HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021 11-29 CCM SPECIAL SESSION MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL ,
OF THE CI'I'Y OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY
OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
SPECIAL SESSION
NOVEMBER 29, 2021 '
VIA 700M
CALL TO ORllER
The Brooklyn Center City Council met in a Special Meeting called to order by Mayor Mike Elliott
at 6:54 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Mike Elliott and Councilmembers Marquita Butler, April Graves, Kris Lawrence-
Anderson, and Dan Ryan. Also present were City Manager Reggie Edwards, City Attorney "I'roy ,
Gilchrist, and City Clerk Barb Suciu. '
CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS
Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Graves seconded to approve the agenda as I�
written. �
Motion passed unanimously. II
MISCELLANEOUS I�
CONTINUED DISCUSSION OF CURFEW OI2DINANCE
r viewed the discussions leadin u to ���
City Manager Reggie Edwards reintroduced the item and e g p i
the evening. He stated the Ordinance intended to give residents an option to plan for curfews and '�
to keep the protestors and law enforcement as separated as possible. The curfew in the proposed I
Ordinance would begin at 9:30 p.m. on the evening of the verdict for the Kim Potter trial and '�I
would give the City Manager more discretion in the curfew process. j
Councilmember Butler stated she was not in the initial meeting where the Ordinance was
presented. She explained she is not comfortable with the curfew being automatically imposed, but ,
she would support the City Manager having increased discretion. '
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson noted she is comfortable with the Ordinance. She asked if ',
there is information about potential protests, would that authorize the City Manager to impose a !
curfew. Dr. Edwards confirmed that that is part of the criteria used to determine the '
implementation of a curfew. I�
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Councilmember Ryan stated Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson asked his question and noted
his reassurance with this approach. He stated he hopes the Council will approve it and asked City
Attorney Troy Gilchrist if passing the Ordinance would require a unanimous vote. Mr. Gilchrist
stated the Ordinance is being proposed as an emergency ordinance, and the City's Charter requires ��
a unanimous vote in the case of an emergency ordinance. Councilmember Ryan asked if, under
certain circumstances,jurisdictions are allowed to contain gatherings without violating people's �'
Constitutional rights. Mr. Gilchrist stated Councilmember Ryan is correct and noted the Ordinance �
is a public safety measure to allow the City to have the proper tools in place in the case of unsafe ��
circumstances. Councilmember Ryan thanks Mr. Gilchrist for the clarification and stated he would
be comfortable in moving forward with the passing of the Ordinance. '
Councilmember Butler asked if Mayor Elliott would implement a time limit to allow far camments '
from any attendees. As for the curfew, she stated it was interesting that the Ordinance was
proposed as an emergency ordinance because it means they would be declaring an emergency
before one even exists. Some of the things that happened during the spring were ignited by what
was happening in Minneapolis, so Councilmember Butler believes they could simply call a special
meeting on the day of the verdict to make the determination. She acknowledged the City did not
handle the curfew well previously, but she does not appreciate the message it is sending. The
Council wants to keep people and businesses and private properties and protestors safe,but calling
for an emergency ordinance without an emergency in place is contradictory.
Mayor Elliott asked for attendees to keep their comments to one minute each.
Katie W. stated she was under the irnpression that declaring an emergency for the curfew was
illegal. She added she is supportive of keeping the community safe,but putting the curfew in place
before an emergency has arisen sends the wrong message to community members, activists, and
family members. Katie W. noted April 11 was one of the hardest days of her life and explained it
was peaceful until the Police Department decided to use tear gas and rubber bullets.
Lesley stated she is comfortable with the curfew if it is an emergency and keeps the community
safe. She asked why it would be imposed at 9:30 p.m. instead of 9:00 p.m.when the whistle blows.
Jean L. agreed with the comments of Katie W. There are business owners in Humboldt Square
that should be heard about a curfew. Additionally,there should be processes implemented to assist
businesses in the scenario that a curfew should be imposed. Some people do not know about the
curfew discussion, and the community should be engaged further. Jean L. added this spring, there
were people tear-gassed, shot with rubber bullets, and arrested that were unaware of a curfew. It
sends the wrong message to set a curfew without giving people resources and the ability to protest
and go home safely.
Randy noted he applauds the Council for their preparedness as there were issues before. It shows
they are ready to help and protect the citizens of Brooklyn Center.
Samie B. stated she thinks everyone should know about a curfew if it is going to be imposed. The
City needs to inform everyone if they are making such impactful decisions. Furthermore, if there
is no emergency, then there does not need to be a curfew.
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Bri S. stated she is part of the Barbershops and Black Congregation Cooperative. She noted she
believes a curfew should only be implemented in the case of an emergency. Protestors prefer to
keep it peacelul because thai is the most productive route ioi�chaTige, but if a curfew is imposed in
advance, then it gives the City a bad look. It gives the impression that people are already being
demonired.
Michael S. stated he has not seen anything alarniing regarding potential protests. He believes the
Council is underestimating the community. People have had time for what happened in April to
settle. Yeople are going to show up for Duante Wright, but it will be peaceful. What they are
doing is steeped in darkness because the community is unaware, and the curfew is adding
unnecessary fuel to a fire that doesn't need to exist. 'I'he community believes more in the residents
than the Council docs.
Shanna W. notcd she is with Barbershops and Black Congregation Cooperative. She resonated
with the sentiments that have been shared. She loves America and wants America to love her
back. "1'he Constitutional right to protest is how the people reform and protect their union. There
is a concentration of Black and Brown folks that are protesting, so it is a bad sentiment that
diminished the voices of people of color if there is a preemptive notion of hostility. Protests are
very healing and positive for her and other community inembers, and it is an intersectional
movement that significantly impacts people of color. A preemptive curfew sends a negative
message to people of color saying they cannot exercise their rights. Creating a curfew in advance
does not bring people together. The City needs to support, respect, and love the citizens of
Brooklyn Center. Many of the residents hold the same values of the Council to improve the
cammunity, but it is ultimately hurtful to the community to preemptively implement a curfew.
Jeffrey D. stated he agrees with previous statements, and there are other ways to be creative and
be in community with one another. A preemptive curfew does not send the right message.
Toshira G. stated she is with Families Supporting Families Against Police Violence. She noted
the father of her son was killed by St. Paul police. The day Duante Wright was killed, Toshira had
to leave and shut down a birthday party for her child's lost father to attend the protests. That day
she met Katie Wright and saw police act violently toward multiple people,including children. The
way law enforcement treated the community was inhumane. Protests are a way for a community
to express themselves, and they have the right to do that Implementing curfew limits that
expression. It is not fair to send that message to the community. Ultimately, it is the police that
needs to be policed. Law enforcement committed the murder, and that is the reason for the protest.
The community has the right to speak their feelings, to mourn, and peacefully protest, and they
should not be silenced again.
Jackie L. stated she disagrees with the previous comments. Communication has been lacking in
the community. Peaceful protests will only occur in the case of a guilty verdict in the Kim Potter
trial. "I'o wait for an emergency to occur is too late. "I�he community has already experienced
. protests that were supposed to be peaceful but instead caused damages to businesses, homes, and
the community's reputation. The Ordinance is a proactive route to avoid negative conditions in
the City.
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Lori stated the curfew is a proactive measure she and her neighbor's support. Peaceful protestors
are one thing, but people that want to express violence and throw things are another. She does not
want there to be further issues. She is sorry about what happened, but it is a wise decision to
implement a curfew.
Julie E3. stated she is a resident of Brooklyn Center. One thing that hasn't been discussed is that
the curfew docsn't just affect protestors or people at the Police Department, but it affects every
single resident in the City. Several residents work second and third shifts, and it limits everyone
in the City. It impacts people who need transportation, nceds to get to work, or need io take care
of�their fa�i�ilics.
Kiki W. stated they should address proximity and whcre pcople live compared with their opinions
about the curicw. "The Council is not thinking about pcoplc who wo1•k in the evenings or people
without personal transportation. Additionally, people are not just protesting because of the
situations the recent murders but also because they want to change. In-office, their voices are not
heard. '1'he protests happen because people want to be heard. Kiki W. noted she lives across the
street from the Police llepartment and hears the concerns of the people. She asked how people are
being protected with the trial starting. The Council has not addressed the issue of tear gas. The
people want change, and the City is not listening. When people are not heard, it turns to riot. The
Daunte Wright and Kobe Dimock-Heisler Community Safety & Violence Prevention Act needs to
be funded, and there should be no curfew implemented. Riots happen when people are silenced,
and the Council needs to push for change.
Noreen stated she grew up in an era where they had a curfew. If they had a second shift job, then
they had a pass in case they were pulled over. They did not protest or huff about it. She believes
they should have a curfew where young people need to be home by a certain time.
Kiki W. stated peoplc that who support a curfew are not oppressed and are not single parents.
John S. stated they need to stay in order. Some people are safely protesting while others are rioting
off to the side. lIc explained Dr. Edwards has done a great job responding to the crisis, having
conversations, and making demands of the police. Outside police have brought in tear gas.
Brooklyn Center's Police Department is in an unorthodox position because it is in the middle of a
residential area rather than near a large parking lot or other governmental buildings. They have
talked about putting out signs that notify people about a curfew and having interrupters out there
to have community conversations. People have the right to protest, and they are protesting because
of their trauma. He noted he is sorry it is inconveniencing people, but this has been going on for
over 150 years. The world is watching their community, so people need to protest correctly, and
the City needs to follow through with making a change.
Tamara stated she is a 34-year resident of Brooklyn Center and business owner. She noted she
would appreciate a curfew far the safety of all. Just as people work at night, people can peacefully
protest during the day.
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Lavish M. stated he would like to say whcn police presence is involved, it only escalates the issue.
Protestors show up witll the intent of being peaceful. When their rights are diminished by law
enforcement and the use of tear gas or rubber bullets, it turns away from peaceful. Three percent
of rubber bullets result in fatality. Protestors come 1ion1 a place of love and ar-e responded to with
utter disregard. Police presence is a iorm o�� offense rather than defense. It is egregious and
disrespectful to Americans. Police disrupting people by expressing what is right is ultimately
wrong.
Jaylani H. stated he is trom CAIR Minnesota. I�e noted he was one of the individuals who reached
out to the former Police Chief and former City Manager the night of Duante Wright's death. Once
they decided to turn the lights off and assault the community, instead of deescalating the situation,
they turned it into a war zone. 1'hey had no respect for the community and the children that lived
across from the Police Department. Everyone is interested in public safety. They want everyone
to be home and for everyone to be free. The main reason why people are protesting is to stop
injustice, so the first thing they need to consider is the challenges of the past curfews. There is the
fact that the curfew invites other law enforcement agencies that will not respect the authority of
the jurisdiction. Outside law enforcement agencies have shown they are only interested in creating
chaos rather than bringing peace. 1'he nights that Operation Safety Net did not come into town
ended peacefully.
Jaylani H. added it is always important to plan. However, it is interesting they only plan when it
is Black people protesting. On January 6, 2021, they saw white nationalists attack the Capitol and
attack democracy. There werc no curfews. There have been no curfews implemented against
white supremacists. �'or example, many of the people burning buildings in Minneapolis were
white supremacists who drove lrotn real Minnesota. �I'hey need to be very careful about enacting
a curfew where the City loses jurisdiction. They should have a curfew that stops the aggression
of law enforcement and outside agencies because they create more terror and invite even more
chaos. They are more of a threat to the community than peaceful protestors. Many of the Brooklyn
Center protestors want to peacef ully demand change in their community.
Jaylani H. stated, especially on the eve of the Kim Potter trial, the people want to see the Daunte
Wright and Kobe Dimock-Heisler Community Safety & Violence Prevention Act funded. The
curfew is an effort to bring same sort of order, but experiences have shown order was lost when
Operation Safety Net entered the community. They wreaked havoc and chaos every single night
they were in the City and violated the rights of many protestors, neighbors, and journalists. It was
unfortunate for the residents to know their tax money was going toward people that violated their
rights.
Alfreda D. stated the concerns are legitimate. In times of protests, some people take advantage of
the situation, come into the City, and harm the community. 1'here are a lot of people who may be
at a disadvantage during the protests, such as those who work at night who may have to get to
work that the community needs. "rhey are having the conversation looking at the two different
sides, but they are the same thing: both sides want people safe. If the City starts restricting people,
they will protest. They cannot stop the people.
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Alfreda D. stated a Councilmember- suggested thcy do not have a preemptive curfew set, but
instead they implement one based on what happens. If they see that people are not peacefully
protesting or things are getting out of hand in the middle of the night, then the City Manager can
call for a curi�ew. A lot of�reside►1ts who left work after curlew were pulled over by poliee; the
police were already tired and took their lrustrations out on the people they pulled over. She stated
they need to prepare the police to handle people who are going from and to work. They all know
that Brooklyn Center is not the best when it comcs to communication, so the people driving to and
from work may not even know about a curfew.
Jonathan M. stated he is president o1�the Minnesota Justice Coalition, aiid they oppose a curfew.
He explained they question the Constitutionality of such an order as it is not a real emergency.
Additionally, historically the orders have been used to target persons of color. An alleged claim
would shift the scrutiny over to the City to show an emergency exists. People should be allowed
to exercise their First Amendmcnt right and seek redress from their government. They will be
weighing a legal challenge absent a bonaiide emergency. 1'he last time tnere were protests, it was
the police who were out of�control. "I'he police asked people to go across the street,protestors then
crossed the street, and police camc out with assault rifles and flashbangs. The police escalated the
situation. There is a problem with a prcemptive curfew barring a bonafide emergency. The City
should weigh the Constitutionality of the order and the taxpayer costs associated with litigation
f�ees when this issue would go to court.
Councilmembcr Graves asked i1� the City Manager could provide more information about the
language in the proposed Ordinance. Scveral of� the concerns raised by community members
would be addressed with a reading of�ihe Ordinance.
Dr. Edwards stated the Ordinance would not create a blanket curfew. Instead, it says that if certain
criteria are met, such as multiple criminal acts including but not limited to assault, theft, and
property damage, the City Manager could implement a curfew. The Crisis Response Team meets
regularly, and they have been ior several months. They can meet more frequently if needed. Their
goal is to create a saf-e space for peace�ul protest, and it is made up of community members,
community organizers, and some City staf�i: In that setting, informatioil is shared about what is
happening in the group as a means to determine the best tactics to create a safe space for peaceful
protests. If�circumstances warrant a curfew, they want the ability to act swiftly and communicate
with residents to provide a warning about the curfew.
Dr. Edwards added the curfew is not mcant to be a means to address peaceful protesting. There is
a multitude of inethods they are employing to create a safe space for peaceful protesting such as
communicating, providing resources, engaging with the community, and having a lower amount
of law enforcement in the area of protests. "I'hey want to pay attention to the residents of the area.
Curfew is one option of many. 'I�he proposed Ordinance does not implement a mandatory curfew,
but it allows for the City to implement a curfew more quickly in the case it is warranted.
Mr. Gilchrist stated there are essentially three ways the issue can be approached based on the
Charter and relevant statutes. First, they could adopt an emergency ordinance as proposed that
sets up criteria enabling the City Manager to decide on a curfew and allows sufficient time to give
a public notice. If the Council is not in unanimous support of the proposed Ordinance, there are
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two other options available. "I�he Council could call an emergency meeting of the Council to adopt
an emergency ordinance on the spot to impose a curfew that evening. Otherwise, as experienced
before, they could rely on the Mayor's authority to call for a curiew and issue a proclamation to
impose the curfew. �I
Councilmember Graves stated she appreciates the comments by Dr. Edwards and Mr. Gilchrist.
"I'his is really about giving the power to the City Manager to make the determination, and it is not
an automatic curfew. In the spring, it was the Mayor who called for all of the curfews. "The
Council is trying to be more prepared to make that determination in the case it is needed.
Councilmember Graves noted she trusts Dr. F,dwards to make that determination.
Councilmember Graves stated a coinmunity member mentioned the issue of transportation about
the curfew. She asked Dr. Edwards if he has been in communication with Metro Transit, the
residents of the apartment buildings, and the businesses on Humboldt regarding the curfew. Dr.
Edwards stated he has been in communication with Metro Transit and trying to ascertain where
they may be transit needs. They will determine where the public transit would be and which
residents may need to access the bus routes. Should a curfew go into effect, they want to provide
strategies to law enforcement on how to handle situations where people are traveling to and from
work after curfew. Councilmember Graves stated she would like to know more about that.
Councilmember Graves noted she agrecs with most of the sentiments sharcd by commenters.
Everyone cares about safety in the community. The Council is trying to be proactive, not
prescriptive. They want to create space 1or the City Manager to determine a curfew. It seems
more organized than having the Mayor call for a curfew or to call the Council together for an
emergency order.
Councilmember Graves stated she has concerns about curfews in beneral. She explained she has
been to several protests hersel£ It is a difficult decision, and she appreciates the community
coming together to share their concerns. She stated she does not want a curf'ew automatically put
into place, but she does want the power to be in the hands of the City Manager to make the call
about a curfew. The City has tried to address most of the concerns brought to them while being
proactive.
Mayor Elliott noted most of the people on the call would be problematic in terms of the message
it sends and legal challenges the City may face if put into place. An emergency ordinance can and
should be called for in the case of an cmergency. The Charter makes it clear that the Mayor or the
Council, by unanimous vote, can implement an emergency order. It is important that either an
elected leader or an elected body calls for or imposes a curfew on a population. Giving that to a
non-elected City Manager does not align with the City Charter. The Council could meet via Zoom
if there is a need for a curfew. Mayor Elliott added he can call for an emergency curfew. He noted
the Charter provides sufficient options for a potential emergency, and he believes they should stay
in line with the Charter.
Councilmember Ryan stated the legal fallback position is if the Council does not unanimously
approve the proposed Emergency Ordinance, then it falls to the Mayor should there be an
emergency curfew declared. Councilmember Ryan asked if that is correct. Mr. Gilchrist
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confirmed Councilmember was correct. Any time the Council docs not unanimously pass an
emergency ordinance, the Mayor could implement an emergency proclamation for a curfew.
Councilmember Ryan stated he would prefer not to place the burden upon Mayor Elliott.
Considering the experience in April, it was very difticult to present a co�zsistcnt decision tonight
about the curfew. Councilmember Ryan stated he does not want to see that happen again as it was
not entirely successful. �Ie does not want to place blame on anyone, and he would like to avoid
the situation. Having the City Manager, in consultation with other emergency management
personnel, would be a better approach. The Council wants Brookly» Center to be a welcoming
place for people to come and express themselves. He hopes they could have a positive outcome
without the need for a curfew. If there is a need for a curfew, then it would be best implemented
by cmergency management personncl. Ultimately, Councilmember Ryan stated he hopes the
Council can come to a unanimous decision in support of the proposed Emergency Ordinance.
Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson seconded to approve the
I?mergency Ordinance regarding curiews.
Councilmember Butler and Mayor Elliott voted against the same. Motion failed.
Councilmembcrs Butler stated she is in f-avor of a curfew if necessary and noted she did not agree
with impleinenting an emergency ordinance without an emergency. She would like the City
Manager to keep the Council informed and for the Council to keep theinselves available should
they need an emergency meeting.
Mayor Elliott stated they were all thrown into an unprecedented situation in April. They were all
working to make the best decisions with the information they had. 'I'hey have all learned lessons
from that time and are committed to making the best decisions for the City. He stated he takes
exception to the idea that some in the City can improve and others cannot. The City Charter has
made it clear where the Charter stands on who has the responsibility to make a curfew on a
population. That responsibility lies with the elected officials, be it the Council in union or the
Mayor independently.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated she appreciates the comments of the Mayor. She
appreciates the notes on the Charter. F,veryone wants the same things: balance and safety. The
reason for implementing an emergency ordinance was purely organizational. She added everyone
will make cvery effort to do what is best for the City.
CONTINUEI) DISCUSSION OF 2022 BUDGET
Mayor Elliott introduced the item and explained a representative from the Law Enforcement
Action Partnership (LEAP) was present to continue the presentation.
"I'om '1'hompson, a retired Police Chief and speaker with Law Enforcement Accountability Project
(LEAP), gave details about the organization. LEAP includes hundreds of law enforcement
officials and civilians and has a mission to improve police responses. Mr. Thompson stated
communities need civilian first responders. He explained there are as many as 800,000 law
enforcement officers in the county, and a mass majority of those officers have been a part of or a
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witness to an encounter with an individual suffering from mental health issues that resulted in a
use of force or criminal charges that could have been avoided by sending an appropriate responder.
That is an enormous amount of harm to society. The standard eight-hour law enforcement training
on mental healtl� is not enough lo properly respoiid to a mental health ci•isis. Mi•. "I'hompson stated,
like most cities, Brooklyn Center's defatilt response for most 911 calls is ]aw enforcement. When
police are the only option to respond to calls,they are forced into social worker or counselor roles,
for which they have not trained. This takes away the police's ability to respond to actual crime
and breaks down the community's trust.
Amos Irwin, Program Directar with LEAP, showed a presentation with statistics about calls for
service across the county. A majority of calls are low or medium-priority. In Dayton, Ohio, about
23 percent of the calls were for mental health assistance and 19 percent were high-risk issues that
required a response from an armed officer.
Lionel King, Program Specialist with LEAP, stated a lot of the low-risk issues need a response but
not an armed officer response. There should be an option to dispatch civilians to the scene instead.
Eugene, Oregon, Olympia, Washington, and Denver, Colorado are examples of cities that have
implemented such a response with several other cities following in their footsteps. 'I�he community
responder model looks different in each jurisdiction, but it should meet three different criteria.
First, it should involve 911 calls and not just calls to hotlines. Second, it should involve two
civilians. Third, it should involve a first response rather than a follow-up to an armed response.
Mr. King stated one of the first reactions pcople have to the first responder model is to ask if it is
too dangerous to send unarmed civilians to police calls. Before joining LEAP, Mr. King worked
as a child protection investigator in Louisiana. In that role, they were unarmed and had to
deescalate the situation using skills they had learned. Mr. King noted he is also a part of an
organiration in New Orleans that provides alternative civilian mediation and de-escalation
response.
Mr. Thompson stated, as a police officer, his largest concern was safety. In Eugene, Oregon, the
CAHOOTS program has been operating for over 30 years without so much as an injury or close
call. Sometimes it is the uniform and badge that escalates a situation. Community responders are
very well-trained. In the case of an escalated situation, community responders have access to a
radio to request further assistance. Denver's program has operated for a year and a half and has
not needed a single backup call to police.
Lisa Tennenbaum, Program Specialist with LF,AP, stated she has spent several years in California
as a municipal lawyer. She worked closely with the liability manager in that role. "Chere is a
concern about liability when dispatching civilian responders rather than police. The city is far
more likely to face liability when sending an armed officer to a call. The risk of armed violence
is essentially removed when dispatching a civilian and lowers the liability to the city. Any city
should not be negligent in their duties, and they are not aware of any negligence that has happened
in any cities that have implemented a first responder model.
Mr. Irwin showed a chart with statistics of call response. In Minneapolis,they estimate one-fourth
of the calls could be responded to by community responders, one-fourth could be handled by an
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administrative alternative, and half by law enlorcement. They also compiled a budget analysis
and estimated a little over $800,000 for a community responder model. A large majority of the
budget goes toward salaries for the responders and managers.
Mr. "I�hompson noted LEAP is very excited for I3rooklyn Center to become a leader in the country
and tl�cy look forward to working with the City to create a locally-tailored model to best serve the
community members and the police. He offered to answer any questions from the Council or
attendccs.
Councilmcmber Lawrence-Anderson thanked the presenters for the information. She stated they
have been talking about the 2022 budget since July 202] with several meetings. She asked if they
are dis�nissing the budget they have been working on to replace it with a budget written by
someone outside of the City less than a week ago. The deadline for budget submission is less than
three weeks away. She asked if the Council would be in consensus for that action.
Councilmember Butler stated she does not expect someone who voted against the Daunte Wright
and Kobe Dimock-Heisler Community Safety & Violence Prevention Act to be a changemaker.
The Council passed the Resolution in April, so it is on the Council for not getting more proposals.
They need to be realistic about what happens. Councilmember Butler stated in the i7ve years she
has been on the Council, very rarely does the Council challenge the budget. Last year was the first
time the Council impleinented more of their ideas. The Council is not taking away from the Police
Dcpartment budget. The budget has been preemptively approved, so there is no change to the
budget. I Iowever, there is room to change how the money is going to be spent. She cautioned
Councilmembers from creatin an untrue narrative of sto in� ro ress. If the Council doesn't
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a�ree with the budget modification,rather than sayin�there is not enough time,they need to figure
out a compramise to better fund the Resolution they accepted in April. 1'hey need to f7nd what
they can agree on. It makes no sense to keep the budget as is.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated she is not opposed to making changes to the budget,
but they should have been discussing it as a Council back in July. As a Council, they should have
been more proactive. She explained she is not comfortable making decisions at the late hour when
they have already discussed the budget with the department heads and the Finance Commission.
They should be talking about change, but they should have had these intense conversations earlier.
Councilmember Butler asked Mr. Gilchrist when the budget deadline submission is. Mr. Gilchrist
stated the deadline is December 24. Councilmember Butler stated they have three weeks to come
to a decision.
Councilmember Ryan stated they need to be real about the budget. They have heard they have
plenty of time to change the budget. Councilmember Ryan stated he is concerned about the
rhetoric around removing $1.3 million from the Police Department budget, which is needed to fill
at least fourteen positions where there is a current deficit. People say this is not defunding the
police, but they need to be honest. If the Council is going to take $1.3 million away from the
Police Department budget, they cannot say they are not defunding the police.
Councilmember Ryan added he is concerned about the safety of the police officers and their
l 1/29/21 -10-
burnout. He asked what the impact of police officer morale,resignation rates,and potential recruits
would be if they take away the $1.3 million. He asked who would want to work for the Brooklyn
Center I'olice Department if the Council is even talking about defunding the police while there has
been a rise in shootings. They can llave a robust discussion about tlle bud�et at a late hour and usc
rhetoric to suggest they are not defunding the police. It is offensive to the intelligence of the
citizens of Brooklyn Center. Council�nember Ryan stated he voted in support of the Resolution
which was problematic to police because he wanted to show his support of police reform. The
Resolution was designed for a city larger than Brooklyn Center. "I'he City Manager has come up
with a budget that addresses the goals of the Council without placing too great of a burden on their
limited resources or creating an additional unnecessary layer of bureaucracy.
Councilmember Butler stated Councilrnember Ryan can have his perspective about the rhetoric
around the term defunding the police, but they are not defunding the policc. The funds will still
be within the Police Department, but they will be redirected to create more tools for police officers.
Councilmember Butler stated she is not in favor of defunding the police.
Councilmember Butler stated they currently have 14 openings in the Police Department. Knowing
that it takes four or five months to onboard new officers, how realistic is it for Brooklyn Center to
onboard 14 officers in the next fiscal year. Dr. Edwards stated they are using multiple strategies
to onboard new officers. The typical recruiting process would yield 12 officers within the year.
They are also trying to do lateral hires and tind more experienced officers, but that has only yielded
one or two so far. Councilmember Butiler asked if there were five vacancies there were at the
beginning of 2021. Dr. Edwards stated at any given time there arc likely some vacancies.
Cowlcilmember Butler asked if they have ever had a fully staffed Police Department. Dr. Edwards
stated he is not sure if they have ever been fully staffed to 49 officers during his time with the City,
but it is typical for at least one person to be in transition at any time in any department. Dr.
Edwards stated he will return to the Council with that information.
Mayor Elliott asked the Council if they had questions specifically for the presenters.
Councilmember Graves asked if the presenters have an understanding of how the community
responder models were funded in other cities. Mr. Irwin stated most of�the existing programs are
funded through the city's general iund. There are opportunities to leverage grant fundings, some
jurisdictions have passed tax levies to fund public safety efforts, and others have been able to
access federal or recovery funds.
Councilmember Graves asked if the cities reduced the number of police officers when
implementing the first responder model or if that happened later on. Mr. Irwin stated the earliest
existing models were created by the police as they saw a need for a change. In that sense, they
reduced their budget to fund those programs. Mr. Irwin stated the community responder models
that exist have not had concerns about the ways they allocate their budget that has led to reversing
the decision later on. In general, the police are extremely satisfied with how it improves public
safety in their jurisdictions. Councilmcmber Graves thanked Mr. Irwin for his answers and noted
she is curious about implementation. She stated she appreciates the additional information.
Councilmember Graves stated she works in Minneapolis and is aware of the various kinds of
11/29/21 -11-
community response there. She stated the City does have the data about the proportion of calls
that were mental health-related, and it would be helpful for LEAP to help tl�em sort through that
data. Councilmeinber Uraves asked if I,EAP has any information about violence interrupter
inodels. '1'he City Manager has been ovcrseeing a crisis response team, so they are starting the
work of�alternative responses. Mr. Irwin stated it is important to build on the local landscape of
what is being done, in particular with violent interrupters. In Newark, for example, their
community responders are trained as violence interrupters. He noted it is an important intersection
to explore and see what is right for Brooklyn Center.
Councilmember Graves stated Sta1f and the Council have been trying to make progress on the
Resolution, though it hasn't been fast enough. After initially joining the Council, she thought the
Policc llepartment budget was quite large. Percentage-wise, the police budget has somewhat
dccr•eased. The money was reallocated to other community prograrns, which is something they
should continue to grow and provide money for. The community programs ultimately both support
the community and decrease the need for law enforcement down the line.
Councilmember Graves explained Brooklyn Center started tracking Police Department data in
2018. Around the same time, the Council created the Communications and Community
F,ngagement Departments. "I,here was a presentation done by the previous Police Chief that
covered information about the number and types of inental health calls at the end of 2019. There
werc also conversations about crisis intervention, which lead to the discussion about creating
funding for an embedded social worker in 2020. Also in 2020,the Council received a presentation
about the Attorney General's working group which created several options for police reform and
talked about the Can't-Wait Campaign. 1�here was a follow-up presentation fram the City's
previous Police Chief about Brooklyn Center's policies and how they did or did not align with the
recommendations from the Can't-Wait Campaign and the Attorney General's working group.
Some of the recommendations included community healing and engagement, prevention and
training, investigations and accountability, policy and implications, and officer wellness. They
outlined ways in which those areas could be improved. The meeting was held on July 22, 2020.
Councilmember Graves stated the Council, as a whole, has been trying to work on issues related
to policing. It did not start with the Daunte Wright and Kobe Dimock-Heisler Community Safety
&Violence Prevention Act in 2021. In 2020,the Council also talked about a civilian review board
and the different types of review boards in surrounding cities. "I'he Council did budget $10,000 to
keep working on a review board and engaging community membcrs on what that could look like.
Councilmember Graves stated the Council did pass an Ordinance about banning the use of tear gas
and rubber bullets on peaceful protestors earlier in the year. Some people are not aware of that.
About 55 percent of the Brooklyn Center police officers have been trained in de-escalation, but
that is not enough. Councilmember Graves stated that should happen soon and should be a priority
of the Police Department. She explained there is a lot of room for improvement around community
healing, prevention and training, policies and legal implications, and investigations and
accountability. Officer wellness is also very important. When officers are in traumatic situations,
they need to process those situations and return to the community to serve with a healthy state of
mind.
11/29/21 -12-
Councilmember Graves added community engagement has been very important for the Council.
Whether that be development or the creation of a new department, they have tried to engage thc
cominunity and the staff. There is a need for more engagement surrounding community health
response and mental health response. She agrees with son7e of the Council about the timing of thc
discussion. They should have had presenters come to the meetings earlier in the year to allow for
more time to discuss the topics and for more community engagement opportunities.
Councilmeinber Graves stated Dr. Ldward's budget and the Mayor's budget are not that different.
They both want to create more funding for a community response strategy. Looking at the Mayor's
proposal, the Department of Public Safety and Violence Prevention would be $950,000. The City
Manager's proposal has the Oi11ce of Violence Prevention, which includes community response,
traffic enforcement, and transformational change innovation, and is budgeted for $879,000.
Councilmember Uraves explained the Mayor's budget includes a Traffic Enforcement Pilot Study
with a budget of$270,000. The City Manager has a pilot project for traftic enforcement budgeted
at $250,000. The difference is the City Manager has it within the Officc of Violence Prevention.
Councilmember Graves explained the Mayor has proposed an allocation of $350,000 for
community program support services. There are several ideas in the Mayor's proposal that
Councilmember Graves loves and holds near to her heart. There is also room for the City to better
partner with community organizations and the County. They have recently created the Office of
Inclusion,Equity,and Antiracism and have a new focus on health embedded within the Recreation
Department. There is a continued connection to Cities United, which has a focus on working with
Black and Brown boys and men and has a budget of$230,000.
Councilmember Graves added the Mayor's budget includes an Implementation Committec for
$150,000. They have funded an Implementation Committee Manager in the City Manager's
budget for$80,000. There is a gap there, but it is not signif cant overall. The Mayor's budget also
includes a Director of Public Saf-ety and Violence Prevention for $150,000. Similarly, the City
Manager has budgeted for the Office of Prevention Manager and Operations for $154,000.
Councilmember Graves stated, ultimately, the two budgets are not that far off. She noted the City
Manager's budget covers two years, and she has only spoken to the first year. The City Manager
has secured funding for two years. "I'he City needs data, and they need to hear from community
members and all stakeholders. Everyone needs to be included.
Councilmember Graves noted this needs to be a time to come together and work together, so it is
frustrating for the Mayor to propose an alternative at this time. The discussion is doing more to
be divisive. They are all human beings doing their best and they all want the best for the City.
The Council believes in the people in the community. They can come up with solutions together
and stop polarizing the situation.
Mayor Elliott stated the discussion at hand is about coming together and figuring out how to move
the work forward while acknowledging the work that has been done. They need to ground
themselves at the moment. He noted Councilmember Graves spoke eloquently about the Council's
efforts. Earlier this year, the City faced a life-changing event when Duante Wright was killed.
l 1/29/21 -13-
"I'hey can move forward with transforming the conditions of thc current system in honar of his
legacy. "I'lle City has the opportunity to make changes to ensure nothing like what happened to
Kobe Dimock-Heisler happens again in the cammunity�. 7'hey need a community respo�lse option
as soon as possible. ',
Mayor I�lliot explained the discussion at hand is to further fund solutions to the problems the �I
community has called for. I�unding the work is going to save the City money based on the ��
projections made available to them. 7�hey want to add more tools to the toolbox and support a
more comprehensive public safety system. Mayor Elliott cxplained he supports police officers,
and his proposal supports them. He noted Michelle Gross asked to provide additional information
in response to questions to the Council.
Michelle Gross, a representative with Communities United Against Police Brutality, stated she
presented a model in a previous meeting and has additional, updated numbers from Hennepin
County dispatch which are specific to Brooklyn Center. The purpose of the revised models is not
to tell the City how to respond to their emergency response options but suggestions to show a
potential return on investment. She provided Mayor Elliott with the data provided by the County.
Ms. Uross stated the Police Chiei�in Austin, Texas has shared his suppori of a similar model, but
she has decided to forgo playing the video in the interest of tiine. There is a long list of cities with
similar programs across the country. For example, the Psychiatric �;mergency Response Team
(PER"1�) program in San Diego deals with mental health and community resource responses and
has been in place for 24 years. PI?RT has not had a single incident or threat of harm for the
responders in its existence. Overall, similar community response programs have very positive
track records.
Ms. Gross showed a slide with data based on Hennepin County's Computer-Aided Dispatch's
response to Brooklyn Center in 2020. In 2020, Brooklyn Center Police Department received
34,198 calls for service. 51.1 percent of the calls required a police response while 29.8 percent of
the calls could have been handled by civilian teams, 16.5 percent by a community response team,
and 13.3 percent by a civilian traffic team. The Fire Deparlment was required in 2.4 percent of
calls and an ambulance was needed for 16.7 percent of the calls.
Ms. Gross added people in the community want expanded response options. Based on a poll of
312 adults in Brooklyn Center in May 2021, 60 percent support the Daunte Wright and Kobe
Dimock-Heisler Community Safety & Violence Prevention Act, 75 percent support dispatching
community response teams for calls not requiring a police response,63 percent support the creation
of�a civilian traffic enforcement team,and 58 percent support reallocating budget toward expanded
response options.
Ms. Gross stated the goals of the Resolution are to provide mare appropriate and economical
responses to 911 calls that do not require a law enforcement response and to free up law
enforcement for calls that do require their skill set. The community response team would handle
social services referrals, conflict resolution, and, potentially, mental health calls. The civilian
traffic enforcement team would handle non-moving traffic and parking enforcement tasks.
l 1/29/21 -14-
Ms. Gross showed a slide with a chart showing a financial breakdown for a community response
team. She explained there are two requirements by Minnesota law tor a mental health response.
First,there must be a response available 24 hours a day for seve�i days a week each of the 365 days
in a year. Second, it must be provided by inental health providcrs. f Iciulepin County has a me�ital
health response unit called Community Outreach for Psychiatric Emergencies (COPE).
Considering Brooklyn Center receives about 500 mental health calls each year, it does not justify
having full-time professionals around thc clock for what would amount to a call or two each day.
Instead, COPE could handle those calls and put a supervisor into Brooklyn Center for less money
for the City. The return on investment would be tremendous as it would save the City over
$440,000 each year. She noted she tried to be very conservative with her projections and assumed
20 percent of the community needs calls would still be handled by law enforcement. Ms. Gross
also showed a slide with a chart showing a financial breakdown for a civilian traffic enforcement
team.
Ms. Gross stated she used the International City/County Management Association figures on how
to calculate the number of police officers needed based on the number of calls a city has. Based
on the transfer of 80 percent of the appropriate calls to the community response team and civilian
traf-fic enforcement team, the City would have a surplus of 4.9 FTF,s of patrol officers. "I'hose
officers could then be used for other functions within the Brooklyn Center Police Department.
Mayor Elliott thanked Ms. Gross for her presentation. He asked Ms. Uross about the potential cost
savings of her proposed model. She stated it was based on what has been done across the country.
The community response model includes an expenditure of$S l 7,000, but the savings would be
$443,000. The civilian traffic cnforcement unit would cost around $251,000 and would save the
City roughly $601,000. It is a significant saving for a civilian to respond to a call rather than a
police officer. While it requires some more money on the front end, it results in savings for the
City in the long run. Altogether, it would save the City over $1 million and it would cost the City
$759,000. Ms. Gross noted the documents she provided include all of the details about how she
put the numbers together.
A resident made repeated disparaging comments about Kim Potter.
Mayor Elliott reminded the attendees to remain muted and only speak if they are recognized by
him. If an attendee does not follow the rules set forth,then they may be removed from the meeting.
Councilmember Graves stated she appreciates the presentation by Ms. Gross and thanked her for
the information. She sees the connection between the work they are already doing and the City
Manager's proposed budget to Ms. Gross' presentation. 'The City Manager has budgeted$250,000
for community response and $250,000 for civilian traffic enforcement, both of which are pilot
programs. The community response option, as presented by Ms. Gross, requires closer to
$500,000. LEAP's presentation had the expenses broken down into six-month increments to
account for training and starting the program as compared to the program itsel£ The budget
proposed by the City Manager would get them started for six months based on LEAP's projections.
Councilmember Graves stated she feels confident about the budget proposed by the City Manager
to fund the alternative response teams.
11/29/21 -15- �
Councilmember Graves stated she has feelings about needing 49 officers. Based on the
presentation by Ms. Gross and her projection showed the potential dect•ease in 4.9 patrol officers,
Councilmember Graves stated she would be comfortable with freering two or three positions,
which likely would not have been filled in 2022 anyway, to reiniorce the community response
team budget.
Councilmember Graves addcd they have talked about COPE as a Council, and she would love to
be a part of the County's mental health response efforts. Brooklyn Center already has a social
worker ori staff, so it inay not be an additional cost as shown by Ms. Gross' projections and
presentation.
Councilmeinber Lawrence-�nderson stated she appreciates the presentation by Ms. Gross.
Considering the time, the Mayor needs to make a time limit for the evening and public comrnent.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson noted her appreciation for the emails she has received and
the Icvel of community engagement. She added she would prefer to see a vote on the matter rather
than having the five members of�the Council decide for the City of over 30,000 residents.
Councilmember Butler thanked the presenters for their time and for the community that has shown
up for the meeting. Although it is not typical for the Council to amend the budget so late in the
timeline, it is something that happens in other council settings. "I'hey should not be afraid of doing
something because it has not been done before. Councilmember I3utler explained she would like
to see the Council more united on the topic and come to soine sort of a compromise. She does not
believe it is likely to fill the 14 open police officer positions based on the trends both within the
City and across the country. With that in mind, they should use that money to provide additional
support and resources to the of-ficcrs. There is a narrative that believes the funding changes do not
support law enforcement, but that is not the case. She supports policc officers and does not support
defunding law enforcement. Councilmember Butler proposed they continue the vote to the next
meeting to allow for people to digest the information that had been presented to them.
Mayor Elliott stated he would allow f�or public comments and reminded the attendees to keep their
comments to one minute. I�e noted the late hour and stated he plans to wrap up around 10:15 p.m.
Katie W. stated she is concerned why some Staff and members o1�the Council are using the term
"defund" to refer to the allocation of money for the Resolution passed in May. It is a stall tactic.
What was done in Brooklyn Center before her son's murder was not working. She asked when
preparing for a budget, have they factored in any of the pending or upcoming lawsuits against the
City. Katie stated Councilmember Ryan and Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson will never
agree to any kind of funding for the Resolution. While they may have voted for it, they continue
to usc stalling tactics.
Katie W. added tomorrow she will face her son's murderer at trial and see autopsy photos and
watch body camera footage over and over again for the next three weeks. She asked the City to
prevent another murder from happening. The Council has resources and options to do it. Katie
W. explained her son's murder was the worst thing that ever happened in her life, and she does not
want it to happen to anyone else. She asked the Council to fully fund the Daunte Wright and Kobe
Dimock-Heisler Community Safety & Violence Prevention Act the way it is written. They cannot
1 1/29/2 l -16-
afford to lose any more life.
Arvid S. stated he has lived in Brooklyn Center for 49 years, noting Dr. Edwards had stated the ���
budget he presented makes good progress towai-ds the �oals of the Resolution as �vell as meeting
other goals the Council has taskcd him with. Dr. F,dwards has also explained the dire consequences
of diverting funds from the Police Department budget and not replacing the stafting vacancies.
Dr. Edwards was appointed to his role due to his extensive expertise. The Council is questioning
the budget after hearing information from outside groups that do not have the expertise in city
management with little to no hands-on knowledge about Brooklyn Center.
Arvid S. explained his previous professional tasks have included data analysis and making
recommendations. The recommendations nearly always require same assumption. The overall
assumption is that relieving some of the tasks of the police officers would result in the need for a
lesser number of police personnel. This assumption results in a traffic stop where the responding
personnel cannot intervene in the case an emergency were to arise. There is the argument that an
alternative response would frce up law enforcement to respond to an emergency, but there would
be less law enforcement in this scenario. Therefore, this alternative response would not decrease
emergency response times. "I'he residents of Minneapolis have rejected an alternative response
option due to similar concerns.
Mayor Elliott reminded the cammenters to keep their remarks to two minutes or less.
Lesley stated they are traveling down a slippery slope, and it could become very dangerous. She
stated the Council needs to votc no on this proposal. It puts too many people and places at risk.
Four homes have been listed for sale because of related concerns. People are going to leave the
City, and they will have a harder time getting people back in the City. The citizens need to vote
on the decision rather than having only five people make such a big decision for the City.
Tamara S. stated she has lived in Brooklyn Center for over 34 years and owns a business in
Brooklyn Center. She would like the Council to vote on the matter that evening and approve the
City Manager's budget proposal. She noted her appreciation of Councilmember Graves'
comments and explanation of� the previous efforts of the City Council to work towards police
reform.
Shanna W. stated she grew up in Brooklyn Center and greatly values the City and the work they
are trying to do. She sees folks trying to be productive and finding a way to navigate issues such
as the rampant deaths of Black people. The concerns people have are against a Resolution that has
already been approved. The Resolution does not defund the police, but rather it gives public
servants further resources and support. There is the thought that law enforcement needs to be wary
against Black people to protect the community, its residents, and the businesses. However, there
is more nuance to it than that, but it is very intense to hear the opposition and racism. People are
trying to use democracy to create effective change, but they are being met with racism.
Jeffrey D. explained he is an organizer with Barbershops and Black Congregation Cooperative and
has relationships with many Brooklyn Center business owners. He added he frequents Brooklyn
Center. The people deserve to have appropriate resources and services to meet their needs. Not
11/29/21 -17-
knowing if a good cop or a bad cop is going to respond when someone calls 911 is not reassuring.
In his experience, Jeffrey D. has been singled out and wrongly accused of criminal acts. I-Iis heart
jumps when hc passes by a police officer. Not all cops are bad, but they need to inove toward a
place where they can have peace of�nind when calling for help thl•ough 911. He added the City
Council needs to take steps toward fully funding the new public saiety efforts. 'i
Amity D. stated she is the mother of Kobe llimock-Heisler who was killed unjustly by the
arooklyn Center Police Department in 2019. She noted she appreciates the information presented
by L�AP. 1'hey were able to explain the other cities that have implemented alternative response
options in a very clear way.
Amity D. added the Council needs to stop discussing the budget and that they da not have enough
money to fund the Daunte Wright and Kobe Dimock-Heisler Com�nunity Safety & Violence
Prevention Act. She stated the term "defunding"has a negative connotation to it, and the spirit of
the Resolution is to reallocate funds. The proposal is to take I�unding away from the Police
Department and put it into other efforts. l�mity D. noted Councilmember Ryan stated the
Resolution was an ill-conceived notion. She asked if the Resolution was so ill-conceived, then
why did Evanston, Illinois adopt a resolution for alternative responses. This is the way of the
f uture.
Amity D. noted her appreciation of the eff-orls by the Council to address police reform in years
prior. "I'he problem is alternative responses for mental health or various disabilities keep getting
presented to the Council, but they are not passed. Then the Council finally passed an alternative
response option through the Daunte Wright and Kobe Dimock-I-Ieisler Community Safety &
Violence Prevention Act, but now they claim there is not enough funding for it.
Amity D. stated her son was murdered because of these issues. If these programs were
implemented the first time it was brought to the Council, her son would still be alive. Kim Potter
was involved in her son's murder, but she was only reprimanded. If there was actual police
accountability, then Duante Wright would still be alive. The Council may have hesitations, but if
they were going through the same things as herself or Katie Wright, they would be demanding the
same changes. The people are not trying to take police officers away from the community, but
when someone is dealing with a mental health situation, it is not appropriate to bring four armed
officers into their house. It is not okay that I)uante Wright was pulled over and murdered for
expired tabs when the State told police to stop pulling over. Duante Wright and Kobe Dimock-
Heisler were not criminals, but they were murdered by criminals. Amity D. stated the Council
needs to fund the Resolution they have already passed. The Council needs to make it work.
Mayor Elliott stated he is aware of timing, but Ms. llimock has the right to speak without being
interrupted.
Randy C. stated he is a resident of Brooklyn Center. He noted he was appreciative of the
opportunity to speak as he was silenced at the last meeting. Mayor Elliott stated Randy C. was not
silenced at the last meeting. Randy C. stated he does not need to be interrupted, and he was
silenced at the last meeting.
11/29/21 -18-
Randy C. stated Councilmember Butler raised concerns about onboarding timelines for new police
officers, but she did not express concerns or ask questions about onboarding timelines for
alternative community response personnel or when the money is needed. Randy C. stated he is
frustrated by the meetings where City Council and Staff do not have reports from the presenters.
It is difficult for attendees to follow along and participate in the discussion. Randy C. stated
Councilmember Graves and the Staff need the information ahead of the time to have intelligent
conversations. Randy C. stated whether the term "defunding" has a negative connotation or not,
is the same thing as reallocation. It appears the two budget proposals are very similar, and Council
should go with the one prepared by Staff.
Councilmember Butler stated she asked about on-boarding for mental health response options in
the last meeting. The answer to that question was about three months. Mayor Elliott thanked
Councilmember Butler for the information.
Jay noted he strongly supports the Resolution and asked why it is taking so long. He asked why
there has been opposition to it, especially by Councilmembers who voted in support of it. Change
needs to happen because two children were murdered.
Jean L. stated he does not understand how people can deny the mountain of evidence that has been
presented and comments made in support of the new departments. Nor does he understand the
lack of support for elected officials that have also been bolstered by the community ever since the
spring. People cannot sit there and pretend these things haven't happened and continue speaking
the language of division. What is at stake is a policy about preserving the dignity of human life.
They do not get to have justice for what happened to Kobe Dimock-Heisler and Duante Wright,
but they do get to have accountability and justice in the future.
Jean L. stated he is in support of the Daunte Wright and Kobe Dimock-Heisler Community Safety
& Violence Prevention Act being fully funded. As someone whose primary interactions with law
enforcement and recourse to public safety would involve the Brooklyn Center Police Department,
Jean L. noted he is concerned and wary of conversations that negatively frame the expansion of
community resources and alternative response options. The community needs to stay aware of the
dignity of human life. Additionally, these measures are not radical and the efforts need to move
forward.
Councilmember Graves asked Mayor Elliott to elevate the voices on the call that have not had an
opportunity to speak yet.
Phillip G. shared his condolences with the affected families and noted the community is there for
them. The community has to be better in terms of the language being used in Council meetings.
The courts have implemented various programs similar to what is being proposed in �3rooklyn
Center. For example, there is a program called Sentencing to Service which allows low-level
offenders to avoid court convictions, Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative which moves
juveniles into alternative living situations, and National Alliance on Mental Illness has a crisis
intervention team that works in Minneapolis. The Resolution does not defund the police and it is
not soft on crime. By reallocating funds, it allows policing a better opportunity to handle higher-
level crimes.
11/29/21 -19-
Phillip G. asked how many responders would be allowed by the funding. He added the affected
cammunities need to be at the table to be a part of the discussions. The community needs this
change. Armed responders are not needed for every situation. He stated they need to keep it civil
to work together toward a safe community.
A resident tried to comment, and Mayor Elliott stated people can only speak when he recognizes
them. He explained there is only one presiding officer at a time.
Kiki W. stated the only people on the Council that are listening to the community are Mayor Elliott
and Councilmember Butler. The Resolution does need to be pushed for. She added she does not
agree with a lot of things in the budget and that they sit on the meetings and discuss buildings or
other things that do not support the community. Kiki W. recommended Mayor Elliott and
Councilmember Butler better inform the rest of the Council and stated Dr. Edwards seems like a
pawn for the Police Department. She stated the Council needs to be more organized, but
Councilmember Butler does have the community's best interest in mind.
Bri S. stated it was very misleading when one of the Councilmembers said they are defunding the
police. She works with students, and the point of the Resolution is siinilar to decreasing class
sizes. They are creating gateways for the police officers to be less overworked and less stressed.
Teachers have lower burnout and students get a better education with smaller class sizes. Law
enforcement should not have to respond to every call, and there should be alternative response
options. There are psychiatrists and support groups and mental health advocates in the community
as alternative avenues, and there need to be similar alternatives available to the police. Ultimately,
alternative responses would provide more appropriate responses.
Brian P. explained he spent 15 years as a police officer for Brooklyn Center and left in 2015. His
overall goal was community engagement,but what he has seen over the last 20 months is sad. Any
progress law enforcement had made in the community has failed. It does not seem there is a
collaborative response to fix the issues, and it is divisive.
Brian P. stated the community of Brooklyn Center is excellent. Unfortunately, due to recent
events, the people of Brooklyn Center seem divided, and Mayor Elliott continues to divide the
community. Mayor Elliott has never reached out to Brian P. or his organization to collaborate.
Brian P. stated he has lived and worked in the community for 15 years, and he refuses to be silent
about the divisiveness. He commented that Mayor Elliott has no control over the meetings. The
citizens of Brooklyn Center need to come together and realize Mayor Elliott is using a very charged
political event to be divisive.
Zarita stated she is wholeheartedly behind funding the Resolution. Parsing out costs to a more
appropriate response unit is part of making a change in a very substantiative way. Once people
know better, they need to do better. Social workers are not going to go into unsafe environments,
and police officers are not going to quit because some funding was reallocated. A few years ago, '
when an autistic boy's caretaker was shot by police, it should have been a wake-up call far the '�,
Council. Brooklyn Center also lost someone on the spectrum recently due to police violence. If
officers are removed from situations they are not trained for, it will be better for police officers.
11/29/21 -20-
Crime is not going to stop, and it should not stop progress.
Mayor Elliott reminded attendees to kecp their comments to less than two minutes.
Satnie B. stated when it comes to the Resolution,it would be a lot better to reallocate funds to keep
police from being overwhelmed. People are not as caring and sympathetic when they arc
overloaded or stressed. These changes will build trust within the cammunity due to action and
change rather than words. Samie I3. stated she has a nine-month-old, and law enforcement has
been called twice because she has done what babies do. If�the police were not as understanding
that she has a baby, it would be a whole different story. It is a waste of time for a police officer to
respond to a crying baby.
Jim M. stated the devil is in the details. ln listening to the comments, it appears there is no solid
plan in place. Defunding is exactly what is happening as they are taking away funds from 14
officers. This is a dramatic change in how calls for service are going to be handled, and it doesn't
appcar to have any organizational chart prepared. Most of the presenters have not been law
enforcement. The Council has not spoken with communities ihat have implemented these changes
nor have they spoken with the Police I�epartment about the effects. Brooklyn Center's crime
statistics are through the roof, and the call load is only going to increase in Brooklyn Center. Jim
M. asked what the Council is going to do about the increased crime rates in the proposed plan.
Mayor Elliott noted Jim M. is the Executive Director of the Law Enforcement Association of
Minnesota. Violent crimes in Brooklyn Center are down dramatically since 2003. It has gone up
slightly in the last couple of years, but it is still dramatically lower than in years past. Brian P. and
another resident commented that those statistics are incorrect.
Mayor F,lliott added a former Police Chief was one of the presenters, so there was a law
enforcement perspective shared in the presentations. He asked for attendees to stop interrupting
him.
Brian P. stated Mayor Elliott is being untruthful. Leslie R. added crime statistics are up 200
percent.
Shanna W. asked for others to stop interrupting Mayor Flliott. Brian P. repeated Mayor Elliott
is being untruthful.
Mayor F,lliott stated if Brian P. and Leslie R. interrupt him again, they will be removed from the
meeting. Brian P. stated he is the Executive Director of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers
Association, and Mayor Elliott is not being truthful.
Shanna W. told Brian P. to stop commenting. Phillip G. stated the pcople are being divisive. Paul
C. stated he thought the Mayor was in support of law and order.
Councilmember Graves stated open forum is not a time for dialogue. She explained she would
like to continue hearing from the community, and Mayor Elliott was out of order for engaging in
dialogue. Mayor Elliott stated he has heard Councilmember Graves give information in response
11/29/21 -21-
to comments previously. Councilmcinber Graves stated she has directly provided clarif cation or
direction to Staff, but that was not what Mayor Elliott was doing.
John S. asked the Council to move on. Andrew S. stated Council meetings are an activist echo
chamber.
Hans stated he supports fully funding the Daunte Wright and Kobe Dimock-Heisler Community
Safety & Violence Prevention Act. He noted he is a iather of� three Black girls and has been
married to a Black woman for iifteen years. White supremacy is blatant in the Twin Cities, and
they cannot trust law enforcement to tell the people they will not be safe. Those are the same
people killing people that the Resolution is seeking to protect. 'l�he police have a personal interest �'��
in maintaining funding levels. The legal system has a history ol�oppression, and it continues to
not support reforms. I�ans asked the Council to listen to oppressed voices and support funding the
IZesolution. The community will improve and become safer if the Resolution is fully supported.
Myrna K. stated the inappropriate pliotos shown for attendces should have been taken down a long
tiine ago. The decrease of police officers on the force has to do with the attitudes of law
eniorcement and even more so due to the fault of Mayor l;lliott. The way Mayor Elliott speaks
about police is unhelpful. Bringing additional resources into the Police Department needs to be
framed as assistance rather than replacement because they do need the help. However,they cannot
take 14 police out ofthe City. "I'lic City added staffto the Yolice Department a few years ago. The
Police Department will never be fiilly staffed due to the training time.
7,oya C. explained she is a victim of�police brutality. She thought the City was moving forward
earlier this year. She noted she does not want to be a civil rights activist. Her parents and
grandparents did that, and she wants to move forward. They are talking about $1.3 million while
there are funeral costs and the City is being sued. She can keep her medical expenses down because
she believes in the church. Duante Wright died right before her eyes. George Floyd was murdered
before that. She stated she wants to walk away, but she doesn't have a choice to be a civil rights
activist. She stated she has done nothing wrong, and she is terrilied by the police. Gender has
nothing to do with hate. Her kids believe only blue lives matter, and she has to explain to them
that all lives matter. She stated the City needs to listen to the victims and fully fund the Resolution
that was already passed and supported by the community. They can talk about 2003, but they need
to move forward.
F3illie J. stated they are all there because of people with mental health issues. She stated she has
mental health issues due to side eifects from her disability medication. 'I�here are times where she
had sworn at her mother, which was huge for her and meant she was on the edge. She finally went
to the emergency room for assistance. Billie J. explained she was lucky enough to know she could
understand something was wrong, but she still had apprehension about seeking help. She doesn't
know what would have happened if it had gone on longer as she was ready to take her own life.
She doesn't know what would have happened if the police had responded and did not know what
to do with her. Billie J. stated there is anxiety and worry from the entire community. Looking at
it from the perspective of people with mental health issues, they see police officers as something
to be afraid of. At this point, people are just trying to survive.
l 1/29/21 -22-
l3illie J. stated they cannot change the past. All they have is now. The City can make everyone
safer by having trained responders available to handle mental health crises. "1'he Council needs to
remember what this is about and understand the inoney is available. "I�hey are not taking away
police oflicers, but they are making t}Icir jobs a little lighter. She encouiaged people to love one
another and support one another. She stated a mental health crisis could happen to anyone. Black
and White people both struggle with mental health issues. People with mental health issues are
far more likely to be killed by law enforcement. Additionally, jails and prisons are filled with
{olks struggling with mental health. 'I'his IZesolution is intended to prevent more people from
dying.
Marcus J. stated he is in support of fully funding the Daunte Wright and Kobe Dimock-Heisler
Community Safety&Violence Yrevention Act. Reallocation is not defunding the police. By fully
funding the Resolution, they are reimagining how power operates in Brooklyn Center. They are
creating a more fully operative and responsive alternative for the people. "I'here need to be different
levels of support within the community depcnding on what individuals need.
Marcus J. stated the opposition keeps mentioning fear-mongering. He asked why the opposition
keeps sensationalizing safety for their self-interest at the detriment of Black and Brown folks. The
opposition believes their property is more important than the lives of Black and Brown people.
Additionally, if officers do resign due to fully funding the Resolution, it would benefit the
community. Their resignation would be saying they do not value the lives of Black and Brown
people.
A resident stated it is not an issue of race.
Mayor Elliott called on a few attendees to speak who did not have any comments. Councilmember
Graves asked what list Mayor Elliott was working through. Mayor Elliott stated he is managing
the meeting, and he has a list of people who have emailed as well. Councilmember Graves asked
if the emails were from before the meeting. Mayor Elliott confirmed the emails were from before
the meeting. Councilmember Graves stated she wanted to make sure Mayor Elliott was not
showing favoritism on who he was calling on. Mayor Elliott stated Councilmember Graves'
comments were inappropriate.
Joy told Councilmember Graves it was inappropriate to dialogue. Mayor F,lliott stated he has a
list of people that have asked to speak.
Julie B. stated she is a children's mental health case manager and resident of Brooklyn Center.
She explained she supports the Resolution because it addresses mental health needs in the
community by allowing for trained professionals to respond to appropriate situations. What
happened to Kobe Dimock-Heisler should have never happened. She explained she works
alongside the police every day, and families call her first because they are fearful of the police.
Mental health workers are asking the police to work with them.
Julie B. noted the first level of force for a police officer is their presence. Many components of a
police officer's presence and uniform are triggering. Children who are fearful of law enforcement
carry that idea into adulthood. The residents of the City deserve better, and the police should not
] 1/29/21 -23-
have to do everything on their own. Responding to mental health crises was not intended to be on
their plate in the first place. Police ofiicers do not want inental health crises on thcir plates and �
admit they have not been properly trained ior• it.
.Ioy stated they are looking at a cookie-cuttcr budget. While some people mi�ht be uncomfortable
with a late hour, change is uncomfortable. People need to stretch to be effective. They heard from
presenters that police have initiated some eiforts, and they have seen success. While it currently
hasn't been initiated by police, it could be supported by police. The community needs to work
together. "I�hey do not need a police olficer to do all of the tasks they are called to do. The police
need more support. Although the details are not ironed out, that is the beauty of something new.
.Ioy asked how are they currently operating while being understaffed by 14 o1f cers, how they are
currently responding to calls for service, and who is filling the Street Crime Unit and the juvenile
officcr role. She asked the names of the organizations the City Manager is working with the
surrounding community response. Growing and changing are good. It is important to recognize
they do not need police officers to police poverty. It is impossible to be an expert in all things.
The City needs to address the trauma of law enforcement, the trauma of police, and historical
trauma.
Matt O. i-rom Luther Automotive stated residents have been hearing more and more gunshots.
"I'hcrc has been a 48 percent increase in violent crime in the City over the past two years. Luther
Automotive cares about its employees and does not want them to be subject to crimes. Their
employees have been involved in various crimes in the City, and they are concerned about the
City.
Matt O. noted Ms. Gross presented that a low percentage of calls are for mental health, perhaps
around l percent as stated by presenter Ms. Gross. However, the proposed budget moves 15
percent of funds to mental health responses. That is not appropriate. Mental health is a big deal,
and it makes a lot of sense to address mental health issues. However, taking away 15 percent of
the budget to address one percent ol�the issues does not make sense.
Matt O. noted Dr. Edwards pointed out the positions that would be eliminated from the Police
Dcpartment if they were to reallocate the funds of the 14 police officers. He clearly showed the
positions that would be defunded if the measure goes forward. Luther Automotive has done a lot
to partner with the City and supports the growth of the community. No one wants to pick sides.
Dr. F,dwards' budget incorporates several of the components of the Resolution without defunding
law enforcement. He encouraged the Council to listen to the residents, businesses, and employees
of Brooklyn Center who want the City to come together. In passing the Mayor's proposal, police
officers will leave Brooklyn Center. Law enforcement will not want to work in a City where they
are part of an experiment. He wants the police to be a part of the solution. Matt O. encouraged
thc Council to listen to their employees and suppori Dr. Edwards proposed budget.
Amity D. stated she looks forward to protesting at Luther Automotive.
Jaylani I I. explained this is a historical moment for Brooklyn Center and the country. Brian P.
noted Jaylani H. gets a second opportunity to speak.
11/29/21 -24-
Jaylani I-I. clarif�ied he spoke on the previous topic. Mayor Elliott asked for Brian P. to be removed
from the mceting. Jaylani I I. asked for Brian P. to be allowed to remain in the meeting. Earlier
this year, .Iaylani H. seilt a letter to Brian P.'s orbani�ation, Minnesota Police and Peace Oflicers
Association, asking them to condemn white supremacy. Brian P. did not condemn white
supremacy.
A resident stated the meeting is unfocused and ridiculous. Elizabeth r. asked how many times the
Mayor was going to allow outside people to speak at the meeting.
Jaylani H. asked for people to stop interrupting him.
A resident stated this is not an issue of race. Another resident noted Brian P. spent 15 years in the
community of I3rooklyn Center and asked how many years Jaylani I-I. has been a part of Brooklyn
Center.
Jaylani I�. stated his interruplers were out of order, have no respect for decorum, and are unable
to listen to a �31ack man. Phillip G. asked for the rnecting to be adjourned.
Jaylani I�I. stated people need to be respectful. I;lizabeth F. stated Jaylani H. is disrespectful.
Jaylani H. told people to listen.
A resident stated Mayor Elliott is not doing his job. Another resident stated they are not there to
talk about race.
Jaylani H. told people to listen to him. Jaylani H. statcd this is not an opportunity f�or a white inob
to gather. A resident stated they need justice for Kim Potter. Jaylani H. told people to listen.
Mayor Elliott stated if anyone else is being disruptive,they will also be removed from the meeting.
He explained the City Clerk has muted everyone and will unmute people one at a time to speak.
He stated he wants to give people the opportunity to speak as they have been on the call for quite
a few hours.
Jaylani H. stated he is not surprised with the response because it is hard for a Black person to say
anything in the country without being disrespected. Mayar Elliott and Councilmember Butler have
also been treated disrespectfully. He explained this is an opportunity for the City to showcase
what is possible. The Resolution brings forth a plan to do less harm, give police inore tools, and
address the real needs of the community. Brooklyn Center is the most diverse city in Minnesota,
and the residents care about all people. The Resolution means hope and means that police across
the country can start changes of'their own. Good policing comes with accountability. A former
Police Chief said it himself.
Jaylani H. added the Daunte Wright and Kobe Dimock-Heisler Community Safety & Violence
Prevention Act needs to be fully funded. It will not solve every problem, but it projects the City
in the right direction. On the eve of the trial of Kim Potter, the City has an opportunity to move
forward by fultilling the promise made in April. Politics are messy, but politics that reflect the
11/29/21 -25-
needs of the community are historic.
Jaylani I I. added Brian Y. of the Minnesota Yolicc and Peace Officers Association refuses white
supreinacy �nd led a white mob in that night's meeting. Brian Y.'s comments are disrespectful
and distasteiul, and the people should be ashamed of themselves. The Resolution is above and
beyond tllcir hate, and it is about love and the sanctity of human life. 'I'he Council needs to do the
right thing, even if it means some people are unhappy. Jaylani H. thanked the mothers of the
victims of�police violence for continuing to speak. "I,here are inany ofticers in the I3rooklyn Center
Police Department and across that country that support alternative response options to support
their work.
Jaylani H. stated his interrupters need to rethink the meaning of democracy. The core tenant of �
democracy is that people can disagree with one another, but they should still be able to be in the '
same room as onc another and trcat each other respectfully.
Mayor Elliott reminded commentcrs to be brief.
Julie N. implored opponents of the Resolution to look into what it looked like before the 1960s
when police officers responded to medical crises. Communities of color particularly were affected
by the failure of imagination before the creation of ambulances. They do not need armed officers
to respond to every type of call.
John S. noted his appreciation for the presentations. He stated he would like the Implementation
Committee to move forward. Having worked alongside police in the past as a civilian, both the
police and the families they responded to were happy to have a civilian join in the response. The
community wants the police to work in the right way. If police leave after the reallocation of
funds,then they didn't want to be in the community anyways. Similarly, if residents want to leave
after the reallocation of funds, then that would make a better community. Police and Staff have
been working hard in the community to make improvements. People under-appreciated and under-
recognized marginalized commiinities. The Council needs to move forward with f'unding the
Resolution.
Sohnma G. stated she is shocked about the level of disrespect toward Mayor Elliott. She added
law enforcement has made a commitment to protect and serve the community, and if they do not
do that, they need to reevaluate. Opponents think things have been going smoothly because the
affected people do not look like them. Opponents value their safety without regard for the safety
of people o1�color. The community is trying to come together to improve Brooklyn Center, but
opponents are being divisive. It is especially divisive to disrespect the Mayor. Sohnma G. added
critiquing the police does not mean they do not want them in the community, but the people do
want them to do better. The police need to protect and serve everyone in Brooklyn Center.
Mohamed I. explained shifting lunding in any type of industry is just good governance. The
community can continue having positive conversations and de-stigmatize those with mental health
issues or addictions. Similarly, the community needs to stop criminalizing poor people. The State
has never really addressed any of those problems, but Mayor Elliott is showing leadership to
address those problems. If police officers quit because they are unable to respond to mental health
11/29/21 -26-
calls, then they should seek out mental health licensure if that's what they want to do. Law
enforcement cannot continue to terrorize people under the guise of keeping them safe. It is time
to be courageous and answer the demands of society to keep all people safe. They need to stop
peoplc Ii-om bci�lg killed by statc-sanctioned personnel. "I'he Daunte Wriglit and Kobe Dimock-
Heisler Community Safety & Violence Prevention Act needs to be fully funded, and Brooklyn
Center needs to support Mayor Elliott and his efforts to fully fund the Resolution.
Steve noted the Mayor carefully allowed those he wanted to hear from speak for extended lengths
of time and inferred violence might occur in the City without dramatic changes. It is not a surprise
that outside influencers, including those from out of Minnesota, showcased the discussion around
dramatically transf�erring funds by as much as 30 percent. The cri�ne in their City and nation is
getting worse by the day, regardless of what Mayor Elliott would like the people to believe. Steve
stated redistributing duties of law enforcement makes sense, but it does not have to happen
overnight. rI'hey need to move forward,but they need to do so at a rationed pace. "I'hey need police
reform but moving too quickly than they are prepared for organizationally and financially is not
the answer. "1'here is not a plan, yet the last few weeks of discussion have been far from
collaborative. The new departments have been fleshed out more in the last two weeks than in the
last year.
Steve explained the decision process has been placed in the hands of limited groups of people with
limited, fractured viewpoints being unnecessarily influenced by people outside of the community.
The citizens of Brooklyn Center should have had an opportunity on such momentous changes.
They all hope the new departments are a success, but they hope the changes are not too dramatic
for them to succeed. They all hope to become a model for other cities across the nation. Steve
explained his concern is not about changes but the speed of the changes.
Steve added Councilmember Butler has mentioned the idea of a false narrative. A false narrative
is spending almost six months putting a budget together only to have it tossed aside at the last
minute. The Mayor listens to special interest groups rather than to the citizens. The false narrative
is pretending they are not discussing a significant reduction of funding for the Police Department.
Z'he false narrative is believing they should rush into the reform plan rather than ease into it, study
it thoroughly, and use data and statistics to form it. The community needs to hope the proposal
does not turn into a catastrophe that ultimately puts its citizens at greater risk. With crime on a
dramatic rise across the Metro and the whole country,they could easily be one incident away from
losing more businesses than have already fled. They are limiting potential new residents' interest
in the City. The number of vacant homes may go up, and the property values may go down.
Lori B. stated, as a resident of Brooklyn Center, she would like to apologize to Jaylani H. for being
disrespected on the call. His expertise on these matters is valuable, and Lori B. thanked him for
supporting Brooklyn Center. Lori B. has been expressing her concerns about police accountability
since the murder of Kobe Dimock-Heisler two years ago. She stated she has heard several people
comment that has not been a part of the process that has demanded a lot of time. They agree �
change needs to happen.
Lori B. stated she stands in solidarity with the family of Kobe Dimock-I Ieisler and the family of
Duante Wright. She gave her heartfelt condolences for the loss of their beautiful sons. She stated i
11/29/21 -27- I
she supports fully liinding t11e Daunte Wright and Kobe Dimock-Heisler Community Safety &
Violence Yrevention Act and reallocating a small portion of the $9.6 million proposed Police
Departmcnt budget.
Lori I3. stated she stands Uehind the Mayor and noted he is not alone in the making of the Daunte
Wright and Kobe Dimock-Heisler Community Safety&Violence Prevention Act. As for the topic
ol�race,this is completely a racial issue. Over 60 percent of�3rooklyn Center is made up of people
of color.
Mayor I;Iliott thanked the community for engaging in the process and for everyone's patience
throughout the meeting. Commenters have said community engagement is important and they do
not want the C'ouncil to �fecl rushed in their decision. Since they have a few weeks until the budget
is duc, Mayor Elliott suggested they continue the vote to later meeting date. Additionally, he
would like to move the final vote on the budget from December 6 to December 20. "I'hat would
allow them to have ample time to ask questions of the staff and get more information before
making a decision. Mayor I?lliott asked Councilmembers i�or their tlloughts on his proposal.
Caroline L. asked how many of the police officers are vaccinated and how many of them are
wearing masks. She stated she has seen police officers go into houses without masks on. There
is a new variant of COVID-19. If law enforcement is meant to protect and serve, they should
protect pcoplc f-rom the virus. Additionally, she believes they should f�ully fund the Daunte Wright
and Kobe Dimock-Ileisler Community Safety & Violence Prevention Act. White supremacists
will not listen, and they need to listen to understand what is being said. She stated it was
embarrassing to witness the disrespect that happened in the meeting. "I'hey should be ashamed of
themselves and they cannot even follow directions.
Councilmember I3utler noted it was almost midnight, so it might not be the best time to vote on
the matter. 1�hey have received a lot of community input and presentations. She agreed to move
the vote to a later meeting and encouraged other members of the Council to speak with Staff to get
their questions answered. She added she hopes they can come to a compromise where all
Councilmembers are on board with the same thing.
Mayor Elliott stated they need more time to discuss the topic, so he believcs they should move the
final votes to a later date.
Dr. Edwards noted they have limited staff in the Finance Department, and it takes a lot of time to
put together a budget. "I�hey have already provided notice for truth in taxation, so they are required
to have that meeting on December 6. Mayor Elliott explained he spoke with Mr. Gilchrist about
moving the meeting, and Mr. Gilchrist suggested they have the truth in taxation meeting and have
thc continued budget discussion on the same date for which there was already a notice.
Dr. l:dwards explained the purpose of the truth in taxation meeting is to provide residents with a
presentation of the budget. Therefore, there is an expectation to provide residents with a notice of
that presentation and a reliable timeline for the truth in taxation meeting.
Mr. Gilchrist stated ideally the proposed budget would be presented at the truth in taxation meeting
11/29/21 -28-
scheduled for December 6. The hope was for there to be time between the vote on the proposed
Resolution and the truth in taxation meeting. However, that is not going to happen. The
conversation can be continued on December 6, and he is not aware of any rcason why they could
�Iot continue t}iat hearing to a later date while the budget is bein��inalized. 1'he Council rieeds to
decide on the budget, so he encouraged the Council to come to the December 6 meeting with the
idea of reaching a direction on the matter. "I'hen they could finally act at the December 20 meeting.
Mayor �lliott moved and Councilmember �3utler seconded to continue the discussion of the 2022
budget to the meeting on December 6, 2021, and reschedule the tinal budget vote to December 20,
2021.
Councilmember Ryan explained he does not understand the intention of the motion to move the
budget resolution beyond December 6 when they have gone through the extensive pt•ocess to bring
it forward. Councilmember Ryan stated he plans to be out of town on December 20 as do other
members of the community and the Council. It is an egregious misuse of the process to move the
vote to a date where all interested parties cannot be involved. They need to vote on the 2022
budget on December 6, 2021. Next year they can have a full and robust debate about the 2023
programming. It is manipulative to make such a motion at such a late hour. �Ie stated he objects
strongly to the motion and hopes other members of the Council will vote to approve the City
Manager's budget on December 6.
Mayor Elliott clarified the final budget vote can be a different day than December 20.
Councilmember Ryan stated the process is being manipulated, and the Mayor has done similar
actions over and over again to get exactly what he wants. There is a process that has been repeated
year in and year out. They voted for a certain budget going into 2021with programs supporting
and counteracting the effects of COV1D-19 because it was the greatest good for the greatest
number of people. A good process ensures good outcomes. He stated he strongly objects to Mayor
Elliot's motion.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated they need to respect Staff, the Finance Commission,
and the time the Council has put into the budget. The budget presented by City Manager should
be the one they vote on during the truth in taxation meeting on December 6 and that is the proposal
she will be prepared to vote on. She added she will do her due diligence to review all submitted
materials from the presenters over the last several weeks to prepare for discussion concerning the
2022 budget. Asking the staff to prepare a budget on December 20 with a four-day deadline, the
week of Christmas and Hannukah is really inconsiderate and disrespectful to the staff.
Councilmember Graves asked what type of�vote is needed to pass a budget. Mr. Gilchrist stated
the budget requires a simple majority to pass. Councilmember Graves asked about the type of vote
needed to pass Mayor Elliott's proposed Resolution. Mr. Gilchrist stated Mayor Elliott's proposed
Resolution also needs a simple majority to pass,meaning three affirmative votes from the Council.
Councilmember Graves stated she is frustrated because she did her best to compare the budget
presented by the City Manager and the budget presented by Mayor Elliott. She added she could
prepare a PowerPoint for the next meeting with those comparisons if it would be helpful for
attendees. After seeing the presentations from Michelle Gross and LEAP, there is a gap in the
11/29/21 -29-
community response initiative of about $250,000. It is possible to fund the police and fill the
positions for the Street Crimes Unit, investigators, and juvenile officers while also funding
alternative response options. They should work with the Staffto determine the best route to do so.
E Iopef�ully, the Implementation Comi��ission can form and start ini�orming the process along with
the listcning sessions and work sessions.
Councilmember Graves stated if tliey do not support Mayor Elliott's proposal, it does not mean
thcy are noi funding the Daunte Wright and Kobe Dimock-Heisler Community Safety &Violence
Prevention Act. That is a false narrative. "I,here is a fair amount of the budgct allocated to support
the Resolution. The Council can support funding of the Police Department and the funding of the
alternative response options. It seems like the Council is talking and no one is listening. She
added they could call a vote tonight, but she wants the Council to consider a more nuanced
approach. The Council and Staff�can coine together to create a comprornise that combines both
pieces. She stated she does not want to extend the meeting until December 20, especially if the
Mayor is unwilling to compromise. Councilmember Graves stated Mayor 1?lliott has been
manipulative, and she has told him that in person.
Councilmember Graves added she is trying her best to do a good job and care about the role to
which she has been elected for the past seven years. She noted she is stressed out, and she is
concerned about all of the families in �3rooklyn Center. People are touting the line of rhetoric and
media and having the mic drop moment, but people need to get together and take action. She
explained she is suggesting a solution that incorporates both sides. She added she is tired even
though nlost of the people she works with have similar, aligning values. People need to be held
accountable even when the community doesn't agree on everything else. Councilmember Graves
stated she was willing to discuss the budget and proposals further on December 6, 2021, but she
was not willing to push it out to December 20. Pushing people is good, but people need to be
brought in.
Councilmember Butler stated it is past midnight, and she needs to end for the evening. She agreed
with Councilmember Graves that they need to come to some type of compromise, and she doesn't
want the Council or the City to be fi-actured. She noted they all need a vacation, so they hope they
can work with Staff to come u with some com romise that ever one can be ha with.
P P Y �PY
Councilmember Butler added she would be willing to meet before December 6 to have a discussion
and be prepared to vote on Decembcr 6. Shc stated they need to wrap the meeting up. It seems
there is not a consensus for Mayor Elliott's motion.
Mayor Elliott withdrew his motion to continue the discussion of the 2022 budget to December 6,
2021, and reschedule the final budget vote to December 20, 2021. He stated he will call another
meeting this week if that seems appropriate. If they need another meeting, it would probably be
on "I'hursday, December 2, if need be. He added they are all trying to do the best that they can.
Councilmember Ryan stated he would appreciate for his voice to be heard rather than the Mayor
having a unilateral decision. He added the Council should decide on December 6 because that is
the scheduled date to decide on the levy and the 2022 budget. He stated it was difficult to make
decisions at such a late hour in the day.
l l/29/21 -30-
Council�nember Graves noted she was amenablc to vote on December 6 as well. She added she
would like a report back from staff based on what they heard tonight from the public, community
organi�atic>ns, experts, and StafT. From there, they could have a robust conversaiion as a Council
with advice from Staf£ She stated she does not want to open it up for public comment again as
they have already heard a lot froin the community.
Mayor Elliott stated they do need to open the floor for public comment on December 6 as that is
the point of the meeting. Councilmember Graves asked if the public comment was for the truth
in taxation portion. Mayor Elliott stated they do have to have public comment on December 6
because there was a
notice given for that opportunity.
Councilmember Graves asked if�the agenda would have two public hearings, one for the Mayor's
proposed IZesolution and one for the truth in taxation portion. Mr. Uilchrist stated they do need to
call the hearing to order on December 6, and clarif ed that the purpose of the meeting is to hear
from the public on the proposed budget. Ideally, they would have a consensus budget by then. If
the thought is to meet further on the night's topic, then they could continue the meeting. They
could schedule a special hearing to try to reach a consensus before calling the December 6, 2021
hearing to order. Even if it is not a final adoption on December 6, they could schedule another
meeting afier December 6 for a final adoption without discussion. He added Staff will need time
to compile the numbers for the final budget after there is a consensus reached by the City Council.
Councilmember Graves stated she wants to make sure staff has time to do what they need to do.
She does not want to shut down the conversation. "I,hey are moving in a good direction in a lot of
ways, though it may be frustrating or involve an over-complicated process. Nonetheless, the City
is moving in a better direction. She stated they could meet again later in the week, although she
does not want to. She noted she would like Stafi�to prepare something for the Council to respond
to base on their discussion.
Mayor Elliott agreed he would like more time to hash it out. Dr. Fdwards stated the Staff will do
all that they can to prepare for a meeting before December 6.
Councilmember Graves asked if they could have a Work Session before the truth in taxation
meeting on Monday. In that scenario, the Staff could have more time to prepare for the meeting.
Mayor Elliott confirmed that would be possible. He suggested they continue the meeting until
Thursday, December 2, because they could also implement a Work Session if needed. Hearing
the staff presentation right before going into a vote may not allow for enough time. Additionally,
staff could prepare more inf-ormation over the weekend before the truth in taxation meeting if need
be.
'The Council reached a consensus to continue the discussion oi�the 2022 budget to a continued
Special Meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 2, 2021, via 7,00m. Mayor Elliott asked the
Council to come to the meeting prepared and informed on the proposals.
CONTINUATION TO DECEMBER 2, 2021
11/29/21 -31-
Mayor Elliott moved and Councilmember Graves seconded to continue the discussion of the 2022
budget at a City Council Special Meeting to be lield at 6:00 p.m. on "1'hursday, Dccember 2, 2021,
via "Loom.
Motion passed unanimously. I
ADJOURNMENT
The meetin� adjourned at 12:13 a.m. on November i0, 2021.
STATE OF MINNESOTA)
COLTNTY OI� HENNEPIN) ss. Certification of Minutes
CITY OF �3ROOKLYN CI;N"I'1;R)
The undersigned,being the duly qualified and appointed City Clerk of the City of Brooklyn Center,
Minnesota, certifies:
1. rI'hat attached hereto is a full, true, and complete transcript of the minutes of a Special
Session of the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center held on November 29, 2021.
2. "I�hat said meeting was held pursuant to due call and notice thereof and was duly held at
Brooklyn Center City I Iall.
3. That the City Council adopted said minutes at its December 13, 2021, Regular Session.
,;
� ;y� � �
, lr��,� c� �`'��'6
Barbara Suciu, City Clerk �,� Mike Elliott, Mayor
11/29/21 -32-