HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 072620161
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CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JULY 26, 2016
CALL TO ORDER.
Mayor Faust called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
Mayor Faust invited the Council and audience to join him in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Present: Mayor Faust Councilmembers Brever, Gray, Jenson, and Stille
Absent: None
Also Present: City Manager Mark Casey
Mayor Faust reviewed the manner in which the City Council Meetings are held. All speakers are limited
to five minutes.
CONSIDERATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ALL OF THE FOLLOWING
ITEMS.
I. APPROVAL OF THE JULY 26, 2016, CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA.
Motion by Councilmember Gray, seconded by Councilmember Jenson, to approve the City
Council Meeting Agenda of July 26, 2016.
Motion carried 5 -0.
II. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Mayor Faust presented the proclamation declaring August 2, 2016 as Night to Unite. Mayor
Faust noted the proclamation can be read in full on the City's website.
Motion by Councilmember Stille, seconded by Councilmember Brever, to accept the
Proclamation as presented.
Motion carried 5 -0
III. CONSENT AGENDA.
A. Approval of June 28, 2016, City Council meeting minutes
B. Licenses and Permits
C. Claims
D. Resolution 16 -053 a resolution Accepting Donations and Grants Received in the 2 "d
(Quarter of 2016.
E. Resolution 16 -054 a resolution to Anmove a Reauest to Keen Three (3) Female Chi
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 26, 2016
Page 2
1 F. Resolution 16 -055 a resolution Approving an Amendment to the Conditional Use Permit
2 to Allow for the Addition of Outdoor Seating at The Unofficial located at 3701 Stinson
3 Boulevard.
4 G. Resolution 16 -056 a resolution to Approve Special Event at The Unofficial on July 30,
5 2016.
6 H. Removed from Consent Agenda
7 I. Resolution 16 -058 a resolution Accepting Plans and Specifications and Ordering
8 Advertisement for Bids for the Advanced Oxidation Process Water Treatment Plant and
9 Appurtenant Work.
10 J. Resolution 16 -059 a resolution Deferring a Special Assessment for 2016 Street
11 Improvement Projects
12 K. Ordinance 2016 -04 an Amendment of the City Code, Chapter 152, adding section
13 152.189 Opting -Out of the Requirements of Minnesota Statutes, Section 462.3593
14 (Temporary Family Health Care Dwellings).
15
16 Motion by Councilmember Jenson, seconded by Councilmember Brever, to approve the Consent
17 Agenda items as presented.
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19 Motion carried 5 -0
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21 H. Resolution 16 -057 a resolution Approving a Conditional Use Permit to Install a Double
22 Sided Electronic Sign at the Church of St. Charles Borromeo located at 2727 Stinson
23 Boulevard NE.
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25 Ms. Rachel Bodine, a Minneapolis resident, lives directly across from the church and presented a
26 signed petition opposing the sign. The neighbors are concerned the sign will effect the character
27 of the neighborhood especially since it is along the parkway. Ms. Bodine quoted City Code
28 which states electronic signs have an impact on the community. She suggested a different type of
29 sign be constructed. She spoke with the Park Board yesterday and they were not aware of the
30 sign and were also concerned about the effect of the sign along the Parkway. Ms. Bodine stated
31 she spoke with her Minneapolis Council Representative and she believes they may have spoken
32 to Mayor Faust.
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34 Mayor Faust stated the Public Hearing was held on June 27ffi and no residents were in
35 attendance. In December of 2014, the church had wanted to put up an electronic sign. At that
36 time, the Council had discussion about policies regarding such signs. The ordinance was created
37 to meet the needs of the requester and the residents. Mayor Faust stated he has reviewed Ms.
38 Bodine's comments. The hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., the sign is set back, and much of the light
39 would be dissipated. Ms. Bodine stated there would be substantial light in the winter without the
40 tree cover.
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42 Ms. Bodine stated Stinson Boulevard is listed on the Minneapolis Park Board as one of the
43 Grand Rounds.
44
45 Motion by Councilmember Stille, seconded by Councilmember Jenson to approve Resolution
46 16 -057; a Resolution Approving a Conditional Use Permit to Install a Double Sided Electronic
47 Sign at the Church of St. Charles Borromeo located at 2727 Stinson Boulevard NE
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 26, 2016
Page 3
Motion carried 5 -0
4 After the motion and vote, a Minneapolis resident asked to address the sign issue. She stated
5 they have lived in their home across the street from the church for many years. She asked if the
6 church doesn't have a better use for money than putting a sign in front of a 50- year -old school.
7 She felt the sign would be a distraction for people dropping off children and passing motorists
8 and does not want the sign constructed.
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IV.
PUBLIC HEARING - NONE
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V.
REPORTS FROM COMMISSION AND STAFF - NONE
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VI.
GENERAL BUSINESS OF COUNCIL - NONE
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VII.
REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCIL MEMBERS - NONE
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VIII.
COMMUNITY FORUM
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Ms. Rossi Bistodeau Cannon, 2704 West Armor Terrace. She is the Chair of the St. Anthony
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Family Services Collaboration Board. She coaches softball and basketball and works at a Family
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Medicine Clinic in North Minneapolis. Ms. Bistodeau Cannon stated she has never attended a
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City Council Meeting. On July 6, with the death of Philandro Castile, her feelings changed. Ms.
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Bistodeau Cannon stated she is representing a new organization — St. Anthony Villagers for
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Community Action. There are currently over 200 members of their facebook group. This group
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represents diverse experiences, wisdom, and avenues for advocacy. Their current priorities are
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supporting and holding accountable the elected officials. She requested action be taken. Ms.
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Bistodeau Cannon balked at the notion of not taking any action. She is concerned Mayor Faust
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had stated, `This Cannot Be Done Fast,' and feels actions must be fast to remedy the damage that
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has been done. She requested the Council begin active communication, re -open visioning
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session for the Comprehensive Plan, create a Human Rights Commission, create a community
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group to look at the hiring of the new Police Chief, ensure the 2017 Strategic Plan addresses the
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issues, plan to attend Night to Unite to engage the community, lead conversations that bring
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solutions to the table, and engage with the new group for their input. She looks forward to what
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can be accomplished when the right thing has been done.
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Ms. Maggie Whiting, 2509 30`h Avenue NE, stated she has two children in the community. She
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speaks on behalf of herself and other community members about the life that was lost. Ms.
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Whiting felt racial disparity is alive and well in St. Anthony. She is also a member of the new
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organization and requested to have a community listening session, reopen the Police Chief
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recruitment process, and involve residents. She is disappointed that information has to be sought
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rather than being pushed to the residents. Ms. Whiting stated she feels it was a mistake to cancel
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the last City Council Meeting and Village Fest. She stated the group is watching the Council's
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actions.
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Ms. Sarah Jacobs, 1500 LaSalle Avenue #605, stated she is a community member and not a
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resident of St. Anthony. She stated the death has caused great turmoil and the safety of the
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 26, 2016
Page 4
1 residents in St. Anthony matters to her. The humanization of the police officers is a concern. Mr.
2 Jeronimo, the officer who shot and killed Philandro, attended high school with her. She
3 described him at the time they were attending school and asked why it is allowed for someone to
4 be pulled over for having a wide set nose rather than a broken tail light. Ms. Jacobs stated the
5 community does not trust law enforcement and she is certain it is vice versa. They attended high
6 school in South St. Paul and the police in that area do an excellent job in making a positive
7 presence in the community. She described what she felt is community engagement. Ms. Jacobs
8 noted on the St. Anthony website, there are only two opportunities for community engagement
9 and they fall short to engage the community. She felt the St. Anthony Police Department does
10 not build relationships with the community outside of 911 responses. Ms. Jacobs read the
11 benefits of community engagement and asked those present how many had attended Meet Me at
12 the River at which there were 321 attendees. She proposed that St. Anthony hold a citizen
13 listening series, not just one evening to allow residents to voice their concerns. She suggested a
14 Citizens Academy be formed and modeled after the program in South St. Paul. Ms. Jacobs
15 requested all law enforcement officers in St. Anthony complete 200 hours of community service
16 off -duty, noting these requests are SMART goals.
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18 Mayor Faust asked for a show of hands as to who has attended St. Anthony Citizens Academy
19 and noted St. Anthony has a program in place.
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21 Ms. Mageen Caines, 3100 32nd Avenue NE, has lived in St. Anthony since the tornado took out
22 Apache Plaza. She was in Officer Cotroneos' first DARE class and was the honor graduate. She
23 reviewed her history within the City and when she returned from the Army to be with her family.
24 Ms. Caines stated she is pro to the village and noted the group has vast skills and experiences.
25 She suggested the offers of help should be organized as the silence is hurting the residents. Ms.
26 Caines agreed there needs to be a series of listening sessions and asked what it will look like
27 when we are there.
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29 Ms. Melanie Chaput, 3537 Coolidge Street, stated she is the parent of two adopted children from
30 China. She stated systemic racism is hurting the kids and community leaders are hurting her
31 efforts to raise her children. Ms. Chaput wants the Council to take action and make it visible.
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33 Ms. Julie Pierce, new resident of New Brighton, stated she is the Director of Nourish 282. Her
34 children are bi- racial and the shooting shook her family to the core. Her children are having a
35 difficult time dealing with this. Ms. Pierce stated her daughter needs reassurance that we will do
36 better, there will be police reform, and the City leaders care about her life. She felt that asking
37 for help is a sign of strength and the community is in need of compassion from its leaders. Ms.
38 Pierce stated silence is not the solution, it is time to standup, and be part of the movement for
39 change. She stated the world is watching St. Anthony, hard conversations need to be held, and
40 the Mayor and Council need to want to be part of the solution. She asked the Council to accept
41 help from the various groups available. She asked if any of the Council was present at the July
42 10` protest, stated silence is not the answer.
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44 Mr. Robert Jones stated he has been in the community for 18 years, loves the Village, loves this
45 community, and the death of Philandro burst his bubble. He now lives that fear every single day.
46 Mr. Jones stated he makes a decision every day as to what he wears and what routes he takes.
47 He stated St. Anthony has the opportunity to Get It Right. He would like the council to reach out
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 26, 2016
Page 5
to the people of color within the community. Mr. Jones stated the school system is wonderful and
offered to help however he can. He thanked everyone present for their support and stated he is
proud of the community for coming together.
5 Ms. Jennifer Martin stated she has lived in St. Anthony for six years and recently moved to New
6 Brighton. Her son will start 6th grade and is on a first name basis with a few of the police
7 officers. Her son is African American. Ms. Martin asked what will we do if there isn't change.
8 She fears when her son becomes older that he will not be safe, noting prejudice and racism needs
9 to be changed. She requested an open dialogue with the community and that the City accept the
10 help from those offering.
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12 Ms. Maret Olson, 3312 Edwards Street NE, stated she has lived here and knows some of the
13 police officers. She stated the police are not bad people, noting St. Anthony is a pretty low crime
14 area. Ms. Olson stated we owe it to officers to train them properly. She feels safe but a black
15 friend who stayed with her did not feel safe. She stated the focus should be on moving violations
16 rather than random stops, body cams provide evidence, and the problem must be solved.
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18 Ms. Nona Kennedy - Carlson, 2926 Armor Terrace, stated they have been residents for 11 years.
19 She wants to say she very much respects the Police Department, the Fire Department, and the
20 First Responders. Ms. Kennedy - Carlson brought a book for the Council entitled A Good Time
21 for the Truth. She read some excerpts from the book and stated the nation is watching. Ms.
22 Kennedy- Carlson stated they want to seize the moment and they do not want to be divided. They
23 want to come together in new ways with the Council. She noted that peaceful does not mean
24 without discomfort and we must embrace the people of color within the community. Ms.
25 Kennedy- Carlson stated she wonders why none of the Council attended the event, noting there
26 were powerful speakers present. She asked Mayor Faust to stand behind his words. Sophia
27 Valdez presented the books to the Council.
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29 Ms. Sophia Valdes, 2404 27`h Avenue NE, stated she has read A Good Time for the Truth. She
30 agrees that change needs to happen and by attending events it is still not happening. Ms. Valdes
31 stated change did not happen after the incident in Ferguson, Missouri, and she feels protest is
32 necessary to make change happen.
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34 Mr. Thomas Metcalf, 3223 Croft Drive, stated he has lived in St. Anthony for 11 years. He was
35 concerned that his children wouldn't have the diversity he had when growing up. Mr. Metcalf
36 stated his family volunteers a lot and he has always been very proud of St. Anthony Village so
37 being thrust into the spotlight hit him and his wife very hard. Mr. Metcalf stated he does not want
38 St. Anthony known as a community that is not accepting of diverse cultures. Change should
39 happen. He asked the Council to take advantage of those offering help and leverage the
40 empowered community.
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42 Ms. Shannon Foreman, 3401 Harding, stated Philando Castile could have been her brother, her
43 friend, her uncle, the father to her children's friends. The police officers could have been the
44 same to her, they were `someones.' Ms. Foreman stated St. Anthony has the opportunity to
45 change the world. She stated this event has affected her family in many ways. Her brother and
46 sister are black, her brother -in -law is a police officer, and all lives in the world do matter. Ms.
47 Foreman stated all lives can't be the same without equality, we can all affect change, and fear
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 26, 2016
Page 6
1 stands in the way of change. Ms. Foreman stated other cities are creating a greater community as
2 change and growth can come after tragedy. She wanted change and accountability and
3 challenged everyone to recognize there is a problem and move towards a solution. She asked the
4 leaders to have more diversity training and proactive communication. Ms. Foreman stated she
5 has a list of what other communities are doing and will share it with anyone.
7 Ms. Kathleen Lomar -Exel 3113 Armor Terrace, stated she has two children in Wilshire Park and
8 wishes she would have heard more from the Council since Philando's death. She stated the City
9 Council Meeting should not have been cancelled, there needs to be more listening sessions, and
10 the Village Fest parade cancellation does not make sense. Ms. Lomar -Exel stated there needs to
11 be a thorough investigation, press conferences should have been held, and the Council should
12 have been at the peaceful protest. Ms. Lomar -Exel felt the silence of the Council and the Mayor
13 needs to stop now and asked villagers be involved in the Police Chief search process.
14
15 Ms. Kate Martin, 2513 30`h Avenue, stated she has been happy with the status quo being busy
16 with her own life but there is work that needs to be done and she is getting involved. Ms. Martin
17 stated she is asking for greater community involvement with the police, input on the hiring of the
18 Police Chief, required training for all police and elected officials, partnerships with local civil
19 rights organizations, and renewed commitment to equity. She would like public statements and
20 actions from each Council Members and the Mayor. Ms. Martin stated she is looking forward to
21 working with the Council or newly elected Council to take action.
22
23 Ms. Kristine Lizdas, 3013 Townview Avenue, stated she is an attorney. She mentioned the
24 meeting in February 2015 and litigation based on denial of an application for the Islamic Center
25 within a Light Industrial District. Ms. Lizdas stated the application was denied on vote of 4 -1, a
26 settlement agreement was reached, and the City was ordered to approve the application. She felt
27 the City failed to see what the lawsuit showed us, that self - examination should have occurred at
28 that point. She does not intend to let another opportunity pass.
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30 Ms. Jaime Rooney, 3108 Armor Terrace, stated she moved to St. Anthony two years ago and
31 wants to focus on the opportunity of the moment. She asked the City to take the great
32 suggestions made here tonight, noting there are a number of people that want to help.
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34 Mr. Molly Franzis, 2702 33`d Avenue NE, stated he attended St. Charles school and when he was
35 young, he was wrongfully arrested in St. Anthony and accused of stealing his own vehicle. He
36 would like there to be a St. Anthony Village Youth Council and more community interaction
37 with police and Council. Mr. Franzis suggested bias training be held. He felt communication has
38 been poor and stated he would like to develop a phone application to be used by the City for
39 communication.
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41 Ms. Jennifer Simpson 1332 Winters, stated she has two children and empathy for the Council
42 during this time. She stated the Council is here to make a difference and asked for three things.
43 She stated there needs to be clear accountability and support for the police, the City needs to look
44 at the data and offer trainings, and this is not a time to wait until the investigation is done. Ms.
45 Simpson asked for a Citizen Advisory Board to help make things better. She also asked the
46 Council to lead in this issue, be present, and participating. Ms. Simpson stated her child's
47 kindergarten class is 40% kids of color. She stated the Council has support.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 26, 2016
Page 7
2 Mr. Mitch Martin 2913 3P, stated he has a very dark skinned son and fears his son may not
3 make it home some evening. They moved to St. Anthony six years ago and he is worried when
4 there are events and no one shows up. Mr. Martin stated he does not want his taxes to go up due
5 to lawsuits.
Mr. Ike Whiting stated at the last election it took 268 votes to get on the City Council. He noted
there are a lot of great ideas and resources and also a lot of room for change.
10 Mayor Faust stated Council appreciates the attendance. He stated he has empathy for the Castile
11 family. Mayor Faust stated the silence is not due to worry about being sued, the City has been
12 quiet while working on the issues. He explained that residents can sign -up on the website to get
13 alerts.
14
15 Councilmember Gray echoed what the Mayor said about the loss of Philando Castile and stated
16 nothing has affected him as much as that in years. Councilmember Gray stated when he heard
17 Mr. Jones' comments about taking care as to what he wears and routes he takes, that affects him.
18 He does not know what it's like to wont' if he'll be picked up due to the color of his skin.
19 Councilmember Gray asked the residents to not assume that because nothing has been said
20 outright, that he doesn't have those feelings. He is grateful people are interested to come to the
21 meetings. He stated the police officers are involved in the community and there has not been a
22 Police Academy in the past three years due to lack of interest. Councilmember Gray stated there
23 are many biases in the country, he welcomes the help from the community, and hopes people
24 start attending Council meetings and holds the Council accountable.
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26 Councilmember Stille stated it has been 20 days since the event and there has been a cloud over
27 the City since then. He explained the Mayor is the Council's spokesperson and he agrees with
28 what the Mayor says. Councilmember Stille stated listening is part of the Council's job and all
29 suggestions will be evaluated, which will take a little time. He asked for patience and stated Mr.
30 Jones' comments were taken to heart. Councilmember Stille stated residents have Council's
31 word that they will do better and will do good.
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33 Councilmember Brever stated she agrees with the Mayor and Councilmember's comments. This
34 has affected her greatly and her deepest sympathy goes to the Castile family and the police
35 officers. Councilmember Brever stated they have adopted a Korean daughter and she is marrying
36 a black man. She hopes he will never have to face these hardships. She stated she appreciates all
37 of the comments and the Council will work with the residents, come out strong, and a much
38 better Village.
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40 Councilmember Jenson stated this whole event has made a major impact on his life. He reiterates
41 everything said and stated what has been presented to Council is very important and he hopes to
42 participate in positive change. Councilmember Jenson stated he hopes the residents will give
43 him a chance; he wants to be a positive force for change. He stated we need to demonstrate
44 liberty and justice for all and he looks forward to help from the community.
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46 Mayor Faust highlighted the Council was not aware they were going to be asked to speak this
47 evening and stated every Councilmember attends Night to Unite. He stated fought for freedom
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 26, 2016
Page 8
1 for all Americans. Mayor Faust stated all officers have college degrees, licensing requirements
2 are exceeded, training is held, and additional training will be done. Also, the Citizen's Academy
3 will be brought to the public and offers of help are taken seriously. Mayor Faust stated the
4 Council will be better. It won't be fast, but we will be better. He stated the City is on the cusp of
5 something here that is as great as he has seen in his life and we need to make all people equal.
6 Mayor Faust noted the police are not the bad guys, they need to hear that too, and we as white
7 people need to acknowledge and reach out to people of color. He stated the City does not raise
8 revenue through the Police Department and he takes exception to that comment. Mayor Faust
9 commented on the use of body cams and stated the City will have them soon as one of the tool to
10 help us.
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12 Mayor Faust relayed his discussion with Governor Dayton that St. Anthony is not a racist
13 community, noting it had overwhelming re- elected Keith Ellison, the first black Muslim, five
14 times to Congress. Mayor Faust commented that one person elected to office, even the
15 President, can't solve all the problems and it needs to be addressed at a grassroots level of the
16 community.
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18 Mayor Faust accepted the comment that the City had not had an open process. He stated he has
19 had a lot of conversations with local pastors and shared a story from a black pastor who also
20 worked for Xfinity and had explained that he can go anywhere while wearing his logoed Xfinity
21 shirt and driving the company's truck but it's a different story after he goes home.
22
23 Mayor Faust explained why his letter to the editor had first appeared in the St. Paul Pioneer
24 Press, the city where Philando Castile lived. However, since most of the City's residents read
25 the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the City added a link to his letter to the editor on its website.
26 Mayor Faust stated this is driving conversation in the metro area including the Regional Council
27 of Mayors that came out with an op -ed piece. However, he decided to write his own op -ed piece.
28
29 Mayor Faust stated the City is talking with other communities throughout the State in a way that
30 will mobilize them and actually affect change, noting that some communities have a very large
31 minority population. He stated the focus is on St. Anthony and there is a large group quietly
32 backing up the City including the Department of Justice, national police officer's associations,
33 black Councils, and black pastors so something will get done. Mayor Faust stated it will take all
34 of us and we need that mobilization. He stated he is glad that Black Lives Matter and the
35 NAACP were non - violent, noting this matter has the City's attention and he does not want
36 anything to jeopardize that attention. He explained this matter will go forward and the City will
37 work on it but it will take time.
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39 Mayor Faust asked the Council to consider directing the City Manager to establish a working
40 group, which will also involve Falcon Heights and Lauderdale, to look at police policies and
41 perhaps using the Maplewood model. He noted that Human Rights Commissions do not have
42 the power to hire or fire, which is under the authority of the City Manager, including the Chief of
43 Police. Mayor Faust described the City Manager form of government, noting in St. Anthony the
44 City Manager hires and fires all of the department heads including the Chief of Police. He stated
45 the Police Chief is open to this conversation, will be presenting A New Day, and can bring it to
46 fruition.
47
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 26, 2016
Page 9
1 Mayor Faust explained he had wanted to hold the July 12 Council Meeting but was advised it
2 would place City employees in danger. He stated he did not want his ego to get in the way of
3 putting someone in danger so the meeting was canceled. He explained the Village Fest parade
4 was cancelled because it takes all the City's resources to handle and staff was exhausted. That
5 decision was made in concert with the Village Fest Committee, staff, and Councilmember Gray
6 who serves as the Council's representative on the Village Fest Committee.
8 Mayor Faust advised the BCA is investigating the incident and once it is concluded, findings will
9 be prepared and considered by the City Council. He thanked those in attendance for their
10 comments and stated this conversation will continue to build momentum and create
11 opportunities.
12
13 IX. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS - NONE
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15 X. ADJOURNMENT.
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17 Mayor Faust adjourned the meeting at 9:32 p.m.
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19
20 Respectfully submitted,
21 Debbie Wolfe
22 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
23
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26 ATTEST:
27 City'Clerk
28
Mayor