St. Paul Planning Commission Meeting - February 6, 2026 (Note: Transcript Indicates February 20)

The St. Paul Planning Commission met on the date specified in the agenda as February 6, 2026, though the raw transcript refers to "Friday, February 20th, 2026." The meeting covered approval of minutes, an update to the commission's bylaws, nomination and election of officers, a resolution on the Bronze Line Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA), site plan review announcements, and recognition of outgoing commissioners. Several votes were taken, including approval of the Bronze Line LPA resolution and a conditional approval of revised bylaws.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of February 6, 2026 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes: Motion by Commissioner Starling, seconded by Commissioner Hackney. Approved unanimously.
• Approval of January 29, 2026 Zoning Committee Meeting Minutes: Motion by Commissioner Tagiaff, seconded by Commissioner Starling. Passed by voice vote (only zoning commissioners present voted).
• No public hearings or old business were on the agenda.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during the meeting.

Discussion Items

• Update of Planning Commission Bylaws (Ordinance 2579): Director Robinson presented a draft updating the bylaws to conform with recent city council changes to commission composition. Key discussion points included: the removal of standing committees (except the Transportation Committee, which is established by city council resolution); the executive committee composition (officers plus immediate past president); quorum requirements; and formatting updates. Commissioner Holtz raised concerns about executive committee size and quorum. Commissioner Starling proposed adding language that the executive committee does not take official actions. After motion and withdrawal, a new motion passed (with one abstention by Commissioner Tagioff, who cited concerns about democratic process and lack of defined public comment procedures) to approve the bylaws subject to staff returning with amendments: striking the immediate past president from the executive committee, updating format, and providing additional information on executive committee membership and function.
• Nomination and Election of Planning Commission Officers: Chair Grill was re-elected as chair by voice vote with no opposition. For first vice chair, nominations were made for Commissioner Presley, Commissioner Thomas, Commissioner Starling, and Commissioner Martinson. Many commissioners expressed discomfort with being nominated on the spot and requested more information on term lengths, responsibilities, and workload. Commissioner Riley moved to lay over the remaining elections to the next meeting, with a request for staff to provide term expiration dates, role descriptions, and a timeline for transition to the seven-member commission. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Starling and passed without opposition.
• Bronze Line Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) Resolution: Bill Dermondy presented the project, formerly known as the Rush Line or Purple Line, from Union Depot to Maplewood Mall Transit Center. The LPA includes dedicated lanes, new stations, and off-board fare payment. The Transportation Committee had recommended approval with an added note about future Earl Street station considerations. Discussion centered on whether the planning commission was voting on support for the LPA itself or only on comprehensive plan consistency. Commissioner Riley moved to strike the whereas clause stating consistency with the comprehensive plan, but the motion died without a second. Commissioner Homas then moved to approve the resolution as presented, seconded by Commissioner Martinson. The motion passed with 8 votes in favor, 1 abstention (Commissioner Starling), and none opposed. Chair Grill also voted aye after the roll call. Commissioner Starling explained abstention due to uncertainty about whether the proposed route would be a true improvement relative to other transit investments.

Key Outcomes

• Bylaws update: Approved conditionally with direction for staff to bring back amendments to the executive committee section, formatting, and additional information. Passed with one abstention.
• Officer election: Chair Grill re-elected; remaining officer positions (first vice chair, second vice chair, secretary) laid over to next meeting pending additional information.
• Bronze Line LPA resolution: Approved, recommending city council support of the locally preferred alternative. Passed with one abstention.
• Recognition resolutions: Two resolutions recognizing the service of Commissioner Homas and Commissioner Ortega (not present) were approved unanimously.
• Meeting logistics: The planning director reported results of a poll on meeting day/time; further refinement will be brought back, including potential changes to bylaws to allow flexibility on meeting day.