St. Paul City Council Meeting Summary - December 17, 2025

The St. Paul City Council convened for its final regular meeting of 2025 on December 17, 2025, with five members present (Council President Naker, Vice President Kim, and Councilmembers Yang, Coleman, Joost, and Bowie; Councilmembers Johnson and Bowie were initially absent but Bowie arrived later). The meeting featured the adoption of a packed legislative agenda, including the recognition of retiring public servants, the adoption of the city's 2026 legislative priorities, and critical public hearings regarding police conduct during federal immigration operations and the use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF).

Consent Calendar

• Routine Approvals: The Council adopted the consent agenda (items 5 through 28, excluding item 25) unanimously.
• Donation Acceptance: Resolution 25-1983, version two, was adopted to accept a $100,000 donation from the Unity Church Unitarian to support the St. Paul Recovery Act Communications Reparation and Community Reparations Commission.
• Budget Adjustments: Several resolutions (items 25-260, 25-261, 25-262, 25-267, 25-275, 25-284, 25-285, 25-286, 25-287) were adopted to accept Metropolitan Council and St. Paul and Minnesota Foundation grants for various projects (face-to-face, Hamms Brewery, animal shelter improvement, police impound lot maintenance, and financial empowerment programs) and amend the 2025 operating budget.
• Legislative Hearing Consent: Items 50 through 94, primarily involving account work and final fixes for the hauling consortium billing process, were adopted as amended.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Hmong Resettlement 50th Anniversary (Item 37): A public hearing featured extensive testimony from Hmong community members, veterans, and leaders. Speakers expressed profound gratitude for the City of St. Paul's 50-year support, shared personal stories of displacement and resilience following the Secret War in Laos, and emphasized the community's transformation from refugees to thriving leaders in business, politics, and the arts.
  • Position expressed: Speakers articulated deep appreciation for the city's history of support and a strong position of solidarity, declaring "we are here to stay" while highlighting the need for continued protection against current federal immigration policies.
• Grand & Victoria Redevelopment (Item 38): Public testimony was divided regarding the use of TIF for the 845 Grand Avenue project.
  • Position expressed: Members of the public organization "Insight" and other taxpayers expressed positions of opposition to the $2.95 million TIF subsidy, arguing it is an overuse of the tool, burdens taxpayers, and is unnecessary for a non-blighted area. Conversely, developer Ari Perrett expressed a position of support for the project, arguing that the specific buildings are blighted and the subsidy is required for the project to proceed, while clarifying that city service funding continues.
• Federal Immigration Operations & Police Conduct (Item 39): A public hearing focused on the November 25th raid and police response on Rose Avenue. Dozens of speakers, including journalists, community members, and legal observers, testified.
  • Position expressed: Speakers consistently expressed positions of distress and anger regarding the St. Paul Police Department's (SPPD) actions, alleging they violated separation ordinances, used excessive force (pepper spray, rubber bullets) against peaceful observers and journalists, and aided federal agents in warrantless arrests. Speakers demanded immediate accountability, independent investigations, and policy changes to reinstate the city's sanctuary status.
  • Specific Claims: Testimony included allegations that SPPD arrived in riot gear without justification, sprayed chemical agents on individuals not posing a threat, and failed to provide badge numbers.

Discussion Items

• Retiree Honors:
  • Rust Stark: Resolution 25-1990 was adopted to declare December 17, 2025, as Rust Stark Day. Councilmembers Yang, Joseph, Bowie, and Coleman expressed full support and deep gratitude for Stark's 18-year service, specifically praising his leadership on climate action, geothermal heating, and bike safety.
  • Melvin Carter: Resolution 25-1989 was adopted to declare December 18, 2025, as Melvin Carter Day. Councilmembers Yang, Coleman, and Joost expressed strong support for Mayor Carter's leadership during the pandemic, the murder of George Floyd, and cyber attacks, highlighting his "leadership with love" and investment in youth and infrastructure.
  • Butch Inks: Resolution 25-2008 was adopted to declare December 30, 2025, as Chief Butch Inks Day. Vice President Kim and other members expressed deep appreciation for Inks' 40 years of service, his emphasis on human wellness in the fire department, and his bravery during the November 25th incident.
• 2026 Legislative Agenda: Director Peterson presented a preliminary legislative agenda. He noted a projected surplus this biennium but a $2.9 billion shortfall in later years. The council discussed priorities including LGA increases indexed to inflation, revenue taxes, capital investments (arena, zoo), and public safety policies (gun restrictions in rec centers).
• Tree Preservation Ordinance (Item 34): Staff and public input group members presented the draft ordinance. Members of the public expressed strong support for treating trees as critical infrastructure, citing environmental benefits and the need to protect mature trees from vandalism and development.
  • Outcome: Council President Naker moved to lay over the item until May 20, 2026, for final adoption to allow for continued refinement and budget planning.
• Planning Commission (Item 36): Public hearing on commission process improvements. Testimony included support for simplifying the process and concerns about the Transportation Committee's structure. The ordinance was laid over to January 7, 2026, for final adoption.
• Post-25th of November Reactions: Following the public hearing on immigration operations, Councilmembers Yang, Kim, Joost, Coleman, and Bowie delivered extensive remarks.
  • Positions taken: The Council expressed unity with the community in calling for accountability. They committed to reviewing the separation ordinance, conducting internal affairs, post-board, and financial audits, and implementing policy changes regarding police staging, face coverings, and use of force.

Key Outcomes

• Resolutions Adopted:
  • Resolution 25-1983: Accepting $100k donation for Reparations Commission.
  • Resolution 25-1990: Declaring December 17, 2025, as Rust Stark Day.
  • Resolution 25-1989: Declaring December 18, 2025, as Melvin Carter Day.
  • Resolution 25-2008: Declaring December 30, 2025, as Butch Inks Day.
  • Resolution 2026-01: Adopting the preliminary 2026 Legislative Agenda (with further work pending).
  • Resolution 2026-02: Recognizing Human Rights Day and International Migrants Day.
  • Resolution 25-257: Approving $230,000 for Baker Park Improvement Project with the St. Paul Parks Conservancy.
  • Resolution 25-291: Adopting version two to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hmong resettlement (6-0 vote).
  • Resolution 25-283: Approving the Grand and Victoria Redevelopment Plan and TIF district (5-1 vote; Councilmember Bowie opposed).
  • Resolution 25-10: Adopted the public hearing on federal immigration operations and Police conduct (to be followed by action items).
  • Several grant acceptance resolutions (Items 25-260 through 25-287).
  • Resolution 25-28: Ordering the rehabilitation of 430 Dale Street North (referred to Legislative Hearing).
• Voting Tallies:
  • Mayor Carter Day: 6-0 adopted.
  • Chief Inks Day: 6-0 adopted.
  • Rust Stark Day: 6-0 adopted (Version 2 vote).
  • Hmong Resettlement Resolution: 6-0 adopted.
  • Grand & Victoria TIF: 5-1 adopted (Councilmember Bowie voted "No" due to principles regarding affordable housing prioritization).
  • Tree Ordinance: 5-0 adopted (Motion to lay over).
  • Planning Commission: 6-0 adopted (Motion to lay over).
• Directives & Next Steps:
  • The Council committed to a rigorous investigation into the November 25th police incident (Internal Affairs, Post-Board, and Office of Financial Services audits).
  • Policy review of the Separation Ordinance, use of force policies, and ICE staging restrictions was prioritized for January 2026.
  • The Tree Preservation Ordinance is scheduled for final adoption on May 20, 2026.
  • The Planning Commission amendments are scheduled for final adoption on January 7, 2026.
  • Future public hearings on immigration operations will be added to the agenda to maintain community space for grievance sharing.
  • The Council will collaborate with the Mayor-Elect (Kali Her) on legislative strategies for 2026.