Saint Paul City Council Meeting – August 19, 2026

The Saint Paul City Council met on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 3:30 PM in the Council Chambers. Council President Rebecca Noecker and Councilmember HwaJeong Kim were initially absent; Council Vice President Nelsie Yang chaired the meeting. Councilmember Kim arrived later, making six members present for the second roll call. The meeting adjourned at 4:54 PM. The agenda included budget amendments, a fire chief selection committee ordinance, multiple public hearings on sound level variances, special tax assessments, property abatements, and a consent agenda of routine items.

Consent Calendar

• Communications & Receive/File (Items 1-4): Four administrative ordinances were received and filed: AO 26-51 (amending 2026 budgets for a skid steer loader purchase in Public Works), AO 26-56 (reallocating Police Department grant funds for the 2023 Port Security Grant), AO 26-57 (reallocating Saint Paul Public Library Agency budget), and AO 26-58 (establishing 17 new projects through the STAR Economic Development Program).
• Consent Agenda (Items 5-21): The consent agenda was adopted 5-0 (two absent) with no separate discussion. Key items include:
  • RES 26-1225: Approved the cost of securing/emergency boarding services for June 2026, setting legislative hearing on September 15, 2026 and City Council public hearing on October 14, 2026.
  • RES 26-1235 & 26-1236: Approved assessment costs for Seventh Place Mall operation/maintenance for 2025 and 2026, respectively.
  • RES 26-1261: Authorized a $26,625.00 settlement for the claim of Emily Trudeau.
  • RES 26-1272: Approved assessment costs for Grand/Snelling parking lot operation/maintenance for 2027.
  • RES 26-1301: Directed adverse action including a $500 matrix penalty and amended license conditions against Richard A Defoe Entertainment Inc (d/b/a Wilebskis Blues Saloon) at 1638 Rice St.
  • RES 26-1302: Authorized Fire Department to pay costs for Fire Explorers program training/events in 2026.
  • RES 26-1315: Authorized Police Department to apply for FY 2027 Enforcement Grant Program from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
  • RES 26-1317 & 26-1319: Approved grant funds through Ward 7 Neighborhood Star Year-Round Program for Champion Investments LLC and More Doors LLC.
  • RES 26-1327 & 26-1330: Approved non-use of Project Labor Agreements on a single-family housing redevelopment at 47 Douglas Street and a duplex development at 1087 Ross Avenue.
  • RES 26-1335: Approved change of ownership for liquor licenses at El Jalisco Grill and Bar Mexican Restaurant No 3 (296 Larpenteur Ave E).
  • RES 26-1336: Approved new liquor licenses (including patio and entertainment) for Avalon LLC at 80 4th St W.
• Items Laid Over (Consent): RES 26-1281 (Assistant Chief of Police pay grade change), RES 26-1294 (Senior Zoo Keeper pay change), and RES 26-1337 (Collective Bargaining Agreement with Classified Confidential Employees Association) were laid over to August 26, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Fire Chief Committee (Item 22): Kyle Thornberg, President of St. Paul Firefighters Local 21, expressed support for the ordinance establishing the qualifications and examining committee and the proposed slate. He noted that Local 21 represents 475 firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs, and emphasized the importance of worker input in selecting the next fire chief. He cited recent statistics: overall responses in the past month were 8% higher than the same month in 2025, with fire responses increasing by more than 15%.
• Como-Eustis Sanitary Sewer District (Item 23): Barbara Holmes, a homeowner in the district, expressed support for the establishment of the special sewer availability connection charge district. She stated that new development (HealthPartners and Luther Seminary property) would bear the costs of improving the old 1918 lift station, and residents would not be responsible. She advocated for passage.
• Budget Amendment (Item 25): Multiple members of the public spoke against the city’s contract with SkyDio and the expansion of a drone program. Wyatt Miller (Ward 4) stated that a Pioneer Press article estimated $300,000 spent on drones, but no contract record was available, and argued for transparency. Barry Reish (lifelong St. Paul resident) expressed opposition, saying drones are militaristic. Simon Shoch Sari (Ward 7) linked library closures to drone spending, stating that libraries in underserved communities are closing while an unknown amount is spent on drones.
• Domestic Abuse Intervention Grant (Item 26): Cedar Larson (Ward 1, member of Women Against Military Madness) opposed the grant, arguing that police do not keep victims safe and cited concerns about police domestic abusers, misuse of Flock cameras, and the SkyDio contract enabling genocide in Palestine. Andrew Joseph Chak (former St. Paul resident, now Minneapolis) echoed opposition, stating police body cameras and facial recognition have not improved safety and that the SkyDio contract aids ICE and political opponents.
• Nativity County Fair Sound Variance (Item 28): Nick Strauss spoke in support, noting the fair’s 52nd year and community entertainment.
• Emergency Boarding Assessments (Items 30 & 33): Laura Schroeder (manager for 565 Aldine St.) testified that the police did not call the after-hours emergency number as stated in the voicemail. Zach (facilities manager for 99 California Ave W) stated that the door latch remained broken after police boarding, leaving the building unsecured, and that the police did not contact their 24/7 emergency line.
• Abatement at 947 Fremont Ave (Item 39): Jay Mitchell (representing the owner) requested continuation of 180 days instead of monthly $2,500 forfeitures, citing delays from a city cyber hack and a collapsed foundation wall.
• Vehicle Abatement at 314 Wyoming St E (Item 44): Owner Gary Grimes stated he needed until Tuesday, August 25, to remove the last vehicle due to title issues from a previous owner in England.
• Vacate Order at 1103 Chatsworth St N (Item 36): Homeowner Bambi Barclay testified that her electricity was shut off due to a bill in an ex-partner’s name, making her ineligible for heat assistance. She asked for help to avoid homelessness.

Discussion Items

• Fire Chief Selection Committee (Ord 26-38): Council Vice President Yang introduced the ordinance to establish a qualifications and examining committee for the Fire Chief position. Councilmember Johnson flagged the need to confirm participation of the Minneapolis Fire Chief on the slate. Councilmember Kim expressed support, noting the slate reflects St. Paul’s unique fire/paramedic operations. The public hearing was closed and the ordinance laid over for final adoption on August 26, 2026 (6-0 vote).
• Como-Eustis Special Sanitary Sewer District (RES PH 26-149): Approved unanimously (6-0) after public hearing closed. The district will fund Phase 1 and 2 sewer capacity improvements, with connection charges on new developments.
• Parks and Recreation Bond Proceeds (RES PH 26-158): Amended financing/spending plans by $633,224 to reflect remaining bond interest proceeds from the Saint Paul Port Authority for the EAB Capital Project. Approved 6-0.
• Budget Amendments for GO Bonds (RES PH 26-194): Amended Capital Improvement Budget and Operating Budget for final sale details of Series 2026B and 2026C bonds. Approved 6-0 despite public testimony critical of drone contract.
• Domestic Abuse Intervention Grant (RES PH 26-197): Authorized Police Department to accept second amendment to sub-grant agreement from Saint Paul and Ramsey County Domestic Abuse Intervention Project and add grant activity budget. Approved 6-0.
• Sound Level Variances:
  • RES PH 26-198: Approved for Walk for Recovery event on September 12, 2026 at Minnesota State Capitol Grounds. Approved 6-0.
  • RES PH 26-200: Approved for Nativity County Fair on September 18-20, 2026 at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School grounds. Approved 6-0.
• Front Avenue Mill and Overlay Assessment (RES PH 26-209): Public hearing continued to October 7, 2026 (6-0).
• Legislative Hearing Items (Pulled from Consent): Numerous special tax assessments, abatements, and appeals were discussed individually. Key discussions:
  • Item 30 (565 Aldine St.) and Item 33 (99 California Ave W): Both addressed emergency boarding assessments totaling $479 ($250 call-out + $60 secure + fee). Property managers argued they were not contacted; police followed standard procedure. Both assessments were approved 6-0.
  • Item 39 (947 Fremont Ave): Council laid over the $2,500 monthly forfeiture for two weeks (September 2, 2026) to follow up on structural engineer report and progress.
  • Item 44 (314 Wyoming St E): Laid over one week (August 26, 2026) after owner requested time until Tuesday to remove vehicle.
  • Item 36 (1103 Chatsworth St N): Council granted an extension to October 15, 2026 (amended from October 1) for utility restoration or vacate, with Councilmember Kim offering to connect homeowner to resources.
  • Item 35 (914 Central Ave W): Referred back to legislative hearing on September 15, 2026 after performance deposit issues were clarified.
• Councilmember Comments on Public Participation: Councilmembers discussed ways to provide public input on topics like drones and Flock cameras. Councilmember Johnson urged colleagues to use Public Safety Committee meetings for such hearings; Councilmember Bowie noted limited time and existing reviews. Councilmember Kim and Vice President Yang cited past successful public hearings on Operation Metro Surge and encampment closures. The council encouraged residents to contact their council members or attend committee meetings.

Key Outcomes

• Votes & Decisions:
  • Consent agenda adopted 5-0 (initial roll call).
  • Fire Chief ordinance laid over for final adoption (6-0).
  • All public hearing resolutions (Items 23-28) adopted 6-0.
  • Front Avenue assessment public hearing continued to October 7, 2026 (6-0).
  • Emergency boarding assessments (Items 30, 33) approved 6-0, upholding the legislative hearing officer’s recommendation.
  • 947 Fremont Ave abatement laid over two weeks (6-0).
  • 314 Wyoming St E laid over one week (6-0).
  • 1103 Chatsworth St N appeal granted as amended (extension to October 15) (6-0).
  • 914 Central Ave W referred to legislative hearing on September 15, 2026 (6-0).
  • Remaining legislative hearing consent agenda adopted as amended (6-0).
• Referrals & Next Steps:
  • Three items laid over to August 26, 2026: Assistant Chief of Police pay, Senior Zoo Keeper pay, Classified Confidential Employees Association labor agreement.
  • Fire Chief ordinance set for final adoption on August 26, 2026.
  • Budget and drone concerns: Councilmembers noted ongoing reviews of Flock cameras and drone contract; no formal public hearing set but encouraged committee discussion.
  • Property owners with appealed assessments were directed to contact the city for payment plans or follow-up inspections.
  • Council adjourned at 4:54 PM.