Committee forwards consent agenda to full council; downtown storefronts contract discussed

Vice Chair Linnae Palmisano read into the record 11 items on the consent agenda and moved the package with a recommendation for approval to the full City Council. The committee approved the motion by voice vote.

The consent package included (numbers correspond to staff read list): 1) a gift acceptance from the National Public Safety Partnership to cover travel and lodging expenses for Chief O’Hara; 2) a gift acceptance from the Minnesota section of the American Water Works Association; 3) a contract amendment with Carpool Computer Systems for case management software—an increase of $27,000, bringing the contract to a total not to exceed $664,650; 4) a $250,000 contract amendment with Pillsbury United Communities for their LEAD program services through the end of next year; 5) contracts with Metro Youth Diversion for East Lake Street and East Franklin Community Safety Ambassador Programs; 6) a contract amendment with the State of Minnesota for air-quality monitoring stations on city property; 7) a contract amendment with Kramer North America for First Avenue bridge reconstruction (Bridal reconstruction referenced in staff remarks); 8) contract extensions with various vendors for violence prevention services (extensions of 2024 contracts); 9) a contract with the Downtown Council for the Vibrant Downtown Storefronts initiative in the amount of $460,000 through March 1, 2026, with an option to extend two additional years subject to availability of funds; 10) a lease amendment with Coco for facility and meeting room space; and 11) a bid award for overlay and existing lane markings.

Council Member Cashman asked to hear more about item 9, the downtown storefronts contract. Staff explained the Downtown Council work began in 2023 with an initial $75,000 contract, continued with $400,000 in 2024, and that the 2025 contract expands technical assistance, cohorts with NEON, a downtown retail inventory tool and a GIS-based dashboard to analyze vacancies and square footage. Lisa Midagg, introduced as the Downtown Council senior director for economic development, said the downtown retail inventory dashboard is available on the Downtown Council website and that the office has engaged a broker with a list of prospects.

Cashman asked for vacancy counts and a goal for spaces to be filled; staff said they would follow up and a staff memo would be prepared. Earlier in the meeting Council Member Ellison explained to visiting students the purpose of a consent agenda and noted items placed there avoid debate.

Palmasano moved the full consent package to council with approval recommendation; the committee approved the motion by voice vote.