Public Meetings - St Paul, Minnesota

The St. Paul Planning Commission held a public hearing meeting on May 7, 2026, with Chair Starling presiding. The commission reviewed two zoning applications, received a presentation on a proactive T District rezoning study, and handled routine business. All votes were unanimous except for one abstention. Consent Calendar - Approval of May 1, 2026 Meeting Minutes: Unanimously approved without discussion. Public Hearings & Testimony - 62 Winifred Street – Change of Non-Conforming Use: The applicant, Matt Kennavan, spoke briefly about improvements to the property. No public testimony was offered. The commission closed the hearing and approved the staff recommendation (vote: unanimous). - 213 Bates Avenue – Rezoning from H2 to T1: Public testimony was given by Andy Joy (2257 Maryland Avenue, St. Paul), who expressed support on behalf of the Eastside Commercial Real Estate Development Initiative. He highlighted the project’s alignment with community-centered property acquisition, adaptive reuse, and local business support. No other speakers testified. The commission closed the hearing and approved the staff recommendation (vote: 9–0, with Chair Starling abstaining due to a conflict of interest related to an organization described in the staff report). Discussion Items - 62 Winifred Street (Zoning Application): Staff (Ms. Hong) explained the request to change a non-conforming use from auto repair to auto specialty (window tinting). The use was found compatible with the neighborhood, consistent with the comprehensive plan, and expected to produce fewer negative externalities than auto repair. The district council did not oppose but did not explicitly approve. Staff recommended approval, and the commission concurred. - 213 Bates Avenue (Rezoning): Staff (Stefan Duarte Green) presented the request to rezone a one-story brick building from H2 residential to T1 traditional neighborhood. The property is designated Urban Neighborhood in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, and T1 permits a range of residential and low-intensity commercial uses consistent with the area. Staff noted three letters of support and zero opposition. Commissioners discussed whether the rezoning constituted spot zoning. The city attorney clarified that spot zoning is a legal determination for courts, not the commission, and that the finding of “orderly and predictable development” addresses compatibility concerns. Several commissioners acknowledged the value of proactive, rather than reactive, rezoning to provide predictability for businesses and residents. The motion to approve passed with Chair Starling abstaining. - T Districts Implementation Study (Informational Presentation): Senior Planner Valerie Quarles presented a proactive rezoning effort along six corridors (Rice Street, Maryland Avenue, Como/Front/Dale, White Bear Avenue, Selby Avenue, West 7th/Randolph, and Robert Street) aligned with future Bus Rapid Transit lines. The study aims to replace outdated B districts with T districts to promote transit-supportive density, building reuse, and local business opportunities. Engagement will include in-person workshops and an online survey, with a public hearing targeted by the end of 2026. Commissioners Riley and Tagioff suggested adding Payne Avenue and Front Avenue to future corridors and recommended partnering with community development organizations, especially on the East Side. Staff will provide further updates. Key Outcomes - 62 Winifred Street: Change of non-conforming use permit approved (unanimous). - 213 Bates Avenue: Rezoning from H2 to T1 approved (9–0, Chair Starling abstaining). - Next Meeting Announcement: The Site Plan Review Committee will meet on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, to consider new construction at 500 Broadway Street (mixed-use multifamily dwelling). - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned following announcements. Additional Notes - The commission had quorum with 11 commissioners present; arrivals of Commissioners Presley and Thomas were noted after the first item. - The T Districts study is expected to return to the commission for further updates and a future public hearing.

The Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Board of Commissioners met on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 2:00 PM in Council Chambers, City Hall. Chair Cheniqua Johnson called the meeting to order at 2:03 PM. Six commissioners were present (Commissioner HwaJeong Kim was excused). The board approved the April 2026 meeting minutes, adopted a resolution designating development partners for a Jackson Street project, and received staff reports on Permit Ready Plans and the 2026 HRA Work Plan. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board approved the April 2026 HRA meeting minutes (MIN 26-15) by a vote of 6-0. Discussion Items Resolution 26-752: Designation of Development Partners for 0 Jackson Street - The board considered a resolution to authorize DC Commercial and JB Vang as development partners for a project at 0 Jackson Street (District 6, Ward 5). The developer partnership includes a mentorship component, which commissioners highlighted as notable. Commissioner HwaJeong Kim, who was excused, had previously expressed support. Commissioner Nelsie Yang moved for approval, and the board adopted the resolution unanimously (6-0). Staff Report: Permit Ready Plans (SR 26-87) - Senior City Planner Spencer Miller-Johnson presented an update on the Permit Ready Plans initiative. The project has a $200,000 budget from the HRA Housing Trust Fund and aims to develop at least five sets of technical construction plans for small-scale housing types (e.g., accessory dwelling units, narrow-lot single-family homes, duplexes). The plans will be made available to the community for free. A consultant has been selected via RFP, and the project is expected to kick off in June 2026, with completion targeted for summer 2027. During discussion, commissioners asked about applicability across lot conditions, potential time and cost savings for developers, integration with the existing ADU toolkit, and coordination with other jurisdictions. Mr. Miller-Johnson noted plans would be vetted through city departments and could potentially reduce permitting time by a few months. The presentation was received and filed. Staff Report: 2026 Housing and Redevelopment Authority Work Plan (SR 26-88) - Interim Executive Director Melanie McMahon presented the draft 2026 HRA Work Plan, which outlines strategic goals in housing (affordable housing production and preservation, rental assistance, homeownership opportunities), economic development (business programs, development opportunity marketing, the downtown vitality fund), and planning (Downtown 2040 Plan, comprehensive plan updates, permit-ready plans). The board discussed the plan and offered feedback: - Commissioners requested including items on HRA financial health and depleting special funds (Housing Trust Fund, Loan Enterprise Fund, Parking Fund). - An update on the parking management study and parking ramp operations RFP (expected this summer) was recommended. - Progress on a new grants management/CRM system should be included. - Commissioners expressed interest in receiving PED’s overall departmental work plan, given that PED largely operates as the HRA’s staff. - Updates on district council work and the city’s real estate portfolio (e.g., Grand Casino site) were suggested. - Director McMahon agreed to refine the work plan based on feedback and provide additional information. The presentation was received and filed. Key Outcomes - Approval of Minutes: Approved 6-0. - Resolution 26-752: Adopted 6-0, designating DC Commercial and JB Vang as the tentative developer for 0 Jackson Street. - Staff Reports: Both Permit Ready Plans and the 2026 HRA Work Plan were received and filed; staff will incorporate commissioner feedback into the work plan. - Next Meeting: The next HRA meeting is scheduled for May 13, 2026. Chair Johnson noted that due to scheduling, some upcoming items may require introduction and action at the same meeting.

The Saint Paul Library Board met on May 6, 2026, with five members present (Chair Saura Jost, Councilmembers Anika Bowie, Molly Coleman, Rebecca Noecker, Nelsie Yang) and two absent (Councilmembers Cheniqua Johnson, HwaJeong Kim). The board approved the previous meeting's minutes, adopted a resolution authorizing acceptance of a gift, and received updates on ebook legislation and a successful fundraising campaign. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (Min 26-14): The minutes from the April 1, 2026 Library Board meeting were adopted unanimously (5-0). - Resolution 26-621: Authorizing the Saint Paul Public Library to accept a $500 gift from the Science Across America program. The resolution was adopted unanimously (5-0). Discussion Items - MELSA eBook Legislation Update (SR 26-74): Sherry Wichitshu, Executive Director of MELSA, presented on the state of ebook licensing. She explained that libraries pay 3 to 5 times more than individuals for ebooks and audiobooks, with contracts that expire after two years or 26 checkouts, forcing repeated purchases. MELSA and the Minnesota Library Association are pursuing state legislation under contract law (not copyright) to remove harmful restrictions, such as bans on interlibrary loan and time limits. Minnesota's bill has passed all Senate committees and is included in the Senate education policy omnibus, but faces procedural hurdles in the House. The legislation includes a trigger clause requiring a combined population of 7 million in adopting states before taking effect. Board members expressed strong support for the legislation, asked about antitrust litigation and author perspectives, and discussed potential alternative strategies like grant programs or blackout periods. The staff report was received and filed. - Books for All Campaign Update (SR 26-76): Diana Kanaka (Senior Director of Development) and Kim Horton (Senior Director of Communications) from the Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library presented results of the Books for All campaign. The campaign aimed to raise $62,000 to address a one-time funding challenge in the 2026 library collections budget. It exceeded the goal, raising $70,000 from 225 donors, including 36 new donors. Donations ranged from $1 (from a young patron) to five-figure gifts. All seven wards of St. Paul were represented, and 86% of donors lived within the city. The campaign featured author ambassadors (William Kent Krueger, Mona Susan Power, Ka Lia Yang) and a dedication wall. Board members praised the partnership and public support. The staff report was received and filed. Key Outcomes - The minutes of the April 1, 2026 meeting were approved (5-0). - Resolution 26-621 was adopted (5-0). - Both staff reports (SR 26-74 and SR 26-76) were received and filed. - Board members expressed strong support for the ebook legislation and discussed next steps, including potential inclusion on the city's legislative agenda. - The board commended the Friends of the Library for the successful Books for All campaign and the broad community engagement.

The Saint Paul City Council met on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 3:32 PM in the Council Chambers, with Council President Rebecca Noecker presiding. Six members were present (Noecker, Yang, Bowie, Jost, Johnson, Coleman); Councilmember HwaJeong Kim was absent. The meeting adjourned at 4:05 PM. The agenda included a consent calendar, discussion items, a suspension item, ordinances, and public hearings on bonds, grants, an interim use permit, and sound level variances. Consent Calendar - Items 2 through 30 were approved as a block, with items 10 and 11 removed for separate discussion. Notable actions include: - RES 26-476: Approval of tree removal assessments and setting hearing dates for June 2 and July 15, 2026. - RES 26-642: Authorizing agreement with the Metropolitan Council for the METRO G Line Bus Rapid Transit Project. - RES 26-676: Approving 2026 micromobility agreements with Lime and Spin. - RES 26-727: Accepting a bequest from the Nancy E. Sittard Irrevocable Trust for police dog purchase, training, and care. - RES 26-728: Memorandum of Agreement for a 2026 interim wage increase for Tri-Council unions was laid over to May 13, 2026. - RES 26-745: Approving a three-year lease with Second Chance Recycling at 60 Sycamore Street. Public Comments & Testimony - One resident from 726 Fuller Avenue spoke against the interim use permit for a T-Mobile monopole tower at 732 Central Avenue West, citing concerns about health hazards, reduced property values, and aesthetic impact. No other public testimony was offered on any item. Discussion Items - Items 10 and 11 (Pulled from Consent): RES 26-700 appointing Alliana Golds, Joua Lor, and Mary Wah to the Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity Commission, and RES 26-703 appointing Michelle Collins, Ollie Grotzke, and Hser Wah to the Labor Standards Advisory Committee. Both were approved (6-0) after the appointees introduced themselves; Joua Lor (senior at Johnson Senior High School, heading to U of M Twin Cities) and Ollie Grotzke (junior at Como Park Senior High School) spoke about their backgrounds and appreciation for St. Paul. - Suspension Item: RES 26-619, urging European financial institutions to divest from companies enabling DHS/ICE, was withdrawn due to a clerical error. Public Hearings & Key Outcomes - Ordinances: - Ord 26-25 (correcting green roof lot coverage error) and Ord 26-26 (extending license renewal fee payments) were laid over to May 13, 2026, for final adoption after public hearings with no testimony. - Bond Sales: - RES PH 26-103: General Obligation Various Purpose Bonds, Series 2026B, awarded to Cabrera Capital Markets at a true interest rate cost of 2.89% for a 10-year term (down from 3.26% in 2025). Adopted (6-0). - RES PH 26-111: General Obligation Street Reconstruction Bonds, Series 2026C, awarded to Stonex Financial at a true interest rate cost of 3.92% for a 20-year term (down from 3.93% in 2025). Adopted (6-0). - The city maintained its AAA stable outlook from S&P and Fitch. - Budget and Grants: - RES PH 26-114: Transfer of $50,000 from General Fund to Special Projects Fund for Audit Committee spending. Adopted (6-0). - RES PH 26-115: Use of $245,050 in unspent 2025 fund balance to increase City Council Special Projects Fund. Adopted (6-0). - RES PH 26-48: Acceptance of a DEED Contamination Cleanup grant for Face to Face at 1170 Arcade Street North. Adopted (6-0). - RES PH 26-102: Acceptance of $298,000 from the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Microgrids at Community Lifeline Facilities Grant Program for Oxford Community Center. Adopted (6-0). - Interim Use Permit: - RES PH 26-109: Approved a temporary IUP for T-Mobile to install cellular antennas on a 76-foot monopole tower at 732 Central Avenue West (Pilgrim Baptist Church site) until April 27, 2027, to replace a decommissioned tower. Staff recommended approval; Councilmember Bowie supported the motion citing connectivity needs. Adopted (6-0) after a public hearing. - Sound Level Variances: Seven items were approved unanimously (6-0) after public hearings with no testimony: - RES PH 26-96: El Burrito Mercado for multiple events from May through September 2026. - RES PH 26-78: Ordway Center for Flint Hills Family event May 27–30, 2026. - RES PH 26-79: University of St. Thomas for Tommie Fest on May 15, 2026. - RES PH 26-98: Dual Citizen Brewing for Friends of the Mississippi Benefit Concert on May 30, 2026. - RES PH 26-99: Skinner’s Pub for Music on the Patio series Tuesdays June 2–September 29, 2026. - RES PH 26-101: Wabasha Brewing for Live Music at Wabasha on selected Saturdays May–August 2026. - RES PH 26-104: Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority for Train Days Music Festival on June 6, 2026, at Union Depot. - Legislative Hearing Consent Agenda: Items 47–62 were adopted as amended (6-0), including: - Several special tax assessments deleted (e.g., 511 Bay Street, 1077 Blair Avenue, 828 Englewood Avenue, 476 Sherburne Avenue). - Appeal of Emmett Owens Jr. at 233 Bates Avenue and others adopted. - RLH RR 26-3 for 118 Manitoba Avenue: Granted 180 days for rehabilitation or razing. - RLH SAO 26-33 for 412 White Bear Avenue North: Nuisance abated, matter resolved. Good News & Announcements - Councilmember Johnson announced a citywide Tenant Protections community conversation on May 7, 2026, from 6:00–7:30 PM at North End Community Center. - Councilmember Bowie promoted the Howie Q Brown Community Center annual spring tea on May 8, 2026, celebrating Mother’s Day. - Councilmember Johnson celebrated her first Mother’s Day and wished all mothers well. - Councilmember Noecker noted the Downtown Alliance annual meeting at the Palace Theater from 4:00–6:00 PM that day.

The meeting took place on April 28, 2026, at 10:30 AM. However, no agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided, so no specific discussions, outcomes, or public comments can be summarized.

The St. Paul Planning Commission met on April 23, 2026, to receive an informational update on the Highland Bridge development, hold a public hearing on a proposed salt storage ordinance, and discuss site plan review items. The meeting was called to order with six commissioners present. Note: The raw transcript references a "May 1st meeting" and approval of "April 3rd, 2026 Planning Commission meeting minutes," which conflicts with the assigned meeting date of April 23, 2026. This summary follows the provided date. Consent Calendar - Approval of the April 3, 2026 Planning Commission meeting minutes was moved by Commissioner Martinson, seconded by Commissioner Riley, and passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public testified during the public hearing on the salt storage ordinance. Discussion Items - Highland Bridge Development Update: Spencer Miller Johnson (Planning) and Tia Anderson (Economic Development) presented an update on construction progress. Key points included: - Block 2: A four-story mixed-use building with 97 units, three commercial retail buildings, a daycare, and a diagonal pedestrian connection to the civic plaza. Under construction, completion expected in 2026. - Block 5: Final phase of the Marvella senior living campus—four stories, 70 units. Received variances from the BZA (one for a pedestrian bridge setback, another for a utility easement—the latter was laid over due to a noticing error). - Block 11: Widener Homes plans a six-story, 176-unit mixed-use project (primarily residential) with one commercial space. Conditional site plan approval granted in January; timeline slowed after founder Dean Widener's death in March, but permits are under review. - Block 16: Widener Homes is exploring a similar four- to five-story development, still in pre-application. - Block 25: MI Homes (St. Louis Park) proposing 12 row homes; site plan and plat applications under review. - Commissioners asked about developer ownership (Ryan Companies retains some parcels; Widener owns most remaining undeveloped land east of the central water feature; Marvella owns Block 5; University of St. Thomas purchased the CP Rail spur). The overall unit target has decreased from 3,200 (2017 plan) to about 2,600–2,800 units. Commissioners expressed support for the plan and appreciated the update. - Salt Storage Ordinance: Staff introduced the proposed text amendment to regulate salt storage, required by the city's MS4 permit under the Clean Water Act. The language is based on a model from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Commissioner Martinson asked about the city's current compliance; staff confirmed the city is in compliance with the proposed language. No public testimony was received. Key Outcomes - The Planning Commission voted unanimously to close the public hearing (motion by Commissioner Riley, second by Commissioner Starling). - The Commission voted unanimously to recommend adoption of the salt storage ordinance text amendments to the Mayor and City Council (motion by Commissioner Holt, second by Commissioner Martinson). - The site plan review committee reported two items: 2450 Child's Road (addition to the incinerator solids management building) and 966 Mississippi River Boulevard South (Highland Bridge row homes, 8th edition). The May 5, 2026 site plan review committee meeting was canceled. - Chair announced she would be on vacation from April 23 to May 15; Commissioner Starling will chair the May 15 meeting.

The Saint Paul Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Board of Commissioners met on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 3:03 PM in Council Chambers. All seven commissioners were present (Chair Johnson, Commissioners Bowie, Coleman, Jost, Kim, Noecker, Yang). The meeting consisted of three staff reports: a tentative developer designation for 0 Jackson Street, updates on the Downtown 2050 Plan and Comprehensive Plan, and the first quarterly budget-to-actual report. No formal votes were taken; all items were informational and will return for action at future meetings. Discussion Items 1. Staff Report 26-79 – Authorization to Designate DC Commercial and JB Vang as Tentative Developer of 0 Jackson Street Principal Project Manager Tia Anderson presented the proposal for the Jackson Street Apartments, a new affordable housing development on a 1.73-acre site (including an HRA-owned 0.67-acre parcel) near McDonough Homes in Ward 5. The development would consist of 60–80 units (workforce or family-friendly, with 12 supportive housing units at various AMI levels), three stories, surface and structured parking, and a playground. The development team includes DC Commercial (an emerging developer) and JB Vang (an experienced affordable housing developer in a mentorship role). David Yang, CEO of DC Commercial, answered questions about his company’s background and commitment to the community. Ashley Bisner, VP of Development for JB Vang, described the partnership and JB Vang’s role in guiding DC Commercial. Commissioner Kim, who represents Ward 5, expressed strong support, noting the site’s long vacancy and the need for housing choices, especially 1–4 bedroom units. She also noted the upcoming Jackson Street reconstruction that will remove on‑street parking. The item will return for a vote on May 5, 2026. 2. Staff Report 26-77 – Downtown 2050 Plan and Comprehensive Plan Update Planning Supervisor Anton Jerve described the 10‑year cycle comprehensive plan update required by the Metropolitan Council. The 2050 plan will include chapters on land use, transportation, housing, parks, water resources, and historic preservation (excluding the Mississippi River Critical Corridor, recently rezoned). The Downtown 2050 Plan, led by Senior City Planner Spencer Miller‑Johnson, will update the 2003 downtown development strategy with new policy and zoning recommendations. A consultant team (selected from eight proposals, contract $250,000) will assist with policy and design standards, while city staff manage the process and lead engagement (coordinating with the Downtown Alliance’s Reimagined Downtown effort and Capital River Council). The timeline includes a draft policy framework by late 2026, with adoption in early 2028. Commissioner Noecker asked about including design standards (e.g., ground‑floor retail requirements). Commissioner Kim inquired about regional coordination with other cities. Chair Johnson emphasized the need for specific, actionable recommendations. 3. Staff Report 26-78 – HRA Quarter 1 Budget to Actual Deputy Director and CFO Nicole Green presented the first quarterly budget‑to‑actual report, a new requirement adopted in December 2025. The report compares budgeted revenues and expenditures for HRA special funds with actual and projected spending. Staff noted that many programs (e.g., down payment assistance, emergency rental assistance, downtown vitality fund) have planned projects to meet budget allocations, but some line items (e.g., supportive housing, MHFA fix‑up program) show low or zero spend due to outdated programs or lack of data. The MHFA fix‑up program will likely be closed and the funds returned. Special fund balances (Housing Trust Fund, Loan Enterprise Fund) are depleting, and the board will need to set policies on fund balances and replenishment. Commissioner Bowie requested a column showing expected revenue timing. Commissioner Noecker found the report helpful for future budget decisions. Chair Johnson stressed fiscal responsibility and noted the importance of adjusting budget line items when programs are no longer active. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken on any agenda item; all were informational staff reports. - The Jackson Street Apartments tentative developer designation will be considered for a vote at the May 5, 2026 HRA board meeting. - The Downtown 2050 Plan and Comprehensive Plan process will proceed with consultant contracting and community engagement through 2027, with adoption expected in early 2028. - The HRA will continue quarterly budget‑to‑actual reporting, with refinements based on commissioner feedback (e.g., revenue timing details, clearer expense projections). - The next HRA board meeting is scheduled for May 6, 2026.

On April 22, 2026, the Saint Paul Public Safety Committee met to discuss community safety innovations, including a public health approach to gun violence intervention and an overview of the Office of Neighborhood Safety's (ONS) programs and opioid response. The committee also adopted a resolution requesting information on opioid settlement dollars. The meeting began at 1:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers, with seven council members present. Consent Calendar - The committee adopted Resolution SR 26-81 (sponsored by Councilmember Bowie) regarding opioid settlement dollars – Council Request for Information (attachment A2 Bowie). - Item SR 26-82 (St. Paul Police Department Non-Fatal Shooting Unit Overview) was withdrawn to allow more time at a future meeting. Discussion Items - National Network for Safe Communities Presentation: Sasha Cotton, Executive Director of the National Network for Safe Communities at John Jay College, presented on a public health approach to violence prevention. She outlined risk and protective factors at individual, family, and community levels, emphasizing that violence is preventable and predictable. She discussed the Group Violence Intervention (GVI) strategy, a targeted approach for high-risk individuals identified through shooting data. Councilmembers asked about age-dependency of interventions (with Cotton noting that most victims and perpetrators are aged 18-30) and the role of credible messengers and mentorship. The presentation was received and filed. - Office of Neighborhood Safety (ONS) Program Overview: Director Cedric Baker provided an overview of ONS, established in 2022, with programs including Project Peace (gun violence intervention) and Familiar Faces (addressing unsheltered homelessness through intensive outreach and life coaching). He noted the office is developing a sustainability plan and identifying unmet needs. John Porton, chair of the Neighborhood Safety Community Council (NSCC), spoke about the council's role as a two-way bridge between community and city government, fostering trust and communication. Baker also discussed opioid settlement funds: the city expects approximately $14 million over 17 years (2022–2038) for opioid remediation, focusing on treatment, prevention, and other strategies. A $1 million general fund allocation for fentanyl quality of life initiatives had not yet been implemented; the mayor's office is considering best uses. Baker emphasized coordination with Ramsey County. The presentation was received and filed. Key Outcomes - The committee received and filed presentations from the National Network for Safe Communities and the Office of Neighborhood Safety. - The item on the St. Paul Police Department Non-Fatal Shooting Unit was withdrawn to allow more time at a future meeting. - Resolution A2 Bowie (Opioid Settlement Dollars - Council Request for Information) was adopted. - Director Baker will follow up with council members individually on outstanding questions due to time constraints. The meeting adjourned after the ONS presentation.

The Budget Committee, chaired by Councilmember Johnson, held its first meeting of the 2026 budget cycle on April 22, 2026. Deputy Director of the Office of Financial Services (OFS) Laura Logston presented on special fund FTEs and first-quarter general fund budget-to-actuals. Councilmembers discussed the composition of the city's workforce funded through special funds, the timing of revenues and expenditures, and set the stage for upcoming budget presentations. Discussion Items - Special Fund FTEs: OFS reported that the 2026 adopted budget includes 780.36 FTEs funded in special funds, totaling $97.5 million in salary and fringe. 89% (696 FTEs) are supported by ongoing funding sources, while 11% (≈84 FTEs) rely on non‑ongoing sources such as grants with varying end dates. The presentation included a department-level breakdown, noting that Parks and Public Works have the highest number of special fund FTEs, while Planning and Economic Development (PED) has 100% of its staff funded through special funds (primarily HRA transfers and federal grants). Councilmember Johnson requested future breakdowns of when non‑ongoing funding lapses to anticipate potential budget risks. - General Fund Budget-to-Actuals – Q1 2026: OFS reported that overall spending is at 24% of the annual budget, consistent with Q1 2025 (22%). Outlier explanations were provided: Emergency Management showed 86% spent due to a one-time $5.5 million dispatch payment to Ramsey County; OFS overspending reflects indirect costs not yet allocated; and PED's $870,000 is an internal admin fee. Council President Naker inquired about the mayor's office budget showing 43% spent; Logston attributed it to severance, vacation payouts, and bonus payouts for departing staff, adding that the mayor's office has completed all intended hires and the city can manage the overspend. Councilmember Johnson requested a detailed breakdown of those payouts and bonuses from HR. - Revenue Update: Q1 revenue is at 4% of budget (similar to 7% in Q1 2025), explained by the timing of major sources: first property tax payment (end of May) and first local government aid (July). Councilmember Coleman asked about the impact of Ramsey County's two‑month property tax payment extension; Logston said uptake is low, with only tens of thousands of dollars in impact. - Future Agenda and Presentations: Chair Johnson announced that the budget committee scope item will return in May. Confirmed presentations include: Ramsey County on biennium budgeting (May 13), a state demographer presentation (July 22), and additional department presentations after the mayor's budget address. Councilmembers discussed the need for year‑to‑date budgeting columns, a “cost of doing business” analysis, a minimum levy education effort, and tracking of top revenue generators. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken. The committee acknowledged the information provided and requested follow‑up data from HR on mayor's office payouts and from OFS on historical FTE trends. - The committee will continue to refine the budget‑to‑actuals reporting format, potentially adding year‑to‑date columns. - The next budget committee meeting is scheduled for May 13, 2026, featuring a presentation from Ramsey County on their biennium budget approach. - The meeting was adjourned after approximately one hour.