HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 072820261
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CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JULY 28, 2026
I. CALL TO ORDER.
Mayor Webster called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
Mayor Webster invited the Council and audience to join her in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL.
Present: Mayor Webster, Councilmembers Lona Doolan, Jan Jenson, and Thomas Randle.
Absent: Councilmember Nadia Elnagdy.
Also Present: City Manager Charlie Yunker, Assistant City Manager Ashley Morello, Police Chief
Jeff Spiess, Fire Chief Izzy Diaz, Deputy Fire Chief Mattie Jaros, and City Engineer
Justin Messner.
Others Present: VillageFest Committee Member Julianne Hunter and VillageFest Vendor Fair
Coordinator Mike Mayne.
CONSIDERATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ALL OF THE
FOLLOWING ITEMS.
IV. APPROVAL OF JULY 28, 2026, CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA.
Mayor Webster proposed a motion to move Item A under General Business of the Council,
Resolution 26-053 - Approving The Use Of Central Park For A Special Event On August 18, to
the Consent Agenda. She stated that the individual who is interested in this event is not present,
and that these resolutions typically are under the Consent Agenda.
Motion by Councilmember Randle, seconded by Councilmember Doolan, to move Resolution
26-053 - Approving The Use Of Central Park For A Special Event On August 18 from Item 9A
to Item 6E.
Motion carried 4-0.
Motion by Councilmember Jenson, seconded by Councilmember Randle, to approve the City
Council Meeting Agenda of July 28, 2026, as presented.
V. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS.
A. Night to Unite Presentation.
Motion carried 4-0.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 28, 2026
Page 2
2 Mayor Webster welcomed Police Chief Spiess to the podium to present on Night to Unite.
3
4 Police Chief Spiess thanked the Council and the community for the opportunity to inform them
5 of Night to Unite, which will be on August 4, 2026. He stated that its purpose is to bring
6 neighborhoods together, form neighborhood watches, and improve the bond between
7 neighborhoods and the Public Safety departments. He noted that this will be an opportunity for
8 education on the public safety offerings that the City has, and a chance for residents to get to
9 know their public safety workers and elected officials. Police Chief Spiess informed the Council
10 that the St. Anthony Police Department has participated in Night to Unite and supported
11 neighborhood block parties for over 15 years. Before that, they participated in National Night
12 Out, which is on the same night. He stated that last year they supported 32 registered block
13 parties, and this year they currently have 34 registered, but there are still requests being received.
14 Police Chief Spiess highlighted that in addition to the 34 parties in St. Anthony, there are five
15 registered gatherings in Lauderdale, and 12 in Falcon Heights. He stated that today was the
16 deadline for parties to register to ensure a visit from City Staff members and receive an ice cream
17 voucher. He thanked Cub Foods for providing each registered party with a pail of vanilla ice
18 cream. Police Chief Spiess thanked City Staff for making the event possible and extended
19 significant thanks to community members for taking time out of their nights to make this event
20 possible and for their work to make the community safer.
21
22 Mayor Webster thanked Police Chief Spiess for his presentation. She noted that the St. Anthony
23 Police and Fire Departments will be attending 53 parties this year. She thanked Police Chief
24 Spiess for their intentionality in attending all the parties in the community.
25
26 B. Night to Unite Proclamation.
27
28 The Night to Unite Proclamation, dated July 28, 2026, was read into the record.
29
30 C. VillageFest Presentation,
31
32 VillageFest Committee Member Hunter provided a presentation on the events at VillageFest this
33 year. She noted that VillageFest is always the first weekend of August, and the entire park and
34 most of the facilities surrounding it are utilized. VillageFest Committee Member Hunter thanked
35 the Council and Staff for allowing the use of City facilities for VillageFest. She informed the
36 Council that the previous year's VillageFest had a great turnout. This year, they are seeking to
37 put the bulk of the added profits into improving the offerings of VillageFest, such as increasing
38 the parade budget. She stated that karaoke was incredibly popular and will be brought back this
39 year. She highlighted that there will be additional food trucks and beverage stations on Friday.
40 VillageFest Committee Member Hunter informed the Council that Saturday will have many of
41 the same offerings as prior years, but that the setup of the lot may be a bit different. She invited
42 VillageFest Vendor Fair Coordinator Mayne to the podium to expand on her review.
43
44 VillageFest Vendor Fair Coordinator Mayne explained that there will be a more efficient
45 registration process for vendors at VillageFest this year. He stated that there will be 47 vendors
46 in the Vendor Fair this year, and 69 participants in the parade. He highlighted that the silent
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 28, 2026
Page 3
1 auction bidding and winning notifications will be done through the website. He noted that all
2 payments can now be made with credit cards, and that there will be an interactive map on the
3 website. VillageFest Vendor Fair Coordinator Mayne expressed his hope that additional
4 technology will help the event go more smoothly. He stated that all participants in any event will
5 be entered into the Neighborhood of the Year competition and assigned a St. Anthony
6 neighborhood. Each participant will get one point for their neighborhood; no shows lose two
7 points, and winning an event gives a large point boost to your neighborhood. The neighborhood
8 with the most points will be crowned the winner, and anyone present from that neighborhood
9 will receive a sticker and a free sub from Jersey Mike's. He expressed his excitement for the
10 event and hopes the technology improvements will help the event go more smoothly.
11
12 VillageFest Committee Member Hunter emphasized that VillageFest is not City -funded, only
13 City -sponsored, and that they raise all their own money for the event. She thanked their major
14 donors, Village Orthodontics, the Northeast Lions, Jersey Mike's, North Memorial Health,
15 BLVD Autoworks, Hunter Inc., and Central Avenue Liquors. She then thanked the City for all of
16 their assistance.
17
18 Councilmember Jenson thanked the whole VillageFest team for putting the event together. He
19 recognized the large task they take on in providing this event to the community and improving it
20 every year.
21
22 Councilmember Doolan expressed her appreciation for the Vendor Fair, and stated that she loves
23 the new interactive map.
24
25 Mayor Webster thanked VillageFest Committee Member Hunter for her long commitment to this
26 event and the VillageFest Committee. She also thanked all the vendors, donors, and volunteers
27 that make this event possible.
28
29 VI. CONSENT AGENDA.
30
31 A. Approve July 14 2026 Council Meeting Minutes.
32 B. License and Permits.
33 C. Claims.
34 D. Resolution 26 052 Approving The Use Of Central Park For A Special Event On July 31
35 And August 1.
36 E. Resolution 26 053 Approving The Use Of Central Park For A Special Event On August
37 18.
38
39 Motion by Councilmember Doolan, seconded by Councilmember Randle, to approve the
40 Consent Agenda items.
41
42 Motion carried 4-0.
43
44 VII. PUBLIC HEARING - NONE.
45
46 VIII. REPORTS FROM COMMISSION AND STAFF — NONE.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 28, 2026
Page 4
2 IX. GENERAL BUSINESS OF COUNCIL.
3
4 A. Public Safety Community Engagement (No Action Needed).
6 Mayor Webster welcomed Fire Chief Diaz, Police Chief Spiess, and Deputy Fire Chief Jaros to
7 the podium to provide an update on Public Safety Community Engagement. She thanked them
8 all for coordinating their efforts.
9
10 Deputy Fire Chief Jaros began the presentation on community engagement by informing the
11 Council that community engagement is the most important part of their job and is how they form
12 trust with the community before they have to make emergency calls. She provided some images
13 of community engagement events. She stated that the largest event every year is the Fire
14 Department Open House, which occurs on October 3. She informed the Council that this is an
15 opportunity for education and community outreach. Deputy Fire Chief Jaros briefly overviewed
16 more events such as Santa on the Fire Truck, Night to Unite, station tours, VillageFest, Trunk or
17 Treat, working as Special Olympics Medical Standby Volunteers, the Guatemala EMS and Fire
18 volunteer trip, the Elmwood Church End of School Year Party, the Valora BBQ Lunch, and The
19 Residences at St. Anthony events. She also expanded on their public safety education programs,
20 which they provide to people of all ages, beginning with Fire Prevention in schools at St. Charles
21 and Wilshire Elementary. They also provide events for Hands -Only CPR for seventh and ninth
22 graders, along with career education and fire and safety medical education for sophomores and
23 seniors. She informed the Council that they also have youth education outside of the schools
24 through Cub Scout classes, station tours, and babysitter classes. Deputy Fire Chief Jaros
25 highlighted adult education opportunities such as fire extinguisher classes, CPR classes, home
26 safety surveys, and community risk reduction outreach, as well as senior safety education at
27 Legends, The Residences at St. Anthony, Kenzington, and Walker Methodist. She provided the
28 social media handles for the St. Anthony Fire Department and informed the Council that they
29 utilize these platforms for safety education and updates on the department. Deputy Fire Chief
30 Jaros finished by informing the Council of future events that the Fire Department will be
31 participating in, such as VillageFest, the open house, Trunk or Treat, and Santa on a Fire Truck.
32
33 Police Chief Spiess appreciated how many of the events that Deputy Fire Chief Jaros overviewed
34 were not only community engagement for the Fire Department but also involved the Police
35 Department and Public Works Staff. He stated that community engagement is a philosophy for
36 the department. He emphasized how these are small opportunities to build trust with their
37 community and give a positive impression of policing as a whole. Police Chief Spiess
38 commented that all officers are community engagement officers, and that every encounter is an
39 opportunity for positive community engagement. He noted that this engagement extends to all
40 stops, medical calls, and more. He informed the Council that the Police Department does have a
41 dedicated engagement team to run social media, organize events, and develop youth
42 programming. He stated that one of the most important youth engagement projects is the annual
43 summer survival camp, which teaches incoming fourth graders firearm safety, CPR, first aid,
44 using 911, and water safety. Police Chief Spiess informed the Council that officers also speak at
45 Home Alone classes through community services, and emphasized that when young people have
46 good encounters. with the Police, they have a more positive view of them for life. Police Chief
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 28, 2026
Page 5
Spiess provided several other broader community engagement events, such as Hot Dogs with
Police and Fire, Touch a Truck at the Village Muni, Scam Prevention Seminars, Annual
Minnesota Night to Unite, CatGuard — Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention, VillageFest, and
Trunk or Treat. He noted they are also involved in community events in Lauderdale and Falcon
Heights, such as coffee with residents at a 55+ community, back -to -school events, and ice cream
socials. Police Chief Spiess highlighted the St. Anthony Police Department's contributions to
parking enforcement at the Minnesota State Fair and other events at the State Fairgrounds. He
also provided the Council with their social media websites and images from their accounts. He
stated that they have positive responses from their accounts, particularly when showing police
officers engaging with the community. Police Chief Spiess also highlighted the usage of social
media for important safety alerts and follow-ups. He reiterated that the heart of community
engagement is how their officers handle each interaction during their work, including medical
emergencies, thefts, traffic stops, and proactive engagement while on patrol. Police Chief Spiess
finished by outlining their future goals, such as strengthening their relationship with the Falcon
Heights Police Department, increasing involvement with youth and underrepresented
populations, implementing a therapy dog program, implementing a community engagement
officer, and staying connected through two-way communication with the community.
Mayor Webster thanked Police Chief Spiess for his presentation.
Councilmember Jenson thanked Police Chief Spiess, Fire Chief Diaz, and Deputy Fire Chief
Jaros for the presentation and their strong work to achieve community -oriented public safety. He
appreciated that they are looking to do these community engagement programs because they
want to and that they feel it is the right thing to do. He expressed what a privilege it is to live in
St. Anthony with people like them working in Public Safety.
Councilmember Doolan reflected on how Deputy Fire Chief Jaros attended the Caregiver
Support Group recently and discussed how community members can keep themselves safe while
assisting their loved ones, what to do after falls, and who and how to contact in the event of an
emergency. She stated that all her interactions with the police have been positive and helpful.
She thanked them all for their hard work.
Mayor Webster connected the current topic to the Night to Unite event. She appreciated how
both departments can utilize humor in their social media posts to engage the community. She
reflected on how many of the most popular posts include both the Police and Fire Department.
She expressed her deep appreciation for their in -person events and how connected the
departments are. She thanked them specifically for their participation in the Summer Safety
Camp and the event at the Village Muni.
B. Active Transportation Demonstration (No Action Needed).
Mayor Webster thanked City Engineer Messner for providing an overview of the project at 29`h
and Silver Lake Road.
City Engineer Messner presented an update on the Active Transportation Demonstration,
beginning by informing the Council that there are many complaints about the current setup at the
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 28, 2026
Page 6
1 intersection of Silver Lake Road and 29th Avenue. He stated that they are looking for ways to
2 improve this area, and that they acquired a grant through MnDOT to put on a temporary
3 demonstration of the Active Transportation Plan, which could improve flow at this intersection
4 and make it safer by utilizing a mini -roundabout. He noted that this will be a low -commitment
5 opportunity to explore community input on this project. He stated MnDOT felt they had a great
6 location to use this grant funding. City Engineer Messner stated that there may be slowdowns
7 and issues that come up, but that this is a good educational opportunity to develop long-term
8 improvement. He encouraged residents to share their thoughts on the roundabout, and expressed
9 a desire for all feedback, positive and negative. City Engineer provided a quick review of what a
10 Quick -Build Demonstration project is, and why it is beneficial. He emphasized the lack of a
11 capital commitment, the opportunity to build public awareness and gain community feedback,
12 and the opportunity to gather real -world traffic data during use of the temporary project. He
13 reminded the Council and the community that Silver Lake Road is operated and maintained by
14 Hennepin County. He noted that the demonstration will be seven weeks, but long enough to
15 understand how individuals navigate the intersection after becoming more used to it. He
16 commented that the cost is slightly higher than other temporary demonstrations, but reminded
17 that this was a product of grant funding. City Engineer Messner informed the Council that this is
18 a combination of the Active Transportation Plan and Complete Streets. He stated that this
19 intersection was one of the community's highest priorities for safety improvements, which is
20 why this location was selected. He highlighted that roundabouts have been shown to improve
21 safety, including for pedestrians, and that if they move forward with the roundabout
22 permanently, they will include the flashing beacons for pedestrian crossings. City Engineer
23 Messner reiterated that the roundabout will replace the existing four-way stop and confirmed that
24 when setting up the demonstration, this intersection will be closed. He informed the Council that
25 the roundabout will have a 15-mile-per-hour speed limit, which can improve visibility of
26 pedestrians and bikers, and encourage driver awareness. City Engineer Messner recognized the
27 difficulty of larger trucks navigating roundabouts, and stated that they will restrict trucks from
28 taking left or right turns on the roundabout and will recommend alternative routes for these
29 drivers. He informed the Council that there are many complaints about truck traffic on these
30 roads, and he hopes that this change will discourage some truck traffic. City Engineer Messner
31 reviewed the project timeline and stated that the installation will take place on August 8, the
32 demonstration will be in place from mid -August to September, and that removal will take place
33 on September 26. He stated that data will be evaluated by Hennepin County into 2027 to
34 understand what a potential long-term improvement could be. City Engineer Messner reminded
35 all that public comments are necessary for the success of this project, and provided a link to a
36 survey where residents can provide their feedback on the project. He informed the public that
37 traffic cameras will be utilized, but that these are not speed cameras and are only utilized to
38 monitor traffic patterns. He stressed that no decisions about permanent changes will be made
39 during or immediately after the demonstration, and that future funding will need to be sought.
40 City Engineer Messner provided a slide reiterating clarifications for the community, reminding
41 them that this is temporary, that community engagement is hugely important, that this project is
42 being done in collaboration with MnDOT and Hennepin County, and that the intersection will be
43 returned to the original four-way stop after the project is completed.
44
45 Councilmember Doolan appreciated the thoroughness of his presentation, and noted that her only
46 question was surrounding what data would be captured with the cameras. City Engineer Messner
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 28, 2026
Page 7
1 stated that no license plates or speed data will be collected; the cameras only count cars and track
2 congestion. He stated that the hard data will be collected, and then the cameras will be wiped.
3
4 Mayor Webster thanked City Engineer Messner for all of his information. He thanked City Staff
5 for acquiring the grant for the project and collaborating with Hennepin County to install the
6 demonstration and explore future solutions.
7
8 C. Quarterly Goals Update (No Action Needed).
9
10 Assistant City Manager Morello began the presentation on Quarterly Goals by discussing
11 Environmental Responsibility. She stated that the City considered funding for financial
12 incentives for sustainability initiatives, which the Council discussed at an April 28 Work Session
13 and July 28 Work Session. She informed the Council that they are prioritizing waste and water
14 action steps this year, discussing curbside organics program planning, and continuing Energy
15 Action Plan engagement. Assistant City Manager Morello stated that they are beginning to
16 implement the Active Transportation Plan, beginning with the demonstration at Silver Lake
17 Road and 29a' Avenue. She also noted that City Staff has applied for federal funds regarding bike
18 and pedestrian plans.
19
20 City Manager Yunker discussed their progress on Thriving Village goals. He stated that they
21 have begun the three readings of the Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance. He informed Council
22 that they will discuss Tax Increment Policy more in the future. City Manager Yunker noted that
23 they discussed teardown ordinances, but ultimately decided the City does not need to expand the
24 current code. He highlighted that St. Anthony has been optimizing local and regional
25 partnerships with MnDOT regarding the closure of Highway 280, coordinating with MnDOT on
26 the Active Transportation Demonstration, and expanding relationships with Hennepin and
27 Ramsey County regarding curbside organics.
28
29 Assistant City Manager Morello shared information on the Informed and Engaged Community
30 goals. She expressed that the City is aiming to be more mindful about its strategic use of
31 communications. She highlighted its social media and communication channel usage to inform
32 citizens of road closures and updates to the Village Muni. She highlighted the value that new
33 Staff in retail operations have brought to the City, and stated that the new retail spaces at the
34 Muni can be used as an engagement space. Assistant City Manager Morello discussed the
35 resident communications and engagement survey, which is currently being developed by Staff,
36 and stated that the survey will be live beginning on August 1, and paper copies will be available
37 at City Hall and VillageFest. She stated that there are ongoing accessibility checks for all
38 presentations, web info, and updates. She finished by informing all that Staff are refining the
39 scope of work for the Comprehensive Plan consultant. She noted that there was heightened
40 interest in community engagement and a community visioning exercise. She highlighted that the
41 RFP is currently live and will be open until the end of August.
42
43 Assistant City Manager Morello reviewed the goal of Safe and Secure Community. She stated
44 that City Staff is looking to showcase existing City services, spread awareness of local, regional,
45 and state resources, and highlight community resources from City partners. City Manager
46 Yunker continued under the Safe and Secure Community goal and informed the Council that
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 28, 2026
Page 8
1 many departments have enhanced their engagement and outreach, and that the community
2 gathering spaces at the Liquor Stores and Community Center are almost complete.
3
4 City Manager Yunker finished by discussing the Fiscal and Organizational Strength goal. He
5 stated that the City is exploring renovations to current public safety facilities and is seeking to
6 engage architects to discuss ideas for a new public safety facility. He informed the Council that
7 all parts for the Water Treatment Plant automation project have arrived and will be installed later
8 this year during a period of seasonally low water demand. He reminded the Council that they
9 will be discussing future and current needs at the Community Center on September 22 at the
10 Work Session. He noted that they have explored avenues for levy relief, including gas and
11 electric utility franchise fees, and considered a broadband franchise fee.
12
13 City Manager Yunker thanked City Staff for their hard work on achieving these goals.
14
15 Councilmember Doolan appreciated the comprehensive update with valuable data, and noted
16 improvements from last year's presentation.
17
18 Councilmember Jenson asked if some of these actions are closed out, or if they are still open to
19 exploration. City Manager Yunker stated most are likely still open, and these are ongoing
20 projects which will likely never be complete as they are always evolving.
21
22 Councilmember Jenson asked to include in future presentations which actions were taken in the
23 first half of the year versus the second. City Manager Yunker confirmed that this would be a
24 possibility.
25
26 Councilmember Jenson noted how much information was contained in the presentation, and
27 stated there were many more activities taking place on improvements to the City than in prior
28 years.
29
30 Mayor Webster thanked Staff for such detailed information on their yearly goals.
31
32 X. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCIL MEMBERS.
33
34 City Manager Yunker reported that VillageFest will be occurring on the weekend of August 31,
35 and the City will be represented in several ways at the Vendor Fair on Saturday, August 1. He
36 also reported that the communications survey will be live on Saturday, August 1, and was sent in
37 utility bills. He stated that it will ask residents to report what method of communication they
38 prefer to receive their City news from.
39
40 Councilmember Randle had no report.
41
42 Councilmember Doolan reported that on July 5, she attended the Sister City Meeting to give a
43 brief update on the visit to the Sister City in Salo. She stated that on July 22, she attended a
44 nature -based solutions program at the University of Minnesota.
45
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 28, 2026
Page 9
1 Councilmember Jenson reported that he attended three meetings with Northeast Youth and
2 Family Services in the last two weeks, including a finance committee meeting, a governance
3 meeting, and a board of directors meeting.
4
5 Mayor Webster reported that she attended the Marketplace Grand Reopening on July 18 and
6 toured the cannabis store. She reminded residents that the cannabis store is not open yet. She
7 stated that on July 23, she met with a high school student who is starting their own nonprofit to
8 collect books. She encouraged St. Anthony residents to take advantage of the resources at the
9 environmental center.
10
11 Councilmember Randle left the meeting at 8:51 p.m.
12
13 XI. COMMUNITY FORUM.
14
15 Cody Holliday appeared on behalf of the St. Anthony Chamber of Commerce, of which he is the
16 current president. He read a letter from the St. Anthony Chamber of Commerce regarding
17 franchise fees on electric and gas utilities, which was received by the Council last week, into the
18 record. The letter discussed the Chamber's appreciation of the need to improve public safety
19 facilities, but the disdain for the decision to put much of the burden on local commercial
20 businesses. Mr. Holliday highlighted the struggles that many small businesses already face. He
21 commented that business owners whom the fees would impact were largely absent from the
22 discussion of implementing franchise fees. The Chamber requested that the Council pause
23 further discussion on implementing franchise fees until individual Councilmembers have had the
24 opportunity to engage with the local business community. He reminded the Council that
25 engaging with the Chamber of Commerce is not sufficient to obtain input on these fees from the
26 entirety of the St. Anthony business community.
27
28 Carl Neumann, a resident, yielded his time to Dr. Bibi Neumann.
29
30 Dr. Bibi Neumann, a resident, stated that she is speaking on behalf of the St. Anthony — New
31 Brighton Welcoming All Families Association, of which she is a founding member. She stated
32 that the association seeks to improve civic participation for families, particularly those whose
33 voices are often not heard. She stated that public engagement should reach all residents,
34 including those who are easy to miss, and that many of the items on the agenda are connected
35 through the theme of public engagement. She commented that the association appreciates
36 meaningful outreach, Staff being visible, community events, and efforts to connect residents with
37 services. She stated that engagement should not only be measured by activity. She reiterated the
38 engagement numbers provided in the Quarterly Update regarding police community engagement
39 contacts and social media views. She commented that these are only metrics, but do not measure
40 outcomes of the contact, including things like what concerns were identified, what follow-up
41 occurred, who was not reached, and more. She stated that the survey, which goes live on August
42 1, is a good first step, and reviewed where these surveys have been made available. Dr. Neumann
43 noted that despite this being a good option, it should not be the full strategy, as not all residents
44 receive utility bills directly, and not all residents attend VillageFest. Dr. Neumann stated that she
45 attended the event once and has not returned due to a racist encounter after the 5k. She requested
46 that the City track who is being reached and who is still missing from survey responses and
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 28, 2026
Page 10
1 social media post engagement. Mayor Webster informed Dr. Neumann that her five minutes had
2 begun. Dr. Neumann requested that Mayor Webster not tell her when the time had shifted from
3 the yielded time to her own. She moved to speaking about the Active Transportation
4 Demonstration. She questioned where the traffic cameras will be located, whether residential
5 dwellings will be in frame, who will have access to the footage, and if items like license plates,
6 faces, or personal identifiers will be visible even if they are not being tracked. Dr. Neumann
7 requested that the City provide the public input on the roundabout that is being received, as proof
8 that residents are being engaged. She stated that this will help the community understand what
9 changes the City is making and what public input these changes are based on. She stated that the
10 association encourages the City to report on the purpose of community engagement instances,
11 who was reached, who may not have been reached, how many people responded, what themes
12 emerged, what changed as a result of the event, what data was collected, and how data will be
13 retained, protected, and reported. Dr. Neumann requested more accountability and public
14 understanding in agenda items that are deemed "no action needed." She reflected that the
15 creation of the St. Anthony — New Brighton Welcoming All Families Association, which seeks
16 to teach people how to engage and find ways to be heard, existing speaks to the fact that the City
17 is not doing enough to engage people. She requested that the City do better in measuring whether
18 residents understand the issue, have a fair opportunity to respond, and can later trace how their
19 input shaped results. She stated that it is not fair when the timer for public comment begins
20 before the member of the public has begun to speak.
21
22 XIL INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
23
24 A. Future Agenda Items.
25
26 The next Regular Council Meeting will be held on August 10, 2026.
27
28 Councilmember Jenson stated that he will be attending the next Chamber of Commerce Board of
29 Directors meeting.
30
31 Councilmember Doolan stated that on July 31, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be a blood drive
32 at City Hall. She noted that Silverwood Park is having an event for the assembly of the longest
33 friendship bracelet on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
34
35 Mayor Webster reminded all that VillageFest will be taking place in Central Park on July 31 and
36 August 1, and that August 4 will be Night to Unite.
37
38 XIII. ADJOURNMENT.
39
40 Motion by Councilmember Jenson, seconded by Councilmember Doolan, to adjourn the meeting.
41
42 Motion carried 3-0.
43
44 The Regular Meeting of the City Council was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
45
46
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 28, 2026
Page 11
2 Respectfully submitted,
3 Samina Crabtree
4 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
5
6
7
8
9
10 ATTEST:
&Q�r
11 City Clerk
12
Mayor