St. Paul City Council Meeting Summary: December 3, 2025

The St. Paul City Council convened on December 3, 2025, to finalize the 2026 budget, approve several operational rates, and consider amendments to the Mississippi River Corridor ordinance. The meeting featured a roll call vote on all major actions due to procedural changes regarding recent police actions on Rose Street. Key discussions centered on the 2026 budget's $5.3 ext{M}$ levy, community feedback on the Rondo Community Library, and opioid settlement transparency.

Consent Calendar

• Adopted consent agenda items 7 through 27 (excluding pulled items 6 and 28) with a unanimous roll call vote (7-0).
• Items 6 and 28 were pulled for separate discussion; Item 28 was subsequently withdrawn by Councilmember Bowie.
• Adopted item 30: Resolution establishing 2026 water charges (7-0).
• Adopted item 31: Resolution establishing 2026 water fees and charges (7-0).
• Adopted item 32: Resolution setting 2026 sanitary and storm sewer rates (7-0).
• Adopted item 33: Resolution setting the 2026 solid waste service fee (7-0).
• Adopted item 34: Resolution authorizing a $828,344 SCORE grant for curbside recycling and setting 2026 recycling fees (7-0).
• Adopted item 35: Resolution approving the 2026 Regional Water Services budget (7-0).
• Adopted item 37: Resolution approving the 2026 St. Paul Public Library budget (7-0).
• Adopted item 38: Resolution approving the 2026 River Center Convention and Visitors Authority budget (7-0).
• Adopted item 39: Resolution for the 2026 city tax levy, maintaining the rate at 5.3 ext{M} (7-0).
• Adopted item 40: Resolution adopting the 2026 city budget as amended (7-0).
• Adopted item 45: Resolution approving the second amended restated spending plan for various TIF districts (7-0).
• Adopted item 46: Resolution amending the 2025 regional water services budget for $600,000 in lead pipe replacements (7-0).
• Adopted item 48: Resolution approving a five-year street reconstruction plan (2026–2030) and preliminary approval for general obligation bonds (7-0).
• Adopted item 49: Resolution amending fire department financing for $29,333.99 to the Minnesota Task Force 1 reimbursement (7-0).
• Adopted item 50: Resolution amending fire department financing for a $4,500 transfer from the Minneapolis Fire Department (7-0).
• Adopted item 51: Resolution transferring funds from the HRA to the fire department for Catholic Charities response (7-0).
• Adopted item 52 and amendment: Resolution amending the general city budget for a transfer of available balances from the HRA (7-0).
• Adopted item 53 and 54 consent: Legislative hearing consent agenda approved, with item 54's public hearing continued (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mississippi River Corridor Ordinance (Item 42):
  • Alan Torstenson: Expressed opposition to replacing objective height tiering with subjective language, arguing that conditional use permits are the appropriate standard for subjective reviews of greater heights. He advocated for the Planning Commission's original objective height language.
  • Kiki Sanan (St. Paul Bird Alliance): Expressed concern regarding the removal of bird-safe requirements. The speaker stated that the proposed language removes protections for migratory birds, calling window collisions an "ecological catastrophe" and urging the inclusion of bird-safe zoning codes, citing successful implementations in San Francisco and Madison, Wisconsin.
  • Dr. Bibi Newman: Expressed deep alarm regarding excessive use of force by police during the November 25th immigration enforcement action on Rose Street, noting the use of tear gas and rubber projectiles against journalists and residents. While the testimony was partially cut for relevance, the speaker emphasized the need for transparency, body camera footage release, and constitutional protections in the public corridor.
  • Cheyenne Violet: Expressed support for the amendment to remove height restrictions, arguing that current restrictions would stagnate downtown development and prevent iconic projects like the Science Museum or River Edge from thriving. The speaker stated that the proposed subjective tiering aligns better with staff recommendations and promotes a vibrant downtown.
  • Sophia Lipsad Dean: Stated the necessity of involving the Dakota community in discussions regarding the Mississippi River Corridor, noting that no plan should be enacted without their inclusion.
• General Good News (Post-Agenda):
  • Ms. Coleman: Announced the annual meeting of the Union Park District Council.
  • Ms. Jost: Highlighted the "Grand Meander" event on December 6th featuring local businesses and community activities.
  • Ms. Yang: Promoted a youth coat drive by Care for All accepting winter gear and gift cards.

Discussion Items

• Item 6 (Neighborhood Sales Tax Revitalization Grants):
  • Councilmember Yang: Expressed full support for the program and its recipients but stated strong concern regarding the late approval timing. The speaker noted shock at the delay, citing unanswered questions from applicants, and demanded greater transparency from the Mayor's Office regarding the holdup, even though the Mayor's office made no adjustments to the Board's recommendations.
  • Councilmember Coleman: Expressed agreement with Councilmember Yang's concerns, stating the council needs to "do better by our applicants" and thanked Yang for raising the issue.
• Item 28 (Rondo Community Library Relocation Plan):
  • Councilmember Bowie: Stated that the item was being withdrawn due to the Director having approximately 75% of the responses ready. The speaker expressed deep disappointment in the administration's lack of collaboration and opposition to the proposed closure. Councilmember Bowie stated she does not support "nearly a million dollars" of investment going solely toward moving bathrooms. The speaker emphasized the need for a holistic approach in collaboration with a new mayor to maximize funds for the community's needs, which face significant blight and mental health challenges.
• Item 36 (HRA Budget):
  • Chair Johnson: Expressed pride in the budget's intentional investment in affordable housing, downtown development, and historic funding for district councils. The speaker highlighted the restoration of the Commercial Corridor Organization Assistance Program and the establishment of the $5M "downtown vitality fund" to support retail and housing development.
  • Vice Chair Kim: Expressed support for the budget's focus on economic development, fiscal resilience, and district councils. The speaker thanked the administration for preserving the Immigrant Defense Fund and restoring funding for the CARES unit.
• Item 37 (Library Budget):
  • Councilmember Joost: Expressed excitement about the budget's ability to keep the "Transforming Libraries" projects moving, including the new Hamlin Midway Library and renovations for Riverview and Hayden Heights. The speaker highlighted the restoration of hours at Arlington Hills Library and library collections funds.
  • Councilmember Joost: Stated appreciation for the partnership with Friends of the Library that supported collections and the ReadB rave program.
• Item 39 (City Tax Levy):
  • Councilmember Yang: Stated support for the 5.3 ext{M} levy but reiterated a strong desire to lower it further in the future, citing the financial burden on residents and businesses. The speaker urged the council to reevaluate efficiencies and avoid duplicating state or county programs.
  • Councilmember Coleman: Expressed agreement with Yang's concerns regarding the tax burden and the need for efficiency across city, county, and school district levels. The speaker applauded Yang's consistent advocacy for affordability.
  • Councilmember Bowie: Stated that while she would support lowering the levy if the council had the will to do so, she currently supports the resolution. The speaker emphasized the need to address disparate tax impacts on neighborhoods, specifically citing dramatic increases in the Thomas Dale neighborhood.
• Item 40 (2026 City Budget):
  • Vice Chair Kim: Expressed that the budget reflects the council's values, including investments in residents, neighborhoods, housing, and workers. The speaker highlighted the restoration of the Immigrant Defense Fund, funding for the CARES unit, and the transition to a more transparent budget process.
  • Council President Naker: Expressed pride in the budget process's transparency and community engagement. The speaker highlighted the restoration of library and rec center hours, the need for office renovations for staff safety, and the support for the St. Paul Port Authority.
  • Councilmember Coleman: Expressed relief and support for the budget, noting that her priority areas (safe housing, economic development, public safety, parks, libraries) were well-represented despite joining the council later in the cycle.
  • Councilmember Joost: Expressed excitement that the budget successfully addressed a $23 million deficit without raising the levy above 5.3 ext{M}$. The speaker highlighted the restoration of district council funding, the EV car share program, and the need to re-invest in public works infrastructure like roads and pedestrian safety.
  • Councilmember Johnson: Expressed pride in the council's efforts over the last two years regarding the tax levy reduction. The speaker emphasized the importance of prioritizing public safety, specifically retaining firefighters and the CARES unit, and reiterated support for local affordable housing aid dollars.
  • Councilmember Bowie: Stated that the budget marks a "new chapter" for St. Paul and expressed gratitude for the listening housework program which emerged from public safety reviews.
• Amendments to 2026 Budget:
  • Amendment A2 (Opioid Settlements): Adopted unanimously. Councilmember Yang expressed support for the need for coordination and reporting on opioid settlement dollars.
  • Amendment A5 (Returning Home St. Paul): Failed (3-4). Councilmember Yang stated she would not support the specific allocation now due to the lack of a holistic plan and coordination with the county, though she hopes for funding in that plan later. Councilmember Johnson stated she would not support the amendment because cultural star dollars were used, though she sees avenues for future partnership in city and county affordable housing aid dollars.
  • Amendment A4 (Library Collections): Adopted (5-2) using Cultural Star dollars to maintain purchasing power. Councilmember Yang expressed support but stressed that using Cultural Star funds is not a sustainable long-term solution. Councilmember Johnson expressed opposition to using Cultural Star dollars for this purpose, citing a desire to ensure those funds reach diverse citywide projects, though she remains fully supportive of library materials funding.

Key Outcomes

• Budget Adoption: The 2026 City Budget (Resolution 25-1814) was adopted as amended at a tax levy rate of 5.3 ext{M}, with a unanimous vote (7-0).
• Library Funding: Library collections funding was approved via Amendment A4 using Cultural Star dollars, despite opposition from Councilmember Johnson regarding the source of funds and Councilmember Yang regarding sustainability.
• Opioid Settlement Transparency: Amendment A2 was approved, requiring the administration to provide a report on the use of opioid settlement funds and a spending strategy by March 1, 2026.
• Mississippi River Ordinance (Public Hearing): The public hearing on the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area ordinance was closed after an amendment was adopted to remove objective height restrictions and adopt subjective tiering. The item was laid over to December 10, 2025, for final adoption due to the substantive change.
• Item Withdrawals: Resolution 25-1896 (Item 28) regarding the Rondo Community Library plan was withdrawn. Item 47 was withdrawn.
• Other Adoptions: Final adoption of the street rate ordinance (Item 41) and final adoption of all other listed resolutions regarding water, sanitation, solid waste, and TIF spending plans were approved unanimously (except for Item 41 which was 6-0, likely due to a missing vote recorded in the text as "none opposed" but six voting).
• Next Steps: Final adoption of the Mississippi River Corridor ordinance is scheduled for December 10, 2025. The city aims to transition to a biennium budget process in the future.