On the agenda: Apple Valley November 12, 2026, City Council Informal Meeting — Facial recognition (Nov 12)

November 12, 2026, City Council Informal Meeting Agenda
5:30 PM
Apple Valley Municipal Center
7100 147th Street West, Apple Valley

1.

Council Discussion Items (5 min.)

2.

Update from Abdo regarding the Compensation and Classification study (40
min.)

3.

Discuss 147th/Glazier Avenue Project (15 min.)

4.

Discuss Police Department use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (15 min.)

5.

Adjourn

ITEM:
MEETING DATE:
SECTION:

2.
November 12, 2026
Informal Agenda

Description:
Update from Abdo regarding the Compensation and Classification study (40 min.)

Staff Contact:

Jamie Haefner, Human Resources Manager

Department / Division:

Administration/Human Resources

Action Requested:
N/A

Summary:
The City is currently in the process of updating its Compensation and Classification system. At our
November 12 informal meeting, an update on the project will be presented by staff and our project
consultant.

Background:
On June 11, 2026, the City Council approved an agreement with Abdo, LLP to conduct a
Compensation and Classification Study for the City. The goal of the study is to ensure our
compensation practices remain competitive, equitable, and aligned with the responsibilities of each
position. As part of the study, the following tasks are being completed:
- Market Analysis: Comparison of the City's current compensation ranges with those of 14
comparable Minnesota cities to assess our competitiveness in the job market.
- Position Classification Review: Evaluation of City positions based on factors such as required
knowledge and skills, problem-solving, accountability, and working conditions.
- Compensation Plan Development: Development of a proposed updated pay structure based on
position evaluations and market findings, with an emphasis on consistency, transparency, and longterm sustainability.

Budget Impact:
To be determined.

Attachments:

None

ITEM:
MEETING DATE:
SECTION:

3.
November 12, 2026
Informal Agenda

Description:
Discuss 147th/Glazier Avenue Project (15 min.)

Staff Contact:

Brandon Anderson, City Engineer

Department / Division:
Public Works/Engineering

Action Requested:
N/A

Summary:
The planned reconstruction of 147th Street from Cedar Avenue to Galaxie Avenue was publicly Bid
and rejected in the summer of 2025 due to costs and construction phasing concerns. Since that
time, staff has worked on an updated budget, phasing and some scope of work modifications to the
plans to be able to construct the entire project in 2027. Staff has prepared some visualization and
renderings for the Council to be able to provide final feedback on the streetscape design scope of
work. This design will set the precedent for future reconstruction plans in the Apple Valley
downtown or “ring route” areas as part of upcoming Capital Improvement Plans (CIP).

Background:
On August 27, 2026, City Council Adopted resolution awarding agreement for Project 2019-106a,
147th Street W. and Glazier Avenue Intersection Improvements (ROW).
On August 27, 2026, City Council Adopted Resolution accepting easements for Project 2019-106a,
147th Street W. and Glazier Avenue Intersection Improvements (ROW).
On June 11, 2026, City Council adopted resolution approving Plans and Specifications for Project
2019-106a, 147th Street W. and Glazier Avenue Intersection Improvements, and Authorizing
Advertisement for Receipt of Bids on July 1, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
On May 14, 2026, City Council adopted resolution rejecting bids for Project 2019-106, 147th Street W
and Glazier Avenue Intersection Improvements.
On March 12, 2026, City Council adopted resolution number 2026-30, approving plans and
specifications for Project 2019-106, 147th Street W. and Glazier Avenue Intersection Improvements,
and authorizing advertisement for receipt of bids on April 14, 2026 at 2p.m.

On September 26, 2024, City Council adopted Resolution Number 2024-123, directing the
preparation of plans and specifications for Project 2019-106, 147th Street W. and Glazier Avenue
Intersection Improvements.
On the September 12, 2024, informal meeting, the City Council was presented with updates to
streetscape options for 147th St. along with Phasing Plan and Costs for 147th from Cedar Avenue to
Galaxie Avenue.
On the August 08, 2024, informal meeting, the City Council was presented with various streetscape
options for 147th St.
On June 14, 2018, City Council Adopted Resolution 2018-73, Authorizing Preparation of Feasibility
Study for Project 2019-106, 147th Street W. & Glazier Avenue Intersection Improvements.

Budget Impact:

Attachments:
None

ITEM:
MEETING DATE:
SECTION:

4.
November 12, 2026
Informal Agenda

Description:
Discuss Police Department use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (15 min.)

Staff Contact:

Department / Division:
Police

Action Requested:
Discuss Police Use of Drones

Summary:
The Police Department set a goal in 2026 to explore unmanned aerial vehicle technology for public
safety. Commonly referred to as drones, the technology has become an increasingly valuable tool
for law enforcement agencies, enhancing their ability to serve communities effectively. From
locating missing persons to tracking armed suspects and assisting in clearing residences, drone
technology offers significant advantages for public safety operations.
Currently, the Apple Valley Police Department relies on neighboring agencies that have established
drone programs. Throughout 2026, a team of department members have researched drone use and
submitted a proposal to start a drone program for the department. The program includes creating
a drone policy, seeking public input, training pilots, and eventually purchasing a number of drones
to be used indoors and outdoors.
Chief Francis will discuss the benefits and expenses of a drone program. He will also discuss a
proposed policy and next steps to taking public input prior to moving forward with a potential drone
program.

Background:
Minnesota State Statute 626.19 addresses the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). The
statute specifically requires:
Subd. 9. Public comment. A law enforcement agency must provide an opportunity for public
comment before it purchases or uses a UAV. At a minimum, the agency must accept public
comments submitted electronically or by mail. The governing body with jurisdiction over the budget
of a local law enforcement agency must provide an opportunity for public comment at a regularly
scheduled meeting.
Subd. 10. Written policies and procedures required. Prior to the operation of a UAV, the chief

officer of every state and local law enforcement agency that uses or proposes to use a UAV must
establish and enforce a written policy governing its use, including requests for use from government
entities. In developing and adopting the policy, the law enforcement agency must provide for public
comment and input as described in subdivision 9. The written policy must be posted on the agency's
website, if the agency has a website.
This discussion with the City Council will serve as a starting point for moving forward with a policy
and potential start of a drone program.

Budget Impact:
N/A

Attachments:
1.

Draft Drone Policy

Apple Valley Police Department

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
Section 3-30
Issued: December 2027

Last Review: N/A

INDEX
3-30.1 Definitions
3-30.2 Handling and Storage
3-30.3 Issuing, Carrying, and Using UAS
3-30.4 Deployment
3-30.5 Trainer, Officer, and Supervisor Responsibilities
3-30.6 Privacy and Data Retention
3-30.7 Authorized Uses
3-30.8 Prohibited Uses
3-30.9 Documentation and Reporting
3-30.10 Program Coordinator
3-30.11 FAA Compliance
3-30.12 Government Entity Requests
POLICY
The Apple Valley Police Department’s unmanned aerial systems (UAS) may be deployed when an officer
believes the UAS will increase the safety of the public and/or the officer. UAS should only be deployed into
locations where an officer has the constitutional right to enter. In general, utilizing UAS inside a structure
will require a search warrant. However, UAS may be used under the emergency aid doctrine and/or when
exigent circumstances exist. All UAS operations must comply with FAA regulations, Minnesota statutes, and
AVPD policy.

PURPOSE
To provide guidance for the use, storage, deployment, and maintenance of unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
PROCEDURES

3-30.1 Definitions
Unmanned aerial system (UAS) - An unmanned aircraft of any type that is capable of sustaining
directed flight, whether preprogrammed or remotely controlled without the possibility of direct
human intervention from within or on the aircraft (commonly referred to as an unmanned aerial
vehicle (UAS)), and all of the supporting or attached systems designed for gathering information
1

Apple Valley Police Department
through imaging, recording, or any other means (Minn. Stat. § 626.19).
Operator: A person who holds a remote pilot certificate with a UAS rating and has the final authority and
responsibility for the operation and safety of a UAS operation conducted under FAA's Small UAS Rule (Part
107).
Visual Observer: A person acting as a flight crew member who assists the small UAS Operator and the
person manipulating the controls to see and avoid other air traffic or objects aloft or on the ground.

3-30.2 Handling and Storage
A. UAS will be stored in protective cases when not in use.
B. Batteries should be placed in charging mode when the UAS is at the police department.
C. UAS may be stored in a designated location inside the department or in a designated vehicle.

3-30.3 Issuing, Carrying, and Using UAS
A UAS may be carried in a patrol vehicle and used only by an officer who has successfully completed
department-approved training. Examples of situations where UAS deployment may increase safety or
effectiveness include:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.

Communicating with a suspect
Locating a suspect
Searching a structure
Crash reconstruction
Search and rescue operations
Public event monitoring
Tactical reconnaissance

Only department-issued video devices may be used with a UAS.

3-30.4 Deployment
A. All manufacturer instructions must be followed during deployment.
B. The operator should utilize cover and should have a cover officer assigned when appropriate.
C. Use of a UAS may cause property damage; operators should take reasonable measures to
mitigate any damage.
D. Operators must check FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) prior to deployment.
E. UAS operations should primarily be conducted during daylight hours unless exigent
circumstances exist.
2

Apple Valley Police Department

3-30.5 Operator and Supervisor Responsibilities
Operators – Responsible for routine cleaning, maintenance, and charging in accordance with manufacturer
recommendations. Any damaged or inoperative components shall be reported to a supervisor with
documentation.
Supervisor(s) – On-duty sergeants shall monitor UAS use. Requests to deploy a UAS should be made through
an on-duty sergeant. Sergeants shall ensure damage or repair issues are addressed promptly.

3-30.6 Privacy and Data Retention
A. UAS shall not intentionally record areas where individuals have a reasonable expectation of
privacy unless authorized by warrant or exigent circumstances.
B. Operators must take reasonable precautions to avoid inadvertent recording (e.g., deactivating
cameras).
C. UAS data must be deleted as soon as possible, and no later than seven days after collection
unless part of an active criminal investigation.
D. Disclosure must follow MN Government Data Practices Act; non-consenting individuals must be
redacted before release.

3-30.7 Authorized Uses
Consistent with Minn. Stat. § 626.19, AVPD may use a UAS for:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.

Emergency situations involving risk of death or bodily harm
Evidence documentation at imminent risk of destruction
Public events with heightened safety risks
Counterterrorism when credible intelligence indicates a threat
Natural or man-made disaster response
Threat assessments
Crash reconstruction
Searches for missing persons
Training or public relations
Government-entity requests submitted in writing

3

Apple Valley Police Department

3-30.8 Prohibited Uses
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.

Weaponization of any UAS
Facial recognition or biometric matching without a warrant
Recording of protests/demonstrations without a warrant or statutory exception
Random surveillance
Targeting based on protected characteristics (race, gender, religion, etc.)
Harassment or intimidation
Personal business

3-30.9 Documentation and Reporting
A. Each UAS deployment shall be documented with: the name and badge number of the operator
and visual observer; a unique case number; the factual basis for deployment; warrant status or
applicable exception; supervisor authorization; mission synopsis and results; and any
performance issues.
B. Flight logs must be completed for each deployment.
C. Annual reporting to the Commissioner of Public Safety is required by statute.

3-30.10 Program Coordinator
A. Responsible for UAS inventory, training, program compliance, public notification, annual
reporting, and evaluating program enhancements.
B. Ensures compliance with FAA Part 107 or COA requirements.

3-30.11 FAA Compliance
A.
B.
C.
D.

Operators must comply with FAA Part 107 or COA requirements.
Operators must check for Temporary Flight Restrictions prior to deployment.
Daytime operation is preferred; night operations allowed under exigency or FAA authorization.
UAS shall not fly over populated areas without FAA approval.

3-30.12 Government-Entity Requests
A. Before deploying a UAS for a requesting government entity that is not a law enforcement
agency, the Apple Valley Police Department shall obtain and retain the entity’s written
request specifying the reason for the request and the proposed period of use. The use must
be unrelated to law enforcement and satisfy Minn. Stat. § 626.19, subdivision 3(10).
B. The Program Coordinator or designee should review the request before deployment,
document the applicable legal authority and mission parameters, and preserve the request
4

Apple Valley Police Department

with the deployment record. The request alone does not authorize any use outside the
statutory exception or override applicable privacy, data, or FAA restrictions.

FORMS
No Forms

5