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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 28, 2026 City Council Regular Meeting MinutesCITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS Regular Meeting of the City Council City Hall 2077 W est Larpenteur Avenue MINUTES January 28,2026 at 7:00 P.M. A. CALL TO ORDER:7:04PM B. ROLL CALL: GUSTAFSON X MAY X MOGEN X MIELKE -X- WASSENBERG_X- STAFF PRESENT: LINEHAN X ASANI X C. APPROVALOFAGENDA Mielke suggests amending the agenda. Gustafson adds Policy ltem 3. Discussion on Joining Amicus Curiae Brief in Support of State of Minnesota and City of Minneapolis, St. Paul, Preliminary Conjunction from Suburban Cities Against the Federal Govemment Regarding ICE. Councilmember Mielke motions to approve the amended agenda; Approved 5-0 PRESENTATION 1. Presentation by the State Fair Task Force - Final Report to City Council Linehan explains that the State Fair Task Force members are here to present their final report. McGarthwaite provides a background on why they reconvened again, to improve the quality of life of residents during the State Fair. They focused on safety, parking, traffic, and neighborhood relations. They conducted an annual post-State Fair survey, and the 2025 results show improvement over 2024. McGarthwaite highlights the Task Force's accomplishments and explains that they implemented the pay-by-mobile program with the goal of safer streets and to recover costs. As a resul! there was a $49,000 net surplus, which led to a 2% reduction in the 2026 property tax levy. Residents reported safer and quieter streets. There was a strong coordination with the St. Anthony Police Departrnent. Improvements identified for 2026 are more visible and clearer signage, improved communications, exploring pedestrian safety improvements at key crossings, and continuing to track noise and resident concerns. Final recommendations are to continue the pay-by-mobile program, advance the administrative citation process, finalize commercial parking lot licensing, and transition the Task Force to an as-needed advisory group. Mayor Gustafson and the Council thank the Task Force for their work, final report and agree that the State Fair experience has improved significantly, Councilmember May motions to accept the State Fair Task Force Final Repor! Approved 5-0 D 10 F. G E. H: APPROVAL OF MINUTES: L. December 22,2025 City Council Special Meeting Minutes 2. January 7,2026 City Council Special Workshop Meeting Minutes 3. January'1"4,2026 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Councilmember Wassenberg motions to approve the meeting minutes; Approved 5-0 PUBLIC HEARINGS: CONSENT AGENDA: 1. General Disbursements through 1,/23/26: $265,425,03 Payroll through 1, / 15 / 26: 922,567.15 Wire Payments through 1, / 15 / 26: $153,563.10 2. Approval of Resolution26-07 Accepting Donation from Falcon Heights/Lauderdale Lions Club 3. Approval of Resolution26-08 Appointing Mark Miazga to the Planning Commission 4. Approval of Resolution26-09 Appointing Erica Bjelland to the Environment Commission 5. Approval of Resolution26-10 Appointing Naomi Loud Heinsch to the Parks and Recreation Commission 6. Approval of Resolution26-1'1. Declaring the Public Works F-250 as Surplus to Sell to Purple Wave Auction 7. Approval of the City of Falcon Heights 2026Pay Equity Report Submission Mayor Gustafson motions to approve the consent agenda; Approved 5-0 POLICY ITEMS: 1. Consideration of Resolfiton26-l2Affirming Community Values and Stewardship of Community Resources Amidst Immigration Enforcement Operations Linehan explains that on January 'l-4, the council reviewed current practices, but as this develops day-to-day, staff and council continue to work tfuough, and direction provided was to bring forward a resolution and ordinance related to the use of city resources for federal immigration enforcement. This resolution affirms the city's values, provides history and direction that feeds into an ordinance, which has more enforcement ability, and highlights that the City of Falcon Heights does not participate in or carry out civil immigration enforcement. Gustafson reiterates that the city's values are that we are committed to serving all residents and visitors with dignity, respect and fairness, and fostering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive community. He highlights previous actions the City Council has taken related to federal immigration enforcement, outlined in Resolution26-12, with an effort to reduce community fear, restore trust, and provide clarity for City staff, elected officials, residents, and law enforcement partners regarding permissible uses of City property. The proposed ordinance will be posted on the City Website for review. In the next meeting, the City Council will be looking for public comment. Mogen adds that the language in the resolution is designed to support the ordinance the council is going to consider and ensure it is enforceable and not overturned when challenged. 11 Mielke notes this is one action the council is taking, but they will continue to take action, as the immigration enforcement activity is not decreasing. Councilmember Mogen motions to approve Resolution 26-12 Affirming Community Values and City Action Related to Immigration Enforcement and Responsible Stewardship of City Resources as amended Approved 5-0 The Council provides staff with directions related to the proposed ordinance, and they prefer allowing public comments. May wonders about a conversation with the St. Anthony Police Department regarding the ordinance. Linehan suggests having small group conversations or hosting a community engagement sessiory similar to the City of St. Anthony. Everyone is trying to learn from each other. Mogen is hesitant and believes that because they are a contracted entity, any questions and concerns for the police departunent need to be funneled through the city council. May agrees and is looking for clarity in the police's role in relation to the proposed ordinance. Council discusses the FAQ St. Anthony Police Department posted on their website related to federal immigration enforcement. Mogen adds this and their entire policy manual is available on the St. Anthony Police Department website. Mayor Gustafson motions to post draft ordinance 26-0L on the City Website and post it as a public comment policy item at the February 11 City Council Meeting; Approved 5-0 2. Appointment of Acting Mayor Gustafson proposes Jim Wassenberg to be the acting mayor for 2026 Mayor Gustafson motions to appoint Councilmember Jim Wassenberg as Acting Mayor; Approved 5-0 3. Discussion of Amicus Curiae Brief in Support Of Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction From Suburban Cities Against the Federal Government Regarding Federal Immigration Activity Linehan apologizes for the last-minute addition, but the deadline to file is tomorrow. Initially, the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, and the Attorney General's office, started the lawsuit related to the use of city property. City Attomey Asani explains that if the city were to sign on to this brief, it would not make the city a part of lidgation; it simply expresses support. The focus of this brief is a temporary restraining order targeted at court and prosecution-related issues with ICE enforcement. Councilmembers continue to discuss and clarify language in the brief. Linehan wonders about risks for the city. Asani notes, it would draw attention from the federal government to Falcon Heights. 12 Councilmember Mogen motions to join the Amicus Curiae Brief in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction from Suburban Cities Against the Federal Government Regarding Federal Immigration Activity; Approved 5-0 I: INFORMATION / ANNOUNCEMENTS: May explains that she is the liaison to the Environment Commission, which met and reviewed their goals and standing rules. They are also working on creating a subcommittee that will focus on the Climate Action Plan. Wassenberg welcomes former Councilmember Mark Miazga to the Planning Commission. Mielke notes there was a Renters' Rights Workshop where a HOME Line attorney was present. They offered an English and Somali session. She is the new liaison to the Community Engagement Commission, and they discussed how to bring new life into the commission. They voted to hold a work session to discuss ideas and a plan. She asks the Council if they could discuss a way to cover towing expenses for individuals who have had their cars towed by ICE. During COVID, there was an eviction moratorium, and this is needed again as people are afraid to leave for their jobs and are unable to collect a paycheck. Mielke encourages contacting the Govemor. Mogen is the liaison to the Planning Commissiory and they met to discuss their goals. 2 committees will be created for the Les Bolstad Golf Course Project: A Citizen Advisory Committee and a Technical Advisory Committee in the following months. The developer of Larpenteur Senior Building, formerly known as Amber Flats, will have a neighborhood meeting on February 4.Lastly, the Planning Commission will continue to work on the updated City Code and provide a summary of the Transition Town eventheld at City Hall related to the Les Bolstad Golf Course development. He thanks everyone who has helped out regarding ICE intrusions. Gustafson is the liaison to the Parks and Rec Commission, and they are having a joint meeting with the Environment Commission. They also discussed their goals and standing rules. Mogen also thanks everyone who applied for the Planning Commission. Linehan explains that City Mayors and Managers had a meeting with Congresswoman Betty McCollum regarding the federal updates. Public Works worked on an innovative projec! the leftover water tank that was used to water gardens at Community Park this past summer was repurposed as a brine applicator. \ /hich helps prevent ice from forming and is better than using salt. They also received the new electric Ford F150 lighting. In finance, they have moved to a third-party payroll provider. J: COMMUNITY FORUM: Please limit comments to 3 minutes per person. Items brought before the Council will be referred for consideration. Council may ask questions for claifcation, but no council action or discussion will be held on these items. 13 J Signe Nestigen - 1.447 Iowa Ave. Question around the Amicus Brief. She thanks the City Council for the work they are doing. She notes that 11 mayors from other metro cities submitted a letter to the editor in the Star Tribune and suggest joining and submitting a letter to the St. Paul and Minneapolis paper to show we all stand with each other. Mark Hove - 1824 Tatum St. He thanks the councif s efforts for creating a safer community. He believes the resolution passed will set precedence. \ /hile it could draw negative attention, surrounding communities stand with you. K: ADJOURNMENT:8:13 PM Councilmember Mielke motions to adjoum the meeting; Approved 5-0 Mayor Dated this 1Ltt' day of Februaty,2026 Administrator 14