to do at the intersection of gender. Thank you so much for being here today. I really appreciate the testimony. Thank you for everything that came out from Ward 5, your voice is heard. And again, my reasoning for today for my vote is that they did not meet their contractual obligation, very supportive of withdrawing of the labors the over. Thank you so much, Councilmember Cole and thank you Can thank you. Council PRESIDENT Maker minds. More of a
clarification. Just I know our councils, Ben Singer for a while. But the motion on the table was a no. So if you support not extending the extension, you should vote. Yes, that's kind of the opposite just way do. So I just wanted to make sure. Anderson, I think we should probably take a vote given that we have a number folks here for other public hearings and also for this one. There's no further discussion all in favor of the motion, which is to not extend the contract. So you would vote aye for that? say aye. All opposed 6 in favor. None opposed. A resolution fails. number 16 is resolution public hearing 26 dash 2 authorizing the police
department to amend the 2026 grant fund for the sub brand received by the from the Ramsey County for the Violent Crime Enforcement Team. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak on this item? Seeing none. Take a motion from his home and close public hearing and approve all in favor. Say Aye. 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item. Number 17 is resolution public hearing. 26 dash. 29 manning the financing and spending plans in the fire department. The amount of $20,000 for a grant from the Ramsey County Public Health to purchase Lucas Device. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak to this item item? 17? Seeing none. I'll take a motion from his just to close the public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. All 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item. Number 18 is resolution public hearing. 26
Dash 30. Meaning the financing and spending plans in the fire department in the amount of $115,393 for a contribution received from the Minnesota board, a firefighter training and education to pay for training for firefighters. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here speak to this item item 18? Seeing none. I'll take a motion from his 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 19 is resolution public hearing. 26 dash. 31 authorizing the Office of Financial Empowerment to apply for and accept $165,000 grant from the McKnight Foundation. To support oeration costs for shared ownership initiative in amending the 2026 budget for the Office of Financial Empowerment. This is a public hearing.
Is there anyone here to speak to this item? Seeing none. We'll take a motion from vice PRESIDENT Came to close the public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. Number 19. That's the that put their own one of star. We'll get. We'll get you. Don't I'm not going to get it. Item 19, which is now on the screen. Anyone here to testify that item. Take a motion from his has a public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. I almost 6 in favor not oppose. The resolution is adopted item number twenty's resolution public hearing. 26 dash. 37 establishing the festivals and event security credit. I just know that any amendment should probably take place before. Public hearings are also have to reopen the public hearing. Sure, so.
This is so this is attempt to help support festivals events and our community. This is a topic that we've been discussing for some time, especially since we've been hearing from many festival organizers, especially neighborhood level festival. Organizers community events that security costs have just made it impossible for them to continue operating this council allocated $155,000 ongoing in our general fund last year. To try to do something about that issue. Knowing that $155,000 isn't much, but it will go some prt of the way towards helping relieve that burden and making sure that our festival organizers are able to continue bringing vibrancy to our community we talked about this at a policy session. I believe it was last APRIL and I have discussed. How we would want to do this. The different criteria we would like to use
and it has taken quite a while to get to the point of actually being able to roll this out due to a lot of back and forth with the administration with departments to try to figure out how this could actually get done. But it's very important to me that we move forward on this with urgency because we went through a whole year last year with this did not get done and we are in festival an event season right now. So put forward one version I think verbally has another version to propose and will hold a public hearing after that. But I think mostly important to me that we get this done so vry open to other Discussion about that as we do. You want to talk about your vision 3 that in front of us have before I do that. I do have some questions because I think it is related to this resolution. I you know, I know
you spot for this item. I think you'll be really important that we get a staff report, particularly because there are some details of this item, especially regarding the budget that has not actually saw. So you can I guess, you know, I know you've been in conversations both Ofs and also the police chief and his assistant chief on this. But of the things that before even get into the policy implementation. That's very important is that we uphold public trust to have transparency around what happened to the funds from last year. I know you mention that. No, we were not able to. Spend those dollars last year and it was transition. The
expectation when I vote on the budget was those dollars are going to roll over into this year's budget and we will have a twice the amount of funds to be able to allocate our community members. But I think it's really important to have that on the record. So people are that, you that the that the funds that we have right now are not the funds that we were expecting. So just want to make sure we have accurate interpretation about that. Sure. Thanks. Comes memorably. Our budget director is not here but MR. Wilmes used to be our budget director. So. My understanding from the Office of Financial Services because to councilmember police point, I think we all are under the impression that these funds would roll over
towards the end of DECEMBER. I called the Office of Financial Services because I concerned about that. And I was informed that because they were general fund dollars and not in a special fund like all Jonathan Dollars. If they weren't spent by the end of the year, they would go into the fund balance. We get 155,000 again this year, but we wouldn't be able to carry over. That was a surprise to me as well. You and I talked about at the time is but I appreciate the chance to have clarified on the record us to how exactly that funding works. Possible to close the doors to the chamber oh, sorry, okay. Yeah. Okay. Thank MR. Wipes. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT And council members Councilmember Bowie. So essentially there's 2 types of funding there's one time appropriations and they're
standing appropriations. The standing appropriation occurs annually within the budget and is part of the base budget within the general fund, one-time appropriations unless they have specific language that allows them to be available until expended or at at Time of Budget resolution adopted have specific language in the resolution to carry it forward. The money will cancel it. So it's the same for standing up preparations and so unless there's an open purchase order, were there specific language within the resolution to carry forward that the money the money is and then come bird and essentially falls in the bottom line. It crew on top of itself year-over-year special
fund dollars are also a little bit different. For instance, the grant fund if there is grant funding available, it carries forward and is available until expended. So in this case in 2020 for the council adopted a budget that contained $155,000 in ongoing funding. The council also mde an additional $160,000 allocation. But that was a line item vetoed. So the money that we're discussing today is the standing ongoing appropriation of $155,000 per year. Thank you for clarifying. I think there's couple things and I'm you know, I'm happy that we have our budget chair here. And I know last year we really intentional on making sure that what our intentions are with our budget and what we voted on. And I believe we
actually over red over Red Bull's eye that veto that we have a process that we saw if we have budgetary airs. This sounds like a technical error when we voted for these dollars, the intentions was they were going to roll over. Now whether or not we had the special fund or whether is a step standing fun. I believe it's really important council leadership make sure that we take action, that we can't just shrug our shoulders and say, hey, we didn't do that technical aspect. Are we get it? Make sure that our budget officer didn't clamps for these dollars so we can have for community. It's so important. We know or communities under so much distress right now and to find
out that our intentions of voting for these Dallas roll over than not roll over. That sounds like it needs to something that staff member news of top 4 that's really important for this process. And also one very thinking about what the intended purpose for these dollars was to make sure that we're revitalizing our cultural festivals are community events and festivals. I stand firmly up homes, divesting from our community funds and investing in to police. I totally understand that we were trying to have a policy to actually decrease the amount of police call event. Organizers have to actually acquire. But until we
actually get there, I want to make sure that we have te entirety of that budget available for our communities. This is very important. We understand 155 is not a lot, but it means a lot for people who have to spend their life. But Ali fundraising every single year for dollars to put on these phenomenal festivals for our community. So before we even start with the public hearing, I really wanted just put our record. That's so important that council PRESIDENT Maker, that your leadership that you don't make it acceptable for anyone to just say that it was that year. We didn't do the technical things that when we go into our budget and before
we vote on our budget make sure that we have everything we need to protect these dollars for our communities that we have promised to them. Thanks. Mostly. It was actually my leadership that got the question asked to all of us and that got us to this point of having this resolution in front of us. MR. Want have something else he wanted to say about the budget questions tat must raised. Yes, thank you. Council PRESIDENT And council member believe the only additional thing that I would relevant to your comments is that the council essentially takes one action on the budget. Sets it up and then and then from there, the mayor initiates the process to amend the budget. So essentially the mayor identifies any amendments in the current year and submits them for council approval. So just clarifying
the process that if there were going to be an additional allocation, you know, to to resolve, you know, the funding from last year that expired that would need to occur from the administration by the mayor proposed to council. Thank you, MR. Moms. As we should talk about your version 3 so we can discuss version 3 inversions for the public hearing. Yes, I am. In for the second version or excuse me version 3. This is actually a resolution that was drafted last year when I first advocated for these dollars specifically, it initially it was for $255,000. This was in 2024 for the 2025 budget. With the mayor's veto,
we had just remaining 155,000 and this was at a time where council PRESIDENT Jalali former council PRESIDENT Jalali need her. Our intention was to have direct appropriations directly to community organizations because we know from my experience that many community organizations have challenges negotiating. They're policed bill up no good. Most skews me negotiating their bill with other departments and that this wasn't just like a easy transition or transfer of funds to the police that we need to have a policy decentralize our systems. What the Council PRESIDENT Jalali and then now council PRESIDENT We we were very aware that we had 2 separate directions, everyone to go. You ae very
aware that we already know the relationships. We have the relationships with community organizations who could really benefit from these dollars. You're aware that I wanted to establish a community belonging and vitality, fun and that we were going advocate for permanent funding. We went through a series of different options. Whether let proved to have direct funding directly to these organizations. The other action that I was a negotiation with pd so actually have this as another tier of their cautious star in neighborhood fun. Both of those funds. You did not agree to support. You wnted to have a process in the protocol that. I guess have staff to make those decisions. This resolution version 3 as people
can review it has the same exact criteria. So I do want to give credit that we did come to agreement, agreeing on what our criteria is. And I and still no behind that. But the things that's different about this version is that it does not put another. It doesn't create another cool for community organizer to jump through for them to get this funding. We know this is just a little bit of funding $7,000 compared to some organizations. They're $75,000 Police budget is is just comparison. Not not that huge. So. I also just want to say it's just been a really traumatizing time for me. I actually was initially going to take a mental health break
and not be here, but it was important for me to be here because I know. Folks who are organizing and bust their raising money for grass roots organizations like Cinco de Mayo like Rondo Days like Little me, Khan, who come to me time and time again saying are there resources? What is the city doing for us to actually invest? And we advocated for these funds? And I think it's it's really that policy making and bad governance to have them. Transfer to the police department. And I think in the in the testimonies that you hear today, you're going to realize why it is not a good move and why we need to relieve community members have going working, particularly with police food. They have shared that had challenges whether or not they're getting a fair share in terms of how
much their police bill are. Excuse Bill is a I but it was important for me to be here. I have this version just print it out for people to read. I am going to be editing and revising this version. So I want make sure that everyone had before them because I think what's really important is that we're being as genuine as possible. Just language was just like, which was designed about 6 months ago. So if you people have anything that they want to amend on it, please let know. But I just want to make sure that people. And last but not least the second page of the language actually lists all of the organizations that are eligible face-off,
the criteria that recreate it. And I think it's really important that just list. These organizations are caught are organizations their base in the neighborhood. They are also areas of concentrated poverty. But most importantly, they preserving our legacy. They're preserving neighborhoods, legacy and also making sure that we are building wealth in our neighborhood. So that is the difference between the routes that we are going. I don't. And a department that I. Waiting for literally for months to get the bills of all these other organizations. I don't have faith and directing communi grassroots organizers to negotiate and first-come first-serve. What services are with resources that we already guaranteed a promise to them. So I think it's really important for us. As council
members be the decision makers were boat it and to make decisions. We make funding decisions all the time. We just literally made a decision to not fund. That, that that horrible company and we can make a decision to make sure investing in our community organizations. Thanks, Leslie. i see some questions or comments person can. Yeah, I'm so And a little lost and not. I like not with the intent, but I'm just. Would the council director be willing to offer sort of like what is what's kind of the key difference between the version to in version 3 because like has tracking it like I see maybe a different rebate amounts and seeing maybe can I just get like the to sentence of how how it's different. So I'm tracking
changes because I wanted and once it yet because I want to be supportive. But because it's not track changes in the language is hard for me to see that. So want to be support. This version really is basically the council deciding on who gets the funding. Versus depending on police to make that decision. So okay. As think you can suppress and I just have a couple of questions Canterbury. The text that you have here, I see the the dollar amount. $9,000 come up for a rebate that did you $1000? A 7,000? Think with this Initially we had 9,000 because it was 20 organizations. They met the criteria. And then council PRESIDENT Makers version it was 21 or
22. I believe that met the criteria. So it's just adjustment of of dollar amounts based off of how many organizations meet the criteria, ok? Well, I will say that for me personally. I'm interested in making sure that this is that there it is. The council that that is deciding that the organizations. Process that exist within the council, basically for us to select who gets the credit here. That was my understanding of this. When we had a conversation at the table here on I think over a year ago and so I I just want to make sure that that is preserved in and what we are moving forward. I'm carry us what that this is. The version that you're putting in. If it is I'm willing to support it. I just want name that. I think it's really. I tink this is a conversation that we need to
have more And so if there's a way to latest over, I would be really interesting that so that we can actually make sure that the final version of this. Of this resolution is - what can have majority support on. And it is overall it seems like there's still some some changes that you're hoping to make still. So I think over seems very appropriate. Thanks a sea of question from and we will hold a public hearing today. No matter what, because it's been noticed. So just to be there for anyone is here with all the public hearing today, we're just trying to figure out which version we're pretty far to the public hearing as the vice PRESIDENT. And it's just yeah. And I just on the thing I want to name that I'm I'm wondering about version. So this is this is a version 3, because it looks like in version 2 that. That the credit or rebate
is 7,000 and this is 9. So one of the language changes that adjustment. And so this this is version 3 and it's. For the record PRESIDENT Maker, this is not entered into it. This is just for people who have questions and you want to look at the language so we can withdraw my version 3 and we can lay it over and then I can enter a resolution that has the same principles of like council making a decision how this money is going to spend second just I this isn't an legistar right now. It is not a legistar. Just print it out that means for your awareness. So if you are willing t that and legistar, this I think it might be helpful just because I want to make sure we can hold a public hearing today to hold a public hearing on version 2, which I'm happy to
speak about that. And then as we to bring a version 3 next week. But we can discuss based here tonight any amendment people want to bring. As Justin, I'm happy to speak to other patients who says and doesn't say that. Appreciate that. That's kind of I had some of the same questions around that eye as this is for awareness. That's helpful because I just noticed through $9,000 in one spot and $7,000 another spot. And so that the specific language concerns and then a little concerned about specific event names and organizers being listed in here because that would kind of be bypassing the criteria process by already naming them. And that's not something that we typically
do. We usually drink. 22, you know, within the budget and to like see processes and things like that. But I just would have more questions about that if we were moving this version. But it sounds like we're not moving this version. We're going back to version putting the public hearing and then we have more time to maybe be able to adjust go over this. Okay. Yeah, we're get. Thank you, MR. Beast. Yes. And just just to clarify, very open. I mean, our council wants to get these dollars at the door. And so I it's under my sponsorship because I didn't want to lose this opportunity again for another year to get this done. But I'm very open to folks. That's the resolution is trying to reflect. We discussed again in our APRIL policy committee meeting basically the way it would work is because if we want to make it as easy as possible for nation's to get the dollars when organizations apply for a special event
permit which they do to the police department. The idea is that there would b the 6 criteria would be checked boxes that organizations will check off that they meet them. So there will be no picking winners or losers for many of us from us, from the police, from anybody. It would just be if you meet the 6 criteria you get the credit and then the Office of Financial Services would send those dollars to the police department would say to that organization, your balance is you've got credit. You don't pay U.S. $7,000, less or half of your security voters less and to me the value of having the objective criteria rather than listing out these all organizations would qualify. So these are all the organizations that want to support. But I'm thinking about if a new organization comes to see pollen wants to have a festival next year that we
don't know about yet, right. And they they are based in Saint Paul. Their health within city limits the front open to the public and they're in an area of concentrated poverty. I we would want, I think, to support that festival. And just because we don't know about yet, doesn't mean it doesn't qualify based on these criteria. So I think the advantage to having. Criteria rather than that, all of these organizations would meet and we get the money is that it alows for and for organizations that we don't know that yet and festivals that we do know that. So again, I'm fit. And then I guess last thing I'll say is in terms of where it's held, where it's housed, mentions to councilmember early last year. Matters to me. Not at all. Were it housed in who runs it? But we need a department to be able to be willing to run it. And if we say we're going to
do it as a council, that means we need to have a staff person to do it. We currently don't have that staff person. If we say it's going to be in the ap's of financial services, they need to be willing to run it to this pint. We hve been able to identify department that is willing to run it. But the police department has said that they are happy to have people check those boxes and then get the money from the left. So this would be ready to go as of tomorrow. Inversion to it is ready. The application is ready to check boxes. Are there the dollars out the door if we want it, find somebody else to run into a different process. Someone just needs to be willing to do that and find that word that department or higher that staff person to do it. So again, my my goal is just to get this, get these dollars
out to the committee organizations that need them. Yes, it's just and I know that will be moving the version 3 next week. But just make sure I'm understanding because I wasn't here last year, either way, if the proposal is for the money to go to Austin to carry costs that and your costs are provided. As we heard of it, police department, presentations recipe is that true? Versions as can share initially, the security costs is the most important priority. But as we have heard from my community organizations. Many of choirs of cars from public works. Also, roadblocks, parades, parks and recs. They also fired across from. So - additionally was just like, how can we centralize and lower cost from city expenses as a whole. Police being one of the most like large us expenses fr community
organizations. Any other? Questions or discussion before open up the public hearing, ok? And it sounds like we will have further discussion about this next week. But for now, this is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak on this item? And I need to move version actually, all right. I'll move version too. Well for the public hearing. All in favor say Aye. I opposed 6 in favor. None oppose. The amendment is approved. All right. If you're here for this public hearing about. Donald Trump at once. Guys doing. City council members, thank you for the opportunity speak. My name is Bob Crews on the executive director, the West Side boosters, an organization that serve the West side and the city of Saint Paul over 55 years. Also a culture of the Cinco De Mayo Festival. The Mexican Independence Day festival. 2 of the largest Latino cultural celebrations
in the city in 2025 the West are to go to Mayo Festival along Brook 30,000 people from across the city, the state and the upper Midwest. It's celebrated the Latino culture strengthen community and generated real economic activity for the same poll. And yet every year becomes harder to make. These events have. Costs keep rising. Last year, single largest expense cried was the required contract with the Saint Paul Police Department. 74,000. Before that event, I met with council PRESIDENT Maker. I was promised around 20,000 to help cover, please cost followed up repeatedly. I was told the funds would be delivered by Cinco de Mayo. That event came and went the money never did. I was also told or be
connected to an to help move this forward. That never happened. And despite ongoing engagement with counsel and and clever groups was not informed about today's meeting. That matters because well, community leaders and organizers were left out proposal surface True Rowe Festival in security funding directly to the police department and said to the organization to actually producing these events. Let me be clear. That's unacceptable. Why is the city sitting on funds meant to support community event. Why our grass roots organizations being bypassed and who decided this without transparency. Public notice community input. Councilmember maker, you meet with me and our collective group every 2 weeks and no point were you told was I
told, but the funds might redirected. There were no community meetings, opportunity to speak. My community feels misled and deeply let Direct answer today. Where's the 155,000 allocated last year for festival support? Why did not reach community organizations and why was it not rolled over to support events like Cinco de Mayo? Mexican independence day and Ronald days, we have repeatedly raised concerns with top police about the high required PRESIDENT. The response has been consistent. Talked to City Council. Thank the neighbors. Organizations have funding to help bank. So here we are. We do the promises real support. We did not make clear answers. Think you one this morning the best option. Thank you, to have make sure to sign and thank you very much. Welcome Well, thank you for having
me and and thank you to council PRESIDENT Council members and I just really wnted to. - Say as people we hold the power because we are the ones just like all of you, we wake up, we go to wear. We do. Has to be done to make and we try to support each other as neighbors as we've done here in Minnesota you know, all of the things that's been taking taking place. I've seen a lot of people step up in ways that not seen him when if it's getting people, food, groceries are just really working together. And I think that love. Will help here a multitude of seeing. And I think that it's more
about being and having the ability to produce the love. So I think that I do like the idea of introducing new organizations and allowed organizations opportunity whether you know they were they don't have to be the 5 year Mark. But I do think that the police are already paid and police and community have not always had the greatest history. So I think that individuals should have freedom of choice, freedom to choose. Who do they feel would be best to secure or, you know, their festivals because we don't want intimidation trying to spread love and for our families like organizations with the Rondo Days where, you know, my child was able to dance in, feel free and have a. You know, opportunity, a voice or West side boosters where my child is able to play football
and be a part of something meaningful in the gentlemen. Is still the right principles and morals and my young man right. And so I just want to say. I hope we don't put this off to too long. I think I think that should definitely a priority. I think I'm glad that we are here with these funds. I love the idea of giving them out the door. But although it's a it together we can do this is very simple. We don't need police to make choices Thank you very much. Lost and found. thank you. Thank Council PRESIDENT And also council members. Thank you having us. I'm my name is with the United family here and Paul. Obviously you the reason why I'm here is because, you know, we hope to have the largest event in tie and it's call,
particularly for community. We have the International festival which happened said doing that. The joyful. If you find and also new right here, just couple blocks here at River Center. And security is has always been something that we treasure. But the last we know that The cause of security has gotten off tremendously last ship. Well, as from 25 to 2025, it got a probable 40%. And so when we looked at that, that's because all attendance from 2024. To 2025. We went 40,000 to 58,000 in attendance. Ad so with that, when we working with asked ppd, they knew that we had to increase the number of place and so present. So that's what we did. And that absolutely that is put in as I'm glad that you guys that
bring this up, that to the concert too. Well. And one of the thing is that not only that, but we have 3 tiers of security. We also have private security that comes in and then we have all most security group that also doesn't govern both about the events as well. So anything as you mentioned, accounts of all you men chelub it at every dollar really helps us not only that, but that what I when I look at the economic impact, a particular all events that we bring together, whether it's all Freedom Festival any other events. We bring in a lot of dollars ad in awful long time when we look at the economic impact that we bring to city of Saint Paul here, when we look at that, just that event itself, a principal 14 million
dollars into that city of Saint Paul. Not only that, but in terms of tax dollar, we bring up will 1 million dollars. And so that's tremendous. That saw I'm just looking forward to all the investment investment. But I have to and I hope that you guys will continue to have that investment for us. Thank you very much. Perfectly timed name Alexis. As a festival goer, I can understand the need for like security. Want to make sure everything runs very smoothly, but also as somebody yikes, cops legally they have to bipoc communities have to pay. The mp or the police department to. Give secure that. That's wild to because I always went to the festival's, assuming thank, you know, the protect and serve part of these police departments was was doing the drop as well to protect and serve these festivals in these communities
at the city allows these communities in these organizations to put on. And then I'm sure they're still paying like like no fees, any other kind of like micro fees that might be inside of there. So I'm just just a big advocate for not paying the police more for doing a job that they already do and honestly should just Par for the course. They are here to serve the community. They're here to help the community. They're here to especially help a community that Nate, they need to really start making amends with building bridges with because I know many, many, many people, they're still not ok and are still like a very big on like abolishing the police system in general. So this could have perhaps maybe they would take in consideration that to mend
Bridges. With that with the bipoc communities, especially. Thank you. Thank you very much. Hello, my name. Sentinel co-chair of the Cinco De Mayo. Next, an Independence Day talked a lot of people that run other festivals. When we talk about finances, when we talk about what we spend. They're kind of blown away some time because they can't they can't believe what we pay. They tell us the price is that their pain we tomo were pay and they they don't understand how there can be such a discrepancy. So when you talk about giving the power to the police and to the permits to have them hand out the money. Doesn't sit well with me. They've already proven that they're not as fair as they
can be. You know, like I said, the charge us differently. Charge everybody differently. I would love to see the city council disperse that money. I would love to see the transparency in how you do it. And I'm hping that the city Council, you'll fight for the sake of them. I fight for festival. We don't have anybody award to. That's fighting for us and fight for this community right now. So I'm going to ask council as a whole to fight for us. We need we need representation and we need somebody to fight for our sake my out because we don't have a right now. We're too. Thank you very much. Make sure to sign in. Well, come up. Members of the Council. My name is Bill McCollum and I'm director of government affairs. The same part of chamber. We have prepared remarks, but with a layover, people to
those changes are to for nuanced opinions on those. But I just wanted to that we value events and festivals. They always see te value. We know they bring in bring visitors support communities. So we want to say thank you for taking this up and considering it and we look forward to seeing the changes. Thank you very much. Make sure to send in. Good evening. And the or I'm in support of funny community. Let vote. And if it's across the city right now, a lot of us are carrying trauma. Were they having to hard times loss? Stress, violence, division and uncertainty. And while policies matter, sodas. So that's what holds people together in everyday life. Community events are one of the few places where people come together. Breathe aain. Remember that they are not
alone. These gatherings are not extra. They're part of killing there. Were we hover neighbors. Check on elders let our kids laugh and play. Families feel safe in public spaces. They preserve culture history and rebuild trust neighborhood. The neighborhood block to block These events also generate real economic activity. Income. They support local artists, vendors, small businesses and nonprofits, the act of a public space in positive ways instructing belonging. But as but it's getting harder to do the work cause keeps rising, especially safety and security. Organizations are doing their best to meet requirements to protect the public, but without support, many events won't survive. That's why it's important to fund these works in create long-term solutions as we continue to celebrate and Hill. I hope the city will explore established best deals and events credits creating long-term support for communities lead gatherings
that preserve history, economic activities in income and strengthen belonging because when our communities are hurting connection is not optional. It's necessary. Thank you very much. I'll just do one last call before, but think it's our last speaker. If there's anyone else here to testify on this item, please line up now, just so we know you're here. Well, come up. I think you. Sounds like you guys great opportunity to take power from the police and probably give it to the people. And sounds like the people have already done a great job of policing themselves even within their own communities. Forced by our hand, we did that. We made it to they had. So they had to protect themselves. So maybe it's time for them to get a little bit of a reward. For
the hard work they have done and maybe we can set the world stage. To show everybody what global culture looks like global celebration of global culture and we can all hang out together. Have a good time. And not the police and police ourselves because that's what community is. And the Twin Cities has already shown that. So. I think think we're all up for the challenge. Thank you. Start helping comfortable. Thank you very she can continue. Case stick, ok? So I'm gonna make a motion to cause a public hearing and we'll have some discussion all in favor say Aye. Aye. All posts 6 in favor. None opposed. The public hearing is closed. Thank you, council PRESIDENT. I want to say thank you to everybody who came testify. You have a question for you, director of You know, you have move on. We've got to be a conflict directors. They're
no longer chief budget officer. But you are the expert when it comes you know, I I budget and so are there. You mentioned a bit Apollo like actions like mayor can take and then the council as well. But I I think for me, I'm just wanting more clarity about that because my basically my interests is making sure that the dollars that didn't get rolled over from last year cn be tapped into and so cover stations the few with if you are House members here like my understanding is it will it went into the fund balance. And so can you expla if there's a way that we can we get those dollars back and then make sure that we utilizing it for this credit
here. It I clearly heard there's many organizations that how their guns they were hoping to get the credit. And I think there's a way for I hope there's a way for us to be able to make sure that they still get it for the events that they hold this past year. So is there a path just reiterate if there's a process for us retrieve those dollars again from last year? Thank you. Council PRESIDENT Ad council member Yang. So there's there's a couple components to this and so as it relates to the funding that was available last year, essentially the budget appropriation of the allocation cancels out. So you know, non use of funds in one areas, balance potentially by overspending in another. So what the process for amending the current budget because essentially every pass a balanced budget, revenue
matches expenditures under the charter. Mayor would have to identify that there is available resources that can be repurpose and then based on that can submit a, you know, a recommendation or a budget amendment to council as far as the use of fund balance. That is available resource. However, usage of fund balance is often governed by a specific considerations related to our credit rating. How much balance we carry? So i think as a first option would not be recommended out of fiscal prudence. However, that's not to say there can be other solutions proposed by mayor to make happen. Thank you. I appreciate that. And just wanting that I feel it's really important
for us on the council here. Not all of us, maybe a couple of us maybe has a PRESIDENT. You constantly since you have been taken lead taking a lead on this to connect with smear her aout this. So that would be request that I have. And I know I'm making te request that you need me. Te meeting like I'm happy to be there, too. But just want honor that. It's you who's been leading Thank you for your And yes and again, it was it was a surprise to me, too. When I learned that the dollars are going to go into fund balance and it wasn't in a special fund, my recommendation actually would be that we move these dollars into a special funds that they can roll over. And that's I believe that action that we can take. But happy if up with a man that I just want to say on to 2 things. Thanks to everyone again for coming out to the public hearing. I think just
to clarify in terms of where the money is going, there's there's 2 ways that we could give. We could lower the costs for festivals, right? We could write a check to the festival directly or we can tell them that they have to pay s that same amount less. Backfill that money by getting its police department. So the festival pays the same amount less or we write a check for the same. That it's the same thing. The difference is that for the festival itself, a lot of folks mentioned difficult it is to put on festivals for us actually have to write a check to a festival as much more working paper work on their end. As we all know for any time we've ever tried to do grants in the city with organizations. So this is an attempt to make it the same dollar amount, but easier on the festival to just not have to pay as much There's also an oversight requirement and version 2 that requires that the police department tell the council every time they do one
of these dispersants so that we can track and have that oversight accountability and we're keeping track. So the council is ultimately in charge. And finally, I understand there will be a version coming next week, as I said from the very beginning, I'm happy to get this done. However, we can get it done. I don't want to create false expectations for our community that so I don't want to pass a resolution that says something is going to happen if it's not ready to start happening as soon as we pass that resolution, if there's additional work to be done, national departments to contact because I'm going to have community members coming next year and saying you tld us you do that. Didn't happen. So whatever version is by next week, I just need to know that. The departments that are names, the processes that articulated ready to be rolled
out as soon as we pass that resolution version. 2, again is ready to go. If we pass. So any further conversation. Otherwise, we will leave matter over for a week. At that, take the motion for misleading thank you. I want to say in closing, we heard the room. If we are reading the room, I don't want us to be a prisoner to a failed process. And having expectations police department that has not been successful would actually ensuring that we can have events, community events without having the burden of of high police costs. There's a lot of intersectionality that comes into now whether or not we're going to actually be a city that really truthfully promotes and supports these cars, roll festivals. We have heard from some of our legacy festival organizers that they
don't feel supported by this leadership. And that is I take that seriously. It is really important that we are just. Sticking to a process because Burgess a slave to a process. We are let this be. We are elected to have a process to actually works for our people. And on some of the things I want to just echo that heard today. young young woman, believe word one would say how it's just a crazy process t have by 5 community members have to pay for police and I came into office. I was really shocked that we have about was 125 or believe 185. Dollars per hour per officer for event. And it's going to even it exacerbate depending on how successful they are with having attended. So I think we need t really
think out of the box. I am committed to talking with mayor her and making sure that near hurricane identify those funds. I think I already sent a e-mail to our office of Financial, our Chief Office of Financial Services, particularly asking for a budget amendment from the 155 k from the police Department back to office of Financial Services so we can recoup those dollars. I'm also committed to making sure that we don't have to get money to pay the police that the police live can have in their budget. 4 officers so work at community events. The police have the power to even wave all of these costs like that's where we need to be as a
council of thanking both mean, I get it not everybody is the year, but are communities under the stress and we have the power to use our policy tools budgetary tool to make sure that we're relieving our community. Members of this burning nation have to be wearing about raising funds to hire police officers bother under federal occupation and they have not supported it. Dollars. And if the council has the power and we have this budget and we have these funds, particularly even in pd, and excuse of saying that we just can't find someone to app. What managed funds cut a check process payroll. That's not an excuse we can that. Can that be the excuse?
We are not a change Kansas. Be chained to a process. We have to actually have the guts to lead and have the guts to direct. This counts or excuse me, this city in our directors and also our mayor to make sure that these dollars are out the door Cuncil member council PRESIDENT Maker. The reason why 1000 not get out the door because you're waiting around for police to create a system, create a process. And I told you from the get-go that this is the bill process, even the chief of police have said that is an ethical for him to decide who gets these funds. He said that to us time and time again. And you still try to move forward with the process that, you know. It's going to harm our communities and not set up support our communities. And I tried to be nice. I try be
diplomatic. really, really, really have tried. But I'm just getting so fed up. So fed up that I do not have you as a county are as a ally are as a partner to make sure that our community gets a finding the 3rd and they've been asking for and we cannot be dependent on build systems to actually help us. These dollars, like I said. Riposte revitalize our community festivals. We if the police was actually excited are wanting to support us. Actually wait the peace. And 2 is important to version. 3 and your plan next week. And I'll move weekly overall in favor. Say Aye. All 6 in favor not oppose.
The resolution is laid over to FEBRUARY. 11th item number. 21 is public hearing. 26 dash for public hearing and grievances about federal immigration operations. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak on this item? I think everyone knows the drill at this point. Just a reminder to minutes. Help me help you help us. And I'm Sarah Gardner live in Ward 7 and I'm asking council today to explore ordinance tat would prevent the city of Saint Paul, including a departments under council's authority. From employing individuals who previously worked for ice or a custom in customs and Border protection. This is about public trust and a line in our workforce with our values as
city that welcomes immigrants. I also just wanted to make a note that despite repeated requests, the mayor's office has not independent investigator to review help police department's use of force on NOVEMBER. 25th that Rose Avenue accountability requires timely and independent review. So thank you again for your continued work in that you do. But I do urge people to. The council to take action these items. Thank you very much. Sure sign it. Good afternoon. Good afternoon. Council members. My name is Donald Nally. I'm a proud Rondo resident. I'm here today because during the day and the Hennepin County saw for developer trying to serve residents and by night mentor Central Robotics. The minute bots else to coach soccer. If coach, that you really over
the past 7 or 8 years, I have 2 25 Central Grandin junior set to graduate in 27. I'm here because as a community member, I know our care. Our current environment is failing our children. Recently, JANUARY 20th actually lost instructional time with my students. We are interrupted because of to mask ice agents part in the dining parking Lot Central's overflow law. When they were already supposed to not be in. This wasn't just the parking issue. It was a disruption to terrorize. Their students didn't just affect robotics, impacted. The basketball teams and the many community groups that share school. Little bit later that evening, I found the same vehicle itself Oxford right across from the old jj Hill Building. Neighbors are already out watching. I
approached the car my camera. They strove my face with a flashlight to prevent me from recording and make it hard to see before they drove north towards Central High School. Again. This is the new normal. We're all being forced to navigate. During the day. Why should be focused on county work and literally wear a whistle ready to rush out to help a neighbor in distress at a moment's notice. At night instead of only coaching robotics or sports to the rec centers and forced to spend precious instruction time discussing emergency plans that really have no place in school. We need a formal policy that ensures every building where children gather from daycares to rec centers. To schools and hme through their bus stops is a safe space free fom intimidation. It's time we all tell ice they're unwelcome and need to
go home. It didn't exist before the Islamophobia of 2001. They don't need to exist. Now are schools deserve better than a smaller scar? They deserve safety. Thank you very much. I'm Maria. I'm a child care director owner in 45. I'm here today to focus on one grievance with federal immigration, which is the continue targeting of childcare schools and hospitals. I want to also know that what Councilmember Yang brought up about the charter being changed. We want we want ordinances to be in effect day one when they get passed by this council. Not in 30 days. We want say songs banning ice from childcare, schools and hospitals. This is not radical. It's in accordance with international law which declares access to education and medical care is a human
right. Every day since the first week of JANUARY, I drive to work. And I grabbed the steering wheel and I try not to check all of checks that are paying my phone. On a scale of one to murder How our ice agents behaving today in Saint Paul. Will today be the day that ice kidnaps a child for my son, a teacher apparent. Ice agents routinely circle my child care center. Were on lockdown 3 to 5 times a week. Children can't play outside. I don't want to hear that these ordinance our lives don't matter because ice doesn't follow them anyway or because maybe the federal government will sue us. We don't make laws for them. To protect criminals or the expectation that no one will ever break the law. We make them to draw a line in the sand to say here we do not
tolerate your violence here. We do not tolerate terrorism here. We protect the sick and injured and here we protect children. I urge the city council to continue to have bold leadership. And to continue to stand with us. And use the power that you do have to protect the people in Saint Paul, when you are deliberately slow and when you are silent, you are complicit in the violence that happens every day. Thank you. Thank you very much. Hello. I think everyone this meeting by now. I'm I'm still from Ward 6. And there's a lot of things I want to say about all of my grievance. And second, I that I keep showing up today. So a couple of things. People in community are getting texts and calls from unknown numbers telling them that they have
their children or they need to come outside or they must report to certain spaces if concerned about ice agents and federal law enforcement excuse me just in general to be able to be identified. It's going to be important for us to try to find ways to streamline the of kind of communications. What numbers are we getting phone calls from where people supposed to report to people actually report these issues. I have no idea as a community. We are starting to document that because obviously other people won't. The priority should be the public health and safety of people around us are basic needs being met. Can people go to school safely? Can they learn in times of trauma? We cannot integrate new information as we saw covid and we continue to see here we are today. Simple things like are street lights lit. I can't walk in m neighborhood without being afraid of being disappeared. I'm one of the people in my community that everybody knows they hear me. Tey know
missing and loud. But here's the thing. I can't walk around my own front for neighborhood. Sorry, I got The also. We're thinking about people going to food shelves. One of our community members with that haleigh que. Was abducted, trying to help our community get food. This is unacceptable. Having ice agents at our places of learning are getting our basic needs met medical institutions, not okay. Mayor Curry and the city Council should you already passed this resolution? Passed on. However, we need to be still pushing Governor Walz to not only signed the eviction moratorium, but also having a shelter in place for our community. We need to make sure that families and small businesses can stay in our homes. In JANUARY alone, I raised $10,000 in mutual aid. We can't be too sold out of Where we? Our community? Very exhausted. Do something. Thank
you so much. Let's just go back and forth. I think it's the side strict. It's like a four-way stop and the My name is Tony. Either the or one? We moved here about 2 and a half years ago from a small and very politically conservative town in West Michigan. We came here looking for a community that cared for all of its citizens, including and especially its most vulnerable. Shortly after we arrived, it was a city council election that was filled with optimism and the promise of making Saint safe. And for all. More recently, there was an election for mayor and I voted with confidence for mayor who would move us forward toward these ideals. I'm sorry to say that I stand here today. As I stand here today, my confidence and optimism are on decline. On a daily basis. I bear witness to
the fear and harm borne by the people who live and work here due to unlawful federal actions being carried out in our community, daycares and schools that require volunteers to shield children and adults from a duff abductions, hospitals that are caring for the ill invaded by ice and Border Patrol agents. Citizens for asking abducted on our streets. If we're honest, we all see it and fel it. Some brave citizens take action to protect our neighbors and feed them and shield them. Others respond to this fear to silence or hiding behind procedural. Procedure as political cover. Sadly,
have come to believe. That's some of on this council fall into that latter category. Hiding behind procedure as political cover. Many of us are here today to tell you we will not let you continue claiming that you are protecting vulnerable human beings at the same time, clearly enabling these fun. Lawful actions to harm. We want to separation ordinance now not peace mail. Now it's past time. The emergency is here and it's time to stand up for all of your citizens. Thank you so much. Ice sea of more maybe could leave it with us for us to read or feel free to e-mail. It is. Well, I'm sorry. I need you to stop nw. But if you have more written down that you want to share with us, you're welcome to leave that ok, thank you very much. Welcome
I am. So been a staple resident. We are wearing Tabor mouse to represent those who are in hiding and silenced by ice and to represent the city's response to ice fear is designed to make us comply. What you have before you as a council and the city is the hardest thing you'll ever have to do. It is far harder then saying no to an extension on a loan. The feds are here to make us terrified. They are here to sue the out of Saint Paul. And we still have to figure ot how we're going to protect each other. I'm sure you're as we areas I am as heartbroken as the rest of us. Your role as council members expect challenging during these turbulent times. And I sympathize with you on how hard that is. I must push you to fight harder. As a child care director learned
the hard way to plan for the worst when assessing risks. I don't look for what's possible and look for what is the worst possible outcome and plan for that. The city council, the mayor and the same police. Let's do the same. Let's be real mess to painfully with how slow the revision of the separation ordinance has been over the past 2 months. You have been fearful to plan for the worst and lead with the courage needed during this turbulent times. Meanwhile, Philadelphia, Chicago and her twin Minneapolis exceed Saint Paul and how they are limiting ice's ability to harm residents. The cities are willing to take risks to reduce the harm. We need and deserve the same courageous leadership in Saint Paul. And we need clarity from the council, the mayor and the
Saint Paul police and how you intend to protect us moving forward. From a residence perspective, we have seen of police assisting ice in harming its on residents. And we've heard mixed messages with the mayor's office, the council and the police. And we've seen the council advanced at a snails pace with no clarification as to why. My name is Beth and for more foreign, I see my 2 and its thank you. movement. And we need the Constitution. And we've seen the council at Van Susteren space with no clarification as to other cities stand up and do what is hard and what is right with the swiftness that we crave. So of course, were met. We do want to extend our collective power to give you
the courage to be brave and do what is right and exercise the full extent of your power to protect our most vulnerable, to be creative. And I daisha's and your willingness to protect us. So that's a Paul is a safe haven for human rights. That be on the 3 ordinances that are in motion. I appreciate those. And they're not enough. I understand that the council and the mayor are fearful of retribution and are dealing with current lawsuits with dhs. This is a fair concern and we should be mindful of it. However, litigation is unavoidable. You didn't start the Civil War. The PRESIDENT Did the only way to win. This is to love courageously and stand together in solidarity. Penguins know orcas know this
picks know this. We all know this minimizing the risk of litigation litigation for the City of Saint Paul will not save us. Think everything in our power to protect our most vulnerable. Well. Funding for ice will continue to search the current occupation will subside and return just a it did and will continue for the next 3 years. Now is the time to plan for the worst unite in our values. Our urge you to stand solidarity with Chicago, Minneapolis and Philadelphia. Chicago will fail on its own. Philadelphia. It only works when we fight back together, inaction and silence. Silence is compliance and compliance is violence. Do not let them win. Do not let them tear you. Internet connection, link arms
with Minneapolis, Chicago and Philadelphia and fiercely protect Saint Paul residents. Americans everywhere in our Constitution. Thank you. Thank you very much. My name is Theresa Raye and I am from One. I you Plus and everyone here again. And I want to continue. I want to encourage you to continue to listen one another. S and challenge each other just as the last set. We are asking so much of you. And we are also doing so much. We're so tired, but we are not going to give. I'm sorry that you went through what you had to go through this week. I'm terrified for children. Rp on covid scare in covid. Our safe place for Our homes. We get sick of our family. Just I was sitting here tonight. Video.
Of a family's home in Minneapolis. There was circled by I s within the past 9 minutes, agents were looking in the window. While people Thank GOD for the people who are filming. We're asking a lot of you. Silence from view. Which is procedure. Is compliance and Bulls find every single time I drive around and I see people patrolling schools, hospitals. Daycares. I'm ebarrassed and I'm thankful. So I want to ask you in my final 30 seconds challenge one, another. Disagree. Yet. This not in 30 days. Thank you Claire Moore won yeah, U.S. Have a tough job. You guys are people I would consider to
be really heavily protected the government. The reason we elected you is to be brave and to stand for us. And being brave doesn't matter in moments when it's easy. He was easy earlier. It was a know it was one minute one 0nd. Right now you have to change that. Sprint into a marathon. You have to be able to sustain that bravery. The you were able to show for your constituents who showed out for you. We are here today to show you that we want this week that this we need that separation ordinance. We needed to be stronger than these 3. Piecemeal pieces they've put out so far. It's tough. And it's it's not bravely gonna tz. And so I'm sorry to ask you to do more. I wish I could ask you to go get a nice
play. You know, to have a nice day on us. But what I have to ask you to do. Been standing in the back here for 3 hours ask you to do. Is to work harder and to that. Make that sacrifice. You are elected and that's a sacrifice. And I wish I could say that's the only sacrifice you have to make, but it's not. And it won't be. So we we desperately need the separation ordinance and the longer it takes no matter what you personally feel. The longer it takes, the more silent you are through procedure. The more you are. Engaging with the violence that's already happening against your constituents. Based on what you've all set. Based on what I know about you all as members of this council, you don't want that.
So much My name is Dan Doyle multifamily and commercial buildings in Ward 5. And te commercial real, they're serving small business primarily by park many of my clients have already been forced to close or lock their doors. And the long-term economic damage is real. Im here to stand with my neighbors were living under variable fear. I have lived under an authoritarian regime. I know what authoritarianism looks like. I have personally witnessed a snow My door and into my home and use intimidation and threats. They should be no nowhere near our children and are vulnerable. People. I am demanding ordinances related to preventing ice here and now not 30 days change the charter. Do what you need to do. Yes, ordinance is can be
amended. Yes, there MAY be lawsuits. Weeding perfection is paralysis every day of delay. Puts people at risk. We need immediate ordinance to keep ice away from schools, daycares hospitals, grocery stores, every essential part of daily life. We need this now and a minute later. Thank you very much. I think you Dustin Infirm or 2 but wasn't planning on speaking today. But I'm part of alocal group called neighbors helping neighbors protecting a We focus our attention supporting members of our community who are currently being impacted by the Occupy completion of ice. We all stand together to help each other. We all see the support of all you and our elected officials. To ensure safety. I understand city council is
working pass resolutions. It served to better protect us anis working within the boundaries of city charters that keep us safe from federal litigation. Unfortunately, we face an opponent right now who has no regard process rules or morality. We can operate under fear of litigation. They're counting on paralyzing. That's as you know as the process as it exists, currently is slow and this administration is escalating its efforts against Even as they say, they're withdrawing 700 customs and Border Patrol agents we've seen and use language like this to deceive us before and their occupation. That Whipple speaks for itself. We can't lower. Our guard must follow in the footsteps of cities like Chicago, Philadelphia and Minneapolis with publicly resolve to hold ice accountable. Now. Thank Thank you very much. Anyone cn come but please
come. was given is were to resident. I'd like to speak up about the critical importance and urgency of passing a comprehensive strengthening of the city separation ordinance for dad to prevent ice from using city resources to terrorize the city. I appreciate the progress made at today's meeting. But it is not enough. This council has been aware of the need to strengthen the 2004 separation ordinance since NOVEMBER. 2th. 2025 when ice was abducting Saint Paul residents from their homes and law enforcement, including the Saint Paul Police Department was using tear gas on assistance. Tat was 71 days ago. The reign terror that is known as Oeration Metro Surge officially started on DECEMBER. First 2025 that was 65 days ago. This council has
convened 7 since that. We anxiously the past 7 times. We've met here. Minneapolis updated their separation ordinance in responses to this unjust federal occupation and unanimously passed strengthen language on DECEMBER 11. 2025 that was 55 days ago. This council has met 5 times in this room since that day. We as citizens do not feel any sense of urgency coming from this council and the measures that you are proposing do not go far enough. We need more protections for our schools, our hospitals and our child care says everyday citizens across Saint Paul are rising up. Acting with the immediacy and courage that this moment demands of us. You need to follow our Ice is not their
borders to go on a hard copy before stealing our mothers, our fathers children from us is not toning down actions because about Today is FEBRUARY 4, 2026. And you guys are way behind. Thank you very much. My name or to Saint Paul resident. I'm here speaking in support of a comprehensive separation ordinance for the City of Saint Paul. The city Minneapolis passed a similar ordinance and it became effective DECEMBER. 20th almost 6 weeks ago. Now it is FEBRUARY. What is happening right now as we speak in the city of Saint Paul. We have Saint Paul citizens being illegally detained by ice despite having
a legal right to be here. We have Saint Paul citizens having first and 4th Amendment constitutional rights violated in front of the world. We have safe all citizens living fear. Terrified to leave their homes for fear of being detained by ice. We also have same all citizens out on the streets everyday alerting their neighbors to the presence o ice. We have saved all citizens out on the street every day observing documenting the terror they are bringing to Saint Paul. And let's not forget. We have safe all citizens supporting their neighbors every Food deliveries, help with rent. Help with Childcare Centre defending schools. So many other ways. Saint Paul
citizens are doing these things everyday nonviolently often at great personal risk to themselves. Until now. You all have done, frankly, very little. To advance a separation or U.S.. What are your current effort are gratify your past in action in action? It's shameful. The systems of Saint Paul's message is clear. Make this a priority, don't politicians step up and the members of the community, your community and yet this Dunn, thank you very much. All right. Looks like you might be our last test fires from anyone. Final call for anyone else wants to testify on this public hearing to line up. Great. Well connected. My name is Silas with for I wanted to echo. The call of testimony to ask you guys,
too, look at precedent and see what you can do. Push this through faster because, you know, 30 days is a lot of time for ice to hurt people. When these get past. And I did want to ask if we could perhaps look into an ordinance around identifying vehicles. Because I says changing vehicles to as a way to shield their movements and then especially if there could be something I don't know if this is possible, but if they can have tinted windows or not. Because ice comes up, you know, if if they if they identify themselves that we can see their vehicles, that does make it a lot harder to track movements. And I did want to say I'm sure this is not what any of you signed up when he
to be on the city council. And it's not fair that this is being asked of you. It's not fair that this is being of us, but this is what we have. And this is what we have to do. The rest of the country. Every other city council is looking at us to see how be able to mine. And we have to hold that line. Thank you all so much for being here tonight for waiting an extremely long time. Couple of the things that I'm taking away, always appreciate the opportunity to hear the sense of urgency. The call to keep going. Encourage meant the pushing tonight at her to new ideas, but some newer and some that we've heard a little bit before. But safe zones the idea identifying Cull identification as well as you know, looking at other cities for their specific examples of what we can do. I think all of
us at this table are committed to doing that. And that helps to have to my colleagues for any further comments before we continue the public. What this is a lot of you spoke about, how difficult this job is. And to be hnest, it's the honor of my life to serve you and the city of Saint Paul right now. So it's not difficult. We of political capital and who you choose to spend it on. And for me personally, and I know it's the for some of my colleagues, but particularly myself. I will spend every bit of political capital ensuring that we're protecting our and the All right. I'll tke a motion from is going to continue the public hearing all in favor say aye. All of us 6 in favor oppose the public hearings continue to FEBRUARY 11. We'll take a motion from his just to suspend the rules to consider
legislative hearing item. Early to be okay. 6 dash 7 all in favor say Aye. Post 6 in favor not oppose. The rules are suspended Arledge 26 Dash 7 appeal of minister Scarlet rose to a fire inspection report which includes condemnation at 7, 8, 7, how street north. This moment. Yesterday conducted a hearing an emergency basis for this property because of the extreme hazards that existed there. My recommendation to the council is to allow. Temporary, continued active and see pending 8th. And inspection. First thing tomorrow morning. By the Department of Safety and inspections. They will be sending out a fire inspector mechanical inspector. Others as needed. This was reported by the fire department in
terms of having significant issues on the interior. There's significant issues, including a 500 pound propane tank to generators operating to provide elected to the House the only reason I'm recommending this instead of an immediate think it is because yesterday morning. The property did have its gas and electric reestablished. And so this gives and there are 24 hour window. It would have been today. But for the dsi retreat that's happening today. I would like you if you to adopt this resolution, which gets clear direction that the Department of Safety and inspections could and issue an emergency. They can't order should that be necessary and that the council can. Review this appeal under separate resolution next Wednesday. Take a motion to
that effect common. And we will hold a public hearing. Anyone here to speak to the side. Seeing out a question from his comment to approve legislator hearing officer's recommendation. All in favor say Aye. Aye. All opposed 6 in favor, not oppose. The resolution is adopted legislative hearing consent agenda items. 22 through 32 over for you for your consideration. Anything for separate consideration moment. I'm not aware of anyone to testify and another item then this is a public hearing on all of the items. 22 32, if you are here on any item between 22 and 32, this is your public hearing, sir. Please come on up now. And just let us know which item of this. I believe that this would item number. 25 regarding
Four-thirty Dale. And we'll just read that into the record and item number. 25 is our lakes are a 25 dash 28 ordering the rehabilitation are raising in the rubble of the structured four-thirty Dale Street north. Within 15 days after the OCTOBER 22nd. 2025 City Council public hearing. Representatives about with Islamic Center did come to the city council about a month ago. I would say and demonstrated that they had funds sufficient to rehabilitate the structure. Have since determined that they would prefer to move forward with the demolition of the indicated that in writing to me. And that's attached to the record. Therefore, my recommendation is removal left this building within 15 days
and there was no opposition. The thank us for months. This is a public hearing coming up. You guys do sleepy. People think someone's going to tell us to go get ice ad on senator and I'm member of Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church. We have 5.85 fuller and we're directly east of that property that is being spoken on. I just want to say thank you. This has been a process where we've had to learn and along with the legislative hearing, officer learned this whole process a walk into this. This property. And the fact that we've had to do that and mainly here. We've learned a lot from it and we've shared a lot of the process with our other mainly nonprofits and other churches and stuff that might have similar properties and things to to So I can.
It's just a thank you. Whatever ends up happening. I would not pick up the trash. And we're good. Thank Thank you. Thank you so much for taking time and waiting for so long to say that that a nice note to end on. Is there anyone else here to speak on this item? Seeing none. I'll take a motion from is going to close the public hearing all in favor say Aye. I'll post 6 in favor pose. A public hearing is closed as Thank you, council PRESIDENT. I have a question for hearing officer particularly around the process knowing that there isn't any opposition to what this is close out this hearing item, or would there be any further action to take? Any further action? If the council votes to. approve this resolution. There would be no further action for the council to take if there were really have in
front of you, there would be a follow-up resolution 6 months from now to determine the progress o that because its demolition, received their that way. I can tell you in terms of next steps. That the Department of Safety inspections does have bids because they let it forbids last year before we knew that there was financing available. They do need to process and requisition. But the sun is that goes through. They're ready to go. So in the event that the center doesn't initiate demolition on, it's on the city is ready to go to proceed. Take a motion from this belief of us that check. any discussion. All in favor say Aye. I post 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted.
Take a motion from his comment about a legislative hearing agenda with all of the additions and changes - recommendations of Lesley Herring. Officer all favor say Aye. I post 6 in favor. None opposed the legislative hearing. Consent agenda is adopted as amended brings us to the end of our agenda. My a home. But in his new one has some super juicy news. I don't want to stop here. I want All right. Sorry. Just had to get my papers ready. I do have an image to share at the front voice activated projector which should start warming up. I wanted people to know that we East side neighbors coming together. They'll be at Lake Phalen this Saturday, a meting at 05:00pm because they're going to I write out this year, Minnesota is greater than ice with own hearts and here over at Lake Phalen and there's going to be.
Maybe like drone or to aerial view of this. And I seen so many Virgin's of this at different lakes to it. It's beautiful. It is resistance, solidarity for people who are hurting so you with as a result of all federal immigration operations happening. And so I urge people go and you can please bring your own lights lighters as well. That's be all about unity. Free offered for everybody of all ages. So on the other thing, I wanted to share that on that same day Saturday for a 7th 10:00am we're inviting everybody to. Coming up, our positivity know which is a small on Payne Avenue have ay vendors inside. Facing major challenges because of the because the operation
Mitchell's a surge. And so we want to encourage people to attend. There's going to be food music community. Think the relief and asking people to purchase from the businesses and show support that way. Thank you so much. Appreciate sharing that. I love the idea of that the lakes that's going to be Any final illness. Doesn't look like it. Thanks for their productive meeting.