St. Paul City Council Meeting - November 12, 2025

The St. Paul City Council convened with six members present (Council President Naker, Vice President Kim, and Councilmembers Yang, Bowie, Coleman, and Joes; Councilmember Johnson was absent but expected). The meeting opened with the adoption of the Consent Calendar (with four items pulled for separate consideration) and proceeded through a series of final adoptions, public hearings, and discussions on zoning, public safety, and library operations. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the adoption of new firearms regulations following emotional testimony from council members and the adoption of several ordinances to support the 2025 World Junior Hockey Championship.

Consent Calendar

• Adopted: Items 3 through 4, 6, and 7 were adopted unanimously. Items 5, 8, and 9 were pulled for separate consideration.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On Resolution 25-1721 (Library Security): Councilmember Bowie inquired about the source of funds (Fund 211) and clarified that these were not ARPA funds but unspent funds freed up from strategic ARPA management. She confirmed the need for $130,000 in total security coverage for the vacant Rondo Library building, with $90,000 already budgeted for 2026 and $40,000 being transferred for 2025. Staff confirmed the security role is contracted and not previously provided by private security, but by library staff.
• On Gun Violence Prevention (Ordinance 25-65): Councilmembers Joest (Joes), Yang, Kim, Coleman, Bowie, and Johnson delivered impassioned speeches expressing full support for the ordinance. They cited personal experiences with gun violence, including the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church, a stalker incident involving Vice President Kim, and the loss of colleagues Melissa Hartman and Mark. They collectively expressed deep concern for the safety of children in schools and condemned the inaction of state and federal legislatures, urging a shift toward pro-gun control policies in future elections.
• On Virtual Currency Kiosks (Ordinance 25-76):
  • Gordon Roebel (AARP): Expressed full support for prohibiting virtual currency kiosks, citing the need for stronger consumer protections against fraud and scammers who exploit these unstaffed machines.
  • Ethan McClelland (Bitcoin Depot): Expressed opposition to the ban, stating that the industry already has anti-fraud policies in place and that a ban would deprive cash-users of access to the digital economy. They urged the council to work with the state on reforms rather than a reactionary ban.
• On Library Security: Councilmember Joes thanked staff for their leadership in maintaining library safety during the Rondo Library transition.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 25-1721 (Library Budget Amendment): Proposed to move $40,000 from the GSI SAC fees project to the Library Optimal Response project to fund contract security for the Rondo Library during its temporary closure. Staff explained the funds were needed for the same total project cost ($130,000) but would be spent in 2026 rather than split between 2025 and 2026. Councilmember Bowie raised questions regarding the emergence of the need and the nature of the funds (confidentiality of Fund 211). Staff clarified the funds are in a special city fund (Fund 211) and are not subject to federal ARPA regulations.
• Resolution 25-1746 (Election Returns): Council President Naker pulled the item from the Consent Calendar to address public questions regarding the ranked voting system and vote reallocation. The council reaffirmed that the city is responsible for determining the acceptability of their voting system and confirmed that manual counting is not required by ordinance. The item was adopted unanimously.
• Resolution 25-1780 (Special Counsel): Adopted under suspension of rules due to a clerical error in the previous agenda entry. The resolution appointed Jacobson Lawyers Group to represent the City in a lawsuit against the Trump administration filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
• Ordinance 25-59 (Traditional Neighborhood Districts): Adopted in final reading. This ordinance amends the legislative code to update Traditional Neighborhood Districts (T-NDs) to allow for increased density, better design, and an easier-to-understand code for developers and residents.
• Resolution 25-11 (T-District Study): Adopted to initiate a follow-up study on T-Districts and transit corridors. The study will further investigate public concerns, including whether storage should be allowed as a use in T-Districts, following initial public feedback. Councilmembers Joest and Bowie championed the study as a responsive action to community input.
• Ordinance 25-65 (Firearms Regulations): Adopted in final reading. The ordinance creates Chapter 225a, establishing regulations for assault weapons, binary triggers, ghost guns, and signage. All council members voted in favor, with strong rhetorical support emphasizing the need for local action despite state preemption barriers.
• Ordinance 25-72 (Mississippi River Corridor): Laid over to November 19th for second reading. This first reading amends codes to comply with updated Minnesota River Management Rules (Merca). Councilmember Bowie voted against the item as presented due to concerns about the timeline for the bird-safe glass study.
• Ordinance 25-77 (Garbage Rates): Laid over to November 19th for second reading. Staff reported a rate increase driven by a significant jump in county disposal fees (from $130 to $142/ton) and a 3.5% contract increase for collection. The city billing service fee remains flat.
• Ordinance 25-63 (Garbage Cart Sharing): Public hearing held; laid over to November 19th for final adoption. This ordinance allows cart sharing for properties with two or more dwelling units.
• Ordinance 25-66 (Cannabis Regulations): Public hearing held; laid over to November 19th for final adoption. This creates regulations for cannabis and hemp business registration and temporary events.
• Ordinances 25-67 through 25-71 (World Junior Hockey): Public hearings held for six ordinances (16-20). All were laid over to November 19th for final adoption. These measures temporarily adjust park hours, sidewalk use permits, sound level requirements, liquor extended service (until 2 a.m.), and temporary structure permits to accommodate the 2025 World Junior Hockey Championship.
• Ordinance 25-76 (Virtual Currency Kiosks): Public hearing held; laid over to November 19th for final adoption. Councilmember Bowie voted against the ordinance, while the rest voted in favor, reflecting the split between consumer protection and industry access arguments.
• Resolution 25-253 (Solid Waste Service Fee): Public hearing held; laid over to December 3rd for final adoption. The fee is proposed to increase by 1.5% (from $42.86 to $43.50).
• Resolution 25-254 (Recycling Grant): Public hearing held; laid over to December 3rd for final adoption. Proposes a zero percent increase for the recycling service fee. Discussion clarified that curbside composting is currently targeted for 2027 pending infrastructure installation at the 309 Como facility.
• Resolution 25-255 (Hamlin Midway Library Grant): Adopted to accept $500,000 in grant funds for library reconstruction.
• Resolution 25-218 (Grand Snelling Parking Lot): Adopted to ratify assessments for parking lot operation and maintenance costs for 2026.
• Resolution 25-243 (Turkey Trot Variance): Adopted to grant a sound level variance for the Turkey Trot St. Paul event.
• Legislative Hearing Items (28-39, 38):
  • Items 28 and 29 were referred to the Legislative Hearing for December 9th to confirm property lines in summary abatement appeals.
  • Item 38 (appeal of Johnny E. Howard Sr.) was debated. Councilmember Bowie requested clarity on what constitutes debris and the specific timeline. The Legislative Hearing Officer recommended a deadline of December 12th; if items are not removed, a work order will be issued. The council adopted the recommendation, with Councilmember Bowie expressing the need for clarity on what constitutes debris.

Key Outcomes

• Resolved: Resolution 25-1721 (Library Security Budget) - $40,000 transferred to fund security during Rondo Library closure.
• Resolved: Resolution 25-1746 (Election Returns) - Results of the November 4, 2025 election declared.
• Resolved: Resolution 25-1780 (Special Counsel) - Jacobson Lawyers Group appointed for litigation against the Trump administration.
• Resolved: Ordinance 25-59 - Final adoption of Traditional Neighborhood District zoning updates.
• Resolved: Resolution 25-11 - Initiation of T-District follow-up and transit corridor study.
• Resolved: Ordinance 25-65 - Final adoption of firearms regulations (assault weapons, binary triggers, ghost guns).
  • Vote: 7 Yes, 0 No.
• Laid Over: Ordinance 25-72 (Merca Amendments) - Second reading November 19 (Bowie voted No).
• Laid Over: Ordinance 25-77 (Garbage Rates) - Second reading November 19.
• Laid Over: Ordinance 25-63 (Cart Sharing) - Final adoption November 19.
• Laid Over: Ordinance 25-66 (Cannabis) - Final adoption November 19.
• Laid Over: Ordinances 25-67 to 25-71 (World Juniors) - Final adoption November 19.
• Laid Over: Ordinance 25-76 (Crypto Kiosks) - Final adoption November 19 (Bowie voted No).
• Laid Over: Resolution 25-253 (Solid Waste Fee) - Final adoption December 3.
• Laid Over: Resolution 25-254 (Recycling Fee) - Final adoption December 3.
• Adopted: Resolution 25-255 (Hamlin Library Grant) - $500,000 grant accepted.
• Adopted: Resolution 25-218 (Grand Snelling Parking) - Assessments ratified.
• Adopted: Resolution 25-243 (Turkey Trot Variance) - Sound variance approved.
• Referred: Legislative Hearing Items 28 & 29 - To December 9 for property line confirmation.
• Adopted: Legislative Hearing Item 38 - Work order recommended for December 12 if items are not removed.