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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION <br />March 28, 2026 — Police Public Safety Room <br />5:00 o'clock p.m. <br />PRESENT: Mayor Lili Tod McMillan, Council Members Lizz Levang, and Jim Cornick, Jr. <br />Representing Staff were City Administrator Jessica Loftus, Police Chief Correy Farniok, Finance <br />Director Ron Olson, and City Clerk Diane Tiegs. <br />GUESTS: John Morris, Orono Resident; Ray Salazar, Mound City Council; Megan Pavot, Spring Park <br />City Council; Eric Hoversten, Mound City Administrator <br />1. Bias Sensitivity Training <br />Kevin Lindsey, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights presented <br />"Diversity and Inclusion Council Creating More Inclusive Government". <br />Mr. Lindsey reviewed the Minnesota Human Rights Act and the goals to increase the <br />workforce participation for people of color by connecting with individuals to spark their <br />interest in the trades. The PowerPoint presentation reviewed the actions to eliminate the <br />disparities beginning with education and developing clear policies that oppose <br />discrimination. <br />Mr. Lindsey also spoke to the scope and impact of future demographic changes. The <br />statistics show that by 2040 the percentage of people of color comprising working age adults <br />is expected to double. <br />Mr. Lindsey relayed the statement "Managers manage change, but best in -class leaders <br />create change by inspiring their employees. Our partners champion diversity by infusing it <br />into all organizational processes and ensuring that diversity is integrated into the core values <br />of the organization." <br />2. Police Chief Verbal Update <br />Chief Farniok shared the Heart Safe Community Initiative training information and the <br />recent lifesaving emergencies that were directly impacted by this program. Chief Farniok <br />stated the program is providing community outreach and saving lives. Recently 900 <br />Mound-Westonka students received training in both CPR and use of Public Access <br />Defibrillation (PAD). <br />Chief Farniok relayed that Orono Police Department crime prevention is providing property <br />security assessments to aid businesses and property owners in making their property more <br />secure. Training for retail businesses to reduce shoplifting includes a store assessment and <br />staff training. Officer McCoy of the Orono Police Department is certified in property <br />assessment and will meet onsite to provide his assessment and recommendations. <br />