HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 012720261
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CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 27, 2026
I. CALL TO ORDER.
Mayor Webster called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
Mayor Webster invited the Council and audience to join her in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Council observed a moment of silence in honor of Renee Good and Alex Peretti.
III. ROLL CALL.
Present: Mayor Webster, Doolan, Jenson, and Elnagdy.
Absent: Randle
Also Present: City Manager Charlie Yunker, Assistant City Manager Ashley Morello, Police Chief
Jeff Spiess, Public Works Superintendent Josh Moellman, and City Engineer Justin
Messner
CONSIDERATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ALL OF THE FOLLOWING
ITEMS.
IV. APPROVAL OF JANUARY 27, 2026, CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA.
Motion by Councilmember Doolan, seconded by Councilmember Elnagdy, to approve the City
Council Meeting Agenda of January 27, 2026.
Motion carried 4-0.
IV. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS.
A. Council Statement on Community Safety Inclusion. And Immi--i-ation Enforcement.
Mayor Webster noted that the Council first discussed this item at a worksession on January 13th
after the Council directed staff to create a webpage focused on immigration, safety, and
resources. She welcomed any additional comments from the Council on the statement as it is
drafted.
Councilmember Elnagdy stated that she presented this proposal at the last meeting. She
referenced input received, which stated that this is a statement of policy, and asked what this
would look like in practice. She was unsure if that would be specified in the statement or
whether the information would be found somewhere else.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
January 27, 2026
Page 2
1 Councilmember Jenson stated that the Council is going to have a detailed discussion on that with
2 the appropriate members of City staff, legal counsel, and the Council, noting that it was decided
3 to hold that meeting the following week.
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5 Councilmember Doolan referenced comments that were received earlier today in the listening
6 session and commented on the need for increased engagement and communications. She
7 recognized that these are principles and agreed that they will need to further discuss what that
8 looks like in practice. She suggested that the City Attorney engage in conversations with
9 Minnesota Attorney General Ellison, suspension of on -street parking towing, and consideration
10 of an eviction moratorium. She would like to continue to explore different avenues that could
11 help.
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13 Councilmember Elnagdy also suggested that a review of City Ordinances be done to determine
14 amendments that could limit Federal involvement. Councilmember Jenson agreed.
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16 Councilmember Doolan had questions about the different levels of authority between local,
17 State, and Federal and what could or could not be done at each level.
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19 Mayor Webster recapped the comments made by the Council. She recognized that while some
20 items are at the State level, the impact is felt throughout the metro.
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22 Councilmember Elnagdy provided examples of different ordinances that she believed could be
23 reviewed to effectively limit Federal involvement.
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25 Mayor Webster thanked staff for creating the requested webpage and making it live the next day,
26 following the direction from the City Council. She asked the Police Chief to provide additional
27 information on Policy 413.
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29 Police Chief Spiess acknowledged that many people in the community are fearful in this time of
30 uncertainty, noting that they are all trying to navigate the waters as best they can. He stated that
31 they have worked hard to build relationships in the community to ensure that members of the
32 community feel safe. He stated that Policy 413 is not a new policy and is something that has
33 been followed for many years. He provided an overview of the policy and how it works in
34 practice. He stated that the Police Department is committed to public safety and keeping the
35 community safe.
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37 Mayor Webster commented that the Police Department has never asked members of the
38 community about their immigration status. She provided an example of an encounter that she
39 had a few years ago with someone who was under the influence and attempting to get into her
40 home, noting that she called 911, and Officers provided assistance. She explained that if the
41 person banging on her door was ICE and if she were to call 911, if she were detained when
42 Officers arrived, they would not be able to intervene because the Police Department is not aware
43 of her immigration status and cannot interfere with Federal actions. She recognized that the
44 tactics being used by ICE violate rights, and that creates fear and uncertainty.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
January 27, 2026
Page 3
Police Chief Spiess commented that although the department cannot interfere with Federal
activity, if people are in fear for their safety, they should still call 911. He noted meetings that
have been held with local police departments and Ramsey County to discuss the best way to
ensure public safety while not obstructing Federal law enforcement.
Councilmember Doolan asked if ICE would have access to public data information, recognizing
that the Police Department does not ask or keep records of immigration status. Police Chief
Spiess confirmed that the department still has to follow the Public Data Practices Act, but
because they do not collect data on immigration, they would not have that information to share.
He stated that if someone were to voluntarily tell an Officer they were having immigration
issues, the department would not document that information.
Councilmember Elnagdy used the example where a resident is being detained, and the Police
Department does know their immigration status, either because they know the person or the
person has their passport, and asked if the department could intervene in that situation. Police
Chief Spiess recognized that every situation will be different and, therefore, it is hard to speak to
hypotheticals. He stated that the department would do its best to document the situation, identify
the agents involved, and work with local and State partners. He noted that Federal agents are
under no obligation to share information with local police.
Councilmember Doolan appreciated the effort of the Police Department, but recognized that
some community members have lived experiences that cause distrust in the police. She was
unsure how they could build trust with those members of the community or explain what to
expect if they call 911 for this type of issue. She noted a recent discussion she had with a State
Representative related to constitutional observers and the need for that documentation to be sent
to Attorney General Ellison. She asked if the observations and documentation from the police
were also sent to the Attorney General. Police Chief Spiess replied that they do not send
bodycam videos to the Attorney General and explained how they provide that footage to the City
Attorney's office or the County Attorney's office.
Councilmember Doolan stated that all traffic laws and signals should be obeyed when acting as a
constitutional observer. She asked for more information on the role of the Police Department to
execute and watch for local/State law violations versus not impeding a peaceful protest. Police
Chief Spiess commented that there was a situation where a member of the community, who was
mistaken for ICE and was being followed aggressively, noting that this cannot happen. He stated
that traffic complaints are one of the main complaints they receive. He cautioned against telling
people what they can or cannot do in those situations. He noted that there have been recent
demonstrations in the community that have been peaceful, and they have been happy and
impressed that there have been zero issues with those. He stated that when people are not
peaceful, they need to find ways to mitigate that, and it takes resources away from addressing
other things in the community.
Councilmember Doolan encouraged those interested to go through the constitutional observer
training, as it provides good information. Councilmember Elnagdy suggested that the City host a
town hall where established organizations can provide constitutional observer training.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
January 27, 2026
Page 4
Councilmember Jenson thanked Police Chief Spiess for answering tough questions. He
recognized the role of the Police, if called to an incident, to document what is happening.
Mayor Webster commented that during the past two weeks, students have chosen to walk out of
school in protest. She appreciated that with notice, the Police were able to ensure traffic safety
during those times. She acknowledged that the students are doing a phenomenal job of modeling
peaceful protesting.
Councilmember Doolan asked if the Police Department is present at school drop-off and pick-
ups. Police Chief Spiess commented that the department has been in contact with all the schools,
and while they do not want a visible presence, they do drive by and continue to be in regular
communication to address any issues.
Mayor Webster read aloud the draft statement, acknowledging that they will continue to research
additional actions that could be considered and noted that a follow-up worksession will be
scheduled for the following week.
Motion by Councilmember Doolan, seconded by Councilmember Elnagdy, to approve the St.
Anthony Village Statement on Community Safety, Inclusion, and Immigration Enforcement.
Further discussion: Mayor Webster stated that although Councilmember Randle is absent
tonight, he did voice his full support for this item.
Motion carried 4-0.
VI. CONSENT AGENDA.
A. Approve January 13.2026, Council meeting minutes.
B. Licenses and permits.
C. Claims.
Motion by Councilmember Jenson, seconded by Councilmember Elnagdy, to approve the
Consent Agenda items.
VII. PUBLIC HEARING — NONE.
VIII. REPORTS FROM COMMISSION AND STAFF — NONE.
IX. GENERAL BUSINESS OF COUNCIL.
A. Public Works Snow Plowing; Operations Presentation.
Motion carried 4-0.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
January 27, 2026
Page 5
1 Public Works Superintendent Moellman provided a presentation on the snowplowing operations
2 for the community. He provided information on decision -making, public notification, pre-
3 wetting with salt brine, plowing, and community outreach.
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5 Councilmember Doolan thanked Mr. Moellman and his staff for the excellent job they do,
6 recognizing the need for their schedules to adjust to snow events as they do not work 24/7. She
7 also appreciated the cooperation with MWMO related to the use of salt, noting that the City is
8 always recognized as a star example by the MWMO.
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Councilmember Elnagdy recognized the great job the department has done to respond to all the
snow events this winter and acknowledged the remarkable timeline the department follows. She
believed that this information would help to counter some of the complaints.
Councilmember Jenson also appreciated the attention the streets receive and commented on the
great service that continues to be provided to the community.
Mayor Webster appreciated the presentation and the effort of staff. She noted that she enjoys
knowing which driver handles each segment of the community and the ability for residents to
know who their driver is. She also recognized the great leadership that Mr. Moellman provides
and the great work his team does.
B. Resolution 26-016 — Water Meter Upgrades.
City Engineer Messner presented information on the proposed city-wide water meter
replacement project. He provided background information on the previous water meter
replacement project that occurred in 2006, noting that those meters are reaching the end of their
useful life and replacement is again necessary. He provided information on the proposed project
and project cost.
Councilmember Doolan asked for more information on the ability for live reading and whether
that requires internet within the home. Mr. Messner explained that the meter has a radio signal
built into it and sends the information. Councilmember Doolan asked and received confirmation
that a licensed contractor will be replacing the water meters rather than public works staff. She
asked when the work would begin. Mr. Messner provided the proposed timeline if the action is
approved tonight, estimating that water meter replacement would likely begin near the end of
summer.
Councilmember Jenson asked if residents would receive a text ahead of time to alert them of
when the replacement would occur. Mr. Messner commented that he does not have those details
as of yet, as a contractor has not yet been selected. He noted that typically, a resident could
schedule an appointment based on their availability and would receive a notification prior to the
appointment.
Mayor Webster welcomed public input.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
January 27, 2026
Page 6
1 Dr. Bebe Neumann documented a resident impact concern related to the water meter replacement
2 project. She explained that this replacement would occur for all residential and commercial
3 properties. She appreciated the information found within the staff report about the potential
4 project, but believed that additional information was needed related to interior installation in
5 private homes, consent protocols, accessibility and disability accommodations, safety
6 considerations, and the long-term sustainability of requiring interior access for every technology
7 cycle.
8
9 Motion by Councilmember Doolan, seconded by Councilmember Jenson, to approve Resolution
10 26-016 — Resolution Authorizing WSB to prepare plans and specifications and Authorizing the
11 advertisement for bids for the CityWide Water Meter Replacement Project.
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13 Motion carried 4-0.
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15 C. Resolution 26-017 — Water Treatment Valve Automation.
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17 Mr. Messner presented information on the proposed water treatment plant valve replacement
18 project. He provided background information and additional information on the need for the
19 project and the potential to automate the valves. He stated that the request is to solicit bids and
20 reviewed the estimated project cost and the elements within.
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22 Councilmember Jenson asked about the frequency within one year that the valves are opened and
23 closed. Mr. Messner replied that it would depend on water usage and the water supply. He
24 stated that currently it is being done monthly. Councilmember Jenson asked for more
25 information on how a malfunction is detected. Mr. Messner provided details on how a valve
26 malfunction is manually detected currently and noted that if automated, the system would alert to
27 any malfunctions. He explained how the backwash water is reused.
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29 Councilmember Doolan recognized that another benefit of the upgrade will be that more people
30 will be qualified to maintain the system. She asked if this upgrade would provide more
31 resilience and less risk of service disruption. Ms. Messner replied that this project would not be
32 related to service disruption, but it does ensure that the City will be able to complete the
33 necessary backwash process. Councilmember Doolan asked if there would be any risk to
34 residents during the change in infrastructure. Ms. Messner replied that there would be no
35 resident risk related to the valve replacement.
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37 Councilmember Elnagdy asked for information on the public versus private bid system. Mr.
38 Messner commented that if the estimated cost of the project exceeds $175,000, a public bid
39 process is required. He stated that even through that process, the City is aware of who will most
40 likely bid on the project, as there are contractors for water -related projects. He commented that
41 the City will reach out to those vendors to solicit quotes for the project and provided additional
42 information on the other benefits that the process provides to the City in terms of a shorter
43 timeline and less time and money spent on developing additional plans and bid documents for
44 the process.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
January 27, 2026
Page 7
1 Dr. Neumann stated that this project appears to be confined to internal City operations and
2 suggested making a clear distinction between internal infrastructure upgrades and projects that
3 require entry into private residences.
4
5 Motion by Councilmember Elnagdy, seconded by Councilmember Jenson, to approve Resolution
6 26-017 — Resolution Authorizing staff to solicit quotes for the Water Treatment Plant Valve
7 Replacements.
8
9 Motion carried 4-0.
10
11 X. COMMUNITY FORUM.
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13 Mayor Webster invited residents to come forward at this time and address the Council on items
14 that are not on the regular agenda.
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16 A. Public Comment — Council Statement On Community Safety. Inclusion. An
17 Immiation Enforcement.
18
19 Mayor Webster invited residents to come forward at this time and address the Council on the
20 Council Statement on Community Safety, Inclusion, and Immigration Enforcement.
21
22 Jessica Swiontek, 2704 Marie Avenue, commented that because of the way she looks, she is able
23 to leave her home without fear, although she still has fear sharing her address. She commented
24 on observations that she has noticed and that her camera has picked up in the alley, and different
25 observations of masked individuals driving in the community. She stated that a person wearing a
26 mask to complete their job is someone who is not proud to do their job. She asked that St.
27 Anthony ask all Federal agents to be unmasked and identified when working in the community.
28 She commented that she works in food safety and has experience with chemicals, and therefore
29 has received calls from people wanting to know how to get tear gas off of them. She commented
30 on a friend who had a gun pulled on them while in their vehicle, instructing them to move their
31 vehicle. She commented that the government is beating people, taking them, and releasing them
32 without shoes or phones. She stated that her friend with a PHD is afraid to leave their home
33 without their white husband. She commented on the differences between the tactics being used
34 by ICE compared to the whistles being used by protestors. She asked the City to take action
35 now.
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37 Noah Oien-Rochat, 2916 3 1 " Avenue NE, commented that he was flabbergasted at the
38 comments by the Police Chief. He noted that on the surface, the comments seem normal, in that
39 local Officers cannot obstruct Federal agents, but noted that these are not normal circumstances.
40 He noted that anyone can purchase flack jackets off Temu and use small arms, so how would the
41 Police know whether the people doing a kidnapping are Federal agents. He commented that it
42 seems that the Police Chief has abdicated the job of public safety. He asked the Council to
43 dissolve the Police if they would not do their job and use that money to equip a citizens' militia
44 group to respond to violent kidnappings. He stated that the additional funds could be used to
45 fund a typical police force that does not carry weapons and can respond to emergencies. He
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
January 27, 2026
Page 8
1 stated that it is not normal to live under a constant threat of losing one's life to one's own police
2 force.
3
4 Dr. Neumann acknowledged the statement of the Council and stated that it is important for local
5 government to name its values. She commented that value statements are most effective when
6 paired with procedural clarity. She explained that residents want to know the information that is
7 not shared, how requests are denied, and what information is tracked in the system. She asked
8 that the statement be treated as a starting point with future work to identify guardrails,
9 transparency, and a process for review.
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11 James Levoir, 2612 Pahl Avenue, acknowledged the harm that the ongoing occupation of ICE
12 has had on the communities. He asked that the City formally denounce all unlawful ICE
13 activities, ask the Governor to implement an eviction moratorium, adopt a separation ordinance
14 that prevents City employees from working with Federal immigration officers, and require ICE
15 agents to remove their masks. He took a moment to remember Renee Good, Alex Peretti, and all
16 others who have experienced violence from interactions with ICE.
17
18 B. Public Comment — Water Meter UpgradeS.
19
20 Mayor Webster invited residents to come forward at this time and address the Council on the
21 Water Meter Upgrades.
22
23 C. Public Comment — Water Treatment Plant Valve Automation.
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25 Mayor Webster invited residents to come forward at this time and address the Council on the
26 Water Treatment Plant Valve Automation.
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28 XI. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCIL MEMBERS.
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30 City Manager Yunker had no report.
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32 Councilmember Elnagdy had no report.
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34 Councilmember Jenson reported that he attended a Zoom meeting for Meeting in the Middle to
35 discuss ICE actions and potential responses. He stated that he also attended meetings for
36 Northeast Youth and Family Services and the earlier town hall meeting.
37
38 Councilmember Doolan commented on the recent goal -setting meetings the Council and staff
39 participated in and appreciated the opportunity to have discussions with department leaders. She
40 also attended meetings for the Metropolitan Council Land Use Advisory Commission, a League
41 of Women Voters -sponsored discussion with local leaders, and the Minnesota Cities Climate
42 Coalition.
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44 Mayor Webster stated she attended the local leader support group related to the challenges with
45 immigration enforcement, the annual goal -setting sessions, and had a phone call with the auditor
46 ahead of the annual audit process. She also spoke at the badge ceremony for the Fire Department
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
January 27, 2026
Page 9
and recognized the new rookies who completed one year of training to serve as part-time
firefighters. She appreciated the on -duty Police Officers who attended the ceremony. She
advised of a recent meeting to discuss ongoing community engagement during this time of
misinformation.
XIL INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
A. Future Agenda Items.
No comments.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor Webster adjourned the meeting at 8:43 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Amanda Staple
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
i Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk