HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 22, 2026 CC Workshop PacketCITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
City Council Special Workshop
City Hall
2077 West Larpenteur Avenue / Zoom* *Some members of the City Council will be attending via interactive technology, in accordance with MN
Statutes Sec. 13D.02. Public comment or participation will not be available for remote attendees. Link to
Zoom meeting below.
AGENDA
June 22, 2026
6:00 P.M.
A.CALL TO ORDER:
B. ROLL CALL:GUSTAFSON____ MAY___
MIELKE___ MOGEN ___ WASSENBERG___
STAFF PRESENT: LINEHAN___
C.POLICY ITEMS:
1.Proposed Changes to 2026 Fee Schedule (6:00 P.M.)
2.Coalition for Safe & Stable Communities Phase II Consideration
(6:20 P.M.)
3.Other Council Topics & Future Agenda Item Discussion (6:40 P.M.)
CI.ADJOURNMENT:
DISCLAIMER: City Council Workshops are held monthly as an opportunity for Council Members to
discuss policy topics in greater detail prior to a formal meeting where a public hearing may be held and/or action may be taken. Members of the public that would like to make a comment or ask questions about an
item on the agenda for an upcoming workshop should send them to mail@falconheights.org prior to the
meeting. Alternatively, time is regularly allotted for public comment during Regular City Council
Meetings (typically 2nd and 4th Wednesdays) during the Community Forum.
Falcon Heights Meetings is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota __________________________
Item Proposed Fee Schedule Amendments
Description
With the adoption of our administrative citation ordinance, City Council is asked to
discuss the proposed fee structure and provide guidance to staff on how to frame the
fees. We would bring this back on July 8th for approval.
As we are amending the fee schedule, we are also looking to create fees for the
Community Park Shelter rental, our commercial lot license (coming in July for
approval; requires planning commission zoning change to allow parking as a special
use in the zoning districts) and a clarification of our credit card fees.
Staff is primarily seeking feedback on the administrative citation fees, but will also
receive feedback on other fees as well.
Budget
Impact
N/A
Attachment(s) • Proposed 2026 Updated City Fee Schedule (draft)
Meeting Date June 22, 2026
Agenda Item Policy C1
Attachment Proposed Schedule
Submitted By Jack Linehan, City Administrator
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Proposed 2026 Fee Schedule To Be Adopted by City Council 7/8/2026 S:\Fee Schedule
CITY OF FALCON
HEIGHTS
Proposed 2026 Fee Schedule
A. LICENSES
1. Business Licenses
Item Fee
Bus Benches (Courtesy) $ 50.00 per bench
Gasoline Station Operator License
Fewer than 15 hours $ 100.00
15-20 hours $ 400.00
20 hours or more $ 500.00
Municipal Business
10,000 sq. ft. or less $ 100.00
10,001 sq. ft. or more $ 200.00
Precious Metal Dealer
Investigation fee/general $ 1,500.00
Investigation fee/MN only $ 500.00
License fee $ 2,000.00
Restaurant
Lunchroom $ 50.00
Fewer than 15 hours $ 100.00
15-20 hours $ 400.00
20 hours or more $ 500.00
Therapeutic Massage License
Investigation fee $ 350.00
License fee $ 100.00
Home Occupation License $ 50.00
Retail Grocery License $ 50.00
Holiday Tree Sales License $ 50.00
Car Wash License $ 50.00
2. Liquor Licenses
Item Fee
Bottle Club $ 300.00
Liquor, Off-Sale $ 310.00
Liquor, On-Sale $ 4,000.00
Liquor, Special Event $ 25.00
Liquor, Sunday $ 200.00
Malt Beverage, Off-Sale $ 150.00
Malt Beverage, On-Sale $ 500.00
Malt Beverage, On-Sale
(with wine license) $ 1.00
Wine License $ 2,000.00
Temporary Liquor License $ 50.00
Background Checks (per license) $ 500.00
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3. Other Licenses
Item Fee
Amusement machines (per machine) $ 30.00
Tobacco $ 250.00
Contractor licenses $ 35.00
Peddlers and solicitors
(For profit) $ 25.00 per individual
(Charitable) Free, but license still required
Pedicab $50.00 per pedicab
$25.00 per driver
Refuse Haulers $ 100.00
Low-Density Rental License $ 50.00/per unit
High-Density Multifamily Rental License
5-19 units per building $ 150.00
20-49 units per building $ 200.00
50-99 units per building $ 250.00
100+ units per building $ 300.00
Re-inspection
(due to initial recheck failure or a no-show) $ 100.00 per occurrence
Cannabis Business Registration
(Initial) $ 500.00
(Renewal) $ 1000.00
Lower-Potency Hemp Edible Retailer Business Registration
(Initial) $125.00
(Renewal) $125.00
Commercial Parking Lot License $35
B. PERMITS
1. Building permit fees:
Value Range Fee
$1.00 - $500.00 $29.50
$501.00 - $2,000.00 $28.00 for first $500, $3.70/each additional $100, to and including $2000
$2,001.00 - $25,000 $83.50 for first $2000, $16.55/each additional $1000, to and including $25,000
$25,001.00 - $50,000 $464.15 for first $25,000, $12.00/each additional $1000, to and including $50,000
$50,001.00 - $100,000.00 $764.15 for first $50,000, $8.45/each additional $1000, to
and including $100,000.00
$100,001.00 - $500,000.00 $1,186.65 for first $100,000, $6.75/each additional $1000, to
and including $500,000
$500,001.00 - $1,000,000.00 $3,886.65 for first $500,000, $5.50/each additional $1,000, to and including $1,000,000
$1,000,001 and up $6,636.65 for first $1,000,000, $4.50/each additional $1,000
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Proposed 2026 Fee Schedule To Be Adopted by City Council 7/8/2026 S:\Fee Schedule
Demolition or Removal of Structure $1.25 / 1,000 cubic ft.; minimum $50.00
Relocation of Structure or
Building $150.00
Plan Check Fee Up to 65% of the calculated permit fee
State Surcharge .0005 x the value of the project
Solar Permits Fee
Solar Panel Installation $200.00
State Surcharge $1.00
Inspections Outside Normal Business Hours
$75.00 per hour (minimum of two hours)
Reinspection $75.00 per each required reinspection
Work Commencing Before Permit Issuance 100% of the normal building permit fee
*Project value means the actual or estimated dollar amount charged for permitted
work, including materials, labor, profit, and other fixed costs. It is the amount to be
charged to the customer for the work done. If any material, equipment, labor, or
installation is furnished by the owner, tenant, or any other party, the reasonable
market value of such items must be added to the estimated cost or project value for
permit fee purposes. In the event that there is a dispute on the amount of the job
cost, the city may request the submission of a signed copy of the actual contract.
Refund Policy
In certain cases, and within certain limits, a permit fee may be refunded if the
permitted work will not be completed, or in case of duplicate payment of the same
permit. Refunds will be issued 100% of the original permit fee paid, minus credit
card processing fees, if applicable, provided that no inspections have been
conducted and/or no plan review has begun. If a plan review has taken place, the
refund will be 100% of the permit fee minus the plan review fee and credit card
processing fees. No refunds are available for expired permits or for permits that
have undergone inspection. What to know:
• Request a refund within 180 days of paying the permit fee.
• Refunds are paid by check within six weeks.
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5. Mechanical permit fee
Residential Fee
Permit Fee $65.00 or 1.5% of the project value, whichever is greater
State Surcharge $1.00
Reinspection $75.00 per each required reinspection
Commercial Fee
Permit Fee $60.00 + project value x 2%
State Surcharge .0005 x the value of the project
Reinspection $75.00 per each required reinspection
*Project value means the actual or estimated dollar amount charged for permitted
work, including materials, labor, profit, and other fixed costs. It is the amount to be
charged to the customer for the work done. If any material, equipment, labor, or
installation is furnished by the owner, tenant, or any other party, the reasonable
market value of such items must be added to the estimated cost or project value for
permit fee purposes. In the event that there is a dispute on the amount of the job
cost, the city may request the submission of a signed copy of the actual contract.
6. Plumbing Permit Fees
7. Sewer Permit Fees
Residential & Commercial Fee
Permit Fee $45.00 base fee
Fixtures $10.00 each
State Surcharge $1.00
Reinspection $75.00 per each required reinspection
Residential & Commercial Fee
Sewer Connection or Repair $50.00
Sewer Availability Charge
(SAC) – Metropolitan Council
(Passthrough Cost)
$2,458 per unit as determined by the MET Council
Street Opening $25.00
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8. Right-of-Way Permit Fees
Right-of-Way Fee
Annual Registration $25.00
Hole $400.00
Trench $400.00 + $40.00 per 100 lineal feet or portion thereof
Boring $400.00 + $40.00 per 100 lineal feet or portion thereof
Obstruction $50.00 + $0.20 per lineal foot
Small Cell Wireless Fee
Permit Fee $100.00
Rent on City Structure $150.00
Maintenance on Colocation $25.00 per year
Radio Node Less than 100 Watts $73.00 per month
Radio Node Over 100 Watts $182.00 per month
9. Water Connection
Meter Size Fee
3/4" $ 62.00
1" $ 115.00
1-1/2" $ 265.00
2" $ 470.00
3" $ 1,080.00
11. Zoning Permit
Item Fee
Fence $50.00
Temporary Sign $50.00
Permanent Sign $50.00
Residential Driveway $50.00
Commercial Driveway Subject to building permit fees
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12. Mobile Storage Structure/Dumpster Permit
Location Fee
On Private Property
14 Days $10.00
30 Days $20.00
On Public Street
72 Hours $10.00
Permits may be renewed once in a 90 calendar-day period
13. Chicken Permit (first time and subsequent applications) $ 50.00
14. Beekeeping Permit (first time and subsequent applications) $50.00
C. PLANNING FEES*
Item Fee
Comprehensive Plan Amendment $ 500.00
Conditional Use Permit $ 500.00
Design Review
(when required by code) $ 50.00
Lot Split (one lot into two) $ 500.00
Planned Unit Development $ 500.00
Rezoning/Zoning Amendment $ 500.00
Subdivision (>1 new lot) $ 500.00 + $ 100.00/lot created
Variance $ 500.00
Tax Increment Finance (TIF)
Application Fee $5,000.00 Non-Refundable
Escrow $10,000.00
*Fee plus actual cost billed by contractors or city consultant fees.
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D. FACILITY RENTAL FEES
Private use of public facilities is permitted on a space-available basis. Reservations and damage deposits are
required for private use of the following community facilities. Discounted rates are available for weekly
bookings:
Park Facility Rental Amenities & Fees
Rental Fees
Facility Amenities available Half Day 9am-3pm / 4pm-10pm Full Day 9am-10pm
Community Park Shelter (2050 Roselawn Ave; corner of Roselawn and Cleveland)
Prep Kitchen & Restrooms 8 picnic tables Parking lot (50 vehicle capacity) plus off-street parking
$100 + tax*
$175 + tax*
Community Park Upper Picnic Area (2050 Roselawn Ave; corner of Roselawn and Cleveland)
4 Picnic tables Trash receptacles Parking lot (50 vehicle capacity) plus off-street parking
$20 + tax*
$35 + tax*
Community Park East Picnic Area
(near playground)
3 Picnic tables Trash receptacles Portable toilet Parking lot (50 vehicle capacity) plus off-street parking
$20 + tax*
$35 + tax*
Community Park Lower Picnic Area (Southwest corner of park)
2 Picnic tables 1 BBQ grill Trash receptacles Portable toilet Parking lot (50 vehicle capacity) plus off-street parking
$20 + tax*
$35 + tax*
Curtiss Field Picnic Area
(near playground) 1551 W. Iowa Ave.
2 picnic tables 1 BBQ Grill Portable ADA bathroom Parking lot (10 spots); there’s also on-street parking
$20 + tax* $35 + tax*
The Grove
1600 Coffman Street
2 picnic tables
1 BBQ grill Trash receptacles
NO RESTROOM Limited on-street parking
$20 + tax*
$35 + tax*
Play Kit Rental Includes variety of balls, Frisbees, and other play equipment $15 + tax*
Set up/Tear Down $25
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Disclaimers:
• A damage deposit ($200-400, or as determined by the City Administrator) is required for park facility rentals. The deposit must be made in a separate form from the payment and will be refunded upon return of facility key and inspection of the facilities.
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• *Nonprofit organizations must provide a copy of a Tax Exempt form (MN Dept. of Rev, IRS, W9 or MN Dept. of Taxation)
• Key pick up must be arranged two (2) days prior to scheduled event. Keys may be picked up at City Hall.
o Regular business hours: Monday –Friday 8:00am-4:30pm o Summer hours (Memorial Day-Labor Day): 7:30am- 5:00pm Monday-Thursday, Friday 8:-noon
• Keys can be returned during business hours to City Hall. After hours drop-off is available via the drop box outside the main entrance.
• Rental permits will be issued once payment is received. Staff cannot reserve the facility without payment.
• If you plan on bringing any outside equipment (i.e. inflatable devices, dunk tanks etc.) into the park, you must disclose this to a city employee during the reservation process. The City may require documentation such as a hold harmless agreement or certificate of insurance naming the City has an additional insured.
City Hall Facility Rental Fees
Rental Fees
Capacity 3 hours Half Day 9am-3pm/4pm-10pm Full Day 8am-10pm
Council Chambers Full room (includes kitchen facility)
150 75 Seated
$125.00 + tax* $200.00 + tax* $275.00 + tax*
Partial Council Chambers (Front or Back Half)
75
30 Seated
$60.00 + tax* $115.00 + tax* $175.00 + tax*
Kitchen Facility 10 6 Seated
$30.00 + tax* $60.00 + tax* $75.00 + tax*
Conference Room
8 maximum
$35.00 + tax*
$70.00 + tax*
$125.00 + tax*
Set Up Fee
(government entities exempt; subject to staff availability)
$30.00
Disclaimers:
• A $200 refundable damage deposit is required for City Hall rentals. The deposit must be made in a separate form from the payment and will be refunded upon return of facility key and inspection of the facilities.
• *Nonprofit organizations must provide a copy of a Tax Exempt form (MN Dept. of Rev, IRS, W9 or MN Dept. of Taxation)
• Key pick up must be arranged two (2) days prior to scheduled event. Keys may be picked up at City
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Proposed 2026 Fee Schedule To Be Adopted by City Council 7/8/2026 S:\Fee Schedule
Hall.
o Regular business hours: Monday –Friday 8:00am-4:30pm
o Summer hours (Memorial Day-Labor Day): 7:30am- 5:00pm Monday-Thursday, Friday 7:30am-noon.
• Keys can be returned during business hours to City Hall. After hours drop-off is available via the drop box outside the main entrance.
• Rental permits will be issued once payment is received. Staff cannot reserve the facility without payment.
• City Hall cannot be rented for private social gatherings.
Field/Court/Rink Rental Fees
Discounted rates are available for Multi-day bookings (see below)
Single Day Use Multi-day Use (weekly fee)
Individual/Group type 3 hour block Additional hours
Resident $20 + tax $10/hour + tax -
Non-resident $30 + tax $10/hour + tax -
Youth organizations (must be open to youth aged 2-18 in Falcon Heights)
$20 + tax
$10/hour + tax
2 days/week: $35 3 days/week: $50 4 days/week: $65
5 days/week: $80 6+ days/week: $100
Adult organizations
$30 + tax
$10/hour + tax
2 days/week: $40 3 days/week: $55 4 days/week: $70 5 days/week: $85
6+ days/week: $105
Play Kit Rental
(Includes variety of balls, Frisbees, and other play equipment)
$15 + tax
Setup / Tear Down
$25.00
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Disclaimers:
• Fees apply only for games and practices. Tournaments or special events/services are subject to
additional fees.
• Field/Court/Rink use permits will be issued when payment and application are received.
• All short term rentals (1-5 times) entitle the customer to use of the field as is; anything additional will be the customer’s responsibility (i.e. striping the field or providing bases.)
• Special request of services will be dealt with on a case by case basis and may include extra fees. All requests should be discussed with the Parks and Recreation Department at 651-792-7617.
CURTISS FIELD 1551 Iowa Avenue Falcon Heights, MN 55113
COMMUNITY PARK
2050 Roselawn Ave Falcon Heights, MN 55113 THE GROVE 1600 Coffman Street, Falcon Heights, MN 55113
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E. FACILITY USE BY PUBLIC SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
1. Public facilities are available for use on a reservation basis.
2. The following shall be allowed use of public facilities but set up/tear down fees apply:
a. Specifically listed local organizations:
• League of Women Voters
• Senior Citizen Groups (Falconeers, Roseville Area Seniors)
• Ramsey County League of Local Governments
• League of Minnesota Cities/Association of Metropolitan Municipalities
• Watershed management organizations
• Scouts, Brownie Troops, 4-H, Campfire
• Neighborhood Groups (e.g. Grove Association, Maple Knoll Courtyard
Homeowner’s Association)
• 55 Alive Mature Driving Class
• Cable Commission
• Developers when presenting to neighbors
• Legislators for informational (non-campaign) meetings, except after the filing
date and before the November election of a legislative election year unless
requested by a majority of the city council
• Northeast Youth and Family Service
• Lauderdale and Falcon Heights Lions Club
• Roseville Rotary Club
• Party Precinct caucuses, legislated district conventions and county conventions
under the requirements of MN State Statute 202A.192
• AARP Tax Services
• Hobby groups or clubs that meet the following criteria:
o Falcon Heights based (A minimum of 25% of on-going members or
participants are Falcon Heights residents).
o Non-profit
o Open membership
o Founded on a hobby
o Actively reaches out to include people of different ages, especially youth,
to encourage intergenerational exchanges of information
o Encourages a community service and/or benefit component
• Falcon Heights neighborhood or community groups whose activities are open to
all and for the sole purpose of developing, fostering and strengthening
neighborhood and community well-being.
b. Any organization that meets the above guidelines yet uses a facility more than twice
a year shall be charged $100 per year.
c. The organization or group cannot be a private, business, political, or religious
organization.
d. Any organization denied free use under this policy as defined in this section may
appeal to the city council.
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F. MISCELLANEOUS FEES
Item
Agendas (City Council or Commissions) 1
City Council Minutes1
Commission Minutes1
New Resident Handbook
Single copies
Assessment search
Maps
Open burning permit
(no charge for recreational fires)
Returned Check Fee
Credit/Debit card convenience fee
Community Garden plot fee
Fee
$ 15.00/year
$ 35.00/year
$ 20.00/year
$1.00 printing fee
$ 0.25 + tax/page for first 100 pages
$ 20.00
$ 6.50
$ 25.00
$ 25.00
3.50% per transaction; Minimum of $ 2.00 per transaction *Need to note transaction fees for permits are different than all others. $30 per plot
1 The charges apply only when hard copies are mailed. These documents can be viewed free of
charge on the website or at City Hall.
G. FALSE ALARM FEES
1. Fire False Alarms (at an address or property within one calendar year) $ 0 for first false alarm
$ 175 for second false alarm
$ 300 for third false alarm
$ 400 for fourth false alarm
$ 500 for fifth and subsequent false alarm
2. Security False Alarms (at an address or property within one calendar year)
$ 0 for first false alarm
$ 60 for second false alarm
$ 100 for third false alarm
$ 200 for fourth false alarm
$ 300 for fifth false alarm
$ 400 for sixth false alarm
$ 500 for seventh and subsequent false alarm
3. Penalties and Assessment
Penalties for late payment and assessment of unpaid fees are the same as
stipulated for unpaid utility fees in the city code.
H. VEHICLE EMERGENCY RESPONSE
The fee for emergency personnel response to accidents is $350.00/vehicle.
I. PARKING FEES
Item Fee
Application fee to designate “residential area” permit parking $ 200.00
Annual residential area parking permits
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First two vehicles $ 15.00/vehicle
Third and subsequent vehicles $ 25.00/vehicle
Lost permit/parking pass replacement $ 5.00
Temporary parking permit (up to 3 weeks) $ 3.00/vehicle
Temporary parking permit for 5 or more vehicles for
a one-time/one-day event $ 25.00
Parking zones paid parking $ 25.00
Parking fine – City Code Sec. 46-27 and 46-28 Violations
September 16th – August 14th $50.00/violation
August 15th – September 15th $100.00/violation
Administrative Citations – City Code Sec. 46-29 Violations
Parking Fine Terms
$60* If paid within 14 days of the citation being issued
$85* If citation is paid 15-30 days after issuance date
$100* If citation is paid 31-59 days after issuance date
$100*, plus a
30% fine
increase.
If the citation is paid after 60 days of issuance,
then it will be turned over to collections
*All parking fines will also incur a 3.5% convenience fee from T2 systems, separate from any
credit card transaction fees.
J. SANITARY SEWER
The sanitary sewer fee for residential units is $39.25 per quarter plus $0.0257794 per cubic foot
of water usage during the months of November – January. For apartment units, the rate will
be $39.25/unit/quarter plus $0.0257794per cubic foot of water used in November. For
residential units, this will serve as the maximum fee for other quarters throughout the year,
but the actual amount billed may be lower depending on water usage. For commercial units,
the fee is $0.0257794 per cubic foot of water usage during each month.
K. STORM DRAINAGE The fee for storm drainage is $29.00 per quarter for residential units and $275.90 per acre for
commercial and apartment units.
L. HYDRANT WATER
The fee for hydrant water is 6% surcharge of the water bill.
M. RECYCLING
The recycling charge is $ 17.25 per quarter for residential units.
N. STREET LIGHTING The street lighting fee is $6.00 per quarter for residential units and $0.02 per lineal foot
frontage for commercial properties monthly.
O. FEES FOR UNSPECIFIED REQUESTS
A private party or public institution (hereinafter applicant) making a request to the
City for approval of a project or for public assistance must cover the City's consultants' costs
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associated with reviewing the request. Prior to having the request considered by
the City, the applicant must deposit an escrow fee in an amount that is estimated to
cover the City's consultants' costs as determined by the City Administrator. If the
City's consultants' costs exceed the initial escrow deposited by the applicant, an
additional escrow fee will be required to cover the additional costs. The City shall use
the applicant's fees to cover the City's actual consultants' costs in reviewing the request
regardless of the City's action on the applicant's request. If the applicant's escrow fees exceed
the City's actual consultants' costs for reviewing the request, the remaining
escrow fees shall be refunded to the applicant.
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P. SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL
Cost of abatement1.
1This cost shall include supervision, overhead, equipment, hourly wages, and
fringe benefits of the employees involved.
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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota __________________________
Item Coalition for Safe & Stable Communities
Description The City of Falcon Heights participated in Phase I of the Cities for Safe and Stable
Communities (CSSC) coalition, which was designed to help cities coordinate during
periods of significant federal activity during the legislative session, with an ending
date of May 30, 2026. We participated with 28 member cities and multiple “ally-only”
supporting members. The total cost of Phase I was $40,000 split evenly between
members, leaving the City’s cost to less than $2,000.
Phase II proposes a lightweight, ongoing model focused on preparedness, information
sharing, and coordinated response to federal actions affecting local government
operations. The City of Falcon Heights would join other regional cities for this
engagement, which includes coordination at the federal level surrounding good
governance issues. The City engages with the League of Minnesota Cities and Metro
Cities as legislative support, but both organizations do not address federal issues or
coordination of efforts in Washington D.C.
The Phase II structure maintains a standing network of city leaders, quarterly
meetings, monthly communication updates, and the ability to quickly escalate
coordination if multiple cities are affected by an emerging issue.
The proposal includes a flat annual consultant cost of $30,000 shared equally
among participating cities. Phase II costs are expected to come in under $2,000 per
member city.
Staff requests council guidance on whether Falcon Heights should continue
participating in the CSSC initiative and enter into Phase II under the proposed
cost-sharing structure.
Budget Impact N/A
Attachment(s) 2026 CSSC Legislative Report, Phase II proposal
Action(s)
Requested
If the council directs staff to continue participation, staff will confirm the City’s
commitment to the coalition and proceed with Phase II arrangements.
Meeting Date June 22, 2026
Agenda Item Policy C2
Attachment CSSC Legislative Report, Phase II
Proposal
Submitted By Jack Linehan, City Administrator
22
VALUE ADDED
The Cities for Safe & Stable Communities Coalition provided a credible, validating voice
on the effects of Operation Metro Surge, both at the Capitol and in public discourse. Star
Tribune columnists and legislative chairs frequently referenced the coalition throughout
session, recognizing its role as a key connector between impacted communities, local
governments, and policymakers during surge response and recovery discussions.
The coalition’s strategic value extends far beyond the immediate surge response. While
the surge served as the catalyst for bringing this group together, it also exposed a long-
standing structural gap: local governments and impacted communities are often the last
to be heard, despite being the first expected to respond. In response, the coalition built
durable coordination infrastructure across cities including shared messaging systems,
legislative tracking, rapid-response communications, cross-jurisdiction information
sharing, and direct engagement channels with state and federal policymakers. This
ensured that local realities were reflected in state and federal conversations.
January to May 2026 Session Debrief
LEGISLATIVE REPORT
CITIES FOR SAFE AND STABLE COMMUNITIES
LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY
TESTIMONY AND HEARINGS
Feb. 25 Senate Jobs Committee: Mayor Supple (Richfield) and Mayor Mohamed (St. Louis Park) on
the economic impacts of Operation Metro Surge.
March 23 Senate Jobs Committee: Mayor Mohamed (St. Louis Park) on small business relief bills.
April 8 House Workforce Committee: Mayor Deshler (Crystal) on small business relief bills.
April 13 House Ways & Means Committee: Chief Bruley (Brooklyn Park) on the operational fallout
experienced during the surge.
April 21 Senate Taxes Committee: Mayor Deshler (Crystal) and Chief Bruley (Brooklyn Park)
testified on SF5038, our city aid bill, winning over both Republicans and Democrats.
Coalition members testified at five hearings across both chambers:
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Bill Lead Authors Action Outcome
Municipal Aid
Reimbursement
HF4871 | SF5038
Lead bill
House: Freiberg (+18
co-authors)
Senate: Dibble
House: Not heard
Senate: Heard in
Taxes, included in
Senate Taxes
Omnibus (SF5052) at
$2M
Not included in final
tax package
Small Business
Assistance
HF4477 | SF4535
Support bill
House: Frazier (+33
co-authors)
Senate: Champion
House: Not heard
Senate: Heard in
Taxes; included in
Senate Taxes
Omnibus (SF5052)
No final Jobs,
Workforce &
Economic
Development bill
Rental Assistance
HF3403 | SF3596
Support bill
House: Kozlowski (+9
co-authors)
Senate: Port
House: Passed the
Senate version.
Senate: Passed as
standalone 3/11;
included in final
Housing Omnibus
$40M included in
final Housing Bill
Hunger Relief
HF3586 | SF3770
HF3624 | SF3904
Support bill
House: Gander
(+34 co-authors) &
Coulter (+27 co-
authors)
Senate: Boldon &
Mann
House: Heard in
Children and Families
and sent to Ways and
Means.
Senate: Included in
HHS Omnibus
$10M to food banks
and food shelves
included in the
Health and Human
Services Bill.
LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
MEETINGS
Between January 26 and May 18, the coalition held more than 15 meetings with legislators and
executive offices. Engagement included Sen. Klobuchar, the offices of Sen. Smith and Rep.
Fischbach, Gov. Walz, and state legislators, both Democratic and Republican, in and out of
district. Meetings highlighted surge effects and aligned with key inflection points in lead bill and
omnibus negotiations.
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LOOKING AHEAD
MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS
COVERAGE SUMMARY
Coverage skewed strongest in February, driven by the launch press release and Capitol press
conference, and remained steady through April omnibus activity. Headlines included a mix of
regional outlets (Star Tribune, MPR, Fox 9, KSTP), one national long-form hit in The Guardian, and a
strong hyperlocal footprint across Sun Newspapers and community press, with effectively zero
negative coverage.
Cities held to the core messaging framework throughout: economic stabilization, upholding local
control, and strengthening public trust.
Over the four-month period from late January to May, the coalition built a sustained media
presence anchored by mayor spokespeople and consistent messaging.
This session validated the coalition model: a unified, mayor-led voice to shape public narrative,
elevate local realities in state and federal conversations, and secure tangible outcomes, including the
$40M rental assistance and $10M hunger relief investments. The lead city aid bill did not survive the
final tax package, but it advanced through a committee hearing, secured Senate omnibus inclusion,
and strengthened relationships that position the coalition well heading into the next session.
Just as importantly, the coordination infrastructure built this session has outlasted the surge that
prompted it. What began as a response to an immediate operational challenge has evolved into a
durable, long-term model for cities navigating complex intergovernmental issues together.
Looking ahead, that role becomes more critical, not less. As federal policy changes related to SNAP,
HUD, Medicaid, and other core support systems increasingly cascade through state government onto
cities, the coalition is uniquely positioned to ensure local impacts are identified early, communicated
clearly, and addressed before communities are left absorbing the consequences alone.
THE NUMBERS
7 press releases / statements issued
50+ earned media headlines across 32 outlets
14 direct media inquiries fielded
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CSSC Phase II Proposal: Coordinated Response
Model
Purpose
The Cities for Safe and Stable Communities (CSSC) coalition was originally formed to help
Minnesota communities coordinate during a period of significant federal activity and
uncertainty affecting local government operations. Through that experience, participating cities
saw the value of trusted relationships, rapid communication, and the ability to organize quickly
around issues that impact the effective governance, safety, and day-to-day functioning of
communities across the state.
As federal actions and policy decisions continue to create potential operational, legal, financial,
and governance impacts for cities, member communities have expressed interest in maintaining
a modest but durable statewide coordination structure. Rather than remaining focused on any
single issue or event, this Phase II model represents a broader shift toward preparedness,
information sharing, and coordinated response capacity related to federal decisions affecting
local government.
The proposed structure is intentionally lightweight during normal operations, while preserving
the relationships, communication channels, and organizational framework needed to scale
coordination quickly if circumstances require it. The goal is to maintain readiness without
creating unnecessary complexity, duplication, or mission creep.
Proposed Coordinated Response Model
The Coordinated Response model is intended to:
• Maintain a standing network of trusted city leaders
• Preserve the coalition’s ability to respond quickly to emerging issues
• Support coordination on matters impacting multiple communities across Minnesota
• Fill in gaps where organizations, such as the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC), Metro
Cities, CGMC, are not weighing in
• Remain intentionally lightweight during baseline operations while allowing for rapid
scaling during elevated response periods
Coalition scope
Issues Appropriate for Coordinated Response
The coalition may coordinate around:
• Federal actions affecting multiple CSSC member communities
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•State actions taken in response to federal decisions that create broad operational or
governance impacts
•Issues affecting the health, safety, welfare, or day-to-day functioning of CSSC member
communities
•Significant threats to the effective governance or administration of local government
Examples may include:
•Federal enforcement activity
•Election-related concerns
•Funding disruptions
•Coordinated operational impacts affecting multiple cities
Issues Outside the Coalition Scope
The coalition would generally not engage in:
•City-specific matters
•State-only issues without a federal nexus
•Issues already being actively led by statewide associations or regional organizations
unless additional coordination or amplification is needed
Coalition operations
Operations during Baseline Status
Even during periods without an active issue, the coalition would remain operational at a low-
intensity level focused on preparedness and relationship maintenance.
Baseline operations would include:
•Monitoring emerging federal issues
•Maintaining communication channels among member cities
•Relationship-building among mayors (or designated elected) and
managers/administrators
•Occasional talking points and/or messaging around issues tracked by the coalition
•Maintenance of organizational structure
•Quarterly in-person Mayor and Manager/Administrator meetings
•Monthly update emails from Momentum to participating cities, including “no major
updates” communications when appropriate
•Monthly executive team meetings (cancelled if no active business)
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Escalation & Activation
The coalition may move into an elevated coordination posture on issues that have a Federal
nexus when:
• Multiple member cities are significantly impacted by an issue
• Operational disruption, governance concerns, or public safety impacts warrant
coordination
• Existing organizations take a neutral position or are not positioned for operational
coordination
Any member city may request consideration of elevated coordination. The anticipated
activation pathway would be:
1. Member city request or emerging issue identified by Momentum
2. Consultant analysis and recommendations
3. Executive Team review and make a recommendation to mayors
4. Manager/Administrator briefing
5. Recommendation to Mayors for final decision
Communications & Transparency
During baseline operations, coalition communications would generally remain limited and
strategic. Public-facing communication efforts would occur as appropriate based on issue
relevance and coalition direction.
Organizational Structure of CSSC
The intent is to preserve agility and avoid creating a burdensome or overly formal governance
structure.
Executive Team
The coalition would maintain a small Executive Team consisting of city managers/administrators.
• Approximately seven managers/administrators
• Voluntary participation
• Preference for geographic and city demographic diversity
• Periodic rotation over time while maintaining some continuity
Elected Representation by cities on the coalition
• One elected representative per city
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•Mayor is default; spot can be delegated to a council member
•Cities determine their own representative
Consultant Support
Consultant Services during Baseline Status
The coalition would continue retaining consultant support to assist with:
•Monitoring and tracking emerging issues
•Preparing monthly written updates
•Supporting Executive Team meetings
•Drafting brief talking points and messaging materials, as needed
•Coordinating quarterly in-person coalition meetings
•Providing strategic communications support as requested
Consultant Services during Elevated Response
During active response periods, consultant services would scale similarly to the support model
utilized during Metro Surge.
Consultant Oversight
The consultant would be managed by two designated Executive Team members, ideally
including the city holding the contract.
Funding Structure
Proposed Budget
•$30,000 flat annual consultant contract for the initial 12-month period
•Structure and funding reviewed annually
Cost Allocation
•Equal cost-sharing among participating cities
Membership Structure
•Participation would occur on an “all in/all out” basis during baseline operations
•Additional cities could join during elevated response periods with an expectation of
contributing to associated costs
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Participation Expectations
Baseline Status
Participating cities would be expected to:
• Receive and review coalition communications
• Participate in quarterly meetings
• Share feedback and emerging concerns
• Keep local elected officials informed as appropriate
Elevated Response
Participation during elevated response periods would scale based on the issue and would
generally mirror the collaborative model used during Metro Surge.
Success Measures
The success of the Coordinated Response model should be evaluated based on:
• Coalition preparedness
• Continued participation and engagement
• Strength and continuity of relationships
• Relevance to member communities
• Executive Team activity and responsiveness
• Value provided by consultant support
Annual assessment of whether staying in formal coalition continues to meet member needs and
whether adjustments are warranted.
Executive Team for Phase II
• Mike Funk – Minnetonka
• Kim Keller – St. Louis Park
• Devin Massopust – New Brighton
• Katie Rodriguez – Richfield
• Noah Schuchman – Golden Valley
• Zach Walker – Bloomington
• Kevin Watson – Vadnais Heights
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BLANK PAGE
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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION (RCA)
City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota __________________________
Item Other / Future Agenda Items
Description This is an opportunity to discuss other items that may warrant future discussion,
whether at the workshop or at a future workshop if additional information is needed
to be researched.
Current Workshop Schedule Items:
•July 8
o Consideration of a Noise Ordinance
•July 22
o Budget Workshop #1
o CAC Review / Selection
•August
o Budget Workshops
Budget
Impact
N/A
Attachment(s) N/A
Action(s)
Requested
The City Council is requested to provide direction to the City Administrator on
future items of discussion and determining their time-sensitivity.
Meeting Date June 22, 2026
Agenda Item C3
Attachment(s) N/A
Submitted By Jack Linehan, City Administrator
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