The meeting began with Councilmember Palmisano presenting a resolution for National Child Health and Safety Month, highlighting a significant rise in child poisonings, especially linked to cannabis. Palmisano stressed the importance of educating caregivers on safe storage practices as Minnesota has legalized adult-use cannabis. The Health Department is launching a campaign to promote responsible storage, addressing the 176% increase in cannabis poisoning reports among children under five. Kaitlyn Hansen from Hennepin Healthcare and Evelyn, a coordinator for substance abuse, reinforced the need for education and community events to mitigate these risks.

Councilmember Jenkins then marked World Children’s Day, noting the United States’ unique position as the only UN member not to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Jenkins emphasized the importance of advocating for children’s rights and supporting initiatives that uphold these values. The council also recognized Transgender Day of Remembrance, with Jenkins highlighting the violence faced by transgender and gender nonconforming individuals, particularly women of color. Jenkins shared a personal reflection on these issues, calling for community support and safety for transgender individuals.

The council’s focus shifted to a resolution observing International Employee Resource Group Day, celebrating the role of ERGs in fostering diverse and inclusive workplaces. Councilmembers expressed gratitude for ERGs’ contributions to personal and professional development, emphasizing their importance in promoting equity.

The meeting also addressed a coordinated response to a shooting incident at Annunciation Catholic Church School. Councilmember Koski acknowledged the professionalism of 25 city departments involved, highlighting the effective teamwork in crisis response. Emotional testimonies from community members, including Mike Moyski, whose family was directly impacted, expressed gratitude for the city’s support.

Councilmember Ellison later spoke in favor of street renamings for Kirk Washington Jr. and Chee Xiong, honoring their contributions as a poet and community organizer, respectively. These renamings aim to celebrate their legacies and impact on the community.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the council’s deliberations over the George Floyd Square project. Councilmember Jenkins introduced a motion to revisit the project layout, addressing uncertainties about the pedestrian mall option. The motion sought to clarify options for street infrastructure, reflecting ongoing community discussions about the future of George Floyd Square. Councilmember Chavez opposed this motion, favoring a community-driven approach, while Councilmember Cashman advocated for clarity on infrastructure decisions.

The council also addressed signage regulations, with an amendment introduced to regulate the conversion of static signs to digital. The amendment passed unanimously.

Discussions continued on historical preservation amendments, with differing views on the nomination process for properties. Councilmember Wonsley proposed an amendment to allow the Heritage Preservation Commission to nominate properties without eligibility screening, a proposal that failed to pass. Councilmembers debated the balance between preserving historical integrity and ensuring a streamlined process for property nominations.

The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss litigation related to Cheryl Frazier et al. versus the City of Minneapolis, resulting in a settlement motion passed for $475,000. The council announced the next meeting on December 9, 2025, focusing on the 2026 city budget and tax levy.