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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 11, 2026 City Council Regular Meeting MinutesA B. CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS Regular Meeting of the City Council City Hall 2077 W est Larpenteur Avenue MINUTES February 11.,2026 at 7:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER: 7:04PM ROLL CALL: GUSTAFSON X MAY X MOGEN X MIELKE X WASSENBERG X STAFF PRESENT: LINEHAN X C. APPROVALOFAGENDA Councilmember Wassenberg motions to approve the agenda; Approved 5-0 PRESENTATION APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1. January 28,2026 City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes 2. January 28,2026 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Councilmember Wassenberg motions to approve the meeting minutes; Approved 5-0 F. PUBLIC HEARINGS: CONSENT AGENDA: 1.. General Disbursements through 2/5/26: $118,354.66 Payroll through 1 / 29 / 26 $24,108.90 Wire Payments throughl, / 29 / 26: 916,340.42 2. Approval of City Licenses 3. Approval of Public Works' Purchase of a2017 Elgin Pelican NP Street Sweeper 4. Approval of General Fund Budget Amendment for Share of City of St. Anthony Village Police Departrnent Purchase of Axon Body-Worn Cameras Mayor Gustafson motions to approve the consent agenda; Approved 5-0 POLICY ITEMS: 1,. Consideration of Ordinance26-0'i. Amending Chapter 2 of the Falcon Heights City Code Conceming Stewardship of Community Resources Linehan explains that, following previous discussions by the council and per the attomey's advice, staff brought forward a draft resolution and ordinance. The adopted D. E. G. 4 H: a a a Resolution explains the values and explains the city's stance and is the precursor for the Ordinance. The Ordinance will codify this and create regulations around city resources and property that are to be used for non-discriminatory purposes. Adoption of the ordinance would allow the city to install supplemental signage. The ordinance will clearly define that any violations are enforced through the City Attorney's office, which can issue a cease and desist to the appropriate federal agency, which helps build a case. The city received 17 written comments, which were included in the agenda packet. Gustafson and Wassenberg read the written comments received into the record. Mark Miazga and Linda Starr - 1898 Pascal Street My wife and I fully support this effort. Our son as well. We'te proud that Falcon Heights leadership is pursuing this and helping the community cope through what action they can do. As for our family, this has impacted us through friends we know that are here legally that are being pursued as well as our son who was tear-gassed while peacefully protesting. Matt Kokotoaich - 1896 Sheldon St I suppoTL AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE FALCON HEIGHTS CITY CODE CONCERNING STEWARDSHIP OF CITY RESOURCES Sharon Preaes Greetings, I am a proud resident of Falcon Heights and am writing in strong support of passing this ordinance. I unfortunately can't make the public hearing on February 11, so please use this email to record my support. Thank you for your important work in keeping our community and neighbors safe! AnnikaWills Dear City leaders, I am writing in support of the proposed ordinance amending Chapter 2 of the Falcon Heights City Code regarding the stewardship of city resources and immigration enforcement. I appreciate the City Council's commitment to public safety, responsible governance/ and the well-being of all residents, regardless of immigration status or national origin. This ordinance would help build trust between the city and our community while ensuring city resources are used appropriately and lawfully. Thank you for inviting public input and for your leadership on this urgent, important issue. Maion Dane Bauer - L884 Albert St. N You are doing the right thing! I am very grateful. MaryCatherine Steuens Back 100%! Kay All the ordinances in the world don't help if there is no help That is the issue a a a 5 a a Karen Kloser Dear council members: I applaud our city council for this proactive amendment to the City code to help safeguard FH residents from the rampant abuse, unlawful detainment and arrest of people based on their skin color, accent or residence. DHS unleashed on us poorly trained and armed domestic terrorists in the form of ICE and executed US citizens for all the world to see. Thank you for your service to your constituents. Bob Olsen Thank you for the opportunity to respond to this Resolution. I would encourage taking a longer, comprehensive look at the wording. TODAY it's the federal immigration issue. How can it be worded to encompass other federal overreach in the future? Michael Palus So what Falcon Heights DEMOCRATS are saying is that they support 40,000 to 80,000 Illegal/Criminals coming into Minnesota. And you're going to copy the ANTI-ICE ANTI-TRUMP MESSAGE OF WALZ AND KLOBUCHAR AND ELLISON. SHAME ON YOU!!! Sarah Richter I support the creation of this new ordinance. lenniferWick Hello, I am emailing with a comment/concern regarding the following statement seen on the Falcon Heights FB page. My concern is with the vague part at the end- "or similar lawful authorization." What I fear is that federal immigration enforcement will use that vague line to claim they have lawful authorization. PLEASE leave that part out of the ordinance and only say "unless authorized by a judicial warrant or subpoena." Barbara Leary - L382 Iozna Aae. W. Dear Falcon Heights City Council, It sives me sreat oleasure to sive mv blessins and support of Resolufion26- 12, Af,firming Community Values and City Action Related to Immigration Enforcement and Responsible of Citu Resources. This resolution reminds me of why my family chose to make our home in Falcon Heights fifty-five years ago. This resolution is not just about how our city streets and public spaces are used, but it is the moral high ground to what has been taking place in our great State of Minnesota. Know that your efforts and thoughffulness on this topic are much appreciated and worthy of the great praise that is heaped upon your efforts in keeping our community safe and informed. Please add my name to the list of community members who support Resolution 26.12. Robert Goede - 1961 Summer St I can not attend the city meeting on Wednesday, February 11th. I am in full support of the ICE ordinance not allowing mobilizing on city property. a a a a 6 a Thank you for protecting our city a lames Colten - 1760 Tatum St. Council Members, I am writing for myself as well as my wife Susan (who receives a copy of this). We wholeheartedly approve of your recent adoption of Resolution2S-12, affirming the City's commitrnent to public safety and the well-being of all residents and visitors, regardless of immigration status or national origin, and outlining the responsible use of City resources. We also are encouraging an affirmative vote on an ordinance to prohibit the use of City property or resources for federal immigration enforcement activities unless authorized by a judicial warrant subpoena, or similar lawful authorization. Gustafson opens the item for public comment. Mark Hoae - 1-824 Tah.tm St. Mark believes some federal agents have been stepping beyond their legal rights and sees the city's actions as a response to keep federal agents within constitutional limits. He is in support of the resolution. Ginny Allen - L490ldnho Aae.W. Gi*y is fully in support of the ordinance. She wonders how cease and desists orders might be more effective than local public safety officers asking federal agents to leave Sue Hageness - 1824 Arona St. Susan fully supports this initiative but suggests tightening up the language and wonders if agents can get the federal agents' names but wonders if more can be done to protect people other than a cease and desist. Carl Iman - 1824 Arona St. Carl supports the initiative. Curious how restricting the use of public property applies to public city streets. Gustafson closes the public comment and moves to council comments. May wonder if small wording changes on the ordinance can be done without legal review. Mogen notes they discussed with the City Attomey the issue of street vs. parks and explains that parks are considered property, whereas streets are right-of-way, artd access can t be restricted similarly. Because park property is different from someone's home, the language around what authorization is required is more limited, but follows recommendations by the city attorney. May suggests a wording change and wonders about the prohibited use of city resources in relation to data requests from the federal govemment. Linehan explains that under the Minnesota Data Practices Act, the city has to provide access to public data regardless of the requester's identity. The city does not collect immigration data. May understands the need for a cease-and-desist order to create a formal record but expressed concem that it does not address the immediate public safety issues related to ICE presence on City property. She emphasized the importance of clearly communicating to residents what actions they can expect from the Police Departrnent. Linehan reiterates that the goal of the St. Anthony Department (SAPD) is public safety. While recognizing the community's frustratiory he noted that the City's authority is limited and that the proposed action represents the strongest option available to protect residents within those limits. May asked whether the Police Deparfrnent's responsibilities and policies could be clearly communicated so residents can better understand potential risks and 7 a a a a know what to expect when calling 911. Mogen adds that the City cannot guarantee specific actions based on hypothetical scenarios. May May suggests outlining SAPD's responsibilities, authority, and policies so residents can make informed decisions. Linehan responded that SAPD's policies are publicly available online and are followed in daily operations. He confirmed that officers will continue to respond to calls for service while being mindful of obstruction issues and legal considerations. He also shared thathe has communicated the community's interest in further dialogue to SAPD, and the department is open to participating in community conversations. Gustafson added that the City is establishing clear boundaries within its legal authority, as recommended by the City Attornep to protect the City's interests and position it appropriately should litigation arise. Councilmember Mogen motions to adoptOrdinance and Summary Ordinance26-01" Amending Chapter 2 of the Falcon Heights City Code Conceming Stewardship of Community Resources; Approved 5-0 2. Approval of Resolution26-13 Authorizing the City to Join the Nonpartisan Coalition of Cities for Safe and Stable Communities Linehan explains fhatl2metro cities got together and formed a coalition, a bipartisan effort to rebuild community trust and bring back public safety. The coalition hired a lobbying advocacy group, which will be lobbying at the state and federal levels to get additional support around lawless actions that have occurred in these cities. 2 ways to join. Become a free member to show support or cities can show financial support and become participants. The cost to join would be around $5,000. As more cities join, the cost to participate becomes lower. Mostly to support lobbying and communication support and have a bipartisan focus on swing districts. Mielke notes that since the 12 started it more cities are joining, up to 20 now. There is power in numbers. May wonders how funds are used, is it for staff to coordinate between cities? Linehan notes yes, for intergovernmental coordination. Mogen is in support of participating; he feels it's problematic to pay a similar fee as larger cities. Linehan, it is a flat rate; the cost is not increasing. Gustafson inquires if a city could join as a supporter and then later join as a participant by paying the fee. He feels $5,000 is a high amount for a city of our size. Linehan notes we can negotiate the fee. Mielke is in favor of joining and can leverage the staff size of the other cities. Mogen wonders about the goveming board of the coalition. May suggests joining, and Wassenberg agrees, as getting support from both parties will be key in stopping the current situation. Mielke notes that this feels like an action the city can take. Councilmember Mielke motions to approve Resolution 26-13 Authoizrngthe City to Join the Nonpartisan Coalition of Cities for Safe and Stable Communities; Approved 5-0 I: INFORMATION / ANNOUNCEMENTS May explains the Environment Commission had a joint meeting with the Parks and Recreation Commission to leam about each other's goals and the Community Garden, and the possibility to expand. The remaining plots will be put into a lottery, which will also allow us to assess the demand. The Environment Commission is hosting the second Sustainability Fair on April 18. 8 Wassenberg attended the municipal finance conference by Ehlers, which is also the finance consultant for Falcon Heights. Mielke attended the NineNorth board meeting. The Community Engagement Commission held a work session to discuss brainstorming goals and missions. She was also onboarded on the University's Good Neighborhood Fund Board. Mielke is grateful for the opportunity to attend the League of Minnesota Cities' experienced elected training session. Mogen attended the newly elected training by LMC, along with May. He congratulates people for attending their caucuses. The Planning Commission will meet next Tuesday, Gustafson attended the joint meeting of the Parks and Recreation and the Environment Commission. He encourages residents to apply for a garden plot tfuough the lottery. Linehan adds that the Community Park Renovation is working on sewer and water connections and getting permitting from the state. The city issued a building permit for a new restaurant in the former Sumo and Smoh restaurant space on Hamline and Hoyt Ave. Public Works continues to flood the rinks, but the ice skating season is slowing down. 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 clarifcation, but no council action or discussion wiII be held on these items. K:CLOSED SESSION a. Closed Session to review confidential or protected nonpublic appraisal data and to discuss offer for the purchase of real property located at-1,407 Larpenteur Avenue, in Falcon Heights, pursuant to Minn. Stat. 13D.05 Subd. a(c)(1) and (2). Councilmember Mogen motions to enter a Closed Session; Approved 5-0 L: ADIOURNMENT:9:11p.m. Randall C. Dated lltt day of 2026 I Jack Administrator