St. Paul City Council Meeting Summary - October 22, 2025
St. Paul City Council Meeting Summary - October 22, 2025
The St. Paul City Council convened on October 22, 2025, to address a wide range of municipal priorities, including economic development, public safety, historic preservation, and community events. The meeting featured unanimous approval of multiple resolutions and permits, with a significant focus on supporting affordable housing infrastructure, recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and introducing proposed firearms regulations contingent on state preemption changes.
Consent Calendar
- The consent agenda (items 3-15) was approved unanimously (7-0) without amendment.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Michelle Taylor expressed full support for the historic preservation designation of the Theodore Ham Brewery, arguing that preservation is necessary for progress and highlights the site's century of drawing sightseers.
- Ashley Bisner (Vice President of Development at JP Bang) expressed support for the Theodore Ham Brewery Heritage Preservation District designation, stating it is a crucial step to unlock historic tax credits for adaptive reuse and that the development plans benefit the neighborhood.
- Jamaica Young proposed a "Sky Quarter Pilot" concept to an active indoor nightlife corridor from 4 p.m. to midnight, expressing hope that such an initiative would revitalize downtown after hours, increase safety, and support local businesses.
Discussion Items
- Tycho Arts Midwest Bond Request (Resolution 25-1643): Executive Director Jennifer Weir testified regarding the organization's need for a permanent home at 449 Front Avenue due to the loud nature of their drumming arts. Vice President Kim and Councilmember Bowie expressed full support for the resolution to secure state bonding funds, highlighting the organization's role in breaking gender barriers and serving the diverse North End community.
- Domestic Violence Awareness Month (Resolution 25-1634): Shelley Klein, Director of the St. Paul Domestic Violence Intervention Project (SPIP), testified regarding the agency's work serving over 6,000 victims annually. Councilmembers Johnson, Yang, Jost, Coleman, and Bowie expressed deep gratitude and full support for the organization's life-saving work and dedication to transforming victims into survivors.
- The Heights Project Infrastructure (Resolutions 25-1620 through 25-1625): Rep. Reaster (Planning and Economic Development) explained the necessity of suspending rules to approve six ordinance permits for roadway, sidewalk, lighting, and storm sewer infrastructure. Councilmember Yang expressed full support, calling it a huge milestone for affordable housing to ensure residents could move in on time.
- Zoning for 1059 Maryland Avenue (Ordinance 25-58): Councilmember Yang expressed support for the final adoption of rezoning from B2 to T2, moving the property to the market for sale as soon as possible to encourage further development.
- Garbage Cart Sharing (Ordinance 25-63): Staff presented a proposal allowing multi-unit properties to determine cart quantity. Councilmember Johnson requested clarification on communication strategies, which staff confirmed would be handled via bill inserts, social media, and the city website.
- Firearms Regulations (Ordinance 25-65): Mayor Melvin Carter advocated for the proposal to ban assault weapons, binary triggers, and ghost guns, and restrict firearms in sensitive public spaces. He emphasized that the city must lead when federal or state action is insufficient. Intergovernmental Relations Director Brynn House detailed the ordinance's contingent nature, stating enforcement is paused until state preemption laws are repealed or overridden.
Key Outcomes
- Adopted Resolution 25-1643: Supported Tycho Arts Midwest General Obligation Bond Request. (Vote: 7-0)
- Adopted Resolution 25-1634: Declared October 2025 Domestic Violence Awareness Month. (Vote: 7-0)
- Adopted Resolutions 25-1620 through 25-1625: Approved ordinance permits for roadway, sidewalk, lighting, and storm sewer infrastructure for The Heights project via suspension of rules. (Vote: 7-0)
- Adopted Ordinance 25-58: Final adoption of zoning change for 1059 Maryland Avenue from B2 to T2. (Vote: 7-0)
- Laid Over Ordinance 25-63: Garbage cart sharing ordinance was laid over to November 12 for public hearing. (Vote: 7-0)
- Scheduled Firearm Ordinance: Ordinance 25-65 (Firearms Regulations) was laid over to November 5 for a public hearing due to a pending clarifying amendment. (Vote: N/A - Scheduled)
- Adopted Resolution 25-224: Amended capital maintenance budget to reflect canceled HRA transfer. (Vote: 7-0)
- Adopted Resolution 25-228: Amended capital improvement budget for DSI Analyst Services Building Project. (Vote: 7-0)
- Adopted Resolution 25-234: Accepted grant funds for the Lexington Deluxe project (576 Lexington Parkway North). (Vote: 7-0)
- Adopted Resolution 25-225: Accepted parks and trails legacy funds ($2,596,039). (Vote: 7-0)
- Adopted Resolution 25-226: Authorized funds for a new city park at The Heights ($350,000). (Vote: 7-0)
- Adopted Resolution 25-235: Approved workplace wellness microgrant for physical activity stations ($700). (Vote: 7-0)
- Adopted Resolution 25-238: Approved enhanced street sweeping stewardship grant funds. (Vote: 7-0)
- Adopted Resolution 25-219: Authorized property rights acquisition for University Avenue reconstruction between I-35E and Lafayette Road. (Vote: 7-0)
- Adopted Resolution 25-229: Approved Hunter Bradford Degree of Honor exception for skyway operation hours. (Vote: 7-0)
- Laid Over RLH TA 25-115: Ratification of appealed special tax assessment for 686 Edmund Avenue was laid over to November 12. (Vote: 7-0)
- Adopted Consent Agenda Items 32-44: Approved all Legislative Hearing Officer recommendations. (Vote: 7-0)
Meeting Transcript
We gather today at Allianz Feet. Because this place represents how we build forward. A year-round neighborhood with housing, retail, restaurants, and inclusive public spaces, an economic engine and cultural hub that reconnects our corridor. Downtown is the economic and cultural center of our city. We rely on our downtown for jobs, for cultural events and attractions, and for contributions to sustain our citywide tax base. Housing underpins everything else. That's why housing must be a citywide priority. This budget invests one million dollars in a citywide opioid response intervention, expanding harm reduction, eliminating stigma, increasing access to treatment, and equipping our first responders. Thank you for your continued service to this city. We will fight on. Thank you. Because I usually when I make it, then I have some for myself, and it's never. Okay. Everyone good? Call the meeting of the St. Paul City Council to order. Roll call, please. Joast. Here. Kim. Here. Yang. Here. Bowie. Here. Coleman. Here. Johnson. Here. Council President Naker. Here. Seven present, no one absent. Thanks so much to everyone for bearing with us and for joining us for our city council meeting today. We invite everyone to join us in standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States and enter the republic for which it stands. Consent agenda items three through sixteen are before you for your consideration. I know that we are taking item sixteen for separate consideration. Is there anything else to come off of consent? Seeing that I'll take a motion from Chair Johnson to approve the balance of the consent agenda. All in favor say aye. Aye. All opposed. Seven in favor, no one opposed. The consent agenda is adopted as amended. Item 16 is resolution 25-1643, supporting Tycho Arts Midwest General Obligation Bond Request Project Request. Vice President Kim. Thank you. Um we have a very researcher of Captain Resolution who is here. So maybe we can invite the executive director of Tyco Ars Midwest up. Welcome up.
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