Saint Paul City Council Meeting - May 27, 2026

The Saint Paul City Council met on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 3:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order at 3:32 PM and adjourned at 5:06 PM. All seven council members were present. The agenda included consent items, discussion items, public hearings, and a legislative hearing consent agenda. Key actions included approval of several appointments, grant acceptances, a fee waiver pilot program, and adoption of the Climate Action and Resilience Plan update.

Communications & Receive/File

• AO 26-32: Authorizing the Police Department to reallocate activity budget to record grant awards from the Saint Paul Police Foundation. Received and filed.

Consent Agenda

• Adopted as amended (7-0). Items included:
  • RES 26-838: Grant agreement with MnDOT for Lafayette Trail Connection Project (adopted).
  • RES 26-840: Memorandum of Agreement with Operating Engineers Local 70 (laid over to June 3, 2026).
  • RES 26-843: Settlement payment of $12,818.89 to Deborah Brisch-Cramer (adopted).
  • RES 26-844: Storm sewer permit for The Heights project (adopted).
  • RES 26-880: Master Legal Services Agreement with Barnes & Thornburg LLP (adopted).
  • RES 26-782: 2026 Wage and Fringe Adjustment for Bricklayers Local Union 1 (adopted).
  • RES 26-811: Wage and Fringe Adjustment for Painters District Council 82 (adopted).
  • RES 26-820: Police Federation MOA on eligibility list length (adopted).

Discussion Items

• RES 26-874: Appointment of Ia Xiong as Director of Safety and Inspections. Adopted (7-0). Xiong was sworn in.
• RES 26-886: Opt-in to Ramsey County Economic Development Authority. Laid over one week at the request of the county (7-0).
• RES 26-841: Auto Repair Garage & Second Hand Dealer license for M F K Enterprise (830 Robert Street). After testimony from licensee Mo Kia and staff, the council adopted the department's recommendation for a $1,000 matrix penalty and amended license conditions (7-0). Council President Noecker directed the department to visit the property within two weeks to clarify conditions and ownership.
• RES 26-812: Legislative Hearing Fee Waiver Pilot Program for remainder of 2026. Staff reported that the $25 appeal fee would be automatically waived to test assumptions and improve procedural justice. Adopted (7-0).
• RES 26-791: Appointment of Melanie McMahon as Director of Planning and Economic Development. After extensive discussion, adopted (6-1). Councilmember Bowie voted no, citing concerns about process and prioritization of historically underinvested communities. Councilmember Johnson explained her request for a two-week layover was to allow due diligence.

Public Hearings

• RES PH 26-120: Sound level variances for Grand Old Day (June 7, 2026) at five locations. Kim O'Brien, Executive Director of Grand Avenue Business Association, testified in support. Adopted (7-0).
• RES PH 26-121: Acceptance of DEED Redevelopment Grant for Afton Park Development (841-857 Grand Avenue). No testimony. Adopted (7-0).
• RES PH 26-122: Capitol Region Watershed District grant for green roof maintenance at Fire Station 1. No testimony. Adopted (7-0).
• RES PH 26-126: Acceptance of $6,800,061 in HOME-ARP funds from HUD. No testimony. Adopted (7-0).
• RES PH 26-130: Adoption of the Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP) Update. Staff report by Climate Action Coordinator Liz Boyer highlighted a five-year action plan with 25 priority items, integration of hazard vulnerability mapping, and community engagement. Four public testimonies in support: Kristen Dawkins (Railroad Island) praised the geothermal thermal energy plan; Catherine Dugarm (Ward 3) supported thermal energy networks and solar access; Lachelle Cunningham (Frogtown Farm Executive Director) commended food security language and urged implementation; Celeste Masillas (Frogtown Farm farmer) emphasized climate justice and urban farming. Council members expressed strong support, noting the plan's equity focus and need for funding. Adopted (7-0).

Legislative Hearing Consent Agenda

• Items 20-27 were adopted as amended with the recommendations of the Legislative Hearing Officer (7-0). Highlights:
  • RLH SAO 26-45: 233 Bates Avenue nuisance abatement appeal – continued to June 3, 2026.
  • RLH TA 25-422, 25-404, 26-49, 26-38: Special tax assessments for 2170 Highwood Avenue – all adopted as amended (assessments deleted).
  • RLH SAO 26-27: 1377 Minnehaha Avenue East nuisance abatement – continued to June 10, 2026.
  • RLH SAO 26-39: Appeal of Melanie Baker for 1884 Montana Avenue East – adopted.
  • RLH SAO 26-44: Appeal of Joseph Richardson for 1875 North Park Drive – adopted.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: All actions passed with 7-0 votes except the McMahon appointment (6-1) and consent items adopted as amended.
• Appointments: Ia Xiong confirmed as DSI Director; Melanie McMahon confirmed as PED Director.
• Policy Pilot: Legislative hearing fee waiver pilot approved for 2026, with follow-up ordinance planned.
• Grant Acceptance: $6.8 million HOME-ARP funds accepted for affordable housing; DEED redevelopment grant accepted for Grand Avenue project.
• Climate Plan: CARP update adopted, including a five-year action plan and vulnerability mapping.
• License Action: MFK Enterprise license amended with $1,000 penalty and new conditions; department to conduct site visit within two weeks.
• Layovers: Operating Engineers MOA laid over to June 3; Ramsey County EDA opt-in laid over one week.
• Next Steps: City staff to implement fee waiver pilot and follow up on license conditions; HRA work plan development anticipated.