Laserfiche WebLink
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes <br />January 27, 2026 <br />Page 2 <br />1 Councilmember Jenson stated that the Council is going to have a detailed discussion on that with <br />2 the appropriate members of City staff, legal counsel, and the Council, noting that it was decided <br />3 to hold that meeting the following week. <br />4 <br />5 Councilmember Doolan referenced comments that were received earlier today in the listening <br />6 session and commented on the need for increased engagement and communications. She <br />7 recognized that these are principles and agreed that they will need to further discuss what that <br />8 looks like in practice. She suggested that the City Attorney engage in conversations with <br />9 Minnesota Attorney General Ellison, suspension of on-street parking towing, and consideration <br />10 of an eviction moratorium. She would like to continue to explore different avenues that could <br />11 help. <br />12 <br />13 Councilmember Elnagdy also suggested that a review of City Ordinances be done to determine <br />14 amendments that could limit Federal involvement. Councilmember Jenson agreed. <br />15 <br />16 Councilmember Doolan had questions about the different levels of authority between local, <br />17 State, and Federal and what could or could not be done at each level. <br />18 <br />19 Mayor Webster recapped the comments made by the Council. She recognized that while some <br />20 items are at the State level, the impact is felt throughout the metro. <br />21 <br />22 Councilmember Elnagdy provided examples of different ordinances that she believed could be <br />23 reviewed to effectively limit Federal involvement. <br />24 <br />25 Mayor Webster thanked staff for creating the requested webpage and making it live the next day, <br />26 following the direction from the City Council. She asked the Police Chief to provide additional <br />27 information on Policy 413. <br />28 <br />29 Police Chief Spiess acknowledged that many people in the community are fearful in this time of <br />30 uncertainty, noting that they are all trying to navigate the waters as best they can. He stated that <br />31 they have worked hard to build relationships in the community to ensure that members of the <br />32 community feel safe. He stated that Policy 413 is not a new policy and is something that has <br />33 been followed for many years. He provided an overview of the policy and how it works in <br />34 practice. He stated that the Police Department is committed to public safety and keeping the <br />35 community safe. <br />36 <br />37 Mayor Webster commented that the Police Department has never asked members of the <br />38 community about their immigration status. She provided an example of an encounter that she <br />39 had a few years ago with someone who was under the influence and attempting to get into her <br />40 home, noting that she called 911, and Officers provided assistance. She explained that if the <br />41 person banging on her door was ICE and if she were to call 911, if she were detained when <br />42 Officers arrived, they would not be able to intervene because the Police Department is not aware <br />43 of her immigration status and cannot interfere with Federal actions. She recognized that the <br />44 tactics being used by ICE violate rights, and that creates fear and uncertainty. <br />45