Unannounced helicopter training prompts Minneapolis to demand notice

Irked that they had little notice of recent military exercises in the city, Minneapolis City Council members said Wednesday that they want police and city personnel to keep them better informed.

A Department of Defense training operation last month sent helicopters screaming through Minneapolis and St. Paul. Minneapolis police gave city leaders and the public little advance notice of the training, citing a desire by Department of Defense officials to avoid publicity.

• Video: Military helicopters train over Twin Cities

Within hours of the first exercise, frightened residents began asking council members why helicopters were swooping around high-rise apartments. But council members didn't have any answers, City Councilman Cam Gordon said at a meeting of the city's Public Safety Committee.

"People were really upset that first day," said Gordon, who represents the city's Ward 2. "And I looked like a big idiot because I couldn't say what was going on."

The committee passed a resolution that would require city staff to keep the council informed of discussions with federal agencies. It would also prevent the city from spending any money to help with military training exercises without the council's approval.

Deputy City Attorney Peter Ginder told the committee the city can withhold support for exercises like the ones in August, but likely cannot stop the military from training in the area.