St. Paul City Council Meeting – March 4, 2026

The St. Paul City Council met on March 4, 2026, from 3:31 PM to 5:12 PM. The meeting included the election of new council officers, final adoption of several ordinances, public hearings on a sign variance and the Bronze Line transit project, and the first reading of a temporary extension of the pre-eviction notice period. The council also approved numerous consent agenda items, including tax assessments, grant applications, and license transfers.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1–12 (Consent Agenda): Approved unanimously. Included approvals for demolition assessments (RES 26-145, RES 26-146), a master contract with MN DEED for Right Track (RES 26-303), layover of AFSCME collective bargaining agreements (RES 26-307), Parks grant applications (RES 26-328, RES 26-366), ordinance permits for Highland Bridge sidewalks (RES 26-344), auto repair garage license transfer (RES 26-345), fire department equipment donation (RES 26-355), gift acceptance for Deputy Chief (RES 26-373), liquor/tobacco license transfer (RES 26-380), and Ward 6 event food expenditure (RES 26-396). All adopted 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sign Variance Appeal (ABZA 26-2): Matt Duffy, representing the sign company, testified in support of the appeal, noting the Fort Road Federation’s letter of support and that the new sign would be smaller and less bright than the existing one.
• Vacant Building Fee (RLH TA 25-420): Beth Jackson, property owner, testified requesting forgiveness of a vacant building fee, describing two years of water damage restoration and a subsequent insurance nightmare.
• Nuisance Abatement (RLH SAO 26-11): Nigel Neely, the property owner at 1079 Western Ave N, testified that the pallets had been removed after the inspection.

Discussion Items

• Item 13 – Election of Officers (RES 26-365): Council President Noecker recognized outgoing Vice President HwaJeong Kim and welcomed Nelsie Yang as the new Vice President. Councilmembers expressed gratitude for shared leadership. Adopted 7-0 as amended.
• Item 14 – Geothermal Energy Franchise (Ord 26-9): Final adoption. Adopted 7-0.
• Item 15 – Port Authority Bonds for St. Joseph’s Hospital Site (Ord 26-11): $6 million in bonds to support redevelopment, leveraging ~$60 million in taxable value. Adopted 7-0.
• Item 16 – TNC Fee Categories (Ord 26-12): Created new license fee categories for transportation network companies. Councilmember Bowie highlighted support from small business owner Marie from Move. Adopted 7-0.
• Item 18 – Drive-Through Zoning Amendments (Ord 24-26): Public hearing held; no testimony. Councilmember Jost led the final adoption, noting the balance between allowing drive-throughs in limited areas and requiring pedestrian safety. Adopted 7-0.
• Item 20 – Bronze Line Transit Support (RES PH 26-64): Metro Transit staff presented the 10-mile route from Union Depot to Maplewood Mall, serving over 60% BIPOC and low-income residents. Councilmember Yang expressed strong support. Adopted 7-0.
• Item 21 – Sign Variance Appeal (ABZA 26-2): Staff explained that the BZA’s failure to approve a motion resulted in a denial; the council considered the appeal de novo. Council President Noecker argued that the practical difficulties finding was met and the new sign would be smaller and less bright. The appeal was granted 7-0.
• Item 22 – Immigration Grievances (PH 26-4): No public testimony. Continued to March 11, 2026, 7-0.

Suspension Item – Pre-Eviction Notice Extension (Ord 26-18)

• Councilmember Kim introduced a temporary extension of the pre-eviction notice period from 30 to 60 days for non-payment of rent, sunsetting December 31, 2026. Councilmember Johnson flagged a drafting error regarding the effective date (the 30-day notice is not yet in effect). Councilmember Coleman noted that 501 evictions were filed in January in Ramsey County and that the council recently allocated $1.42 million to emergency rental assistance. The item was laid over for second reading and public hearing on March 11, 2026.

Legislative Hearing Items

• Item 27 – Vacant Building Fee (RLH TA 25-420): Hearing Officer recommended approval. Councilmember Coleman moved to amend the payment to a 5-year installment plan. Adopted 7-0 as amended.
• Item 35 – Nuisance Abatement at 1079 Western Ave N (RLH SAO 26-11): Hearing Officer recommended finding that the nuisance (pallets) was not abated due to missed deadlines. Property owner testified pallets were removed. Councilmember Kim moved to approve the hearing officer’s recommendation; Councilmember Bowie voted no. Adopted 6-1.
• Legislative Hearing Consent Agenda (Items 23–38 except 27 and 35): Adopted as amended, 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Officer Elections: Nelsie Yang elected Vice President; HwaJeong Kim stepped down. Other leadership changes: Cheniqua Johnson became Budget Chair and HRA Chair; Anika Bowie became Public Safety Chair; Saura Jost became Library Board Chair; Molly Coleman became a Vice Chair.
• Ordinance Adoptions: Geothermal franchise (Ord 26-9), Port Authority bonds (Ord 26-11), TNC fee categories (Ord 26-12), and drive-through zoning amendments (Ord 24-26) all adopted 7-0.
• Bronze Line Resolution: City transmitted support for the Locally Preferred Alternative to the Metropolitan Council and Ramsey County. Adopted 7-0.
• Sign Variance: Appeal granted; dynamic display sign allowed at 1305 7th Street West.
• Pre-Eviction Notice Extension: First reading held; laid over to March 11, 2026, for second reading and public hearing.
• Vacant Building Fee: Assessment approved with 5-year payment plan.
• Nuisance Abatement: Finding of non-abatement approved (6-1); property owner may face assessment for inspection costs.
• Next Meeting: March 11, 2026, at 3:30 PM for continued public hearings and second readings.