1 00:12:13,780 --> 00:12:15,000 Good evening, everyone. 2 00:12:19,320 --> 00:12:23,380 Good evening, everyone. I am Mayor Shelley Carlson. 3 00:12:27,260 --> 00:12:29,060 Good evening, everyone. I am more head mayor, 4 00:12:29,200 --> 00:12:36,200 Shelley Carlson. It is December 8, 2025 at 5.31 PM. The more head city council welcomes public input on issues 5 00:12:36,200 --> 00:12:41,240 listed on the agenda or of general community interest, time and council permitting. Speakers would be limited, 6 00:12:41,240 --> 00:12:45,440 will be limited to three minutes each. If you would like to address a council during our meeting, 7 00:12:45,640 --> 00:12:50,120 please fill out a form provided by our city clerk and we will call you up during the citizens to address 8 00:12:50,120 --> 00:12:52,240 Council item on the agenda. 9 00:12:52,700 --> 00:12:56,340 You'll need to state your name, and if you are more head resident, if comments were submitted 10 00:12:56,340 --> 00:13:00,220 to the clerk prior to the meeting via email or phone, those comments will be entered into 11 00:13:00,220 --> 00:13:00,580 the record. 12 00:13:01,120 --> 00:13:05,240 For more information on participation, please visit the Council meeting's page on the city of 13 00:13:05,240 --> 00:13:07,820 more head website at moreheadmnd.gov. 14 00:13:08,180 --> 00:13:12,240 We, the more city council, collectively and with gratitude, acknowledge the sacred land the city 15 00:13:12,240 --> 00:13:13,220 of more of this built upon. 16 00:13:13,580 --> 00:13:17,120 We acknowledge the people of resided here for generations and recognize that the spirit of 17 00:13:17,120 --> 00:13:19,800 Dakota, Ojibwe, Mati, and all indigenous communities 18 00:13:19,800 --> 00:13:20,780 permit this land. 19 00:13:21,060 --> 00:13:22,400 But that could I get a roll call, please. 20 00:13:22,820 --> 00:13:23,320 Right, Nelson. 21 00:13:23,800 --> 00:13:24,000 Here. 22 00:13:24,180 --> 00:13:25,040 Nicole Natsen. 23 00:13:25,640 --> 00:13:26,860 Heather Nesmeyer. 24 00:13:27,300 --> 00:13:27,500 Here. 25 00:13:27,900 --> 00:13:28,500 Emily Moore. 26 00:13:28,880 --> 00:13:28,980 Here. 27 00:13:29,300 --> 00:13:29,740 Deb White. 28 00:13:30,360 --> 00:13:31,060 Lisa Borgon. 29 00:13:31,260 --> 00:13:31,380 Here. 30 00:13:31,820 --> 00:13:32,580 Sebastian McDougall. 31 00:13:32,840 --> 00:13:33,040 Here. 32 00:13:33,440 --> 00:13:34,520 Chuck Hendrickson. 33 00:13:35,000 --> 00:13:36,460 Mayor Shelley Carlson. 34 00:13:36,840 --> 00:13:36,940 Here. 35 00:13:37,080 --> 00:13:39,380 And for those who are able, please stand for the pledge of allegiance. 36 00:14:02,110 --> 00:14:04,430 And city manager, Molly, do we have any agenda amendments? 37 00:14:04,570 --> 00:14:05,950 Did you see everybody here tonight? 38 00:14:06,110 --> 00:14:08,350 And there are no amendments to the agenda mayor. 39 00:14:08,350 --> 00:14:14,210 Okay, I'm moving on to the consent agenda, do I have a motion to approve the consent agenda? 40 00:14:14,830 --> 00:14:15,230 So moved. 41 00:14:15,530 --> 00:14:15,730 Second. 42 00:14:16,410 --> 00:14:17,790 Motion and secondary discussion. 43 00:14:18,850 --> 00:14:20,470 Seeing none, roll call, will please. 44 00:14:23,170 --> 00:14:23,410 Nelson. 45 00:14:23,930 --> 00:14:24,090 Hi. 46 00:14:24,430 --> 00:14:24,790 Madison. 47 00:14:25,150 --> 00:14:25,330 Yes. 48 00:14:25,490 --> 00:14:25,730 Yes. 49 00:14:25,770 --> 00:14:25,810 Yes. 50 00:14:29,270 --> 00:14:29,490 Yes. 51 00:14:29,710 --> 00:14:29,990 Morgan. 52 00:14:30,550 --> 00:14:30,610 Yes. 53 00:14:30,750 --> 00:14:33,070 All right. 54 00:14:33,070 --> 00:14:33,870 Motion carries. 55 00:14:34,770 --> 00:14:37,110 Moving on to recognitions and presentations. 56 00:14:37,990 --> 00:14:48,450 First on the agenda is our more head human rights awards and I believe, okay, I'm going to turn it over to our representatives from our Human Rights Commission. 57 00:14:52,080 --> 00:14:59,980 Good morning. My name is Yvette Ellis. I am one of the more head human rights commissioners and I'll be presenting the first. 58 00:15:03,040 --> 00:15:21,620 First, I'd like to congratulate Aryan Fossett from the Education category. Aryan is a coordinator of gender and sexuality at Minnesota State University, more has diversity and inclusion office. 59 00:15:21,620 --> 00:15:29,700 From Aryan's nomination, Aryan is a mentor of mine that I met through the Rainbow Dragon Center 60 00:15:29,700 --> 00:15:32,740 and Women's Center at MSUM. 61 00:15:33,120 --> 00:15:40,300 Aryan has spearheaded the growth of the MSUM Women's Center and Rainbow Dragon Center 62 00:15:40,300 --> 00:15:44,040 and increased attendance at ODI programs. 63 00:15:44,240 --> 00:15:50,300 She has partnered with several student organizations to build and maintain these communities 64 00:15:50,300 --> 00:15:51,740 at MSUM. 65 00:16:23,930 --> 00:16:31,230 Next we have in the nonprofit category, Pastor Michelle Weber. Michelle is the pastor 66 00:16:31,230 --> 00:16:37,410 at the first congregational United Church of Christ from Michelle's nomination. Michelle supports 67 00:16:37,410 --> 00:16:43,290 those in need every day through her support of her church, food pantry and fostering the community 68 00:16:43,290 --> 00:16:50,450 meals program at her church. Michelle offers support and services to the LGBTQ community to include 69 00:16:50,450 --> 00:16:57,550 those in North Dakota who have been under attack servicing compassion is what she offers 70 00:16:57,550 --> 00:17:04,830 every day in all of her actions. She is truly a human rights advocate of the highest and best 71 00:17:04,830 --> 00:17:07,650 and best kind Michelle Weber. 72 00:17:21,200 --> 00:17:26,220 It is humbling to accept an award that I feel like I do not deserve. 73 00:17:27,220 --> 00:17:32,320 I was nominated by a woman who has made a bigger impact in human rights in her life than I ever will 74 00:17:32,320 --> 00:17:38,600 in mind. And while I have spent my adult life learning how to be a better ally to people 75 00:17:38,600 --> 00:17:43,900 whose rights have been violated, what I do in this community that brought this nomination 76 00:17:43,900 --> 00:17:50,040 is not stuff that I do. It's stuff that I do on behalf of my faith community or actions 77 00:17:50,040 --> 00:17:54,880 that I take to support other people who are doing real work. When I work with youth in the 78 00:17:54,880 --> 00:18:00,040 youth stewards program, it's because my church is a part of that program. If 87% of those 79 00:18:00,040 --> 00:18:03,120 with her bipoc, it's because of our partners, not because of me. 80 00:18:03,760 --> 00:18:08,740 When I work with people experiencing homelessness or people who are food insecure, it's 81 00:18:08,740 --> 00:18:11,220 because my church has a heart for those things. 82 00:18:11,800 --> 00:18:16,740 When I'm active in the LGBT community as an ally and an advocate, it is because my church 83 00:18:16,740 --> 00:18:22,640 has had that passion for a very long time and because I'm the parent of a transgender person. 84 00:18:23,300 --> 00:18:28,740 Fortunately, I've had great education that has put me in a place where I have the skills to do 85 00:18:28,740 --> 00:18:37,640 work, but all of that is also not because of me. My church requires me to have anti-racism work 86 00:18:37,640 --> 00:18:44,240 by annually and they pay for it. I truly do not deserve this. My church deserves this. 87 00:18:45,860 --> 00:18:52,360 Linda, Dr. Pinnick, deserves this. I'm simply someone who uses whatever privilege I have 88 00:18:52,360 --> 00:18:57,960 and whatever resources I have access to to center the voices and improve the lives 89 00:18:57,960 --> 00:18:59,900 of people closest to the pain. 90 00:19:00,280 --> 00:19:01,160 Thank you. 91 00:19:14,640 --> 00:19:15,120 Good evening. 92 00:19:15,580 --> 00:19:18,080 Jennifer Ironda, Human Rights Commissioner. 93 00:19:19,040 --> 00:19:28,960 Tonight, we honor someone who's daily work quietly, but powerfully reshapes the culture of Minnesota State Community and Technical College. 94 00:19:29,620 --> 00:19:40,160 In the Education category, our Human Rights Award nominee, Tyler Strand, serves as a College Social Worker on the Morehead and Ferguson Falls campuses. 95 00:19:40,160 --> 00:19:44,360 Tyler brings human rights to life through action. 96 00:19:44,780 --> 00:19:52,320 Every day he works directly with students facing barriers that threaten their ability to learn, persist, and succeed. 97 00:19:53,480 --> 00:20:03,520 He oversees the campus covered that provide thousands of pounds of food and essential supplies to students across all four M-State campuses. 98 00:20:04,720 --> 00:20:13,200 Continued the retail rescue program that brings in between 500 and 750 pounds of assorted 99 00:20:13,200 --> 00:20:21,160 frozen meats, bread, pastry items and produce, 9,000 pounds of perishable, non-perishable 100 00:20:21,160 --> 00:20:24,660 food that goes to all of M-States campuses. 101 00:20:25,200 --> 00:20:31,100 He coordinates grants that support pregnant and parenting students, ensuring they have child 102 00:20:31,100 --> 00:20:37,100 care assistance, diapers, laptops, and the dignity of knowing their needs matter. 103 00:20:37,940 --> 00:20:45,540 He has helped award more than 28,000 in child care support, distributed nearly 2,000 104 00:20:45,540 --> 00:20:53,100 diapers provided emergency funds to stabilize housing, transportation, and medical needs, 105 00:20:53,480 --> 00:20:58,760 and facilitated access to educational funds for students who would otherwise go without. 106 00:20:58,760 --> 00:21:04,880 The initiatives like the supporting parents' pregnant student initiative, the We Thrive Grant and the 107 00:21:04,880 --> 00:21:11,800 Beam Emergency Assistant Grant, Tyler has removed barriers, expanded opportunity and promoted educational 108 00:21:11,800 --> 00:21:16,080 equity for some of our most vulnerable learners. 109 00:21:16,700 --> 00:21:23,300 His work actively protects human rights by ensuring that every student, regardless of circumstances, 110 00:21:23,300 --> 00:21:31,920 as access to food, to housing stability, to education, safety, and the resources needed to thrive. 111 00:21:34,300 --> 00:21:45,860 Vice President Elise Stewart-Avant, wanted to share that Tyler Strand is highly respected and regarded for his creative and unique approach to engage and support students. 112 00:21:45,860 --> 00:21:52,740 His advocacy and genuine dedication to serve the community and ongoing efforts to strategize 113 00:21:52,740 --> 00:21:59,480 how to best support students on a continuous basis is a huge asset to M-State. 114 00:22:00,760 --> 00:22:05,020 Tyler's leadership has shaped M-State's culture into one that is more compassionate, 115 00:22:05,620 --> 00:22:07,800 more inclusive and more just. 116 00:22:08,300 --> 00:22:13,420 His colleagues describe him as someone who takes personal risks, who alleviates human, 117 00:22:13,420 --> 00:22:20,080 who elevates human dignity in every interaction and who embodies the values he champions. 118 00:22:20,740 --> 00:22:27,260 His recent efforts towards securing hunger-free campaign designation, demonstrates not only vision, 119 00:22:27,800 --> 00:22:33,540 but the persistence required to build systems that outlast any one person. 120 00:22:34,360 --> 00:22:38,440 As someone who has had the honor to work with Tyler, I've witnessed his passion, 121 00:22:38,440 --> 00:22:44,540 his commitment and his unwavering belief that every student deserves a fair chance. 122 00:22:44,800 --> 00:22:49,100 His work is not just social work, it is human rights in action. 123 00:22:49,660 --> 00:22:56,660 This also includes his authenticity and intentionality in recognizing all of our interdependency. 124 00:22:57,240 --> 00:23:03,200 When discussing this award, he wanted to expand the circle to recognize that and I quote, 125 00:23:03,200 --> 00:23:08,860 I work with several awesome people to support this work, like my other social worker 126 00:23:08,860 --> 00:23:13,620 counterpart, our student services department, faculty for referrals, financial aid 127 00:23:13,620 --> 00:23:20,560 department, business, office, and facilities crew. It truly takes a village. Please help 128 00:23:20,560 --> 00:23:23,940 me in congratulating Tyler Strand on his Human Rights Award. 129 00:24:01,280 --> 00:24:04,060 Hello. I'm Anna Rajeshnashur 130 00:24:04,060 --> 00:24:17,680 on the Human Rights Commission, and I am honored to present this award to Kavita Guendada for the Human Rights Award and Recognition of her exceptional commitment to housing equity community service and refugee support in the Fargo Morehead area. 131 00:24:18,340 --> 00:24:30,580 Since 2010, Kavita has been a steadfast advocate for refugee families and elders guiding them through resettlement, helping them access the central programs and ensuring their cultural needs are respected and understood. 132 00:24:30,580 --> 00:24:35,860 For more than a decade, she has dedicated her career to affordable housing across low income 133 00:24:35,860 --> 00:24:41,080 housing tax credit properties, permanent supportive housing and public housing programs. 134 00:24:41,580 --> 00:24:45,720 At Cooperhouse, she supported chronicly homeless individuals and stabilizing their lives 135 00:24:45,720 --> 00:24:47,080 through integrated services. 136 00:24:47,520 --> 00:24:52,380 Her work with Fargo Housing and Clay County has strengthened families through Section 8, public 137 00:24:52,380 --> 00:24:54,780 housing and family self-sufficiency programs. 138 00:24:55,240 --> 00:25:00,040 An recurrent role with Jeremiah program, a national organization focused on disrupting the cycle 139 00:25:00,040 --> 00:25:02,260 of poverty for single mothers and their children. 140 00:25:02,680 --> 00:25:04,340 She oversees housing, 141 00:25:05,840 --> 00:25:08,060 operations in Paris mothers with pathways 142 00:25:08,060 --> 00:25:09,720 towards long-term stability. 143 00:25:10,680 --> 00:25:13,460 Gaveta Service also extends far beyond her professional roles. 144 00:25:13,640 --> 00:25:16,060 For 15 years, she has led Nara and Asaeva 145 00:25:16,060 --> 00:25:18,240 alongside a group of women, 146 00:25:18,500 --> 00:25:20,620 providing home-cooked meals to local shelters. 147 00:25:21,060 --> 00:25:23,060 She also co-founded cooking with purpose, 148 00:25:23,220 --> 00:25:26,360 donating meals to support non-profit fundraising efforts. 149 00:25:26,360 --> 00:25:36,000 Kavita Gondala's lifelong dedication to the dignity, equity, and community service makes her a truly deserving recipient of this human rights award. 150 00:25:36,340 --> 00:25:38,720 Could we please get a round of applause for Kavita Gondala? 151 00:25:53,680 --> 00:25:54,100 Thank you. 152 00:25:54,300 --> 00:25:55,020 I wrote a speech. 153 00:25:55,240 --> 00:25:57,580 I'm gonna, I'm gonna prepare myself. 154 00:25:58,560 --> 00:25:59,260 So thank you Anna. 155 00:26:00,100 --> 00:26:03,920 Thank you for the human rights commission for this for choosing me for this award. 156 00:26:04,360 --> 00:26:07,000 I'm truly blessed and honored to receive this recognition. 157 00:26:07,000 --> 00:26:20,740 In the early stages of my career, I worked with refugee resettlement and that experience opened my eyes to human rights challenges, as well as their incredible resilience people carry with them. 158 00:26:21,080 --> 00:26:25,240 Their strength shaped my understanding and inspired me to stay committed to this work. 159 00:26:26,020 --> 00:26:34,400 For the past 12 years, I have dedicated myself to the affordable housing, supporting chronically homeless individuals and families in finding stability. 160 00:26:34,400 --> 00:26:41,560 Today, I am proud to be part of Jeremiah program, a nation, a nation, a nation-wide program whose mission is 161 00:26:41,560 --> 00:26:47,400 disturbed the poverty cycle of single moms and their children, two generations at a time. 162 00:26:48,100 --> 00:26:52,120 It is the work that continues to motivate and humble me every day. 163 00:26:52,900 --> 00:27:00,100 I have been blessed with amazing mentors Darci Ashe, I hope she is here somewhere, friends and 164 00:27:00,100 --> 00:27:03,340 family who have guided and encouraged me along the way. 165 00:27:04,000 --> 00:27:09,740 And most importantly, I want to acknowledge my husband and my two boys, I know I'm getting emotional. 166 00:27:10,640 --> 00:27:14,880 And my friends without their support, I would not be doing this work. 167 00:27:15,580 --> 00:27:21,440 As you can see, my family and friends are there here today to cheer me on, and that means world to me. 168 00:27:22,460 --> 00:27:27,180 The word is just not a recommendation for me right now today. 169 00:27:27,180 --> 00:27:33,400 It is a reminder that I continue to work hard to lift the voice of those who are 170 00:27:33,400 --> 00:27:39,160 go unheard and to keep advocating for fairness, dignity and human rights for all. 171 00:27:39,380 --> 00:27:40,060 Thank you. 172 00:27:40,100 --> 00:27:41,000 Thank you for listening. 173 00:30:45,650 --> 00:31:03,890 Well, thank you to the Human Rights Commission. Every year I'm always just so impressed with the people in our community who does such amazing behind the scenes work and I love the fact that we have an opportunity to honor them and shed a spotlight on the great work that has been happening. 174 00:31:04,370 --> 00:31:11,410 So to Iran, Michelle, Kavita, and Tyler, and Ellen, make sure you got everybody. 175 00:31:12,050 --> 00:31:12,710 I miss them. 176 00:31:12,910 --> 00:31:16,990 Just congratulations, and from the bottom of our hearts, in the city of more head, 177 00:31:17,190 --> 00:31:18,970 thank you for all the work you've done. 178 00:31:19,170 --> 00:31:21,370 So I think they all deserve another round of applause. 179 00:31:29,650 --> 00:31:36,010 Right, our next, actually, if this kind of goes with the more head of human rights awards, 180 00:31:36,710 --> 00:31:41,600 if we want to take, let's see what is it? 181 00:31:43,100 --> 00:31:46,870 18K, request from council members, White and Mattson to approve a 182 00:31:47,240 --> 00:31:47,240 resolution, 183 00:31:49,840 --> 00:31:52,700 can move down, jump down to that, item on the agenda and I'll 184 00:31:52,700 --> 00:31:55,260 turn it over to council members, White and Mattson. 185 00:32:01,490 --> 00:32:03,730 Thank you, Mayor. I was ready for that. 186 00:32:07,000 --> 00:32:10,920 So, like many of you, I've been very 187 00:32:10,920 --> 00:32:15,100 concerned about things that we're seeing in hearing lately that have 188 00:32:15,100 --> 00:32:21,060 spirits are immigrant and refugee communities and called them and caused them to live in fear. 189 00:32:22,080 --> 00:32:28,320 I've been thinking a lot about the probesfield elementary school class that I visited this fall. 190 00:32:29,680 --> 00:32:35,320 There were kids there whose families were from all over the world and who chose to make more head their home. 191 00:32:35,960 --> 00:32:40,580 Those families are vital parts of what makes more head a growing and vibrant community. 192 00:32:41,260 --> 00:32:46,820 As an elected leader, I wanted to instill in those kids a sense of pride and value in our 193 00:32:46,820 --> 00:32:52,080 government and our democratic process and the important role that they'll play as American 194 00:32:52,080 --> 00:32:54,520 citizens when they grow up. 195 00:32:55,000 --> 00:32:59,800 And I think about those kids a lot now in this last week or so and how they're impacted 196 00:33:00,340 --> 00:33:05,880 when the president of the United States, the highest ranking elected official in our country, 197 00:33:06,460 --> 00:33:11,380 says that they and their families are garbage, and that they are not welcome here. 198 00:33:12,740 --> 00:33:18,100 I think about children who have to worry about whether or not their mom or dad will 199 00:33:18,100 --> 00:33:24,060 be home when they get there after school, or whether it's safe for them to go out and 200 00:33:24,060 --> 00:33:27,100 play on the playground. It's truly heartbreaking. 201 00:33:28,820 --> 00:33:34,000 So, Councilmember Mats and contacted me last Wednesday, and we started talking about what we could 202 00:33:34,000 --> 00:33:39,860 to show support for our local immigrant and refugee communities. Nicole mentioned a resolution 203 00:33:39,860 --> 00:33:46,180 of support and I knew that that was something this council had done in the past in 2017 after 204 00:33:46,180 --> 00:33:52,240 the white supremacist rally and violence in Charlottesville, the council unanimously passed 205 00:33:52,240 --> 00:33:58,660 a resolution drafted by council member Mary Daley denouncing hate groups and promoting inclusiveness. 206 00:33:59,420 --> 00:34:03,860 I really appreciated the statements on Thursday from the mayor, our chief of police and 207 00:34:03,860 --> 00:34:17,140 members of the Human Rights Commission and I'm very grateful to the community members who came here tonight to speak up and stand up for their friends and neighbors and to show what a great community more had truly is. 208 00:34:17,560 --> 00:34:31,280 So this resolution was just meant as another opportunity for we as elected leaders to stand together with our community to show support for all of our immigrant and refugee communities during this very challenging time. 209 00:34:31,280 --> 00:34:33,860 So the resolution states us follows, 210 00:34:35,160 --> 00:34:37,840 whereas the city and residents of more head 211 00:34:37,840 --> 00:34:40,500 affirm that our community is inclusive, 212 00:34:41,220 --> 00:34:43,280 welcomes contributions of all people 213 00:34:43,280 --> 00:34:45,200 and celebrates our diversity, 214 00:34:45,940 --> 00:34:49,040 and whereas our community strength is woven 215 00:34:49,040 --> 00:34:52,060 from the diverse experiences and backgrounds 216 00:34:52,060 --> 00:34:55,480 of those who have chosen to build their lives here, 217 00:34:55,920 --> 00:34:57,550 and whereas the Somali community, 218 00:34:57,980 --> 00:35:00,600 along with other immigrant and refugee communities, 219 00:35:00,600 --> 00:35:07,240 is an integral part of the vibrant tapestry that makes Morhead and Minnesota exceptional places 220 00:35:07,240 --> 00:35:13,960 to live and work and raise families. And whereas as elected representatives of the 221 00:35:13,960 --> 00:35:19,360 citizens of Morhead, we have a responsibility to recognize and uphold the rights and freedoms 222 00:35:19,360 --> 00:35:25,240 of the families and individuals we serve. Now therefore it be resolved that we the city council 223 00:35:25,240 --> 00:35:31,460 and mayor of the city of Morhead, stand in solidarity with our immigrant and refugee neighbors 224 00:35:31,460 --> 00:35:38,100 who call Morhead home. We recognize and uphold the rights of all individuals to be treated fairly 225 00:35:38,100 --> 00:35:44,700 and to live their lives free from discrimination or targeting based on faith, race, or national 226 00:35:44,700 --> 00:35:50,720 origin. And we remain committed to ensuring that every Morhead resident, regardless of where 227 00:35:50,720 --> 00:35:54,860 They were born is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. 228 00:35:56,640 --> 00:36:01,300 So I guess in order to open the discussion, I'll make a motion that the Council support 229 00:36:01,300 --> 00:36:02,140 this resolution. 230 00:36:03,300 --> 00:36:03,520 Exactly. 231 00:36:03,720 --> 00:36:04,420 There's a motion there. 232 00:36:05,200 --> 00:36:05,500 Second. 233 00:36:06,220 --> 00:36:07,680 But I can't remember any smear. 234 00:36:08,200 --> 00:36:08,920 Motion and second. 235 00:36:09,240 --> 00:36:09,660 Any discussion? 236 00:36:11,820 --> 00:36:14,840 And I do know that there were citizens that wanted to speak on the motion. 237 00:36:16,360 --> 00:36:16,380 Okay. 238 00:36:17,560 --> 00:36:20,480 And we are in the middle of the motion, so we'll do the discussion. 239 00:36:20,480 --> 00:36:22,500 and take the vote and then we'll call those folks out. 240 00:36:22,660 --> 00:36:27,480 I would send my motion then if we can have the opportunity for citizens who wanted to speak. 241 00:36:29,520 --> 00:36:31,220 Did you want to listen the motion? 242 00:36:31,700 --> 00:36:33,020 Yeah, I can I'll wait on it. 243 00:36:33,500 --> 00:36:37,120 Can I do that just so that we can give citizens the opportunity to speak? 244 00:36:37,220 --> 00:36:40,480 I just know there were folks who asked to speak and support it. 245 00:36:41,300 --> 00:36:42,700 Councilmember Metzine, is that okay? 246 00:36:43,280 --> 00:36:46,480 Yes, it is, except for it was Councilmember Neesmeyer that seconded the motion. 247 00:36:46,520 --> 00:36:46,740 Oh, yes. 248 00:36:47,320 --> 00:36:52,740 And yes, I will rescind my second so community members can speak. 249 00:36:53,220 --> 00:36:53,860 Okay, thank you. 250 00:36:54,100 --> 00:36:54,120 All right. 251 00:36:54,320 --> 00:36:58,180 The motion has been rescinded and see. 252 00:37:00,580 --> 00:37:03,420 I need to look through these to see who is wanting to speak on the item. 253 00:37:04,300 --> 00:37:08,060 Okay, the first one that I see is Amelia. 254 00:37:09,760 --> 00:37:10,180 Amelia. 255 00:37:11,360 --> 00:37:11,680 Stir. 256 00:37:12,480 --> 00:37:12,780 Stir. 257 00:37:13,040 --> 00:37:15,720 I'm not sure how to say your name. 258 00:37:17,670 --> 00:37:22,730 Okay, if you come to the podium and we have a number of people who are wanting to speak tonight. 259 00:37:23,790 --> 00:37:25,710 And I'll just explain how this works. 260 00:37:25,890 --> 00:37:28,870 We have this handy dandy little contraption here. 261 00:37:29,310 --> 00:37:33,250 When the button is green, that means you have your time to speak. 262 00:37:33,610 --> 00:37:35,630 We allow three minutes per person to speak. 263 00:37:36,010 --> 00:37:37,850 When it's ready, you'll need to wrap up your comments. 264 00:37:38,270 --> 00:37:41,210 We'll need to have you state your name, your full name for the record. 265 00:37:41,330 --> 00:37:43,850 And if you are a resident of the city of Moorhead. 266 00:37:43,850 --> 00:37:47,610 And when two start speaking, the clerk will start the time on the clock. 267 00:37:48,930 --> 00:37:50,230 My name is Emilia Sterlisen. 268 00:37:50,350 --> 00:37:54,350 I'm a resident of Dilworth and I am speaking on behalf of the Democratic Socialists 269 00:37:54,350 --> 00:37:55,670 of the United States of America. 270 00:37:57,550 --> 00:38:02,630 We, as members of the Red River Valley DSA, stand in solidarity with our friends, our neighbors, 271 00:38:02,970 --> 00:38:07,430 and co-workers in the Somali community, and proudly support the resolution and support 272 00:38:07,430 --> 00:38:09,510 of more head immigrant and refugee communities. 273 00:38:09,510 --> 00:38:15,430 President Trump's hateful slander Somalia, our Somali community, and denial of their 274 00:38:15,430 --> 00:38:20,610 contributions to our state is yet another escalation in his xenophobia and white supremacy. 275 00:38:21,730 --> 00:38:26,330 From the family separation policy to the bone-shilling images of Secretary-Noam posting 276 00:38:26,330 --> 00:38:32,650 posing for photos in front of Salvadorian concentration camps, Donald Trump and his allies 277 00:38:32,650 --> 00:38:37,530 have broadcasted through the world that fascism and cruelty are the official policy of the 278 00:38:37,530 --> 00:38:38,610 United States of America. 279 00:38:39,930 --> 00:38:44,230 Their repeated claims that immigrants poisoned the blood of nations are direct, intentional 280 00:38:44,230 --> 00:38:46,290 references to eugenics and Nazism. 281 00:38:47,350 --> 00:38:52,290 We, as members of the Red River Valley DSA, refuse to be silent and stand proud in opposition 282 00:38:52,290 --> 00:38:53,990 to fascism and xenophobia. 283 00:38:54,730 --> 00:38:59,570 We deny that any human is illegal and reject the assertion that ICE is, or has ever existed 284 00:38:59,570 --> 00:39:03,670 to protect our communities from crime, ICE is functioning as intended. 285 00:39:04,410 --> 00:39:13,530 To other, surveil, and abuse our neighbors and communities, ISIS not welcome here, and neither our nationalism nor white supremacy. 286 00:39:14,790 --> 00:39:24,550 We, as members of the DSA, know it is our responsibility to speak up and act before it is too late, and that is why we call upon the more head city council to support this resolution. 287 00:39:25,770 --> 00:39:32,890 Fascism relies upon fear and silence and the more of us who speak up and stand alongside our neighbors, the easier it will become. 288 00:39:33,470 --> 00:39:41,850 In the coming decades, the people of Fargo Morehead will be and the country at large will be forced to answer to future generations about what we did today. 289 00:39:42,430 --> 00:39:45,450 We call upon you to do the correct decision. 290 00:39:46,170 --> 00:39:48,110 Thank you. 291 00:39:48,510 --> 00:39:49,010 Thank you. 292 00:39:49,010 --> 00:39:49,010 All 293 00:39:55,760 --> 00:40:00,980 right, the next individual, who is on the 294 00:40:00,980 --> 00:40:02,600 sack Garrett Maurer 295 00:40:10,320 --> 00:40:13,840 and Garrett same thing three minutes on the clock and then 296 00:40:13,840 --> 00:40:18,040 state your name and if you're a resident more head please. Good evening Garrett Maurer, 297 00:40:18,220 --> 00:40:25,620 resident of more head Minnesota and I come to you as a concerned citizen. It is with what I 298 00:40:25,620 --> 00:40:32,380 hope is an unfounded concern that I stand before all of you. Resolution 18K should pass 299 00:40:32,380 --> 00:40:33,780 with unanimous support. 300 00:40:34,440 --> 00:40:37,460 Given the community outreach, I've received recently, 301 00:40:37,480 --> 00:40:38,960 I'm concerned it won't. 302 00:40:39,240 --> 00:40:41,040 Please prove my concern wrong. 303 00:40:42,120 --> 00:40:44,920 Immigrants and refugees have been targeted 304 00:40:44,920 --> 00:40:46,980 in many unfair ways throughout our country, 305 00:40:47,220 --> 00:40:49,860 but they should not need to live in fear here. 306 00:40:50,540 --> 00:40:52,760 These people are humans and our neighbors 307 00:40:52,760 --> 00:40:54,920 and a welcome part of our community. 308 00:40:55,700 --> 00:40:58,620 My life, the lives of my family and children 309 00:40:58,620 --> 00:41:00,800 and all the people around us are more fulfilled 310 00:41:00,800 --> 00:41:04,880 by the presence and engagement of these diverse groups of people. 311 00:41:05,340 --> 00:41:09,240 Their perspective and lived experiences is a boon to us all. 312 00:41:09,660 --> 00:41:11,540 They make our community better. 313 00:41:12,240 --> 00:41:15,840 It sands me to think this resolution is even a question. 314 00:41:16,420 --> 00:41:20,200 Our neighbors deserve to know that even in this small way we support them. 315 00:41:20,680 --> 00:41:22,500 We must stand by them. 316 00:41:22,680 --> 00:41:27,540 The adoption or rejection of this resolution speaks far more to the character of our leaders 317 00:41:27,540 --> 00:41:33,160 and we as community members, then it does to the people this resolution is intended to represent. 318 00:41:33,700 --> 00:41:37,120 Words matter, our actions matter, where we show up matters. 319 00:41:37,960 --> 00:41:39,220 And the world is watching. 320 00:41:39,740 --> 00:41:43,320 Neighbors not impacted, people we call friends are children. 321 00:41:43,920 --> 00:41:46,260 They deserve to know where our values are. 322 00:41:46,840 --> 00:41:50,160 That is why I implore our elected officials to pass this resolution. 323 00:41:50,540 --> 00:41:51,860 Thank you. 324 00:41:52,120 --> 00:41:52,640 Thank you. 325 00:41:58,910 --> 00:42:00,910 Next is Lynn Dr. Pinick. 326 00:42:05,830 --> 00:42:15,070 Good evening, I am Linda Dr. Pinnick, a resident of Morehead. I appreciate the chance to also stand and speak in support of this resolution. 327 00:42:16,070 --> 00:42:24,470 In light of the outstanding individuals that tonight were honored for the human rights awards and listening to the kinds of things that they've done. 328 00:42:24,470 --> 00:42:31,710 It's only fitting that the Council stand unified tonight in supporting item 18k on the agenda. 329 00:42:32,210 --> 00:42:38,270 The resolution that we heard Councilwoman White read and that Council members White and 330 00:42:38,270 --> 00:42:39,830 Manson are proposing. 331 00:42:40,670 --> 00:42:45,070 I speak in support of the resolution condemning what is happening to our immigrant neighbors 332 00:42:45,070 --> 00:42:52,610 and stand not only in support of the proposed resolution but against the hate that is too prevalent 333 00:42:52,610 --> 00:42:53,610 in our nation. 334 00:42:53,610 --> 00:43:04,170 hate should have no home here in more head or our country, but sadly fueled by negative rhetoric from the very top and the administration's resulting actions, it does. 335 00:43:04,690 --> 00:43:09,430 We must stand in support of all of our immigrant neighbors, hate cannot be welcomed here. 336 00:43:10,250 --> 00:43:14,670 This is a time of great economic uncertainty for many people in our community. 337 00:43:15,410 --> 00:43:22,030 Despite promises made to the contrary by many politicians, grocery prices and healthcare costs are dramatically rising. 338 00:43:22,030 --> 00:43:27,810 Thanks to the big beautiful bill, resources for the most vulnerable amongst us are dwindling 339 00:43:27,810 --> 00:43:29,150 while the rich is benefit. 340 00:43:29,890 --> 00:43:36,110 We must be ready to stand for all of those who cannot, including using local resources. 341 00:43:36,830 --> 00:43:41,290 We must be ready to show love and compassion for our immigrant neighbors and take care 342 00:43:41,290 --> 00:43:42,350 of all of our neighbors. 343 00:43:42,770 --> 00:43:45,290 I urge unanimous approval of this resolution. 344 00:43:46,470 --> 00:43:47,110 Thank you. 345 00:43:47,990 --> 00:43:52,350 And the next person to call out is Abdi Shakur Mohamed. 346 00:43:54,070 --> 00:43:57,290 If Abdi Khashur Mohamed wants to come and speak, 347 00:44:01,180 --> 00:44:03,180 and Abdi if you want to state your name, 348 00:44:03,560 --> 00:44:05,700 and you'll have three minutes, and if you're resident, more head off. 349 00:44:10,120 --> 00:44:12,160 Abdi Shakur Mohamed, Mohamed, Mohamed, Mohaired Minster for visiting. 350 00:44:14,180 --> 00:44:16,700 Mayor and council members, thank you for giving me a moment. 351 00:44:17,640 --> 00:44:20,740 Mohaired is the first place in America that I have believed in me. 352 00:44:20,740 --> 00:44:25,560 I arrived here in this city with an action, dream, and I hope that this place would give me a 353 00:44:25,560 --> 00:44:31,580 fair chance. This community opened this door to me. It shaved my life. It gave me my first 354 00:44:31,580 --> 00:44:37,980 job, my first business, and last year it honored me with a more hearty award. Tonight I stand here 355 00:44:38,820 --> 00:44:43,960 because more head did not just welcome me, it lifted me. And right now, many of our neighbors 356 00:44:43,960 --> 00:44:50,600 are living with fear they did not create. They hear hateful language about Somalis. They see 357 00:44:50,600 --> 00:44:55,600 other cities read it. They feel the pressure of being in 358 00:44:55,600 --> 00:44:57,920 asking for favors in their own hometown. 359 00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:06,080 Actually, when they have done everything right, they worry if and when they have citizens and legal 360 00:45:06,080 --> 00:45:12,540 residences. Community cannot drive when it is beball at a fair to go to work, at a fair 361 00:45:12,540 --> 00:45:18,700 to take their children to school, at a fair to answer their own door. And this is why this 362 00:45:18,700 --> 00:45:24,420 resolution matters. It's more than a worse, it's a bromise. A bromise that more hair will protect 363 00:45:24,420 --> 00:45:32,060 the dignity of every person who calls this city a home, a bromise that safety will never come 364 00:45:32,060 --> 00:45:37,840 at the cost of a humanity, a bromise that we raise together, not defied it, not targeted, 365 00:45:38,080 --> 00:45:44,620 not afraid. And for all these reasons, I fully support this resolution, and one people 366 00:45:44,620 --> 00:45:53,020 feel safe, they build, they work, they batex, they innovate, they serve public life, they 367 00:45:53,020 --> 00:45:58,140 They make our schools stronger and they live the whole city. 368 00:45:58,940 --> 00:46:04,020 I am proud to be one of those people, a young immigrant who came this city looking 369 00:46:04,020 --> 00:46:08,380 for a chance and found a community that gave him a purpose. 370 00:46:09,580 --> 00:46:15,960 I ask you all to join me tonight by sending a symbol message to every family watch. 371 00:46:15,960 --> 00:46:24,100 They belong that you are valued, you are safe here, and together we will keep building 372 00:46:24,100 --> 00:46:30,840 and more here that is done as a stronger one in momentous of fear and it's done is together 373 00:46:30,840 --> 00:46:35,700 in momentous of choice. Thank you. And I hope you all have a nice 374 00:46:41,040 --> 00:46:41,040 day. 375 00:46:41,160 --> 00:46:47,700 Yeah, they're individual that we have here is, let's see here. I want to make sure that 376 00:46:50,620 --> 00:46:54,800 Other two individuals are wanting to speak on something different. 377 00:46:55,080 --> 00:46:59,200 So we will have them under seven under citizens addressing the council item on the agenda. 378 00:47:00,340 --> 00:47:03,480 So with that council member, wait did you want to read there? 379 00:47:03,480 --> 00:47:03,720 Thank you, Mayor. 380 00:47:04,080 --> 00:47:06,840 I move that the council support the resolution. 381 00:47:08,200 --> 00:47:09,200 Second, matzen. 382 00:47:10,520 --> 00:47:11,540 Now you're going to throw me off. 383 00:47:12,760 --> 00:47:14,080 So council member, wait with the motion. 384 00:47:14,200 --> 00:47:15,960 Council member, matzen. 385 00:47:16,280 --> 00:47:18,520 Now I am setting this mayor with the second. 386 00:47:18,920 --> 00:47:19,720 Any further discussion? 387 00:47:20,500 --> 00:47:22,040 see you in unbroken, please. 388 00:47:23,480 --> 00:47:24,760 Madison. Yes. 389 00:47:25,200 --> 00:47:25,900 Nice to meet you. 390 00:47:26,500 --> 00:47:28,820 Yes. More. Yes. White. 391 00:47:29,360 --> 00:47:29,460 Yes. 392 00:47:29,820 --> 00:47:30,700 Borgin. Yes. 393 00:47:31,000 --> 00:47:31,460 McDougall. 394 00:47:31,900 --> 00:47:32,100 Hi. 395 00:47:32,560 --> 00:47:33,120 Hendrickson. 396 00:47:33,840 --> 00:47:34,140 Nelson. 397 00:47:37,120 --> 00:47:37,640 Thank you. 398 00:47:37,820 --> 00:47:38,600 That motion passes. 399 00:47:48,980 --> 00:47:50,780 The next item on the agenda is our 400 00:47:50,780 --> 00:47:51,560 Swering in and badge. 401 00:47:51,800 --> 00:47:53,100 For our more police officers. 402 00:47:53,360 --> 00:47:55,500 And I will turn this over to Chief Chris Helmock. 403 00:48:00,830 --> 00:48:03,150 Good evening, Mayor and council members. 404 00:48:03,150 --> 00:48:11,250 It's my honor tonight to introduce the five newest police officers joining our department as they're officially sworn in. 405 00:48:11,530 --> 00:48:19,310 Each of these officers has been patiently waiting for their opportunity to serve as we work through getting other officers graduated from our field training program. 406 00:48:19,810 --> 00:48:26,610 Their commitment and readiness has been unwavering during that time and we're proud to tonight to bring them into active service. 407 00:48:27,490 --> 00:48:31,850 Their next step will be moving into their field training phase for the next 16 weeks. 408 00:48:32,530 --> 00:48:36,530 Before we do that, I wanted to also take a moment to introduce our new public safety 409 00:48:36,530 --> 00:48:40,810 communication specialist, Katie Eddish, who joined us back on October 29. 410 00:48:41,750 --> 00:48:46,690 Her role is new to the city and she will serve both the police department and the fire 411 00:48:46,690 --> 00:48:52,630 department in her position. She brings a strong skill set and is extremely dedicated to enhancing 412 00:48:52,630 --> 00:48:57,690 the communication and outreach of both departments. We've definitely been keeping her busy here 413 00:48:57,690 --> 00:49:01,510 last few weeks, but we're excited to have her on a team. 414 00:49:03,110 --> 00:49:08,170 With tonight's editions, we've now, if my math is correct, we've actually sworn in 19 415 00:49:08,170 --> 00:49:14,010 officers since August of this year and when you do a little bit more math, that's about 416 00:49:14,010 --> 00:49:20,970 a third of our sworn staff in our department where we are 63 strong and we've sworn in 417 00:49:20,970 --> 00:49:25,050 like I said about a third of that over the fall and into the winter air. 418 00:49:26,730 --> 00:49:48,070 That is not due to me, that is due to our recruiting sergeant, Joe Brandon, who has been working tirelessly all year, and has done a phenomenal job bringing in some fantastic recruits, and we're not done yet, but right now we've got three additional openings, so anyone who's looking to get on with our department should better hurry up and get in because they're filling up fast. 419 00:49:48,970 --> 00:50:00,330 But we've got a couple of retirements coming up in 2026 but even with that we're very confident that this trend is going to continue and again that is really a testament to the work that he has done. 420 00:50:01,370 --> 00:50:16,030 Overall things are looking really good and I really couldn't be proud of the new officers that were bringing on board as well as the veteran officers who've really been resilient through the entire time of staffing shortages that not just this year but in the last couple of years. 421 00:50:16,570 --> 00:50:18,710 So my hats off to all of them as well, 422 00:50:18,810 --> 00:50:21,110 because they have definitely played a big role in this. 423 00:50:22,610 --> 00:50:25,670 So with that, let's get on with these swearing in. 424 00:50:26,170 --> 00:50:28,430 What I'm gonna do is I'll call up each officer one at a time, 425 00:50:28,950 --> 00:50:30,610 and then they will have a friend or family member 426 00:50:30,610 --> 00:50:32,410 to come up and pin their badge on, 427 00:50:32,810 --> 00:50:35,930 before the mayor will administer the oath to all of them. 428 00:50:36,490 --> 00:50:39,050 First off, we will have Officer Mishak Adaba, 429 00:50:39,250 --> 00:50:40,710 who will come up, 430 00:50:43,840 --> 00:50:45,420 and his badge we pinned on 431 00:50:45,420 --> 00:50:47,200 cadet Jose Perez. 432 00:51:33,610 --> 00:51:34,370 No pressure Jose. 433 00:51:44,530 --> 00:51:48,310 Just a note, these two have been working together of the last 434 00:51:48,310 --> 00:51:52,890 couple months as cadets and Jose is actually one that we hope to be having up here next summer 435 00:51:52,890 --> 00:51:59,530 sometime. So thanks for his work as well as one of our cadets. Next up we'll have Officer Sam Larson 436 00:51:59,530 --> 00:52:02,190 and his mom Nicole will be pinning on his badge. 437 00:53:47,500 --> 00:53:50,760 Next we have Officer Martin McLean Hayes and his 438 00:53:50,760 --> 00:53:51,220 Eva. 439 00:54:27,430 --> 00:54:30,990 All right, next we have officers Stephanie and Alasco and her sister Michelle. 440 00:55:16,760 --> 00:55:21,300 All right, and last we have officer Brock Wakefield and you'll be pinned by officer Lance Eldridge. 441 00:56:00,510 --> 00:56:18,790 All right now comes the embarrassing part of this presentation because I am a transparent chief. I made him a stay here and I forgot to bring the old cards. So, oh, well, the mayor's got him. All right, fantastic, saved again. So we'll have all five come up here and the mayor will read you the old. 442 00:56:19,710 --> 00:56:22,810 You won't have any cheat cards, but I have confidence in here itself. 443 00:56:29,010 --> 00:56:31,890 Well, and I hope you meant cards. I just have my card. 444 00:56:33,370 --> 00:56:39,150 But one of the things that I do before I swear in officers with more police department, 445 00:56:39,910 --> 00:56:42,930 I really speak to and I always awkward because I, 446 00:56:43,290 --> 00:56:45,470 the people that I need to speak to are behind me. 447 00:56:46,130 --> 00:56:50,270 But I also want to speak to you guys because there's a lot of job qualifications 448 00:56:50,270 --> 00:56:53,230 that people don't realize that officers need. 449 00:56:53,230 --> 00:56:59,690 And so I like to explain this to all the friends and family that come here to support you too. 450 00:57:00,270 --> 00:57:03,830 A police officer has to be able to run miles through alleys in the dark. 451 00:57:04,210 --> 00:57:11,030 Scale walls enter homes at health inspector wouldn't go into all while wearing 20 plus pounds of equipment. 452 00:57:12,830 --> 00:57:16,470 An officer must be able to sit in a car during doing surveillance all day. 453 00:57:16,470 --> 00:57:29,450 cover a homicide scene that night, canvas and neighborhood for witnesses, and be able to show up in court the very next day to testify about a year old case remembering all of the details on little or no sleep. 454 00:57:30,670 --> 00:57:40,710 A police officer must be in top physical condition on black coffee, mountain dew, or energy drinks, and half feet meals frequently consumed in their squad car in less than five minutes. 455 00:57:41,890 --> 00:57:44,330 A police officer needs to have three pairs of eyes. 456 00:57:45,050 --> 00:57:50,430 Once at three, see through a bulge in a coat pocket before asking, may I see what's in there? 457 00:57:50,870 --> 00:57:53,990 Already knowing what's in there, and kind of wish them they would have taken that accounting 458 00:57:53,990 --> 00:57:54,530 job. 459 00:57:56,250 --> 00:58:00,150 A second pair of eyes on either side of their head to look out for his or her partner's safety 460 00:58:00,150 --> 00:58:06,370 and a third pair of eyes in front to be able to look reassuring at a bleeding victim and 461 00:58:06,370 --> 00:58:08,870 say you're going to be okay, even when they know it's not true. 462 00:58:10,170 --> 00:58:16,530 A police officer must be able to talk a 250-pound intoxicated and combative individual into a squad 463 00:58:16,530 --> 00:58:20,730 car without incident and raise a family on a civil service paycheck. 464 00:58:21,710 --> 00:58:25,930 The officer must be able to tell you the elements of a hundred different crimes, recite 465 00:58:25,930 --> 00:58:31,610 the Miranda Warning and their sleep, detain, investigate, search and arrest a criminal on 466 00:58:31,610 --> 00:58:36,710 a street in less time than it takes five, then it takes five learned judges to debate the 467 00:58:36,710 --> 00:58:42,410 the reality of that arrest and somehow keep a positive attitude and maintain a sense of 468 00:58:42,410 --> 00:58:45,750 a humor, no matter how odd the humor is with law enforcement. 469 00:58:47,630 --> 00:58:52,130 A police officer must have a must have phenomenal self-control, personal self-control. 470 00:58:52,810 --> 00:58:59,170 They must be able to deal with horrific graphic crime scenes, coax confessions from pedophiles, 471 00:58:59,170 --> 00:59:06,750 comfort is sexual assault victim, know the names, numbers, and services of dozens of community resources 472 00:59:06,750 --> 00:59:12,670 and respond to chance interactions with the public with friendliness and a ready smile at all times. 473 00:59:13,810 --> 00:59:19,510 You each are a member of an elite group of individuals who swear to honor, serve, and protect the 474 00:59:19,510 --> 00:59:25,330 citizens of more head. For all of these attributes and for your willingness to serve on behalf of 475 00:59:25,330 --> 00:59:30,910 ahead I think each and every one of you. The community thinks you, you're deeply appreciated 476 00:59:30,910 --> 00:59:38,570 and I'm grateful for each one of you. So with that you can raise your right hand and then say 477 00:59:38,570 --> 00:59:40,250 I state your name, 478 00:59:42,380 --> 00:59:49,300 do saw me swear, that I will support and comply with the Constitution 479 00:59:49,300 --> 00:59:51,080 of the United States of America, 480 00:59:54,070 --> 00:59:56,690 the Constitution and laws of the state of Minnesota. 481 01:00:00,000 --> 01:00:03,520 The charter, laws and ordinances of the city of Moorhead, 482 01:00:06,900 --> 01:00:09,940 the policies and procedures of the Moorhead Police Department, 483 01:00:13,240 --> 01:00:15,060 and the law enforcement code of ethics, 484 01:00:17,270 --> 01:00:26,520 and that I will faithfully discharge the duties as police officer to the best of my ability. 485 01:00:27,600 --> 01:00:29,860 I further pledge that on my honor, 486 01:00:32,260 --> 01:00:39,980 I will never betray my badge, my integrity, my character or the public trust. 487 01:00:40,820 --> 01:00:49,460 I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions. 488 01:00:50,460 --> 01:00:56,420 I will always uphold my community and the agency I serve. 489 01:00:57,520 --> 01:01:00,740 Thank you and welcome to the more police department in the city of Morhan. 490 01:03:24,200 --> 01:03:29,660 Again, congratulations to our newest officers, Wakefield Larson, McLean Hayes, Nolasco 491 01:03:29,660 --> 01:03:32,820 and Abdala, Abdabla. 492 01:03:34,260 --> 01:03:36,460 Moving on to the next item on the agenda. 493 01:03:37,420 --> 01:03:42,800 This is our truth in taxation, public comment opportunity opportunity after the presentation. 494 01:03:43,520 --> 01:03:44,660 So with this, 495 01:03:47,430 --> 01:03:50,210 I'll call up our finance director, Jennifer Flanagan. 496 01:03:50,210 --> 01:03:51,310 Good 497 01:04:03,380 --> 01:04:06,500 evening, Mayor and council members. 498 01:04:07,120 --> 01:04:12,680 Tonight I'm here to present the city in more heads 2026 budget and tax levy, as well as 499 01:04:12,680 --> 01:04:19,140 the economic development authorities, 2026 budget and tax levy, the EDA board reviewed and 500 01:04:19,140 --> 01:04:23,580 recommended approval of its final budget and tax levy on November 3rd. 501 01:04:24,460 --> 01:04:32,260 The evening's presentation will cover the following key topics, first and overview of the 502 01:04:32,260 --> 01:04:39,320 revenue sources and expenditures for 2026, a discussion of the city's market value, tax-based growth, 503 01:04:39,680 --> 01:04:46,420 tax rate history, and the proposed tax rate for 2026. We'll also cover tax impact on residential 504 01:04:46,420 --> 01:04:51,500 and commercial properties and then finally a brief look at the city's capital improvement plan. 505 01:04:53,140 --> 01:04:57,120 Each year as we prepare the budget, there are four key principles really guiding the process. 506 01:04:57,120 --> 01:05:09,560 Number one is collaboration with city council or executive leadership team and the various city departments to community service ensuring the city delivers high quality services to its residents 507 01:05:10,070 --> 01:05:21,860 Three employees support fostering work life balance employee engagement and well-being and finally fiscal responsibility developing a balanced budget to manage the city operations effectively. 508 01:05:23,260 --> 01:05:30,180 During the budget process, 4 main priorities emerged, employee wages and benefits, the wastewater 509 01:05:30,180 --> 01:05:34,420 utility, community and economic development, and public safety staffing. 510 01:05:36,790 --> 01:05:41,910 We'll begin with the city's estimated market value growth. 511 01:05:42,710 --> 01:05:49,230 The estimated market total market value for taxes payable in 2026 is approximately 4.3 billion 512 01:05:49,230 --> 01:05:57,750 reflecting a 5.04 increase over the prior year of the over $208 million increase in market value 513 01:05:57,750 --> 01:06:02,570 approximately 36% is the result of new construction within the city. 514 01:06:06,320 --> 01:06:07,340 The taxable market values 515 01:06:07,340 --> 01:06:14,080 are then converted to tax capacity and this then allows us to have an understanding of how much additional 516 01:06:14,080 --> 01:06:19,780 tax property tax revenue the city would be able to generate due to the new construction and added value. 517 01:06:19,780 --> 01:06:26,220 The property tax revenue estimated to be generated from the growth and construction is about 1.34 million. 518 01:06:29,010 --> 01:06:33,170 The process for balancing the budget begins by estimating both the revenues and expenditures. 519 01:06:33,610 --> 01:06:42,730 If revenues and exceed the expenditures, then the difference must be discussed and talks through different funding sources to then fill that funding gap. 520 01:06:42,730 --> 01:06:51,730 The proposed revenue for the general fund and park fund for 2026 totals $46,336,796. 521 01:06:54,310 --> 01:07:03,030 There are four main categories of funding in these two funds, property taxes, transfers from the utilities, local government aid, 522 01:07:03,450 --> 01:07:10,210 and then in other sources, which includes such things as fees, intergovernmental revenue, franchise fees, and miscellaneous income. 523 01:07:11,090 --> 01:07:16,990 Property taxes, the transfers from utilities and local government aid, make up about 83% of the total. 524 01:07:18,090 --> 01:07:26,130 This year, the property taxes will come in at about 20.5 million, transfers from utilities at 9.7 million, 525 01:07:26,510 --> 01:07:33,750 local government aid at 8.3 million and other sources coming in at about 7.7 million. 526 01:07:36,150 --> 01:07:41,770 The proposed expenditures for the General and Park funds are also totaled that 46.3 million. 527 01:07:42,630 --> 01:07:50,850 This includes funding for the following eight areas, police, 14.4 million, fire, 7.7 million, 528 01:07:51,670 --> 01:07:59,280 administration, 7.1 million, public works, 6 million, parks and recreation, 2.9 million, 529 01:07:59,280 --> 01:08:09,780 Engineering, 3.9 million, community development, 2.7 million, and governmental fairs, legal and prosecution, 1.9 million. 530 01:08:10,680 --> 01:08:19,560 A couple items to note, the two public safety departments of police and fire make up about 47% of the general and park fund budgets. 531 01:08:20,540 --> 01:08:27,600 And then additionally, the employee wages and benefits account for approximately 71% of the total expenditures of these two funds. 532 01:08:30,710 --> 01:08:36,930 The 2026 budget is increasing by approximately $3.1 million from the prior year. 533 01:08:37,470 --> 01:08:44,450 Of that 3.1 million, 2.7 million or 87% is related to employee wages and benefits. 534 01:08:45,170 --> 01:08:50,930 This includes step increases for permanent employees, health insurance adjustments, the addition 535 01:08:50,930 --> 01:08:56,390 of Minnesota paid leave, and a cost of living adjustment as outlined in union agreements. 536 01:08:56,390 --> 01:09:01,830 Additionally, three new firefighter positions are being funded in the 2026 budget. 537 01:09:03,270 --> 01:09:09,890 Other notable increases include $276,000 increase in IT, equipment, and software 538 01:09:09,890 --> 01:09:17,230 subscriptions, about $78,000 going towards the Red River Regional Dispatch Center operations, 539 01:09:18,190 --> 01:09:22,590 and a little over $50,000 increase towards city fleet and equipment replacement. 540 01:09:22,590 --> 01:09:34,090 In order to fund the proposed expenditures, an increase in the city level of 2,362,763 dollars is needed. 541 01:09:34,990 --> 01:09:53,610 This increase will cover about 15.9 million in funding for the general fund, 4.4 million for the park fund, 305,000 for the make more at home, rebate program, 1.2 million for the more head public library, and 4.8 million for debt service on the city's infrastructure bonds. 542 01:09:54,510 --> 01:10:04,270 The Economic Development Authority's proposed levies $789,857, which was approved by the EDA Board in November. 543 01:10:07,320 --> 01:10:17,980 At the September 22nd Council meeting, the preliminary budget approved included an estimated tax rate increase of 5.58%. 544 01:10:17,980 --> 01:10:24,080 Following Council's direction and various meetings, the direction given was to reduce that amount. 545 01:10:24,080 --> 01:10:34,080 After several adjustments were made, and as a result, the final budget presented for approval tonight reflects an estimated tax rate increase of 3.89%. 546 01:10:37,430 --> 01:10:46,610 Historically, from about 2019 to 2025, the city has experienced an average tax rate increase of 3.24%. 547 01:10:49,910 --> 01:10:52,750 As noted, the proposed 2020-6 tax-level 548 01:10:52,750 --> 01:10:56,870 translate to an estimated tax rate increase of 3.89% 549 01:10:56,870 --> 01:10:58,950 for the commercial and industrial properties, 550 01:10:59,470 --> 01:11:01,610 border cities legislation actually caps 551 01:11:01,610 --> 01:11:04,130 the property tax obligation for those properties 552 01:11:04,130 --> 01:11:06,770 at 1.6% of taxable market value. 553 01:11:07,430 --> 01:11:10,030 So these properties will only see a change in property tax 554 01:11:10,030 --> 01:11:12,410 if there's an increase or decrease in market value. 555 01:11:13,730 --> 01:11:14,910 For residential properties, 556 01:11:14,910 --> 01:11:22,070 the median home valued in more head of 247,700 would see an estimated monthly increase 557 01:11:22,070 --> 01:11:28,050 about seven dollars and 24 cents. Please note that this amount could also be impacted by any 558 01:11:28,050 --> 01:11:30,190 market value changes in those properties. 559 01:11:33,020 --> 01:11:37,100 The 2026 capital improvement budget for the city totals 89 560 01:11:37,100 --> 01:11:43,840 million 332, 872 dollars. There's a strong focus on essential infrastructure and capital 561 01:11:43,840 --> 01:11:50,440 equipment replacements. Notably 93% of the capital budget is allocated across three key areas. 562 01:11:50,860 --> 01:11:55,860 There's 39.2 million dedicated to a range of infrastructure projects across the city 563 01:11:55,860 --> 01:12:02,600 that are led by our city engineering department. 42, 41.2 million for wastewater treatment facility 564 01:12:02,600 --> 01:12:08,200 and lift station improvement project and approximately 3.3 million for the replacement of vehicles 565 01:12:08,200 --> 01:12:09,280 and equipment. 566 01:12:12,070 --> 01:12:15,870 In summary, the proposed changes related to property taxes as well as 567 01:12:16,410 --> 01:12:21,450 utility rate adjustments of our four enterprise funds results in an estimated monthly cost 568 01:12:21,450 --> 01:12:26,230 increase of about $11.90 for a median home value. 569 01:12:28,310 --> 01:12:30,330 With that, I just like to express my thanks 570 01:12:30,330 --> 01:12:35,350 to the City Council, Mayor, the executive leadership team and of course our finance department 571 01:12:35,350 --> 01:12:39,930 and all the other departments of the city for their work on this budget process. It is a long 572 01:12:39,930 --> 01:12:44,810 process, spanning many months throughout the year, we really never stopped the budget process 573 01:12:44,810 --> 01:12:45,550 here at the city. 574 01:12:46,070 --> 01:12:49,550 So I just want to thank everybody for the collaboration throughout this process. 575 01:12:49,890 --> 01:12:50,950 Happy to answer any questions. 576 01:12:52,010 --> 01:12:52,410 Thank you, Jenna. 577 01:12:52,690 --> 01:12:59,090 Thank you for your tireless work in adjusting the budget multiple times. 578 01:12:59,650 --> 01:13:02,010 I know that the last five years I've been there. 579 01:13:02,010 --> 01:13:07,410 I don't think the finance department has to go back with pencil and paper as many times as you guys did this year. 580 01:13:07,410 --> 01:13:12,170 So thank you for that and a lot of appreciation gratitude. 581 01:13:14,270 --> 01:13:16,510 This is a public comment opportunity 582 01:13:16,510 --> 01:13:17,950 after this presentation. 583 01:13:18,250 --> 01:13:20,170 If there's members of the public who wish to speak 584 01:13:20,170 --> 01:13:23,530 to the truth and taxation component of the budget 585 01:13:23,530 --> 01:13:26,410 and tax levies, this would now be the opportunity to do so. 586 01:13:28,930 --> 01:13:32,530 I believe we have one person who wanted to speak in regards 587 01:13:32,530 --> 01:13:37,650 to the budget, Chris Piper. 588 01:13:38,850 --> 01:13:44,710 Okay, all right, and to this the same way, you'll have your three minutes. 589 01:13:45,450 --> 01:13:50,110 It'll be green, and if you can state your name, and if you're a resident of more headplace. 590 01:13:53,720 --> 01:13:54,380 Good evening. 591 01:13:55,100 --> 01:13:57,220 Mayor Carlson, council members, and city administrators. 592 01:13:58,160 --> 01:13:59,020 My name is Chris Piper. 593 01:13:59,420 --> 01:14:04,360 I've been a more head resident for 17 years, and I currently live with my wife in Ward 4. 594 01:14:05,300 --> 01:14:19,360 I'm here tonight to speak to the council and support of more head hiring three operations firefighters and 2020 in the 2026 budget and hiring three more operations firefighters in 2026 if the federal safer grant is awarded to more head. 595 01:14:20,180 --> 01:14:25,500 I'm here today as a more head resident but I also have 25 years experience in a full time fire department. 596 01:14:25,500 --> 01:14:31,120 I'd like to thank more Head City Council members, Mayor Carlson, Finance Director of Flanagan, 597 01:14:31,760 --> 01:14:35,580 and City Manager Molly on working together last week, presenting a plan tonight 598 01:14:35,580 --> 01:14:39,420 that hires three operations firefighters in 2026 budget. 599 01:14:40,040 --> 01:14:45,700 And three more operations firefighters in 2026 have more head is awarded the federal 600 01:14:45,700 --> 01:14:51,980 safer grant. This is government working to sport public safety and reduce the 2026 tax 601 01:14:53,000 --> 01:14:58,980 to the more headfire fighters, I say thank you, my wife, thanks you. 602 01:15:00,000 --> 01:15:12,160 To understand something, these men will give their life for you. We owe it to these firefighters and their families to support them with the equipment and staffing to do their job safely as possible. 603 01:15:13,100 --> 01:15:26,480 The personal protective equipment and the fire trucks more head purchases meet NFPA standards. Why then would more head not work more closely to meet NFPA standards 1710, the standard on career fire departments. 604 01:15:27,300 --> 01:15:37,480 And if PA standard 1710 is an internationally recognized standard developed in cooperation between the international association of firefighters and their national association of fire chiefs. 605 01:15:37,780 --> 01:15:45,280 The standard is based in science, research, or how many firefighters are needed to quickly distinguish fires and rescue anyone trapped. 606 01:15:46,340 --> 01:15:47,260 Councilmember Moore. 607 01:15:48,380 --> 01:15:54,400 Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing the personal experience of more head firefighter saving your father's life during a medical emergency. 608 01:15:55,300 --> 01:15:59,880 Your story illustrates the value of more head firefighters arriving on scene quickly. 609 01:16:00,700 --> 01:16:03,700 As more headfire, as more head is grown, so as the call volume, 610 01:16:03,900 --> 01:16:07,980 straining more headfire departments, most valuable resources, it's firefighters. 611 01:16:08,980 --> 01:16:14,020 Reliant on calling back off duty more head firefighters, mutual aid responses from volunteer 612 01:16:14,020 --> 01:16:19,980 departments or at full-time department is not adequate staffing and deployment of resources. 613 01:16:19,980 --> 01:16:25,740 The National Fire Protection Agency is served by thousands of experts developing standards. 614 01:16:27,240 --> 01:16:32,240 The International Association of Firefighting using industry standards contained in NFPA standards 615 01:16:33,540 --> 01:16:39,440 15710 provided a report to the city outlying the staff's necessary to meet industry standards for staffing 616 01:16:39,440 --> 01:16:41,180 and deployment of resources. 617 01:16:41,980 --> 01:16:46,280 The NFPA are the experts on staffing and deployment of fire department resources. 618 01:16:47,540 --> 01:16:54,260 DIAF report used geographic information systems mapping software and examined historical computer-aided dispatched 619 01:16:54,260 --> 01:16:59,360 data. Performance and response capabilities were assessed based on industry standards contained 620 01:16:59,360 --> 01:17:06,400 in NFPA 15710. NFPA standards 1710 is supported by the International Association of 621 01:17:06,400 --> 01:17:13,180 Fire Chiefs. And the IAF. The report is clear. More head needs more firefighters to staff 622 01:17:13,180 --> 01:17:17,100 it's current apparatus inventory and more head needs a third-fire station. 623 01:17:18,040 --> 01:17:24,020 City administrators need to develop and communicate the plan for a third-staffed fire station 624 01:17:24,020 --> 01:17:25,380 and more head. 625 01:17:26,140 --> 01:17:30,820 Consumembers, all eight of you are on the record saying you support firefighters agreeing 626 01:17:30,820 --> 01:17:32,540 that more head needs more firefighters. 627 01:17:34,100 --> 01:17:39,880 Show your support for firefighters by voting unanimously to pass a 2026 budget that includes 628 01:17:39,880 --> 01:17:41,200 the hiring of three firefighters. 629 01:17:41,500 --> 01:17:42,180 Thank you. 630 01:17:42,180 --> 01:17:43,380 Thank you. 631 01:17:50,840 --> 01:18:00,060 And I was also told by our city clerk that there is another individual who is too speak to the truth and taxation tax levied and budget 632 01:18:02,580 --> 01:18:06,840 is another individual who wishes to speak. All right. Thank you. 633 01:18:06,840 --> 01:18:12,660 When I come up, state your name, your resident, where had I, I'm a resident of more 634 01:18:12,660 --> 01:18:22,140 head and my name is Guadalupe Santoya, I had an incident about I would say 635 01:18:22,140 --> 01:18:28,940 four years ago and my baby girl was choking and this is when I was living 636 01:18:28,940 --> 01:18:53,240 across the street from Park Christian school and all the first responders responded very quickly and was able to get to my baby girl in time and August of 28 last year I had a house fire. 637 01:18:53,240 --> 01:19:04,180 and my 12 year old ended up jumping out from the second story and he's okay. He's good. 638 01:19:04,560 --> 01:19:10,880 He's doing phenomenal in school now. I'm so proud of him. 639 01:19:10,900 --> 01:19:21,060 I'm gonna find out the first truck got out there 13 minutes and the second one got out there about 15 minutes. 640 01:19:23,220 --> 01:19:23,980 And 641 01:19:26,510 --> 01:19:37,930 I know the response times should be within four to five minutes, and I just keep thinking 642 01:19:37,930 --> 01:19:43,310 to myself, what could I have, what could I have, what could I have been saved? 643 01:19:43,950 --> 01:19:45,890 I don't have anything anymore. 644 01:19:48,190 --> 01:19:54,670 I'm very grateful that my little one, my 12-year-old made it, very thankful, 645 01:19:56,710 --> 01:19:57,390 but now I just, 646 01:19:57,570 --> 01:20:06,310 I don't have any of my belongings, personals, my wedding stuff, stuff that I had from college. 647 01:20:07,610 --> 01:20:25,410 I don't have it anymore, I lost it all and I just find it very, very important for these guys to get more staff and another building so that way no one experiences what I experienced. 648 01:20:25,410 --> 01:20:32,270 My wife took out took off a year to take care of a lot of the bayhine, the scene stuff. 649 01:20:33,270 --> 01:20:36,470 Some of my kids had to go into therapy because of our experience. 650 01:20:39,230 --> 01:20:40,790 And this is my hometown. 651 01:20:42,030 --> 01:20:43,850 I graduated here. 652 01:20:44,170 --> 01:20:46,830 I remember about horizon and middle school. 653 01:20:47,210 --> 01:20:48,150 Didn't look like anything. 654 01:20:48,150 --> 01:20:48,810 It looks now. 655 01:20:48,990 --> 01:20:49,750 It's only expanding. 656 01:20:49,930 --> 01:20:51,370 Same thing with the high school. 657 01:20:53,710 --> 01:20:59,110 and these guys should grow with the two you guys should get them some more employees and some more 658 01:20:59,110 --> 01:21:05,570 fire stations I think it only makes sense for our community expanding because I don't 659 01:21:05,570 --> 01:21:11,090 wish this upon anybody I feel like my life is still on pause until December 31st when 660 01:21:11,090 --> 01:21:19,150 I get to move back in and um very grateful for all these guys over here so thank you so 661 01:21:19,150 --> 01:21:20,290 much for responding. 662 01:21:22,770 --> 01:21:27,170 Even though I lost it all, it was just nice and fire fires out there 663 01:21:27,170 --> 01:21:34,130 putting it out within all of the first responders to help out my 12-year-old boy and, um, 664 01:21:36,310 --> 01:21:40,010 yeah, that's how that's say. Thank you. 665 01:21:51,210 --> 01:21:54,590 Thank you for both of you for coming and speaking and 666 01:21:54,590 --> 01:22:00,490 specifically for you Guadalupe for sharing. But I could tell it was a very hard story for you to share. 667 01:22:02,270 --> 01:22:08,810 And I think Mr. Piper talked about the fact that every single one of these council members of myself included 668 01:22:08,810 --> 01:22:11,650 have us talked about that we do supports a public safety. 669 01:22:12,270 --> 01:22:18,770 It is a very delicate balance we would love to give the firefighter, the firefighter department, all of the employees that they want. 670 01:22:18,950 --> 01:22:22,250 We'd like to get the police officers department while they want. 671 01:22:22,630 --> 01:22:30,650 We heard from our assistant or assistant city manager that we have members of our prosecution staff that go on vacation. 672 01:22:30,650 --> 01:22:32,690 and they don't even put them for the vacation 673 01:22:32,690 --> 01:22:34,950 until they get back because often times 674 01:22:34,950 --> 01:22:37,710 that they are having to call in and work 675 01:22:37,710 --> 01:22:39,230 on their vacation time. 676 01:22:39,930 --> 01:22:42,190 Our public work staff needs more employees 677 01:22:42,190 --> 01:22:46,130 every single one of our departments need employees. 678 01:22:47,430 --> 01:22:50,450 And we are working on a process 679 01:22:50,970 --> 01:22:53,410 that is very similar to our capital improvement project 680 01:22:53,410 --> 01:22:57,310 that it's gonna be a staffing or capital improvement plan. 681 01:22:57,830 --> 01:22:59,670 It will be a staffing plan 682 01:22:59,670 --> 01:23:05,410 so that every department knows when staff will be coming on board for each of the departments. 683 01:23:06,350 --> 01:23:12,190 The challenge this year in particular has been understanding what our community has also 684 01:23:12,190 --> 01:23:13,090 been going through. 685 01:23:13,530 --> 01:23:18,710 We just heard from several of the members of our human rights award members who are doing 686 01:23:18,710 --> 01:23:24,830 all sorts of work on behalf of the public that is struggling this year. 687 01:23:24,830 --> 01:23:31,090 I was just at Slamberland this morning, they were giving out home beds to program that Slamberland 688 01:23:31,090 --> 01:23:37,530 does every single year giving out beds to kids, this year they gave out 63 beds, 42 of those 689 01:23:37,530 --> 01:23:43,190 beds were in more head. For people who didn't have beds, kids who didn't have beds and they said 690 01:23:43,190 --> 01:23:49,290 that this year, they received more applications and they had any other year. We're constantly hearing 691 01:23:49,290 --> 01:23:56,350 from our homeless shelters that we need housing where you're constantly hearing from our food, 692 01:23:57,110 --> 01:24:01,630 food banks that they need more, that this year has been the worst ever. 693 01:24:02,690 --> 01:24:08,070 And we can't be toned off to that, that there are members in our community that are struggling 694 01:24:08,070 --> 01:24:15,870 paycheck to paycheck and balancing putting a huge tax burden on them with hiring as many people as 695 01:24:15,870 --> 01:24:23,110 possible. It's a very, very fine needle that we had to thread. And the years that I've 696 01:24:23,110 --> 01:24:29,830 been mayor, I will say that this year has been the hardest year to come to a budget because 697 01:24:29,830 --> 01:24:35,190 balancing those needs and wants. You want to give departments everything that they want 698 01:24:35,190 --> 01:24:39,790 and desire, but you also have to be cognizant and not be toned up to what is actually happening 699 01:24:39,790 --> 01:24:45,850 in our communities. So thank you for everyone who has worked really, really, really hard 700 01:24:45,850 --> 01:24:56,770 and in particular a finance department who had to do a lot of extra work this year to go back and try to figure out what the budget could be if it's this percentage. 701 01:24:57,010 --> 01:25:00,690 What is it that per cent percentage? That's how our governance structure is. 702 01:25:00,950 --> 01:25:09,110 We set what the tax rate is and it's the staff that do the operations as far as figuring out what needs what you know how the money gets moved around. 703 01:25:09,110 --> 01:25:13,810 So with that, I just appreciate everybody who is here. 704 01:25:14,730 --> 01:25:20,930 I will say, again, this is also the first year that we've even really had anybody in the audience for our budget meeting. 705 01:25:22,630 --> 01:25:26,330 So moving on to six A for the number 24th, 706 01:25:26,730 --> 01:25:27,370 2025 meeting minister. 707 01:25:27,370 --> 01:25:29,270 I have a motion to approve the meeting minutes. 708 01:25:30,050 --> 01:25:31,010 Some move to the next. 709 01:25:32,470 --> 01:25:32,910 Second. 710 01:25:33,450 --> 01:25:35,870 motion in a second. Any discussion? 711 01:25:36,910 --> 01:25:38,990 Seeing none, uh, roll call vote please. 712 01:25:39,730 --> 01:25:40,510 Nelson? Aye. 713 01:25:40,610 --> 01:25:42,170 Nice to meet you. 714 01:25:42,170 --> 01:25:42,530 Yes. 715 01:25:42,850 --> 01:25:44,330 More? Yes. White? 716 01:25:45,230 --> 01:25:46,410 McDougall? Aye. 717 01:25:46,690 --> 01:25:47,670 Oregon? Yes. 718 01:25:47,970 --> 01:25:48,450 Hendrickson? 719 01:25:48,530 --> 01:25:48,870 All right. 720 01:25:49,010 --> 01:25:50,110 Madison? Yes. 721 01:25:50,790 --> 01:25:51,730 Okay, that motion carries. 722 01:25:52,330 --> 01:25:54,790 We do not have any other citizens who wish to address 723 01:25:54,790 --> 01:25:56,410 a council at this time. 724 01:25:56,710 --> 01:25:57,910 Moving on to aid a. 725 01:25:57,910 --> 01:26:00,050 This is a resolution to improve mayoral 726 01:26:00,050 --> 01:26:04,570 appointments to committees boards and commissions, and I will turn this over to City Manager 727 01:26:04,570 --> 01:26:05,290 Mellie. 728 01:26:07,650 --> 01:26:11,650 Well, our ordinance requires when it's a mayoral appointment that we have a roll call vote 729 01:26:11,650 --> 01:26:14,010 and it must be unanimously approved. 730 01:26:15,050 --> 01:26:17,270 With that, the information is in your packet. 731 01:26:18,530 --> 01:26:22,470 So your motion to approve the mayoral appointments to the committees boards and commissions. 732 01:26:23,230 --> 01:26:23,710 Come on. 733 01:26:24,410 --> 01:26:24,630 Second. 734 01:26:25,090 --> 01:26:25,890 Motion on the second. 735 01:26:26,030 --> 01:26:26,610 Any discussion? 736 01:26:27,830 --> 01:26:29,970 Seeing none, roll call vote, please. 737 01:26:30,370 --> 01:26:30,530 White? 738 01:26:31,690 --> 01:26:32,110 Borgon? 739 01:26:32,370 --> 01:26:32,490 Yes. 740 01:26:32,770 --> 01:26:33,370 McDougo? 741 01:26:33,670 --> 01:26:33,930 Aye. 742 01:26:34,190 --> 01:26:34,710 Hendrickson? 743 01:26:34,890 --> 01:26:35,130 Aye. 744 01:26:35,430 --> 01:26:35,750 Nelson? 745 01:26:40,750 --> 01:26:41,070 Yes. 746 01:26:42,030 --> 01:26:44,170 And that motion passes as well. 747 01:26:50,520 --> 01:26:50,760 Okay? 748 01:26:51,000 --> 01:26:57,020 We are now down to 18A and 18B, so 18A is a resolution to prove the city of 749 01:26:57,020 --> 01:27:00,260 26 tax-living budget and capital improvement plan. 750 01:27:00,580 --> 01:27:02,800 Is there a motion to approve? 751 01:27:03,220 --> 01:27:03,780 So moved. 752 01:27:04,040 --> 01:27:04,380 Second. 753 01:27:05,000 --> 01:27:05,820 Motion in the second. 754 01:27:05,960 --> 01:27:06,500 Any discussion? 755 01:27:07,180 --> 01:27:07,920 Consmember Wait. 756 01:27:09,040 --> 01:27:09,540 Thank you, Mayor. 757 01:27:10,800 --> 01:27:16,040 I also wanted to take a moment to thank our staff, but particularly, I mean, we have the best 758 01:27:16,040 --> 01:27:17,800 staff around it. 759 01:27:18,060 --> 01:27:23,160 But particularly, finance director, Jenna Kuffland again, as the mayor mentioned, this has 760 01:27:23,160 --> 01:27:24,920 been a difficult budget year. 761 01:27:24,920 --> 01:27:32,080 and she's put in so much hard work on this really working at getting something that reflects 762 01:27:32,080 --> 01:27:38,520 the values that we as a council have expressed and also what the citizens of more have 763 01:27:38,520 --> 01:27:44,660 had been asking for. All year we've been hearing from people who wanted to make sure that we 764 01:27:44,660 --> 01:27:50,720 were supporting our fire departments and I know you know we have been hosting these conversations 765 01:27:50,720 --> 01:27:56,540 with Council members events in the community and I think about the very first one that we had this year 766 01:27:56,540 --> 01:28:01,840 and the very first guy who got up, you know, who raised his hand to ask a question, 767 01:28:02,440 --> 01:28:06,960 wanted to know what we were going to do to support our more-head fire department. 768 01:28:08,220 --> 01:28:16,620 And I haven't been on as long as Council member Hendrickson, but I know we haven't added any 769 01:28:16,620 --> 01:28:23,160 since I've been on here and I think he would say yeah, it's even been quite a bit longer than that. 770 01:28:23,820 --> 01:28:33,440 And so we know that all of our city staff runs a really tight ship and works on a very lean budget. 771 01:28:34,180 --> 01:28:41,040 But I know our fire department has put their needs ahead of other needs for a very long time. 772 01:28:41,040 --> 01:28:45,320 And we heard from a lot of citizens that enough is enough. 773 01:28:45,520 --> 01:28:50,440 We really need to make sure that we are supporting our public safety workers. 774 01:28:50,840 --> 01:28:57,120 At the same time, as I mentioned, we also hear from people every day that are concerned 775 01:28:57,120 --> 01:29:01,720 about rising property tax burdens and the impact that it will have on their family. 776 01:29:03,080 --> 01:29:08,200 So in the end, it took a lot of work, but our budget really reflects what we value. 777 01:29:08,200 --> 01:29:14,440 and I feel as though we have been able to listen to our community and work on a budget that really 778 01:29:14,440 --> 01:29:20,100 reflects those values that we as a council have expressed and also that our citizens have expressed. 779 01:29:20,800 --> 01:29:28,060 So, I do support this. I am glad that we were able to get our property tax increase as low as possible 780 01:29:28,060 --> 01:29:35,100 but not at the expense of our firefighters. And I want to thank the citizens who shared their input. 781 01:29:35,100 --> 01:29:40,940 We hear you and I'm happy that we were able to come up with a budget that balances those concerns. 782 01:29:42,020 --> 01:29:42,980 Thank you. 783 01:29:45,570 --> 01:29:46,070 Thank you. 784 01:29:46,210 --> 01:29:46,990 Any other council members? 785 01:29:47,150 --> 01:29:48,190 Council member Hendickson. 786 01:29:48,430 --> 01:29:48,830 Thank you. 787 01:29:49,170 --> 01:29:49,950 Thank you. 788 01:29:49,950 --> 01:29:52,470 Just want to echo what council member White said. 789 01:29:52,590 --> 01:29:56,390 Thank you, Jennifer and Dan and Mike and the rest of the directors. 790 01:29:57,190 --> 01:29:57,550 Great job. 791 01:29:58,390 --> 01:29:59,970 I've been through some tough budgets. 792 01:30:00,000 --> 01:30:13,720 Like those in my life, but this is probably the top of them so. And we got it under 5% and that's what I was striving for and actually under four. So just appreciate all the hard work and thank you very much. 793 01:30:14,700 --> 01:30:16,060 Council member Nesmaire. 794 01:30:19,280 --> 01:30:31,540 Thank you Madam Mayor. I too want to appreciate the hard work that went into this process. There was a lot of information. There was a lot of number crunching. 795 01:30:31,540 --> 01:30:50,560 I also appreciate the communication among leadership, staff, residents, and it is difficult to always sort of take in feedback and it's difficult because it's time consuming and it's difficult to balance. 796 01:30:50,560 --> 01:30:57,300 but I want to appreciate all of that process that we went through. I think that we got to 797 01:30:57,300 --> 01:31:03,380 something that is good. I also want to mention this budget, although it was not, I do not believe 798 01:31:03,380 --> 01:31:09,520 media missed it in finance director Flanagan's presentation. It has been built in to our budget 799 01:31:09,520 --> 01:31:20,540 to have the safer grant. It is not guaranteed that in 2026, the city would apply for the 800 01:31:20,540 --> 01:31:28,260 cash balance allowance to pay for safer grant additions of firefighters should that opportunity 801 01:31:28,260 --> 01:31:35,260 arise in 2026. There are a lot of things we don't know in the coming year of 2026. But I appreciate 802 01:31:35,260 --> 01:31:40,390 the work that was done. Oh, no, thank you. I appreciate the work that was done to 803 01:31:41,140 --> 01:31:47,980 make that a possibility to not only have three professional firefighters added at the beginning of the year 804 01:31:47,980 --> 01:31:54,360 because we haven't made, but also have that opportunity to excuse me, apply for the safer grant, 805 01:31:54,480 --> 01:31:56,100 should it be a possibility? 806 01:31:59,380 --> 01:32:02,440 Your dog can be part of the council meeting too, you know, so 807 01:32:02,440 --> 01:32:08,960 very cute. Any other council members who contribute to the discussion? 808 01:32:08,960 --> 01:32:15,360 see none if not roll call vote please white yes board again yes 809 01:32:15,360 --> 01:32:24,260 McDougall I Hendrickson Nelson I Mattson yes niece of my year yes more yes 810 01:32:24,260 --> 01:32:31,080 that motion passes moving on to 18b this would be the resolution to prove 811 01:32:31,080 --> 01:32:35,520 the more head economic development authority 2026 tax levian budget I motion to 812 01:32:35,520 --> 01:32:36,460 So move. 813 01:32:36,800 --> 01:32:37,000 So move. 814 01:32:37,220 --> 01:32:37,620 Me, Samaya. 815 01:32:37,880 --> 01:32:39,540 Oh, too many of us on the ball. 816 01:32:42,700 --> 01:32:45,020 So I heard all three of you simultaneously. 817 01:32:45,480 --> 01:32:51,220 So I'm just going to go Hendrix and then Matzen and you were a second delayed there, 818 01:32:51,280 --> 01:32:51,360 Heather. 819 01:32:51,860 --> 01:32:53,140 So it comes from Bernie, Samaya. 820 01:32:53,860 --> 01:32:57,100 So Hendrix and with motion, Matzen with the second in a discussion. 821 01:33:00,100 --> 01:33:01,760 See none, roll call vote, please. 822 01:33:02,080 --> 01:33:02,520 McDougall. 823 01:33:02,940 --> 01:33:03,340 All right. 824 01:33:03,340 --> 01:33:04,940 Hendrix and Nelson. 825 01:33:05,420 --> 01:33:05,560 Hi. 826 01:33:05,840 --> 01:33:07,180 Nice to meet you. 827 01:33:07,380 --> 01:33:07,620 Yes. 828 01:33:08,000 --> 01:33:08,480 Matzen. 829 01:33:08,780 --> 01:33:08,860 Yes. 830 01:33:08,860 --> 01:33:12,280 White, yes, more. Yes, Morgan. Yes. 831 01:33:13,560 --> 01:33:21,900 Right. And that motion passes as well. Right. Moving on to mayor and council reports. Are there any council members who have reports from boards or commissions? 832 01:33:22,560 --> 01:33:23,320 Council member and also. 833 01:33:24,480 --> 01:33:25,900 Nice to be here. 834 01:33:28,620 --> 01:33:40,880 Thank you, Madam Mayor. I would like to begin on reporting that more head housing agency. The more head public housing group met just a week ago and the feedback from our audit for 2025. 835 01:33:40,880 --> 01:33:45,500 was successful. There were no issues. If people would like to hear the official audit report, 836 01:33:45,980 --> 01:33:53,240 they can attend our regularly scheduled meeting in Tuesday, or in December on Tuesday to get that 837 01:33:53,240 --> 01:34:01,880 full report from our auditors that we hire for that process. Also, there has been some residents at 838 01:34:01,880 --> 01:34:09,300 Riverview Heights address 800 second avenue north trying to gather together household items. 839 01:34:10,740 --> 01:34:15,940 Those who are housed in our more head public housing units are the most difficult to house. 840 01:34:16,580 --> 01:34:21,600 And seeing that residents themselves are stepping forward and asking for donations for household 841 01:34:21,600 --> 01:34:29,920 items, cleaning supplies, blankets, pillows, things that you may not notice. I know Mayor 842 01:34:29,920 --> 01:34:58,220 Carlson just mentioned, a number of beds going to youth in our community, these are things that those who get housing don't necessarily have. And so if you are in the giving mood this season, please consider dropping them by with Ashley the resources staff at the Riverview Heights high rise or leave them with Helen and give her my apologies that I sent you there with this opportunity. 843 01:34:58,220 --> 01:35:07,240 The solid waste advisory council is meeting on Thursday, December 18th, and I'd like to welcome everybody to visit. 844 01:35:08,320 --> 01:35:15,820 We meet at the Resource Recovery Center, and we will be going over as promised, and I mentioned our last council meeting. 845 01:35:16,240 --> 01:35:27,920 We got the trash counts for our local trash count in Clay County, but what we do have in the future is to get trash counts for what people are throwing away 846 01:35:27,920 --> 01:35:34,760 from our incinerator in Perum. And again, that incinerator is a five-county collaborative for 847 01:35:34,760 --> 01:35:43,360 lakes and prairies that enable us to save units in our landfills by burning trash and burning them 848 01:35:43,360 --> 01:35:51,260 so hot that there is no PFAS or anything left but ash. More on ash use next month. We also at the 849 01:35:51,260 --> 01:35:57,360 resource recovery center have the reuse room. If you are looking for items for gifts or a home, 850 01:35:57,360 --> 01:36:02,600 Remember to step by the reuse room that is open at the Resource Recovery Center. 851 01:36:02,760 --> 01:36:08,220 You are limited to five items per day, but there are a lot of wonderful, beautiful pieces of furniture, 852 01:36:08,980 --> 01:36:15,320 games, puzzles, cooking gear, a lot of stuff that is saved from going in the landfill and 853 01:36:15,320 --> 01:36:22,200 put to reuse for any member of our community whose has need of them. Also, the Clay County 854 01:36:22,200 --> 01:36:38,040 Extension Committee is meeting this Friday, December 12th at 815 am in room 8. I encourage you to join us and learn about all of the wonderful work that the Clay County Extension Committee is doing. Also, I would like to as I mentioned at last meeting. 855 01:36:38,040 --> 01:36:43,820 And we have openings for anybody who lives in Clay County to join us on the Clay County Extension Committee. 856 01:36:44,420 --> 01:36:52,860 So please, if you would like to apply, we meet every other month at 815 either Wednesdays or Fridays, depending on schedules of folks. 857 01:36:53,220 --> 01:36:57,360 And so we would love to have people join us on that committee. 858 01:36:57,400 --> 01:37:05,600 And if you are interested, please feel free to reach out to myself or Cecilia Amado, who's our executive director of Clay County Extension Services. 859 01:37:06,440 --> 01:37:16,600 The more head public library, as I've mentioned it before, but just again since we tend to be in the giving mood and our weather is consistently getting colder because it's winter. 860 01:37:17,240 --> 01:37:23,980 Remember that the more head public library has a giving tree that is for hats, scarves and mittens. 861 01:37:24,240 --> 01:37:28,560 They are particularly in need of adult sized hats, mittens and scarves. 862 01:37:28,560 --> 01:37:34,460 And so if you are driving around downtown and have some extras that you are willing to share, 863 01:37:34,980 --> 01:37:40,840 the staff and more hip public library will gratefully accept them or you can adorn the tree yourself. 864 01:37:42,260 --> 01:37:48,580 My appreciation to the sworn officers and of course the friends and family who serve with them. 865 01:37:48,840 --> 01:37:55,300 I am delighted to hear that we have now a full force and we are looking to sign in more officers. 866 01:37:55,300 --> 01:38:01,200 Our public safety servants serve not only themselves, but with our friends and family as well. 867 01:38:01,320 --> 01:38:08,460 And I want to acknowledge that service as it is meaningful and very important for our community. 868 01:38:09,340 --> 01:38:15,180 I also want to appreciate the community engagement that I have been able to enjoy in 2025. 869 01:38:15,180 --> 01:38:23,600 This is the last city council meeting of 2025 and I have had wonderful conversations about road construction, trees, 870 01:38:23,860 --> 01:38:31,160 vector control, budgets, resolutions, celebration days, so many things. And I want to continue to welcome that. 871 01:38:31,580 --> 01:38:39,080 I am always accessible via email, text or phone call. People find me even in the grocery store. And while I may not be dressed, 872 01:38:39,080 --> 01:38:44,880 Like a fancy city council member, I may be in like pajamas getting the last ingredients for pancakes. 873 01:38:45,460 --> 01:38:52,420 I welcome any opportunity to engage with folks about concerns, issues or ideas in the city of warhead. 874 01:38:52,700 --> 01:38:53,480 Thank you, Madam Mayor. 875 01:38:54,480 --> 01:38:55,760 Thank you, Councilmember Niesmayer. 876 01:38:56,140 --> 01:38:57,720 Other council members. 877 01:39:00,890 --> 01:39:02,350 No other council members have reports. 878 01:39:03,450 --> 01:39:10,430 So for the mayor report, since that's council meeting, I've attended 13 meetings and or events last two weeks. 879 01:39:11,030 --> 01:39:16,270 The holiday tree lighting was one of them that I attended and got a lot of great help from some 880 01:39:16,270 --> 01:39:22,150 kiddos that helped lay the Christmas tree, but thank you to the global market was also going 881 01:39:22,150 --> 01:39:22,790 on that night. 882 01:39:23,550 --> 01:39:30,410 So, I just wanted to extend gratitude to inclusive forehead and Indigenous Association, the 883 01:39:30,410 --> 01:39:35,270 Historical Society and Cultural Society of Clay County. 884 01:39:35,270 --> 01:39:40,550 more had parks district and I'm looking at council member wait because I know I've forgotten 885 01:39:40,550 --> 01:39:47,290 one the last time when I was doing it indigenous and the immigrant development center. 886 01:39:47,590 --> 01:39:55,570 Thank you. They put on all those entities put together a very, very fun evening and it was 887 01:39:55,570 --> 01:40:04,230 packed here at the Youngcome Center. Also thank you to Matbus and the employees of Matbus. It took 888 01:40:04,230 --> 01:40:10,170 about four hours to decorate the bus that we used in the holiday light parade on Saturday night. 889 01:40:10,550 --> 01:40:16,410 It was cold. It was probably the lightest crowd that I've seen when we've done the holiday 890 01:40:16,410 --> 01:40:24,570 light parade and it was it was chilly out but we we bear the cold and come to remember 891 01:40:24,570 --> 01:40:30,230 Morgan and I and a few of the map bus employees were the only ones there but the people that 892 01:40:30,230 --> 01:40:36,150 buried the cold and came out. They got a lot of candy this year. We actually had nine 893 01:40:36,150 --> 01:40:41,590 bags left, which we never have candy left. So those people who, they got a lot and kids were 894 01:40:41,590 --> 01:40:49,470 excited. And then last but not least, I mentioned earlier this morning, part of the group at 895 01:40:49,470 --> 01:40:56,130 Slumberland Homes for the holidays is their 31st year in doing this event. Over the 31 years that 896 01:40:56,130 --> 01:41:01,330 I've done this. I've given out 1300 beds in the Fargo Morehead area. This year they had 200 897 01:41:01,330 --> 01:41:10,140 applications like I previously said 63 were granted and 42 of those beds were for kids in morehead. 898 01:41:11,110 --> 01:41:15,170 They were stunned and they said this is the most applications they've ever received. 899 01:41:16,330 --> 01:41:23,490 So thank you to not just Lumberland but to the Salvation Army who help find the families and 900 01:41:23,490 --> 01:41:30,990 It's a clumbus who go and deliver the beds, Walmart for providing the sheets, pet smart, 901 01:41:31,190 --> 01:41:40,610 for providing a sept animal for each of the kids, North Dakota elite chair, who they do, 902 01:41:40,790 --> 01:41:46,890 like the tie-dye blankets, and then specifically Shirley Hill and Barbara Hanager, who called 903 01:41:46,890 --> 01:41:51,590 a few years ago, and so they wanted to help in, so they make handmade quilts to go with 904 01:41:51,590 --> 01:41:57,970 every single bed. So just a lot of gratitude going out today for those groups that are doing 905 01:41:57,970 --> 01:42:03,310 this to make sure that there are 63 kids that are in the Fargo Morehead area that now have a 906 01:42:03,310 --> 01:42:09,570 bed to sleep on tonight. So that's all they have. Thank you Mayor. I'll just say during the holiday 907 01:42:09,570 --> 01:42:14,590 season City Hall will be closed. Christmas Eve Christmas Day and then on New Year's but 908 01:42:15,770 --> 01:42:22,430 As everyone here is well aware, we do so much more than what happens at City Hall across our city. 909 01:42:22,730 --> 01:42:29,710 So just a little gratitude to the people that, why we talked about firefighters tonight in the police department, 910 01:42:29,730 --> 01:42:34,390 people that plow snow, still pick up garbage through all those days and like. 911 01:42:35,810 --> 01:42:39,990 So just wishing everyone a happy holiday season and thanks for a great year. 912 01:42:39,990 --> 01:42:43,270 And looking forward to getting back to it, 913 01:42:43,370 --> 01:42:46,230 our next council meeting is January 12th on Monday 914 01:42:46,230 --> 01:42:49,010 as we don't meet the week of Christmas. 915 01:42:49,930 --> 01:42:50,970 Thank you. 916 01:42:51,290 --> 01:42:53,090 I think that meeting would have been January, 917 01:42:53,470 --> 01:42:55,470 I mean December 22nd, and so typically 918 01:42:55,470 --> 01:42:58,410 the second meeting in December of the council 919 01:42:58,910 --> 01:42:59,850 does not happen. 920 01:43:00,530 --> 01:43:02,230 Right, thank you, City Manager Molly. 921 01:43:02,410 --> 01:43:04,550 We do have an executive session tonight. 922 01:43:05,410 --> 01:43:07,210 So I would be looking for a motion 923 01:43:07,210 --> 01:43:14,310 to enter into a closed executive session pursuant to Minnesota Statute Section 13D.05 subdivision 924 01:43:14,310 --> 01:43:19,070 3A for the purpose of performing the city manager's annual performance evaluation. Do I have 925 01:43:19,070 --> 01:43:27,650 motion to go into closed session? Some move, Nelson. Second more. I heard Nelson and more. I know 926 01:43:27,650 --> 01:43:35,350 people were talking over there. So Nelson and more, any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor 927 01:43:35,350 --> 01:43:38,090 signify our roll call vote, please. Nelson. 928 01:43:38,430 --> 01:43:38,630 I. 929 01:43:38,850 --> 01:43:39,290 Mattson. 930 01:43:39,490 --> 01:43:39,790 Yes. 931 01:43:39,890 --> 01:43:40,510 Nice to meet you, Meyer. 932 01:43:41,290 --> 01:43:41,510 No. 933 01:43:43,170 --> 01:43:43,490 More. 934 01:43:44,350 --> 01:43:44,590 Yes. 935 01:43:44,810 --> 01:43:45,090 White. 936 01:43:45,550 --> 01:43:45,730 No. 937 01:43:48,570 --> 01:43:48,850 Morgan. 938 01:43:49,330 --> 01:43:49,630 Yes. 939 01:43:50,290 --> 01:43:50,890 Mictucle. 940 01:43:51,210 --> 01:43:51,510 Hi. 941 01:43:52,010 --> 01:43:52,470 Hendrickson. 942 01:43:52,890 --> 01:43:53,150 Yes. 943 01:43:54,430 --> 01:43:54,670 OK. 944 01:43:54,870 --> 01:43:55,870 And that motion carries. 945 01:43:55,930 --> 01:43:57,830 So we'll be going into exact session. 946 03:32:29,170 --> 03:32:37,010 All right, we are back from exact session. It is 8.51 PM. Do I have a motion to close the executive session? 947 03:32:37,490 --> 03:32:40,750 So, second, motion in a second. 948 03:32:43,170 --> 03:32:47,850 Boarding, made the motion, McDougall made the second. You need a discussion. 949 03:32:48,930 --> 03:32:51,130 Seeing none, all those in favor, signify by saying aye. 950 03:32:51,730 --> 03:32:55,090 Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries executive session as closed. 951 03:32:55,610 --> 03:32:59,390 We don't have any new business, so we are now adjourned. Thanks for it.