HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021 05-15 CCM Special Session MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY
OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
SPECIAL SESSION
MAY 15, 2021
EARLE BROWN HERITAGE CENTER
1. CALL TO ORDER SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING
The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Special Session called to order by Mayor Mike Elliott
at 3:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Mayor Mike Elliott and Councilmembers Marquita Butler,April Graves,Kris Lawrence-Anderson
(virtually), and Dan Ryan. Also present were Acting City Manager Reggie Edwards, City Clerk
Barb Suciu, and City Attorney Troy Gilchrist.
3. ITEMS
Mayor Elliott noted today's agenda includes testimony from Congresswoman Ilhan Omar,
discussion with the City Council on the resolution, testimony from Daunte's and Kobe's families,
testimony from the community, and then the City Council will consider the vote on the resolution.
3a. CONGRESSWOMAN ILHAN OMAR TESTIMONY (READING)
Councilmember Graves read a statement on behalf of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, Minnesota's
Sth Congressional District, U.S. House of Representatives, as follows:
"This resolution is the result of the Brooklyn Center community demanding change —
demanding a better way. No policy will bring back Daunte Wright. But we can enact
changes that aim to ensure he's the last.
This resolution will transform our system so that armed police are not the only tool the city
has for responding to community needs. It is community-led and I support the local
leadership in bringing forward their vision to make the City of Brooklyn Center safer for
all residents today, and future generations tomorrow. I support it. Let's get this done. We
owe it to Daunte."
3b. COUNCIL DISCUSSION ON RESOLUTION
Mayor Elliott thanked all for coming this afternoon, for this important vote on the Daunte Wright
and Kobe Dimock-Heisler Community Safety and Violence Prevention Resolution. He especially
thanked Daunte's and Kobe's families for being here once again. He noted he has said it before
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and will say it again that the strength,courage, and grace they have shown over the past few weeks
is a testament to the love these two young men held in our community and recognizes that true
justice would be Daunte and Kobe being here with their families today. As a community and as
your elected leaders, we are collectively responsible for keeping our community safe. We have
known for years, collectively, that we have a public safety system that does not keep all of us safe.
We've known for years that our young people of color are systemically harmed by arrests,jailing,
use of force, and the truth is that about every 18 months or so, a tragic loss of life. We've known
for years that 85% of these encounters begin with a simple, even meaningless, traffic infraction or
a mental health need. He stated we have known for years that there are better approaches than only
sending armed police and yet, despite knowing all this in truth, we keep doing the same thing over
and over and over again.
Mayor Elliott stated not anymore. Our community has demanded that enough is enough and as
elected officials here in Brooklyn Center, the time to act, in my own belief, was yesterday. Today
we're gathered here to change that history. We are here to take a vote on the Daunte Wright and
Kobe Dimock-Heisler Community Safety and Violence Prevention Resolution.
Mayor Elliott addressed the process that led us here today and what the Resolution would do. He
stated in the 34 days since Daunte's death, a community, your elected leaders, and City staff have
spent dozens of hours, assessing,demanding,and debating the steps forward. They have consulted
with various experts, City staff, and from across the country about community safety approaches
that work. He noted the hope of all is that this resolution will establish a new north star for our
community, one that keeps all of us safe; an approach that ensures that community gets help when
they need help; an approach that focus our armed police on serious issues; an approach that
addresses social injustice; and, an approach that will prevent the loss of more life.
Mayor Elliott stated this resolution sets our City firmly on the path toward creating this framework
for our community and community safety in our City. It binds us to work together, to turn that
vision into a reality for Brooklyn Center. It says that we, as your elected leaders, are committing
ourselves and that you can hold us accountable for achieving these goals. If we pass this resolution,
we will be taking a step towards our new north star and there will be no turning back. He explained
the resolution will start an implementation process that will allow us to draw on the very best
practices from across the country and our State and adopt them into what will work best for our
community here in Brooklyn Center.
Mayor Elliott explained this resolution lays out an inclusive and deliberative process that ensures
stakeholders' input and thorough legal analysis and review at every step along the way. It ensures
we are proceeding with all deliberate speed to help our community in a way that is effective, safe,
and successful. He stated the resolution will not require police officers to violate State law or
deputize unarmed residents onto the roads to make traffic stops. He noted these and similar other
claims contradict the plain language of the resolution and are only meant to delay, confuse, and in
his view, scare us. Mayor Elliott stated the politics of delay and fear are what gives us the status
quo that we have today and he rej ects them.
Mayor Elliott stated the question before the City Council today is this: Are we ready to take this
bold leap toward our new north star? Are we ready to commit ourselves to a new vision for
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community safety in Brooklyn Center? He stated we are not here today to discuss whether the
Traffic Safety Department would need 4 or 14 officers or whether the use of force policy must go
into Section A or B. To be sure, these will be critical questions to address as we implement the
resolution using the Implementation Committee. Mayor Elliott noted you have dedicated City
staff including, especially Dr. Edwards and our City Attorney,who are committed to getting things
right for our City at each step along the way in the months to come.
Mayor Elliott stated the questions before you today simply is this: Do you believe we can set our
City on a new path? Do you believe we can make our City safer, healthier, and more just? Do we
believe we know enough about these alternative approaches and concepts that we can adapt them
to something that will work best for our City right here in Brooklyn Center? Or, can we find out
more information? Do we believe that we can work together to overcome and solve the hurdles
that will inevitably arise in the months ahead as we work through the details of implementation?
If so, then let's vote `yes' and move this resolution forward as our community cannot afford
another day of inaction. He stated we have a long road ahead of us but there is no excuse for not
stepping out onto that road today with resolve and commitment.
Mayor Elliott stated we will now go into Council discussion, questions around the resolution,
followed by testimony from the families and the public. Mayor Elliott stated the discussion on the
Resolution entitled: The Daunte Wright and Kobe Dimock-Heisler Community Safety and
Violence Prevention Resolution is now open.
Councilmember Butler thanked all for being here today, especially the families who have been
greatly impacted. She offered her sincere condolences to them and thanked them for joining us
today. Councilmember Butler stated it is time. We have been talking about these reforms for quite
a while,more specifically since last June after the death of George Floyd,but there wasn't as much
urgency around it as there probably should have been. She noted this resolution is deliberate,
thoughtful, inclusive, and it is going to require an in-depth implementation process that we are all
committed to doing. She stated we did discuss, at the City Council meeting on Monday, and a lot
of concerns were raised. Councilmember Butler stated she believes the City Attorney has
addressed those concerns and the City Manager has offered his comments. With that, she thinks
the City Council should be ready to move forward.
Councilmember Graves suggested the City Council revisit the changes and updates made to the
resolution and see if there are still questions on those particular changes. Mayor Elliott asked the
City Attorney to provide an update.
City Attorney Troy Gilchrist asked,to be clear, whether we are talking about the last two changes
that just came in yesterday or the full range of changes. Councilmember Butler answered the full
range of changes.
Mr. Gilchrist stated in working from the memorandum he provided,there were various changes to
the WHEREAS provisions and specifically the fifth WHEREAS where the language was added to
point out there are systemic issues that need to be addressed over time in addition to the specific
measures of the resolution. He explained that essentially recognizes the adoption of this resolution,
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or even the implementation of the goals set out in it isn't the end-all, be-all, and still recognizes
that there will be work to do to address the systemic issues.
Mr. Gilcrest stated the seventh WHEREAS recognizes there is a range of models and experiences
that the City can draw upon to implement these and the Mayor has indicated that as well. In
discussions with the author of the resolution, recognizing several communities around the State
have implemented various provisions of this, the City can draw upon that as it looks forward.
Mr. Gilchrist stated the eighth WHEREAS is a practical statement recognizing there is a range of
measures involved in this and goals being established. It is a practical recognition that some of
these are going to be achieved more quickly than others. He noted there is a great deal of work to
be done as a result of adopting this resolution if that is what the City Council elects to do, and it is
going to take, as the Mayor indicated,a fair amount of work by a lot of committed individuals both
within the City and on the committees being established.
Mr. Gilchrist stated with the RESOLVED line,#5,there were changes made about the appointment
process to Committees,recognizing that the Mayor, essentially as done with all other Committees,
makes recommendations, presents names to the Council, and then the City Council acts to make
the appointment to particular committees. He noted the language regarding the potential pool of
persons eligible to serve on a committee is not just limited to those that interacted with law
enforcement but also those who had direct experience with other types of services to be provided
by the new Public Safety Department.
Mr. Gilchrist stated it recognizes that the City Council can appoint staff inembers to serve in the
non-voting liaison role with the Safety Committee. This is one of the more recent changes. He
noted with the Safety Committee, the director was the chair of that committee and as chair, had a
vote. City Attorney Gilchrist stated the City Manager asked to change that to not have the director
or City employee serve as the chair or have them vote on the committee. Instead leaving the vote
to those who are appointed as committee members from the community and not City staff. Still
recognizing, though, that City staff can be appointed by the City Council to serve as liaison. As
far as the committee playing a role in negotiating the collective bargaining agreement with the
Police Department, there were changes to recognize negotiation isn't very effective by committee
so the role of this committee is to review the current agreement,provide input to the City Manager,
and once the new agreement is negotiated, to then bring it back to the committee for final review
and comments. That would then go to the City Council before the agreement is acted on.
About the use of force, Mr. Gilchrist explained the language was expanded to indicate that
essentially the City is committing to reviewing and updating the policies, practices, and training
associated with the use of force to reflect some of the goals listed in the resolution.
Mr. Gilchrist stated with citations and summons for low-level offenses, it was clear the City
Council would give direction to the City Manager to implement this, consistent with how the City
Charter addresses administrative issues. He stated as the City Council knows well, they give
direction to the City Manager, and then it is up to the City Manager to work with all City staff to
implement those directives.
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Mr. Gilchrist stated with the Implementation Committee, the Mayor asked that he be the chair of
that committee and the appointment process would go through the Mayor and be confirmed by the
City Council. Once again, the City Council may appoint City staff to serve in a liaison role with
this committee but not to have a vote.
Mr. Gilchrist explained the idea with both committees is to not have staff directly involved in
voting or communicating the recommendations to avoid concern that staff is somehow altering or
not providing the full story or recommendation to the City Council. This language makes clear
that the committee makes its recommendations directly to the City Council.
Mr. Gilchrist stated he made most of the changes to #10 to address the concerns he heard about
the provisions in the resolution, specifically, how can this be done in a way that is consistent with
the Charter and/or State law. He stated we already heard comments regarding non-licensed
officers pulling people over and those sorts of things. So, as the Mayor has indicated,much of this
needs to be figured out in the implementation stage. This is not the implementation stage and if
this is resolution is adopted, then the implementation stage would come. Mr. Gilchrist noted, as
the City Council is aware, there will be a tremendous amount of wark that will be required to
implement this moving forward. Some of the language in#10 addresses that and more specifically,
one of the lines indicates that in carrying out the provisions in the resolution, it has to be consistent
with the City Charter and the law.
Mr. Gilchrist stated there no doubt this has to be done consistent with the law and as he had
indicated in his most recent memorandum, ideally the Implementation Committee would have
input on that from the stakeholders and law enforcement, to be able to say: Here are the legal
requirements associated with carrying out these various activities. Then that review can be done
so when the recommendation is developed and made to the City Council, much of that has been
taken into consideration and addressed. He noted another line was added too indicating the City
Manager and City Attorney still have the fundamental responsibility to review the
recommendation and indicate to the City Council any issues or concerns from an administrative
perspective or from a legal perspective they identify for the recommendations made.
Mr. Gilchrist stated if the City Council moves forward with the resolution, it will be our job
collectively and all City staff to work as best as they can to make sure what ultimately gets
implemented is consistent with the City Charter, consistent with the law, and works
administratively within the City.
Mr. Gilchrist stated that added language to #10 makes it clear that this launches implementation
of these measures. This is the City saying they are setting these goals and outcomes and
committing to work to achieve those goals and outcomes. He stated he had conversations with the
Mayor that the City may be able to achieve 80-90% of a particular goal because the law says that
is all you can do. Then obviously that is what you will do. Mr. Gilchrist stated he puts it this way,
you can achieve 100% of what you can achieve, but it may not be 100% of a particular goal. It
just depends on the law and what is possible under the law.
Mr. Gilchrist stated he wanted to make that point to say that a series of decisions will come back
to the City Council as part of the implementation. He wants to make it clear that, as he understands
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the intent of this resolution,those subsequent decisions do not decide,on second thought,we ought
to try to achieve one of these goals or outcomes. They will be set and the decisions you will be
making are incremental decisions to try to get there as best you can.
Mr. Gilchrist stated the City Council had received an updated version, which he just reviewed,just
yesterday there were two relatively minor changes made. One of which, as he indicated, the
director would not be the chair or have a vote on the Safety Committee. The other added language
in the citation and summons for low-level offenses provision, indicating the new language is:
`unless otherwise required by law.' That language gets at the idea that if the City implements this,
they will be violating the law. Mr. Gilchrist noted these things will be carried out with citation
and summons instead of arrest, unless the law requires arrest and, in that case, an arrest will be
made.
Mayor Elliott thanked Mr. Gilchrist and asked if there are more questions.
Councilmember Graves stated he appreciates Mr. Gilchrist going over those changes, noting all
the things she brought up on Monday as concerns and requesting feedback have been addressed
by those changes. She asked about the memorandum she received from the City Manager and if
there are any recommendations or issues within that memorandum that have not been incorporated
into the resolution.
Acting City Manager Reggie Edwards stated he did not think there were any substantial variations
or differences or recommendations he would have that have not already been covered by the City
Attorney as it relates to framing. He noted this is a systemic problem and our approach ought to
be systemic in that it relates to the events that have happened but also the patterns of behavior,the
structure, and the mindset that exists within the organization and within society that contribute to
these types of events happening. He stated that language was incorporated into the City Attorney's
notes.
Dr. Edwards stated he also indicated that during the process, as we move forward, we want to
communicate both internally and externally as much as possible because when we don't, it creates
challenges as it relates to implementation, and fundamentally, his job is to ensure we operate as
efficiently and effectively as possible. He stated it is his job to ensure measures are taken and to
tend to the process of how the City does implement, which he will be doing as we move forward.
Dr. Edwards stated he wants to be sure, as it relates to communications and as the City Attorney
had articulated, that we are clear about what we can do and what we cannot do so there is no false
expectation that we will be doing something that we cannot. He stated as we go through this
process and vet it for things that apply to the law as well as things that apply to our Charter, we
will be able to implement those things. He wanted to be sure we articulate that as we go through
that process.
Dr. Edwards stated as it relates to the RESOLVED, he provided the City Council with areas of
concern with staff and those areas have been covered by the clause the City Attorney embedded
within the memorandum relating to things being vetted by law as well as the City Charter. Beyond
that, he has no additional comments and believes we can execute and implement what is in the
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resolution providing we work together, communicate together, and allow the administration the
flexibility to work within the framework.
Councilmember Ryan stated he wants to be clear that he had taken the position that he would
oppose the original resolution as written because of the problematic language in certain places so
he is pleased the City Attorney has addressed almost all of his concerns. He stated this brings him
closer to finding this to be acceptable, certainly in the spirit in which it is offered, knowing it is a
road map because we all want to get to a better place.
Councilmember Ryan stated at first he thought it was presented with a lot of great ideas, a lot of
noble aspirations, but it was not a plan and the City needs a plan. He stated with the clarifications
received and the discussion that has gone on with him, the City Manager, and the City Attorney,
he sees this more as a road map and way forward to develop plans to address inequities but he also
wants it to be a process that brings all of us along so it is not divisive for our community. He stated
we must all work together for one Brooklyn Center,the Brooklyn Center community,and he thinks
that is possible so he will make every effort to make that possible.
Councilmember Ryan stated he has one specific concern with paragraph 5 and is relieved to hear
comments made about contract negotiations so that concern of his has been addressed by the City
Manager and City Attorney. He referenced the second to the last clause, Paragraph 5, Page 2,
which reads, in part, `...the Permit Committee will create a separate and permanent civilian
oversight Committee for the new department...' Councilmember Ryan stated he is not at all
opposed to an Oversight Committee but thinks that establishing that committee is the City
Council's job because earlier, our discussions were about the range of discretion and influence the
Oversight Committee would have. He thinks that is a principle of discussion and he looks forward
to having that but maybe other Members have other views on this. Councilmember Ryan stated
this is not a deal-breaker but it is a principal responsibility of the City Council, which has created
all other advisory bodies in the past. He thinks it is consistent with that.
Councilmember Ryan stated he would like to see setting aside Paragraph 3 for now and returning
promptly to some action on it because of the legal complexity and practical difficulties of traffic
enforcement stops.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated she is on vacation in Oklahoma and has been doing
her best to maintain telephone calls and e-mail contact. She stated she respects the spirit and intent
of this resolution yet is still not 100% convinced she supports all elements of it. She has heard
from many people who are not comfortable with it and also from many people who do support it.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated she would like a hard copy document with all of the
changes before she is willing to consider passing it. For this evening, she will not and stated again
she would like a hard copy showing all of the changes so she can review it thoroughly.
Mayor Elliott requested clarification of Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson's remarks.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated she is simply saying the hard copy she has is from the
meeting of last Saturday and changes have been made since then but it has been piecemeal as
opposed to one full document for her review. She stated she is not comfortable voting for it this
evening. That is her point.
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Mayor Elliott stated he realizes that Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson is traveling but she does
have an e-mailed PDF copy of the document. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated she does
and typically she likes electronic documents but with a document with this much information, she
would like it in a paper format, she does not have the ability now to print it out and go through it
line by line.
Councilmember Graves stated this is related but not to a specific comment about the resolution.
She stated one thing we could do as a City Council and staff is expand our use of the Vitals app,
which our Police Department already has and that is not specifically spoken to in this resolution.
She noted the City is already using it and there are not a lot of people within the City that
necessarily know that. Councilmember Graves explained it is voluntary and the City could do
more marketing about the Vitals app so more people register far it, which would give our police
officers the knowledge when they are responding to someone who might be on the Spectrum. She
felt that was something the City could move on, it is feasible, and even though not stated
specifically in the resolution, she would like to see that happen.
Mayor Elliott stated he thinks the City can look at expanded use of the Vitals app during the
implementation phase and how that can be better integrated.
3c. TESTIMONY FROM DAUNTE'S AN KOBE'S FAMILIES
Mayor Elliott invited the families of Daunte and Kobe to comment on the podium.
Katie Wright, Daunte Wright's mother, stated 34 days ago, on April 11, 2021, their son was
murdered because of a minor traffic stop. She stated they stand as a family today regarding this
resolution and are 100% in support, the way it is written, the verbiage, and exactly how it is. She
truly believes that if this was implemented befare April 11, their son would still be here with us
today. If it was implemented a few years ago, Kobe Heisler would still be here today. But
unfortunately, we are standing here today talking to you and asking you to please vote yes to this
resolution exactly how it is written because she does not want to see somebody in six months to a
year doing the same thing that they are as families, standing here and begging for change,begging
for their children to be safe driving a vehicle or sitting in their own home. Ms. Wright stated it is
the worst thing to have to do, she does not wish this upon anybody in this room and does not have
this happen, we need this resolution and the City Council to vote yes.
Amity Dimock stated she is the mother of Kobe Heisler, the beautiful 21-year-old boy who was
on the Autism Spectrum, and his grandfather that day called 911 because Kobe was having a bad
day. She stated her son calmed down right away, the 911 call was reversed, the officers showed
up anyhow and against the grandfather's wishes, entered the home. After 12 minutes of her son
completely complying with them, even though he had done nothing wrong, he got up to run
because he didn't want to be in that situation anymore. They tasered and shot him six times,
including in the head in front of his grandmother in his own home.
Ms. Dimock stated she is here to speak in support of the bill with the updates the Acting Manager
and City Attorney made after speaking with the City Council in hoping to alleviate some concerns.
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She has complete confidence that the City Council, experts at their disposal,community members,
and everything, that will be able to implement this in a fashion that will be something replicated
in other cities because Brooklyn Center will work on it and do it right.
Ms. Dimock stated one of the things we need to make that happen is for the resolution to be voted
on today, as the changes we are talking about will take a while, and we no longer have more time
to wait. She noted as Katie stated and while there are not many things she knows for sure in this
lifetime, she does know for sure that if ineasures like this had been passed earlier, Daunte Wright
and Kobe Heisler would be alive today. That much she knows for sure. Ms. Dimock stated they
will work with the City every step of the way. She asked the City Council to please do this and
vote yes.
Jason Heisler,Kobe's father,thanked Mayor Elliott and Council Members. He stated we are living
in some of the safest times ever and we will never be shot, probably, but this year has been a
violent year with the hardships people have and how bad things are going on. And while these are
some of the safest times ever, people are shot and for 1 out of every 13 people who are shot and
killed, the shooter is a police officer. Mr. Heisler stated if you take into account that most times if
you happen to be shot, it is from an acquaintance, your partner, or friend. He noted with 13 of the
shootings, 9.5 of them are someone you know. So, it is very rare that you are shot by a stranger
but in America, if you are shot and killed by a stranger, 1 out of every 3 times, 33% of those
murders, the stranger is a police officer. Mr. Heisler stated some people are way more likely to
have interactions with police officers than other people and this resolution is saying that the system
is broken. It is a promise and an agreement that we need to fix it. That is all it is, an agreement
that this is broken. Mr. Heisler stated when he said that 1 out of 3 times it is a police officer who
shoots you if it is a stranger shooting, 54% of those killings are disabled people and a high
percentage of those are people who are new or divergent, on the Autism Spectrum.
Mr. Heisler stated it is ironic we are sitting on Sheriff Brown's property,noting this is not the first
meeting ever held here because KKK meetings have been held here. That is the irony, we are
debating whether our policing system is broken while sitting on the sheriff's land where he had
KKK meetings. Mr. Heisler stated there is no doubt that this is a broken system when some people
can get away with crimes all day long. He noted people will say in our communities, the problem
is black on black crime but most crimes are white on white. Crime happens from someone you
know, but for some people, you get killed by the police, and a lot of people will not experience
that. Mr. Heisler stated if you are a minority or if you are disabled, you have a way larger chance
of encountering and being murdered by the police. He stated that 3 people a day are killed after
police interactions and 150 go to the hospital every day. Mr. Heisler stated we know the kind of
people the police have interactions with, it's the people with a bad car, or look darker than Sheriff
Brown looks. He stated we know what's going on.
Mr. Heisler stated in Brooklyn Center we find ourselves in a unique situation in a time where we
can all agree and put our resources into fixing this instead of adding more police who don't do
anything. He stated if you talk to people who have had their house broken into, or been raped like
so many women have been, or their car stolen, the police do not do anything. They catch 15% of
the murders,maybe. That is why we have to start all over because the entire system is systemically
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broken. He noted that Ethan, who is Kobe's cousin and meant everything to him, was like a
brother, will speak next. Mr. Heisler thanked everyone for coming out tonight.
Ethan Heisler stated he is in full support of the resolution and thanked the Mayor for bringing it
up and giving us this opportunity. He stated you don't want your family member to get killed
because it is such a traumatic experience and nobody wants that. He noted you may say `back the
blue,' and may be a Trump supporter, whoever you are, we can all agree we want our family with
us and to see them the next day. He stated we should be able to have police that protects us and
not kill our family members. Ethan stated he fully supports this resolution and asked the City
Council to pass it. He thanked everyone for their time.
Mayor Elliott thanked the families of Daunte and Kobe, noting it has to be difficult for them to be
here and continue to show up and talk about their boys,be present, continue to fight, and be active
in these spaces. He asked all to take a moment to honor the fact that every time the families of
these two young men are asked to get up and speak about the tragedy they experienced, it is re-
traumatizing because it is reliving it every time. He again thanked them for being here today.
Mayor Elliott stated he met Ethan at Kobe's funeral when Ethan told him, `We want justice for
Kobe. What are we going to do?' and he was overtaken by grief but even in that, wiping tears
away, Ethan came right up to him and spoke very clearly as he did this evening. Mayor Elliott
noted this will not bring Kobe or Daunte back, and that would be the ultimate justice in having
Kobe and Daunte here with us, but hopefully, it gets us miles ahead.
Mayor Elliott stated the City of Brooklyn Center is taking a bold step and they can do it. He
opened the meeting to comments by community members and particularly to folks who have not
spoken yet. He asked speakers to limit their time to a minute or two so there is time to hear from
many people.
3d. COMMUNITY TESTIMONY
A lady stated she lives on the edge of Minneapolis and Brooklyn Center. Her son lives in Brooklyn
Center. When he was about 12 years old, he was diagnosed with Asperger's, and when 18 years
old was diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder. He currently lives in an assisted living facility
in Brooklyn Center. She stated the morning after Daunte was shot, she woke up to hearing the
news and did not know who it had happened to but with the proximity of where it happened, she
feared it may have been her son, that her son may have had a mental health crisis and it may have
been him. She stated she found out it was not him and can still feel the utter terror that most of us
who have young black children, especially black sons, feel when they wake up and hear that news
or see a clip on the news.
She stated on Thursday of that week, her son did have a mental health crisis and went into a
psychosis, assaulted his staff, broke his hand, and at that point, she was faced with the dilemma of
who to call. She could call COPE but they do not come out right away and do in-person visits and
cannot compel and take him down to acute psychiatric services. The only outlet they have is the
police department who can do that. Her son's nurse was on-site and called the police department.
She stated she also spoke with the police officer who was more interested in the amount of stress
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he was going through because of the protests in the community than he was in how to get help for
her son. She stated she, as a black mom, does not want to reach out to this particular group of
people, especially this police department, to have them even lay eyes on her child in this situation
let alone put their hands on her child. But her child needed help.
She stated she appreciates all the work everyone has done and the need for wordsmithing to get it
right but in the meantime, this needs to pass as quickly as it can because no one should have to
decide on whether their son will get the help he needs, maybe hurt himself or somebody else, or
do you call the police and risk that they might kill him. She stated this needs to happen now.
A speaker stated he is a little handicapped after the dudes in the Brooklyn Center police shot him
with a tear gas canister. He stated he will continue to stand up and fight for these families. He
travels across the country against an unjust system, which is why it is very important to pass this
resolution. He stated he fights for families across the country that have been victimized by police
brutality, gun violence, and racism, which is at an all-time high and is happening every day. He
noted as Amity said,these laws and resolutions should have been passed so they could stop Daunte
from being murdered by a murder cop and could have stopped Floyd by being murdered by the
murder cops if the resolutions were being passed. He stated people know what is going on, are
not blind, and have to stand up for something or they will fall for anything. That is why they have
to pass the resolutions and continue to stand up for these families and fight against the unjust
system. He stated as activists and advocates, he stands with them alL He stated power to the
people.
A speaker asked why are we here in this room, it is because of constant harassment and killing by
police officers of our children in communities across this country. He noted Daunte's mother said,
at his funeral, that every mother or father would like to be buried by their children but here am I
standing here and I'm going to go bury him. He stated that should touch all of us and everyone
here in this room should be touched by that.
He stated one of the things that made him come up here today, was hearing on MPR some police
officers or sheriffs read a letter that this resolution should not be passed because their input was
not sought. He stated the first police department, the city police, was established in 1751, almost
270 years ago, and done by a city council. He asked where did the idea come from, noting if all
of the ideas implemented were good and perfectly fine, we would not be here today.
He stated all they are saying is to let us ask something,to make some changes, and there is nothing
wrong with that. He commented on other threats in our lives,noting the real threat to global society
is injustice, yet elected officials up to the Congress or sometimes even the President are ignoring
this issue. He asked how many more lives, pain, agony, and difficulties do people have to pass
through. He stated this is an historic moment, as he said the other day, do not let this moment pass
as this is your moment and let other cities follow. He stated we will work with the Council
Members who are more concerned about their community and asked them to act today, pass this
resolution and let Brooklyn Center be the center for all of the changes in this country. He stated
Congress, and even our own legislation, are still debating the issues while this City takes a bold
and giant step in the reformation of this community and society.
OS/15/21 -11-
He stated we will be proud to say, `I was there and I voted to pass this resolution.' He asked all to
look at the innocent mothers, noting he has four boys and is worried about what will happen to
them when they leave the house. He is in constant fear and frustration. He asked why should we
have to live that way when we can make changes. He has no reason to doubt the City Council's
ability to see the reason why we should pass this and if you can't do it for any other group, do it
for these two innocent mothers sitting before you teary eyed so you are able to save more lives by
passing this resolution. He stated it will not take anything away from you but if you don't, it will
take something away from you and we will demand that you do it. He stated they will mobilize
every single member of this City to come to the City Council but they don't want to get to that
point because they have confidence in the ability to make the right judgement since they have done
it before and can do it again. He thanked the City Council and stated they have all of our support
on this. He stated today, they want the resolution passed now.
Councilmember Butler stated in-person testimony will pause at this point to accommodate two
people who are on line and would like to speak. Then the format will switch back to in-person
comments.
Joy A. stated she is a 30-year resident of Brooklyn Center and heard Councilmember Lawrence-
Anderson say she is not prepared to vote on the resolution today because she was not able to print
the document that was emailed so she could read it. Joy stated she does not understand that,noting
every two weeks there are Council meetings with over 300 pages of electronic material provided
and she is quite sure Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson is not printing all of that in order to
prepare for Council meetings.
Michelle Gross stated she is the president of Communities United Against Police Brutality, a
statewide organization in its 21 St year. She stated they are honored to express their support for
efforts to improve equity and public safety through the adoption of the Daunte Wright and Kobe
Dimock-Heisler Community Safety and Violence Prevention Resolution. This resolution will
place Brooklyn Center at the forefront of addressing community needs through a multi-pronged
approach that emphasizes solutions, not criminalization. Ms. Gross stated they are aware the City
received a letter from a law enfarcement lobby group that uses legalistic language to attempt to
frighten you into thinking the resolution is unworkable or contrary to State law. The reality is that
there are a whole host of issues for why a response by a licensed law enforcement is neither best
practice nor required by State law. She stated appropriate responses to mental health crises, for
example,have been extensively studied and best practices developed in the United States and other
countries around the world. Best practices dictate that mental health professionals and providers
respond to these calls rather than law enforcement officers whose training and focus tend to
criminalize people experiencing mental illness.
Ms. Gross stated Minnesota Statute 256b.0624 mandates that members of inental health crisis
response teams be mental health professionals or practitioners (not law enforcement officers) as
defined by Minnesota Statute 245.462. She stated homelessness and other social service issues
are properly handled by social workers. The practice of deploying social workers is occurring
with great success all over the country and there are numerous studies and decades of experience
that validate this approach. She stated there is funding through various federal programs to
institute this practice.
OS/15/21 -12-
Ms. Gross noted that drug overdoses are medical emergencies best handled by medical personnel
and many people have died because others with them have refused to call for emergency services
for fear that police will insert themselves into these situations, criminalizing people during a
medical crisis. She stated there are situations in which licensed law enforcement officers will be
the right responders, and the resolution does not preclude such responses. People who are harmed
by violent crime or financial exploitation, for example, access the court system via a law
enforcement investigation. The resolution recognizes this reality and ensures there will still be
licensed law enforcement officers available to the community when their expertise is needed. She
stated the resolution also recognizes that true public safety requires an approach that doesn't single
thread everything through a law enforcement lens.
Ms. Gross noted that resolutions form the broad outlines of new concepts and ordinances define
their implementation.There will be ample opportunity during implementation for law enforcement
input but you have to start with the broad concept first. She asked the City Council to not be
dissuaded by law enforcement lobbyist from taking this first step by approving the resolution. She
stated the Daunte Wright and Kobe Dimock-Heisler Community Safety and Violence Prevention
Resolution provides the City of Brooklyn Center with the opportunity to reimagine public safety
in a manner that serves all parts of the community and they strongly encourage the City Council
to begin this journey by passing this resolution.
Ms. Gross stated law enforcement has controlled the narrative of what public safety looks like for
a long time in every state and city in this country. But by their conduct and unwillingness to
change and bend and work with the community, they have forfeited their right to be the sole
determinants of what public safety looks like in our communities any longer. She stated they
should not be allowed to conflate public safety with policing as the two are not the same. Ms.
Gross stated this is not to say that law enforcement has no role, they should participate at the
implementation stage, but they should not stop you from taking this measure now. She stated the
City Council needs to pass this now so they can move on.
Ms. Gross stated the City Council is very lucky in this journey to have several local and national
experts who are willing to help, noting she pledges the resources and knowledge of their
organization to helping the City with this journey. She is personally considered to be a national
expert on civilian oversight bodies and has traveled the country teaching communities how to start
civilian oversight. She pledged her volunteer time to Brooklyn Center to help with that. She stated
they have also extensively studied alternative responder best practices and, again,they pledge their
arganization's knowledge, support, and efforts to Brooklyn Center in this endeavor. She stated
they want to be at the table to help but first the City Council has to start by passing this resolution.
Myrna Kragness-Kauth, former Mayor of Brooklyn Center for 12 years, stated she never had to
experience anything like this City Council has been going through. She stated her heart breaks for
the City Council in the decisions that have to be made. Ms. Kragness-Kauth stated she has read
many of the articles, listened today, and is glad to hear the City Attorney made some changes to
what was seen before, which answers questions she had. She believes the City is ready for some
changes with enforcement but she does not believe the City should omit the police department in
negotiating the changes and what they are able to do and can do for us. She stated she has had
OS/15/21 -13-
' experiences with the police department for many medical reasons and they have been very helpful
to her and her family but as she said, she supports the City Council and is glad they are taking this
on. Ms. Kragness-Kauth stated she thanks God she never had to do it because it would have been
heart breaking. She asked all to support the City Council and let's make sure that what we do
today will not come up next year or in six months and have to change because it was done wrong
to begin with. She asked the City Council to do it right the first time so we don't have to go back
to it.
Amy H. stated she was concerned with the original wording of this resolution because she found
it conflicting and confusing and appreciates the Mayor and City Council have partnered with legal
counsel to go through it and find a more reasonable approach. Her perspective is that she
recognizes that racism in this country is a very significant, urgent problem that we absolutely must
address and there are other issues in terms of how we police our community when it comes to
people with mental health issues and other disabilities.
Amy stated she applauds the fact that Brooklyn Center is taking this on and looking for change but
at the same time, she also recognizes there are problems in our community that absolutely require
policing. She is concerned about the escalating violence seen over the past year in the Twin Cities,
some of which impacts her neighborhood and stopped her from using the transit center across from
Cub Foods. Amy explained that when she was not able to drive due to medical problems and
needed to get home from work mid-day from downtown Minneapolis, she couldn't do it because
the third time she went to that transit center, a fight broke out. Amy stated she has a disability and
is not able to move fast enough to get away from fists that are flying. She would like to see a
partnership between the diverse community members we have and law enforcement to find what
can change to make things better for all of our community members.
Amy stated people should not feel afraid because of the color of their skin but they also should not
feel afraid because there are some community members who are violent. Amy stated two nights
ago, someone stole a car, crashed into another car hard enough to roll it, and then came to her
street, bailed from the car, ran, and tried to get into her back yard when she was out there. The
only thing that stopped him, was her Pitbull meeting him at the gate.
Amy stated she wants to make it clear that she supports law enforcement and change and does not
think it has to be an either/or. She stated again she did not support the original resolution but does
support the changes made and is more comfortable with it. She wants to see change succeed but
let's do it in partnership because we are all stakeholders.
Mr. Solomon stated he is a long-time resident and wanted to applaud the Mayor and his staff for
doing the work on this particular proposal and referendum, doing the research, coming together
last week, hearing people say they are in disagreement with some of the wording, meeting with an
attorney, and getting a legal perspective. Mr. Solomon stated there were some things he was
concerned about because of how lobbyists and the union would twist those things around. He
stated they did their work and got things done to where it is totally sufficient and will move us
ahead. He stated for the last 20 years,all he has ever heard is different chiefs talk about community
policing and he has yet to see that. Now the City is putting their foot forward and getting that stuff
done. Mr. Solomon stated change is difficult for most Americans and he says that change,to him,
OS/15/21 -14-
is a contact sport and you have to get out there and be intentional in what you do to make it happen.
He noted that is what this is doing, moving us ahead.
Mr. Solomon stated he comes from a very respected and responsible family in his line but yet he
has had to deal with this and his grandfather told him stories of what he had to deal with,his father
and son have had to deal with this and now his 22-year-old grandson has a story about dealing
with this. He stated this stops with him right now and he will do everything in his power to make
sure that happens. He stated the City Council has a responsibility on this, noting he has done the
research and looked at Philadelphia, New Jersey, California, Oregon, Ohio, and Washington state
and made sure he looked at how all of those places that have already instated these changes have
been successful in different areas of it and cut down on a lot of different things. He stated we are
not eliminating police and there will be 42 officers on Tuesday just like there were 42 police
officers yesterdays.
Mr. Solomon referenced the things mentioned by the caller before him and agreed the police can
be handling those things, someone in a stollen car. He complimented Mr.Heisler on his comments,
saying he stole his thunder when he talked about how historic this is to meet in the Earle Brown
Center because it is totally ironic. He stated all of the research he has done on Mr. Brown tells us
where we are as a country because we always say this doesn't affect us, this is their problem, so
we just let it happen. But Mr. Brown is the founder of Brooklyn Center, a sheriff in Hennepin
County,yet everyone knew he was supervising cross burnings on West Broadway and going across
the country promoting eugenics and still people let it happen because it didn't involve them or
people that looked like them. Mr. Solomon stated this is now their community, the demographics
have changed very fast, and all are part of the community and need to make sure this is put into
gear as it will take the City to another level. He doesn't want to hear stuff about not having a
chance to read anything because he had a chance to read it. He stated any committee and council
he has ever been on, and there have been a lot in the last 40 years, he prided himself to never get
in front of you and say he is not prepared. He stated if he had to vote or hold a conversation, he
already knew about it because he sat down and did the work on it. Mr. Solomon stated we all have
a responsibility here and need to get things done and work on this to move to the next level.
Ethan Capers stated he would like to echo some of the sentiments other speakers have said because
we are, in fact, at a momentous time in history. He noted over the last few years a lot has happened
that the history books will have a lot say about. Mr. Capers stated it is important for the City
Council to find themselves on the right side of that history. He noted the loudest voices in
opposition in social media spaces for our community have been, consistently, people who have
clearly not read the original form of this resolution. He participated in previous meetings, and
stated the last time it was important to come up with the correct language, but it was clear from
the original language that the intent was never was to disarm police or take police resources away
from the community. Rather,the intent of this resolution was always, from the very get go,to free
up our police officers to be able to perform their job, stop having them perform jobs they are not
trained or prepared to do, and minimize the opportunity for the implicit bias that every single
person walking around on Earth has and keep it from being part of what occurs when law
enforcement interacts with members of our community, the most diverse community in this State.
OS/15/21 -15-
Mr. Capers stated Brooklyn Center is a social experiment in this day and age because there is so
much tension between black and white in America right now that it is like walking on egg shells
for many to try and figure out how they need to behave. He stated black people are not a modelist,
we look different, we come from different places, have different backgrounds, and desires. The
one thing we need to be able to do is be treated fairly under the law and in order to have that
happen, we need to have policies and structures in place in the system to keep everybody else's
implicit bias from having things go down the wrong path.
Mr. Capers stated this resolution is a good step towards being able to make that happen, towards
being able to apply appropriate resources to places they belong instead of constantly over loading
our law enforcement officers with tasks that are inappropriate for them or where they are more
likely to have implicit bias turn the situation in the wrong direction. Mr. Capers stated with that,
he is in support of the changes that were made and realizes whatever is on paper today still has the
possibility of being modified as implementation is figured out. He urged the Council Members to
stop listening to people who haven't actually read the proposal as people's knee jerk reactions are
coming through. They hear a couple of buzz words, read bad headlines from poorly reported
stories, they jump on the bandwagon because of their own confirmation bias and waive their flag
about how things are going to change negatively.
Mr. Capers stated the only thing that will change for many of those people is that they will have
black and brown people around them, and people who have other mental challenges or disabilities
that put them in a position of being minimalized and marginalized. They are going to start to have
an even footing with them. He stated he is shocked and appalled by how uncomfortable that makes
some people. He stated it is okay for everybody to be equal, and not the equal they have been used
to if they have not been on the receiving side of what it means to be a minority in this country. He
stated when all are equal it does not mean somebody is getting ahead of you, it just means they are
starting where you did. He noted this resolution is a step in that direction and he honestly cannot
think of a good reason why any Council Member would vote against it. Mr. Capers stated he hopes
the Council Members all reflect upon themselves and find that to be true as well.
A speaker thanked the Council Members for the opportunity to speak and stated he is sorry for the
losses of the families that the resolution is for. He stated to the Council Members that before they
make this resolution vote, he would hope they brought the stakeholders. He stated he grew up in
Brooklyn Center and raised his family here and everything people are talking about, been there,
done that. He asked the City Council to make sure all of the citizens who live here every day have
bought into this. He stated he appreciates all of the updates because he has a laundry list of
questions and while some were answered, there is still work that needs to be done. He stated
change is great but for every situation we are talking about, he has been there and done that and
had numerous conversations with Councilmember Butler on this. Before questioning his
objectives, people should know he's been there and done that on both sides of the aisle. He urged
the Council Members to buy in,talk to the people who live here, because at the end of the day, we
are the ones that are going to be spearheading this, it is our tax dollars. He stated residents have
to wake up every day to look at the cops,police officers, social workers, and he wants the Council
Members to really think about that and if they can actually answer and say, `I've talk to all of those
guys, community members when they came to National Night out,' then have at it. He stated that
is what he is leaving the Council Members with and again stated he is sorry for the families' loss
OS/15/21 -16-
but he is speaking for the people on his block, the people he talked to and made sure, when all of
this stuff was going down, that they had food on their table.
Leng Xiong stated he has been a resident since in eighth grade and attended North Jr. High, Park
Center Senior High, and did not graduate until he was 21. He stated he has spent a lot of time here
and he didn't graduate because he stayed back to help tutor the Hmong refugees who came in 2008
when there was a huge movement and the camps in Thailand were closed. He stated knowing
Hmong and having spoken English, he stayed behind.
Mr. Xiong stated this is about the Daunte Wright and Kobe Dimock-Heisler Community Safety
and Violence Prevention Resolution, which he has read over and over and none of it includes
building a brand that the police can come out and say they are not dangerous,they are here to help,
and include themselves in the community. He asked what does this City look like, what is the age
group, noting they are Millennials and the median age in Brooklyn Center was 30 years old in
2018. He asked how many in the room or meeting today are 30 years old, noting there are not
many and that is where we need to reach out.
Mr. Xiong asked why are people causing all the looting, speeding, doing all the crime,it is because
there is nothing better to do here in Brooklyn Center because they are bored and homeless. He
asked if the City has reached out to any one of them. He stated in this past year he has had three
young Millennials commit suicide and he had to bury them and will soon be burying two more.
Mr. Jong asked how many more will he watch pass away and keep doing bad things. He stated
they need to be given something to do and the City has this huge opportunity at the Opportunity
Site to build something that attracts all from across the world.
Mr. Xiong stated he sees a common occurrence of a car speeding problems through 63`a Avenue
from Brooklyn Boulevard and 81. He asked why the cops are not posted with speed traps to make
sure those out of town people get ticketed. He stated if he was ticketed once, he would not speed
through there again, he will drive nicely because it is his neighborhood. But,the ones from out of
town don't care. Mr. Jong stated if the City Council wants to include the community, they should
invite some 30-year-old to sit down with the cops or have a ride-a-long and show them what
happens when they speed through this community. He stated we are bored and that is why we
loot.
Mr. Xiong suggested setting up a brand for the cops, such as building something that is attractive
like a very nice car. He asked if anyone had watched the Fast and the Furious and suggested
building a cool attractive cop car and a department inside of the police station so they can say, `we
are the community team that attracts and communicates with the community.' Mr. Jong stated
they could build a car show because Minnesota is the home for the number one largest car show
in the United States, Back to the SOs, and they are 80 to 90 years old today.
A speaker stated she is a resident and her concern relates to the communication part of this,noting
the City does not have a website that works right now. She asked how the City intends to
communicate with residents, noting she is not on Facebook or Twitter and asked how she gets her
information. She is not for or against the resolution but is concerned that in the resolution, when
you invite people to participate on committees, people like her will not be allowed on those
OS/15/21 -17-
committees because she is white, a woman, lives here, and a conservative. She supports the police
and is against crime but she does not think she is being heard and she would love to be part of the
community and bring us together. She stated she does not think she will get that opportunity with
this City Council to be quite honest.
She stated all talk about racism but if she was a racist, she would not live in this community. She
stated she would like to be part of that but does not feel a part of this community with the looting
and everything else that is going on. She feels excluded because she does not loot or riot and is a
law-abiding citizen. She stated we have things in common and asked why we are not together
right now as a community.
Mayor Elliott stated obviously everyone who lives in Brooklyn Center is part of one community,
has differences and different views in how they see things but he truly believes if we spend time
together, we can build bridges.
Mayor Elliott stated the City will get contact information for folks here today that want to keep up
to date as we move forward with implementation. He encouraged people to provide that contact
information so they can be kept in the loop.
A speaker stated he too does not get a lot of information and found out about this meeting at 2
o'clock today on Next Door. He stated if you go to the Brooklyn Center website, you are told it
does not exist and if you change the website address you are redirected to some stuff, but it takes
some work to find. He stated he is also distressed when he sends things to the City and receives
no response, noting it has been that way since before Mayor Elliott was elected.
Mayor Elliott stated he read this gentleman's e-mail.
He stated he is another person who is for police departments, was a reservist in a small-town 40+
years ago, and knows the highest fatality rate for cops is actually on traffic stops and domestic
calls. He stated he had a rookie who insisted on doing the driver's side on a traffic stop and he got
blown away by a shotgun so he knows what it is like to have a traffic stop go really bad. He stated
he is against citizens on patrol where we have people out there with no weapon pulling people
over, not because he thinks there needs to be cops out there, but thinks we need people trained in
doing traffic stops who are armed so when things go bad,they can protect themselves. They need
to have vests and know how to put their ID on the back of a car with their fingerprint so if the car
takes off and is found, the car can be dusted, the fingerprint found, and know the cop was there.
He stated this is not so the cop can do something to you, it is so they can do something for the cop.
He stated there are a lot of cops here and your son (Daunte Wright) was killed not because of a
traffic stop, in his mind, but because he had warrants.
At this point the audience disrupted the speaker and approached the podium.
The gentleman asked the audience to let him speak. He stated the people are really hurting and
need to know why it happened, that the cops didn't do their damn job.
OS/15/21 _1 g_
The microphone was turned off and the gentleman was escorted away from the podium.
Mayor Elliott brought the meeting back to order and apologized to Katie and Arbuey Wright on
behalf of all who are here. He stated he wants to honor everyone here to speak and all who are
currently in line will be able to speak, one to two minutes at most, so the meeting can be wrapped
up.
Tashura Gearoway stated she works with all of the families around Minnesota that lost their loved
ones at the hands of the police. She stated she lost the father of her son, Justin Teigen, who was
beaten to death by Minnesota police and thrown inside a trash dumpster. She stated she will not
let an area where someone was killed seclude her family, she stands for families, and fights to stay
together, fights in solidarity for one another, because when we are picked apart, that's when we
are weaker. But, we are stronger when we stand together. She stated since Daunte was murdered,
our families have come forward to stand with the Wright family in solidarity and will be here no
matter who tries to divide and separate us.
Ms. Gearoway stated the man who just spoke never lost a child, never had someone pull him over
and attack him for no reason, he doesn't understand this is not community versus police. This is
not community versus people in the political seats. This is not white versus black,noting Daunte's
parents were white and black. This is right versus wrong and it is right to pass these measures
today. It is the right thing to do for human life, not for white or black, not for community versus
persons in political seats or the police. She does not care if it is in Brooklyn Center, north
Minneapolis, or where it is but when they kill somebody, when they take a life unjustly, we are to
stand up for that life no matter where it is in the State of Minnesota or around the United States.
Ms. Gearoway noted there are other families here, Jaffort Smith's mother whose son was killed in
St. Paul and Courtney Ross who was Daunte's teacher and George Floyd was her significant other.
She stated we are here and demanding and asking,something we shouldn't even have to do;hurting
mourning families we shouldn't have to. She stated she understands that some white privileged
folks have not lived through what we have lived through but it doesn't take away from our
experience. She stated we are living through it and our loved ones are being shot in traffic stops,
not because of warrants but because we have a brown skin color. She stated that is the elephant in
the room and she is calling it out. They are racially motivated murders and it does not matter if
you have on a police uniform, a regular outfit, or a Ku Klux Klan outfit. A racially motivated
murder, is a racially motivated murder. She thanked all for being here today and stated she hopes
they stand up for human life, not police, not for political seats, but for human life. She stated for
the woman who did not get the paperwork, she does not have to get the paperwork if you saw the
video and the boy getting killed for no reason.
Matilda Smith, mother of Jaffort Smith, killed by the St. Paul police, stated four police shot her
son 49 to 52 times and left him around a resident's house with his pants pulled all the way down
to the ground. She stated she is here for Daunte Wright and Kobe Heisler, we want justice, we
want it now, we want the Resolution passed, and we want it passed now. She stated we are tired,
sick and tired, and you should be sick and tired of killing our children. Ms. Smith stated Daunte
[Katie] Wright and Amity Heisler, they will never ever be over what happened to their children
just as she won't. She stated what happened to their children should never have happened and this
OS/15/21 -19-
resolution should have been passed. She stated we don't want to hear that you haven't read the
resolution, read it now, look at it. We are not going to continue to let you kill our children. She
stated the pain that Katie and Amity are going through, she goes through it every day and it never
ends. She stated you are going to have to fix this because it will not get any better, it will only get
worse. She supports every family of victims and will continue, noting for each one that is
murdered by the police just brings more of us out. She stated they will never get over their children
or her child getting shot 49 to 52 times. She asked what is wrong with you people, be wise for
once, and pass these bills.
Courtney Ross stated she is here specifically to support you all, noting there is no pain like a
mother's loss. She noted there are other people that need to speak and stated everyone has seen
enough people with her skin color talk so that's all she needs to say right now.
Dorit Jean Van Knight stated people may be wondering why she has a picture of Philando Castile
when it's Daunte Wright and Kobe Heisler that we are talking about specifically in Brooklyn
Center. She has a picture of Philando Castile because he was pulled over 46 times in his driving
life and he wasn't that old, noting it might have been more because he was pulled over multiple
times during the day but it was only counted once. Ms. Van Knight stated the number of times he
was pulled over and issued a fine or fee for minor things, things you may have in your car now,
things that could be fixed easily, affected his life and ability to pay for things and constantly not
be on the radar of the police. She stated if you want somebody who was the `perfect person' that
people keep looking for, you don't deserve to get killed if you're perfect, Philando Castile was the
closest you can come and that 46th time, he was killed. Philando did everything single thing right,
he was calm, spoke to the police officer nicely, did exactly what you are supposed to do and still
he was killed.
Ms. Van Knight stated this isn't about people who were killed and the reason she shows his picture
is because this is about the people who are still living. Unfortunately, we cannot help the people
who are no longer living but we can help those who are still here and we can keep them from going
through these same things that people have gone through before. She stated we can keep these
people from having to deal with the financial crisis. She noted there were only 18 days last year
that somebody was not killed by the police in the United States, up to 8 times a day. This year,
we have 367 and for all of those who think that is just black people who you need to worry about,
and people say that police kill white people too, that should not be a thing you want to advertise.
That should be a thing that concerns you too. She asked all to remember to pass this resolution
because it is important to the living as well as those who speak for the dead.
Zoya Cole stated she is a representative of Minnesota and in June 2017 she was pulled from stairs
and thrown onto the floor, onto her face, taken outside, and rolled like a black dog. She stated she
did not beg for her life, she told him to get up off of ine, I can't breathe. She literally refused to
stop breathing. She stated she does not know what it was but she believes in God and knows
somebody saved her, pulled her from under that and told that man to get up off of her. Ms. Cole
stated she came out here for you because she saw their baby scared like she was. She stated any
time the police get behind her, she is terrified because no one said, `Hey, what's the problem.' She
stated if you want to know what the problem is, she is the problem because she is still breathing.
She has issues, she gets pulled over, but has never been pulled over like that before. But since she
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was beaten and refused to stop breathing, she told everybody who was listening, but they weren't,
because George Floyd is dead today. She stated that was the same officer who was responsible
for her mental stability, for the love in her heart, and tomorrow, mark tomorrow because this is
only the beginning of what we have been going through for over 400 years.
Ms. Cole noted that statistically, the numbers are there and she is not going to be quiet, shut up,
and does not care who is not listening. She is still breathing, has five beautiful black children that
she will raise and they will be your caregivers, your leaders, or whatever. She stated before 2017,
with her whole heart, she was the best butt washer, and going to take your grandparents when
somebody else don't want to hear. In 2015 she learned about mental illness, came back home, and
in 2015, she got a job working for Olou Homes and could tell you there is nobody working for that
establishment, or who she has worked for, done the job for, because she does it for her community
with no paycheck. She stated we need this resolution passed and it is in front of us here today.
Jonathon McClellan, president of the Minnesota Justice Coalition, stated they are part of a
collective organization that work with families and community to draft and advanced legislation
and other policy initiatives at the Capitol and in Washington, D.C. He responded to the police
opposition to this resolution, saying we have seen these letters before and it is always when
advancing police reform legislation or a change in policy. All these letters are the same. These
special interest groups try to play `chicken' with the elected leaders hoping they'll blink when it's
time for a vote. They promote a once-sided view that has allowed the Derek Chauvins and the
Kim Potters to thrive in our communities and brutalize its people with impunity. It does not matter
how sound the legislation or policy is, or the good that comes from substantive change, their
position is always the same,to promote their interest at the expense of the people they are supposed
to serve and the expense of the City. He stated for decades these factions have been pushing
legislation and policy that have had a lopsided application and distorted reality in keeping the
status quo.
Mr. McClellan stated we do not need relics of the past but a future that promotes our shared values,
dedication to the people, and to our communities but this fear tactic has been regularly used, their
lips drip with fear for change. The people writing these letters are often not qualified to interpret
the law, legislative policy, or predict the future in the direction we are heading. We are on a train
that is moving forward,there is no going back, our future and the future of our children depend on
it. Mr. McClellan stated as he always says,our greatest failure will be to do nothing knowing what
we know. It was recently brought to his attention a statement from the new union president for
Brooklyn Center, speaking for the police, expressed devastation for the for the murder of Daunte
and, in the same breath expressed his disdain for the loss of Kim Potter and what she is going
through, as if she didn't kill a child. He asked what about the family who too often get lost in the
conversation. Their pain matters, their voice matters. He stated the police departments are out of
touch with the people and there needs to be response, a change.
Mr. McClellan stated before he was president of the Minnesota Justice Coalition, before he was a
councilmember on the Race and Equity Council for Hennepin County, before he went to law
school, and before he was a legislative congressional advisor, he was a career Minneapolis fire
fighter. He dedicated his life to the service of others, put on his uniform,badge, and went to work
not knowing if that day was going to be his last. He never hid behind his uniform or badge, he
OS/15/21 -21-
treated every contact he had how he wanted to be treated, with respect, dignity, professionalism,
and compassion. It did not matter how his day was going,what was happening in his personal life,
when he put on his badge, he was his best self, a representative of the city, a representative of the
people he served. Every contact he had was an opportunity to have a positive impact on someone's
life. He noted that what a lot of people don't know is when the police make a mess, we are the
ones who wash the brain matter, the blood spots, off the concrete and into the sewer. We are the
ones who keep out of control cops from our patients. We are the ones who say, `Check his pulse.
He can't breathe.' Mr. McClellan stated here he is saying we need real change, we need police
reform, it's time, it's long overdue, and our police departments need to evolve.
Mr. McClellan stated he was injured in the line of duty saving a young man's life, which forced
him to retire and fight for change in his original passion. He knows how far he is willing to go to
serve other people and fight for change and fire fighters don't give up,they don't back down,they
pick up a cause, made a decision, grit their teeth, and do what needs to be done. He stated this
historic resolution,these issues, are personal to him and to everyone who looks like him. They are
in it for the long haul and these reforms will save lives. He said let's roll up our sleeves, get to
work, and do what needs to be done, noting this is an opportunity for the City of Brooklyn Center
to be a leader and a beacon of hope to the Brooklyn Center community and many others around
the country like it. Mr. McClellan stated Minnesota's Justice Coalition and our partners support
this resolution without reservation and without delay. Do not think about the politics,think about
what is right,just, and do it,just do it.
John Thompson stated he was approached by two ladies who asked him if he was the new city
manager and he thought to himself, `Wow, you all black people don't look alike.' He stated
Philando Castile was his friend and he had talked to him July 5, 2016, about the murder of Alton
Sterling right in front of the liquor store. He walked into the store,bought a six-pack of Heineken
and they were so numb in 2016 to the murder of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that he
walked into the store like nothing was going to happen. But, the very next day, July 6, Philando,
his friend who he worked with for 11 years, was murdered here in this State. He wasn't murdered
because he had tickets, he was murdered because he was racially profiled, pulled over, the officer
said because of his wide-set nose. Mr. Thompson said, `Well, here I am with a wide-set nose.'
Mr. Thompson stated he wanted to share with you that all black people don't look alike here in
Brooklyn Center and this is a sundown town where black people should not come out at a time of
night when the police are policing. He stated he knows that because he has been through here and
his sons live in Brooklyn Center. Mr. Thompson stated somebody said to him also, and it is
disheartening to know that this was your former mayor, `Mr. Thompson, can you not speak, this
is a Brooklyn Center issue. We have plenty good representation here.'
Mr. Thompson stated when Daunte Wright was shot, you killed my future, that was my future
lawyer, doctor, governor, teacher, culturally intelligent mental health provider. You killed
somebody in my family, that was my little brother, my nephew, my cousin. He stated when the
little boy was shot in Chicago, he felt that in my stomach. He stated this is not a Brooklyn Center
issue, this is a worldwide issue and he is overdosed on policing.
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Mr. Thompson asked this body to have the testicular fortitude to pass this resolution because you
could have saved Philando's life, George Floyd's life who came here for job training and we killed
him. Philando worked for the St. Paul public schools for 11 years faithfully and he watched that
man take money out of his pocket and put it in the cash register for kids who couldn't afford to
have their lunch paid for because their momma couldn't afford lunch. Then he heard about him
having a half ounce of weed in the car and that's how he got killed.
Mr. Thompson stated Daunte Wright was pulled over just like he gets pulled over in Brooklyn
Center, passing these police officers who see a black frame in the car, they bust a U-turn, and get
behind the car. `Oh my god, you've got a warrant. Oh my god, your license is suspended. Oh my
god, you've got an air freshener hanging in your window.' He stated this could be your son, your
nephew, you future grandchildren, they face the same fate.
Mr. Thompson stated to the Mayor, he doesn't know where he is at but he can drive through one
of these sundown towns in this State and they don't know you are the Mayor and they will treat
you the same way they treated Daunte Wright. He stated he is a Minnesota legislator and he could
be murdered in one of these sundown towns in this State. He stated he didn't want to say that
because he wanted you all to continue judging him the black man that he is with the loud mouth.
He stated he is one of your Minnesota legislators and he is in fear for his life in some of these
sundown towns. Mr. Thompson stated police do not get to tell us what reform looks like and you
who support the police had your chance to show us what reform looks like and you failed us too,
failed Philando, failed Daunte Wright, and failed George Floyd. You have had your chance and if
you want to stop seeing John Thompson, then stop killing my people.
Mr. Thompson noted there were military tanks here and asked how many more tanks you want to
pay for, how many gas canisters, which are paid for with tax dollars. He asked who are you
protecting, a system that is not working for Minnesota and entire world? He stated we are
overdosed on police brutality and overdosed on snuff movies we keep seeing across the nation
where brothers are being murdered by police. He stated policies and procedures that will be put
in place that are well intended but what happened is the Proud Boys took over,and white supremist
groups took over, and this job and the legislation that protects them creates an atmosphere where
racist white men can come and flourish on their racist ideology here in the State. He stated he is
sorry if you are uncomfortable but he can't be sorry because he is sick and tired. He was here in
2016 when we were talking about de-escalation training, implicit bias training, and in 2016
Philando was murdered. He stated the field training officer killed Daunte Wright so what kind of
training are you talking about. The field training officer killed George Floyd so what kind of
training are you talking about. He stated he is sorry, he is just black, let me be black in this State
and walk around. He stated he will wear a Nike jogging suit until we are all free and you will see
us in Brooklyn Park or Brooklyn, New York, because we are sick and tired of police killing our
people and our future depends on it. He stated I love you all.
Bayle Gelle stated he is the father of Dolal Idd and police brutality killed his son on December 30,
2020, after George Floyd was killed. He reviewed the investigation and stated the
investigator then retired, withdrew from the case, and we don't have anything. Mr. Gelle stated
the same night they killed his son, they terrorized him in his home at 2 a.m. and destroyed his
home. He opened the door wide and there were almost 25 with heavy arms and they didn't have
OS/15/21 -23-
masks and he has small children. He stated we are black but never mind what color they are, we
have trouble with killing every single day in the United States. He stated he wants to tell the City
Council that they need justice and it is shameful that the boys who were killed, they are innocent
kids, and killed by someone in uniform. That is not fair. He stated we cannot tolerate any more
than 400 years and we have trouble every single day. We need equality,the same rights,and never
mind if you are white or yellow or black. We are all of us American in the United States and we
have to have the same rights.
Mr. Gelle stated he is upset. He hopes soon, pray Allah, one of his kids, the bullets will kill him
so then he will understand how painful we are. He stated we don't need police who came to us,to
him, the same night he didn't know they killed his son. They came to his home and destroyed and
when he asked do you have any warrant, they told him that he didn't need to know, shut up. He
stated they scared us. We and our family, all of you who lost loved ones, he knows it is painful.
He stated we need justice and we need to get the answer as soon as possible. He stated when you
come to the door and knock, say you want to be on the council, a senator, and say they are going
to stop the bullets and brutality and those who kill our kid, and you sit on the chair, you have done
nothing. We need help.
Jaylani Hussein offered a greeting of peace and blessing upon all. He stated a lot has been said so
he will try to not repeat what has been said. First and foremost, he believes that today is not a
normal day,it is an important day,not only for Brooklyn Center but also for our State and hopefully
for our country. For a lot of people here today, they may not understand the foundation of police
departments, their role, and intention from the get go. Police departments in this country were
built to catch black people, that is the essence of policing in America. We are not slaves, but the
reality is that is what they did, they were slave catchers and they still are, to some extent. The
speaker stated what is more important, is that from a lot of white people, they continue to support
the police blindly because you still believe they are there to protect you from the dangerous black
men, like himsel£ He reminded all that is a lie, it's always been a lie, and we as black men and
women, and people of color and most important even Indigenous people, have historically been
undermined by law enforcement. He stated he,as a black Muslim man in this country,is especially
interested in the Brooklyn Center Police Department but also the FBI building in our city that
terrorizes his community every single day.
Mr. Hussein stated wants to speak directly to the Mayor and City Council. He appreciates the
Mayor's leadership and speaks directly to the City Council to say we have seen you in action and
that brings a great deal of hope for us. When Daunte Wright was killed, the City Council did not
sit silently, they began to move and realized the Police Chief needed to go, the City Manager
needed to go. They did not wait a week or a month, they made that decision almost the next day.
He stated that means not only is the City Council serious about what needs to happen, but they
want to be leaders in this space. Tonight, he is speaking to the three black leaders because he has
no faith in the two white Council Members and we don't need their votes. He stated he can't
convince you in the next hour and does not have enough time and does not think he can tell them
because you saw exactly what happened in this room, you still don't believe us, so how can he try
to explain that to you. But to the three black leaders, tonight this decision they will make will live
beyond them. It will get us into a position where we can now talk to other cities, like Minneapolis,
and ask them to do the same thing you are doing today. You can lead other cities across this
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country to do the same thing you are doing today. He stated Brooklyn Center will not be a city
that is known for Daunte Wright and Kobe Heisler, but the City that in that moment, decided to
protect black people from the police departments of this country.
Mr. Hussein stated for many of us Minnesotans, and he is as Minnesotan as you can get, he has
heard the Minnesota explanation for why you don't want to support us, and in Minnesota we beat
around the bush too much, they like everything in the resolution but the paper, we should get a
different paper, I don't like this resolution because there is this and that. He stated there is no two
sides to this issue. There is only one side and as everyone has said, this resolution is about safety.
If you are talking about public safety, this resolution is about safety, saving lives, and protecting
the most vulnerable in our community, individuals who are dealing with mental health crises, and
their families, and those of us who are poor who work ever single day, who are constantly pulled
over by the police for no reason. This resolution will make sure that the police focus on the things
they need to focus on and stop harassing and pulling over people of color for no apparent reason.
That is exactly what this resolution is doing. He stated it may not stop all the killing but it will get
us into the moment, into the journey, we can stop killing black people in this country.
Mr. Hussein stated he personally believes in the resolution, but there is more work to be done after
this resolution, as today's decision is only the framework. That is why he is bothered by the fact
the rest of the City Council, the two white City Council members, are refusing to even
acknowledge that this is just a framework. The actual hard work happens after this meeting and
we are ready to stand with you to make sure that happens. He stated if you don't think that this
resolution is strong enough, or support the police, he will tell you that good policing wants
accountability. Good policing wants people to help them, are asking for help. But the reality is,
in this State in particular, only bad policing exists. He stated he talks to officers all the time, and
had breakfast just yesterday with an officer, and they want help. They are asking for leaders to
step up and bring forth measures that make their jobs safer for them and for everybody else.
Mr. Hussein stated what he wants to hear from today is a passing of this resolution as it stands in
full and he wants you to understand that the work is not done but we are here to stand with you.
For all the white residents who are still afraid of us, he said he is sorry but your grandchildren will
be part of our community. Your great grandchildren will be praising this moment because this
country is not going backwards, it is moving forward. He stated, as Dr. King said, `Injustice
anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.'
Mr. Hussein stated today he is wearing his Palestinian kufiyah in solidarity with the Palestinian
people because the Derek Chauvin move that killed George Floyd was an Israeli defense force
tactic of kneeling on children. Today, in this moment, as he is standing here talking about this
injustice and about that injustice, it is because this country sends $3.8 billion dollars to go kill
children. He stated while we are grieving today, there are mothers in Palestine today who cannot
explain why their three-year-old had a missile, paid by us, shot from Israel, to kill them. He is
saying we are here to demand justice for all people and we want our government, like this City,to
stop killing us here and across the rest of the world. We want a government that works for us and
brings peace to people. He stated today he wants all to know history will be made by Mayor Mike
Elliott, Councilmember Butler, and Councilmember Graves. To Councilmember Lawrence-
Anderson, he stated thanks for being in Oklahoma, but this is Brooklyn Center and your City has
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been on fire and you decided to take a vacation, but these City Council Members did not take a
vacation. He knows why she took a vacation, because it is easy to take a vacation when black
people are being killed. This decision today will move us forward but the decision has already
been made for you by the people. If you do not move us forward, we will be coming to your
houses and force you to move those decisions.
A speaker stated it is always incredible hard to go after Jaylani but she would also like to give an
Islam greeting to all of peace. She stated we have all given our power to the people we have
elected over public safety, so she will speak to them. She addressed Councilmember Dan Ryan,
noting the night Daunte Wright was murdered by the public safety that you are on the leadership
for, the next meeting we came to you and asked you, all of the City Council Members, the City
Manager, and the Chief in charge of the City, when we were getting tear gassed and basically beat
the hell out of by the police department in this city. In that meeting, the Council Members were
asked to fire the Chief and the City Manager. You had decided that you wanted to protect your
relationship with the City Manager instead of the black lives that were getting terrorized that night.
She stated Councilmember Ryan has already showed his cards so if he is wondering why people
don't have a lot of faith in his leadership, he has already shown it. But he has another opportunity
today to pass the resolution and do the right thing and stand by these community members.
She asked if the night Daunte Wright was murdered, you had an opportunity to pass this resolution
so that his life would not be taken so recklessly, would you? Would you do anything to give these
family members justice? She stated you have the opportunity to save another life, to make sure it
doesn't happen again so we don't have to have this conversation again. She asked will this
resolution save every life, absolutely not, but it can because what you have right now does not.
She addressed Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson and stated when she was asked to get rid of
the City Manager, she had initially voted absolutely not because she was also protecting her
relationship with him instead of the black lives in this city. But after the community cried to you,
yelled to you, and begged you to vote for it, you changed your vote. She stated when we voted for
you to be elected, they didn't have the opportunity. But in this upcoming election, they will and
you a chance and opportunity to do the right thing and make sure you vote for this resolution that
could save a life. She stated it is a privilege to be able to go on vacation while a child, essentially,
was murdered under your leadership. You had an entire week because Councilmember Lawrence-
Anderson got the resolution last week and committed to voting for it today and having a decision.
In that time, she took a vacation. She stated it is not that she needed a paper version, it was that
she was planning for her vacation to get out and not be held accountable. She stated you come to
us for our votes, you beg us for our votes, so now do your job and if you can't do it then get the
hell out.
Mayor Elliott stated one last comment will be heard, then the City Council will consider the
resolution, followed by more public comment.
Tyron Carter stated Jesus said, `You can malign me, you can kill me, I'll be back in three days,'
and everybody knows he arose and appeared and then disappeared. He stated he always asked his
grandma what happened on the fourth day. He stated Cheryl Francis Mohorn is his mama's name,
his grandma's name is Veronica Carter, and his grandfather was an entrepreneur and 73 years old.
OS/15/21 -26-
He handed out his card to the City Council and said they probably won't call him but talk is talk
and we don't have time for you to tell us what to do. Mr. Carter played a musical tape and said he
will not ever apologize for being black. (Mr. Carter's off microphone were inaudible.)
Mr. Carter stated he will calm down because he used to be a very reactive man. He stated he saw
it boiling up, he played spiritual music because the devil is busy, but it is crazy to him that we're
grown ups and when we have kids, we are supposed to suffer for our kids. But why do we put
people in places that see things but turn the other ear. (Mr. Carter's off microphone were
inaudible.)
Mr. Carter stated family education is a bunch of bs and he will give an example. He stated his
mother was 22 years old with five kids and you took all the kids away from her but you had to pay
people to get us. He asked why didn't you use that money to pay my mama to keep that family
together. (Mr. Carter's off microphone were inaudible.)
Mr. Carter stated he does not want to be competitive and his grandma always said if he had a
problem, always have a solution. So, he has a solution and is here to help but you have to
understand. He stated he does not have glasses so he can't see what you see so he has to look to
see what you see. He stated he has to look at it from your lens, and now you have to look at it
from his lens. Then they can relate and move forward. He stated there is right and wrong and did
you do it or did you not do it, it is that simple with no excuses or explanation.
Mr. Carter asked how could we not think about making change in this world. If you look at 2020,
you'd want to take it out of your calendar instead of having to live it. But kids have died at an all-
time high rate and what are we going to do about it. In Minnesota,people are Minnesota nice,but
nice to who. (Mr. Carter's off microphone were inaudible.) He asked what are we going to do,
keep talking or are we going to do some action right now because our kids are dying by the minute,
by the day, so at the end of the day, we need each other and have to get away from that hate.
Mr. Carter stated when he came to Minnesota at 17 years old on an athletic scholarship and was
drafted to the Vikings, was with them for four years, but the Vikings tried to mess him up. (Mr.
Carter's off microphone were inaudible.) Mr. Carter stated at the end of the day, what we do with
adversity matters the most.
Mayor Elliott thanked all for their comments and stated the City Council is now going to move
into considering the resolution.
3e. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION ITEM
Councilmember Graves stated she appreciates all of the people's comments and even the brother
who just spoke, bringing some spirit and positive energy into the space, she appreciates that as
well. She noted it is now 6 o'clock so we have been here for three hours and should get to the
issue at hand though she appreciates all coming out to speak as well.
Councilmember Butler stated she knows everyone is tired but she wants to say a few words. She
stated Brooklyn Center is the most diverse City in Minnesota and, quite honestly, could be one of
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the most diverse in the country. She stated we can't afford to lose any more people and we don't
want any more hashtags. She noted if you ask most people of color as they left the room how
many have been traumatized by the police, maybe they made it home safely, but carry that trauma,
everyone has a story. She stated she has a story from her brother, her husband, her father, noting
even if you have done nothing wrong, you still have to carry that trauma.
Councilmember Butler stated the City Council has done several community Listening Sessions
and she knows the communication has not been the greatest, the website was taken down for
maintenance during this tragedy, and the City is going through a lot, but we didn't plan for that or
any of this. She stated this is a part-time j ob and she works full time,has a young son,but managed
to show up to every single community Listening Session, and managed to meet with our youth and
high school student leaders. Since it happened, those of us who care have been in community so
for those who say we are not listening, she has read every single e-mail, and sorry if she hasn't
responded.
Councilmember Butler stated last year she had to explain to her nine-year-old son what happened
to George Floyd. She didn't want to do it but her husband said he needs to know what it means to
be a black boy and a black man in America so they had a sit down and had that conversation with
him. They went to Minneapolis to peacefully protest and for this to happen in her City and for us
to constantly drive past the police station, because her parents live around the corner from there,
and her 9-year-old son asking her what she's going to do because he attends City Council meetings
with her and knows she has some type of voice in this community. She stated when her son asked
her that question, she said, `We're going to make a change.' She stated she will do everything in
her power to make a change so when he gets older, she does not have to have the talk with him
when it's time for him to start driving about what to do and not do so he makes it home safely.
Councilmember Butler moved and Councilmember Graves seconded to adopt RESOLUTION NO.
2021-73 The Daunte Wright and Kobe Dimock-Heisler Community Safety and Violence
Prevention Resolution.
Councilmember Ryan stated he appreciates this special time when we can come together on this.
He offered a minor but important amendment on page 2,paragraph 5,the second to the last clause,
to add the words: `...the City Council create a separate and �ermanent Civilian Oversi�ht
Committee for the new department...' He explained he offers this amendment because as elected
leaders, they are directly responsible to the people and that is the role we should fulfill just as the
City Council in the past has created all volunteer commissions.
Mr. Gilchrist suggested to add the word: `...recommend the City Council create...' He stated the
point raised is valid because that Civilian Oversight Committee should be authorized to have
access to data in order to enable it to perform its work and, in his opinion, the City Council will be
in the best position to give them that authority if it is created by the City Council versus created
by another committee. Mr. Gillchrist explained there is more than one way for a Civilian Oversight
Committee to be put together so that recommendation will come from the committee and
ultimately be up to the City Council to adopt it. From a legal perspective, it makes sense to support
the amendment.
OS/15/21 -28-
Mayor Elliott accepted that as offering a friendly amendment. Councilmember Butler and Graves
accepted the friendly amendment to their motion.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated before she votes, she would like to make a comment.
She apologized for not being able to be there physically today, noting she has been on the Zoom
meeting since 3 o'clock. She stated she is on a year long planned vacation, her husband was ill
for many years and they had discussed that if he received his transplant and was healthy, this was
an event he wanted to attend. That is why she is on vacation. They have been planning it for a
year and that is why she is not there but is on the Zoom meeting, and she has answered e-mails
and telephone calls throughout her vacation.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated in the original form, she cannot support the resolution
as it is today. The original resolution was delivered to the City Council via e-mail last Friday and
the revisions came late yesterday afternoon. She mentioned we have spent countless hours on
issues that were much less significant than this critically important resolution. She is in complete
agreement that reform is needed and it will happen, she simply believes we need more time to
work on some of the elements of this resolution before she can support it so she will vote nay.
Mayor Elliott stated the substantive amendments to the resolution went out on Wednesday and
some minor amendments were sent out yesterday.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson agreed and stated we have been talking about this resolution
far one week.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson voted against the same. Motion passed 4/1.
Mayor Elliott thanked his Council colleagues, stating today, we as a City Council by a 4 to 1 vote,
decided to chart a new way forward for our City, to create a new north star, to keep every member
of our community safe. He stated this would not be possible without our community stepping up
and showing up and demanding change. In fact, they made this possible and you're going to need
to keep showing up to help implement these policies moving forward.
Mayor Elliott stated there is a lot of work ahead of us and we all look forward to working with
every one in this room to get it done. Today, we celebrate a long over due and much needed step
forward. He invited the community and his colleagues to join us outside the room where there
will be an opportunity for photos, to celebrate, and enjoy some sunshine and pizza. He stated if
there are any media requests, he and some of the Council Members may be available to take
questions.
Mayor Elliott again thanked all for being here and the Council Members for persevering through
all that has been gone through the past several weeks since Daunte was killed, noting it has been a
lot.
Mayor Elliott stated to Daunte's parents and Kobe's parents, thank you so much for being here
and stepping in this space and continuing to fight for change on behalf of your two sons. He stated
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we will be right here with you moving forward to make sure that the change we have set in their
son's names continue to be fully implemented.
Mayor Elliott thanked community-based organizations that were helpful in coming to the table.
He thanked the Barbershop and Black Congregational Cooperative who helped organize the
community forums and conversations and helped form the resolution. He thanked the Minnesota
Justice Coalition, Minnesota Freedom Fund, Families Supporting Families Against Police
Brutality, Care Minnesota, Communities United Against Police Brutality, Our Sister's Keeper,and
the Mosque in Brooklyn Center.
4. ADJOURN
Mayor Elliott moved and Councilmember Butler seconded adjournment of the City Council
Special Session meeting at 6:10 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
STATE OF MINNESOTA)
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN) ss. Certification of Minutes
CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER)
The undersigned,being the duly qualified and appointed City Clerk of the City of Brooklyn Center,
Minnesota, certifies:
l. That 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 May 15, 2021.
2. That said meeting was held pursuant to due call and notice thereof and was duly held at
Brooklyn Center City Hall.
3. That the City Council adopted said minutes at its June 14, 2021, Regular Session.
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City Clerk Mayor
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