Mayor Jacob Frey cannot receive consulting services from the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce after a City Council vote Thursday fell one short of the number he needed to accept the gift.
The chamber had intended to loan a staffer to the mayor's office for several weeks in hopes that she could advise the staff on how to improve their efficiency. The mayor's office told council member in a memo that staff hoped to receive recommendations on how to improve their scheduling process and the way they conduct meetings.
Katie Lauer, a spokeswoman for the mayor's office, said in a statement that it was "puzzled" by the vote.
"What's the problem with receiving help to improve administrative processes like calendaring?" Lauer said. "If any council member were to receive free advice on such assistance, the mayor would be supportive."
During a meeting Thursday morning, some council members raised concerns about the arrangement, noting that the chamber had supported a ballot initiative last fall that granted the mayor more power over the city's daily operations.
"I think that indicates a very clear political interest," said Council Member Robin Wonsley Worlobah.
Under state law and the city's ethics rules, Frey's office was required to disclose that it would be receiving the free services and needed "yes" votes from nine council members to accept the gift. On Thursday, only eight gave their support.
Wonsley Worlobah and fellow council members Elliott Payne and Jason Chavez voted against the arrangement. Council Members Andrew Johnson and Aisha Chughtai were absent.