Public Meetings - St Paul, Minnesota

The Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Board met on January 28, 2026, with seven members present (Chair Johnson via video, Vice Chair Jost, Commissioners Bowie, Coleman, Kim, Yang, and Naker) and one absent (Commissioner Camp). The board considered two main items: a resolution amending 2026 Housing Trust Fund budgets to fund tenant protections, and an introduction to a conduit bond request for Episcopal Homes' acquisition of a memory care facility. Discussion Items 1. Resolution REST26-156: Amendment to 2026 Housing Trust Fund Budgets (Tenant Protections) - Faith Deeds (Office of Financial Empowerment) and Lynn Firkenhoff (Department of Safety and Inspections) presented an update on implementing the tenant protections ordinance, which launches May 14, 2026. - The $380,000 contingency request covers three new positions: two customer service representatives and one management assistant to handle inquiries and investigations. The timeline for hiring was outlined, with positions expected to be filled by late February 2026. - Discussion included plans for community engagement, staff training, and website development. Chair Johnson requested quarterly updates in 2026. - A motion to approve the resolution passed unanimously (7-0). 2. Staff Report SR26-13: Introduction to Conduit Bonds for Episcopal Homes Project - Jenny Wolf (Planning and Economic Development) introduced a request from Episcopal Homes of Minnesota for up to $18 million in HRA-issued conduit revenue bonds to acquire the 58-unit Willows of Ramsey Hill memory care facility at 80 McCovin Street, Ward 1. - The bonds will be unrated, and a waiver of the minimum bond denomination from $100,000 to $25,000 was approved by the PED Credit Committee to lower costs and allow community supporters to invest. - Episcopal Homes CEO Tom Henry noted a waiting list of about 100 people for memory care services and stressed the need to expand capacity in St. Paul. - A public hearing on the bond issuance is scheduled for the HRA meeting on February 4, 2026; the City Council will also consider a consent resolution. Key Outcomes - Resolution REST26-156 was adopted unanimously (7-0), approving the transfer of $380,000 from contingency to fund tenant protection staffing and implementation. - Staff report SR26-13 was received; a public hearing will be held on February 4, 2026, with anticipated action on the conduit bond resolution.

The Saint Paul City Council convened at 3:32 PM on January 28, 2026, in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Six members were present (Council President Rebecca Noecker, Vice President HwaJeong Kim, Councilmembers Anika Bowie, Molly Coleman, Saura Jost, and Nelsie Yang); Councilmember Cheniqua Johnson was excused. The meeting included consent agenda approvals, final adoption of an ordinance, first readings of two ordinances, multiple public hearings on street reconstruction projects and immigration grievances, and the swearing-in of several mayoral appointees. The meeting adjourned at 5:27 PM. Consent Calendar - Adopted as amended (6-0) items 2-12 and 14, including: authorizing an amended joint powers agreement with Ramsey County for Emergency Solutions Grant funds; authorizing Police Department expenditures for community engagement (RES 26-90), light refreshments for critical incidents (RES 26-91), field sobriety training (RES 26-93), canine unit events (RES 26-94), and law enforcement training food (RES 26-95); directing a 10-day license suspension for Dilla Sports Bar & Restaurant at 1625 University Avenue West (RES 26-108); releasing slope easement rights along Rose Avenue West and Geranium Avenue West (RES 26-110); supporting a mural project on a MnDOT wall at US Hwy 61 and 3rd Street East (RES 26-142); extending the timeline for the Administrative Citation Legislative Advisory Committee (RES 26-170); approving a wage and fringe adjustment MOA with Painters District Council 82 (RES 26-119); and establishing a process for suspending rules on immigration-related ordinances (RES 26-159). Discussion Items - RES 26-58 (City Council Committees): Laid over to February 11, 2026 (6-0) for further work. - RES 26-179 (Mayoral Appointments): Adopted (6-0) approving the appointments of Jenna Rourke as Intergovernmental Relations Director, Cedric Baker as Director of the Office of Neighborhood Safety, Marcus Owens as Director of the Office of Financial Empowerment, and Jason Schmidt and Abby Gedea as Interim Co-Directors of Human Resources. All appointees were sworn in collectively. - Ord 26-6 (Law Enforcement Visible Identification): First reading. Staff Attorney Tim Greenfield presented the ordinance, which requires law enforcement officers performing duties in Saint Paul to display their agency name and either a name or badge number on the outermost layer of their uniform, with exemptions for undercover operations, exigent circumstances, specific threats, and occupational health accommodations. Vice President Kim, Councilmembers Yang and Coleman expressed strong support, noting the policy already applies to Saint Paul Police and is critical for accountability amid federal enforcement actions. Councilmember Bowie raised concerns about potential loopholes, particularly the exemption for officer safety, and requested legal analysis. The ordinance was laid over to February 4, 2026 for second reading/public hearing. - Ord 26-5 (Prohibiting Law Enforcement Staging on City Property): Council President Noecker moved Version 2 of the ordinance to include properties controlled by the city (e.g., HRA, library agency). The amendment was approved (6-0). A public hearing was held; one resident (Silas from Frogtown) testified in support. The ordinance was laid over to February 4, 2026 for final adoption. - RES PH 26-6 (St. Anthony/Rondo Mill and Overlay): Adopted (6-0) without public testimony. - RES PH 26-5 (Wheelock/Grotto Phase II Paving, Lighting, Mill & Overlay): Assistant City Engineer Steve Dodge presented the $15.5 million project covering 2 miles of pavement, new curb and gutter, sidewalk replacement, utility work, and tree preservation (53 of 311 trees removed). Public testimony included concerns from homeowners about high assessments: Tom (first-time homeowner) faced $14,200 in assessments and argued corner lots were unfairly assessed separately; Nathan Emerson called the $10,000 bill three times his annual property taxes; Molly Evans (disabled combat veteran) requested a cap and financial assistance; Aaron suggested repairing rather than replacing roads. Discussion: Staff clarified that assessments are estimated and subject to special benefit caps (e.g., 18.67% for Wheelock/Grotto, 21.6% for the mill and overlay). Vice President Kim noted that the special benefit cap has been applied, and the final assessment will be determined after construction bids. Council President Noecker explained the policy rationale, including that tax-exempt properties pay through assessments. Adopted (6-0). - RES PH 26-4 (Earl Street Paving and Lighting): Transportation Planning Lead Brian Gravlin presented the $12.5 million full reconstruction from Maryland to Minnehaha, including bike lanes, ADA ramps, and median islands. Public testimony: Hannah (East Side resident, pediatric nurse) expressed concern about the cumulative tax burden, noting her property taxes rose from $3,600 (2021) to $5,300 (2025). Councilmember Yang highlighted the project's funding from the 1% sales tax, tree preservation efforts (replacement exceeds removal), and future bike network expansion. Councilmember Johnson's statement (read by Council President Noecker) praised community engagement. Adopted (6-0). - RES PH 26-3 (Pelham Boulevard Paving and Lighting): Project Manager Jerry Lee presented the $18.5 million project from Franklin to Mississippi River Blvd., including road meandering, off-street bike trail, all-way stops, and tree preservation (75% canopy saved). Public testimony was extensive and opposed the design: Jacob Steen (attorney for property owners at Pelham and University) objected to $115,000 in assessments and loss of on-street parking; Brene Vera Cruz (66-year resident) argued the road shift 14 feet closer to homes reduces property value and no special benefit; Teresa (resident of 528 Pelham) objected to assessments for bike lanes; Jerry Goetz (51-year resident) raised driveway access and safety concerns; Marita Bougeau criticized the city for withholding information about cut-through traffic; Rebecca (Denoyer Park) cited health risks from traffic pollution; Joshua Hodak (Sierra Club) advocated for narrower 10-foot lanes and local control of state aid standards. Staff responded that the shift saves significant trees, that the road remains within a 120-foot right-of-way, and that lane widths match other Grand Round projects. Councilmember Coleman expressed appreciation for community input and trust in staff. Adopted (6-0). - RES PH 26-15 (Building Official Training Grant): Adopted (6-0) accepting $75,000 from the Minnesota Department of Labor. - RES PH 26-19 (Community Policing Microgrant): Adopted (6-0) authorizing acceptance of a 2025 microgrant from the U.S. Department of Justice COPS Office. - RES PH 26-27 (Tenant Protections Fund): Adopted (6-0) accepting funds for administration of Legislative Code Chapter 193. - PH 26-4 (Grievances About Federal Immigration Operations): A public hearing was held with five testifiers. Sarah Gartner (Ward 7) requested clarity on the separation ordinance and reporting of violations; Lizzie (Ward 1) called for an eviction moratorium and utility debt forgiveness; Alex (Frogtown) described daily ICE presence and urged urgent action; another speaker advocated for minimizing jail bookings to avoid biometric fingerprint sharing; Nancy (38-year resident) asked if 911 will respond when ICE is present. Council President Noecker confirmed that 911 should be called and police will respond, though they cannot prevent federal agents from performing lawful duties. Councilmember Bowie highlighted the economic and community impacts, citing a volunteer at Highley Q Brown Community Center detained by ICE. The public hearing was continued to February 4, 2026 (6-0). Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda adopted as amended (6-0). - RES 26-58 laid over to February 11, 2026 (6-0). - RES 26-179 adopted and appointees sworn in (6-0). - Ord 26-2 (Animal Control to Animal Services) finally adopted (6-0). - Ord 26-6 (Law Enforcement ID) laid over to February 4 for second reading (6-0). - Ord 26-4 (500 Broadway Rezoning) laid over to February 4 for final adoption (6-0). - Ord 26-5 (Prohibit Staging on City Property) amended and laid over to February 4 for final adoption (6-0). - RES PH 26-6 (St. Anthony/Rondo Mill & Overlay) adopted (6-0). - RES PH 26-5 (Wheelock/Grotto Phase II) adopted (6-0). - RES PH 26-4 (Earl Street) adopted (6-0). - RES PH 26-3 (Pelham Boulevard) adopted (6-0). - RES PH 26-15, 26-19, 26-27 adopted (each 6-0). - PH 26-4 (Immigration Grievances) continued to February 4, 2026 (6-0). - Legislative Hearing Consent Agenda (items 27-34) adopted as amended (6-0), including appeals, assessed tax ratifications, and correction orders.

The meeting was scheduled for January 27, 2026 at 10:30 AM (UTC). However, the provided agenda, minutes, and raw transcript for this meeting are empty or unavailable. Consequently, no substantive content—such as consent calendar items, public comments, discussion items, or key outcomes—can be summarized. No votes or decisions were recorded in the available materials.

The Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Board of Commissioners met on January 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Vice Chair Saura Jost chaired the meeting in the absence of Chair Cheniqua Johnson and Commissioner Molly Coleman, who were excused. The board discussed two items: a resolution authorizing the executive director to execute environmental covenants and easements without prior board approval, and an update on the Saint Paul Commercial Corridors program guidelines. The meeting adjourned at 2:33 PM. Discussion Items - RES 26-125 – Authorizing Executive Director to Execute Environmental Covenants: Interim Executive Director Melanie McMahon explained that the resolution would allow the executive director to consent to and execute environmental covenants and easements required by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) after remediation on projects where the HRA is a lender. Commissioner Anika Bowie asked for examples of projects and sought clarification on oversight, noting the board's environmental justice goals. Commissioner Nelsie Yang asked if there were any concerns about approving the delegation. McMahon and Vice Chair Jost described the item as a technical streamlining measure, noting that the board had never denied such covenants and that the MPCA mandates the forms. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 5-0 (Commissioners Noecker, Yang, Bowie, Jost, Kim in favor; Commissioners Johnson and Coleman absent). - SR 26-8 – Saint Paul Commercial Corridors Updated Program Guidelines: Senior Project Manager Annie Byrne presented recommended changes following the 2025 pilot year. Key proposals included: - Extending the boundaries of three corridors (Ford Parkway, Como and Dale, Smith Avenue) to capture additional businesses. - Removing the Smith Avenue corridor from the program due to its small commercial base (38 businesses, 74% residential land use). - Adjusting award sizes based on number of businesses (medium: <300 businesses; large: 300 businesses) rather than a flat rate, with higher amounts for corridors in areas of concentrated poverty (ACP). - Removing operational support as an eligible use of business subgrants, though staff noted this was under review following guidance from the city attorney's office. - Adding flexibility for minor programmatic changes via the CAO amendment process, moving from annual to program guidelines, and renaming the program to the “St. Paul Commercial Corridors Program.” Commissioners discussed the metrics for categorizing corridors. Commissioner Rebecca Noecker questioned whether business density, vacancy rates, or corridor length might be better metrics than raw business count, and suggested an index. Commissioner Bowie emphasized cultural corridors and partnerships with organizations like Springboard for the Arts. Commissioner Yang raised concerns about the removal of operational support, noting that businesses are struggling due to Ida construction and revenue loss, and asked if a legislative change or alternative funding (e.g., the Business Assistance Fund) could be used. Director McMahon clarified that the city attorney's office would provide a memo by the end of the week detailing the legal basis for operational support eligibility. Commissioner Noecker cited a prior memo from the city attorney's office confirming that economic development STAR funds could be used for operations and requested consistent guidance. The board received the report and filed it, with the next discussion scheduled for February 11, 2026. Key Outcomes - RES 26-125 adopted (5-0): The executive director is authorized to execute environmental covenants and easements without prior board approval for projects where the HRA is a lender. - SR 26-8 received and filed: The board will revisit the guidelines on February 11, 2026, after receiving additional information from the city attorney’s office on operational support eligibility and further analysis of corridor categorization metrics. - No public comments were received.

The St. Paul City Council Policy Committee convened on January 21, 2026, to discuss two major items: proposed amendments to the Transportation Network Company (TNC) ordinance and a zoning study on drive-throughs. The meeting ran for approximately 90 minutes, with 45 minutes allocated per item. Five council members were present (President Acre, Bowie, Jost, Coleman, Yang), with two excused absences (Vice President Kim and Johnson). Public Comments & Testimony - Marie Domini, founder and CEO of Move (a locally founded rideshare startup), testified in support of tiered licensing fees. She stated that current St. Paul licensing fees of $41,115 (plus state-required $100,000 insurance) consumed about 90% of Move's funding. Domini noted Move has a 0% safety incident rate, pays drivers 90% of ride fares, and operates at a loss. She also highlighted that many uninsured startups lack proper background checks, supporting stronger enforcement. Discussion Items - Transportation Network Company (TNC) Ordinance Amendments – Presented by Mr. Najelik of the Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI). The proposal aims to: - Allow random, unannounced vehicle inspections via the app (driver compensated by TNC, modeled on state canceled-ride payment rules). - Verify TNC-conducted criminal history checks through record checks and random inspections. - Reduce annual licensing fees from the current $35,000 to a tiered structure: low tier $6,000, high tier $17,500–$18,000, with a single fee option of $12,500. - Eliminate the requirement for all TNCs to have insurance renewal on February 1, allowing rolling one-year insurance dates. - Councilmember Yang expressed strong support, noting that TNCs had raised concerns about fee sizes. She asked about staffing for new inspections; Mr. Najelik said existing pre-COVID staffing levels would be used, though DSI has not fully restored post-COVID cuts. The fiscal impact is considered neutral due to increased market players. - Council President Acre questioned whether additional enforcement costs were fully accounted for; Mr. Najelik stated the program is budgeted at the same staffing expectation as in 2014. - Drive-Thru Zoning Study – Presented by Mr. Dermoty of Planning. The study was laid over to February 18, 2026. Key points: - The T District zoning study already addressed unsafe pedestrian access citywide, so a revised drive-thru ordinance (Version 2) is needed. - Four policy questions were posed: 1. Should new restaurant and coffee shop drive-throughs be prohibited? (Planning Commission recommends yes, citing conflicts with comprehensive plan.) 2. Should indoor walk-up service be required during all drive-thru hours? 3. Which zoning districts should allow drive-throughs? (Commission recommends removing from B4/B5 downtown and OS/B1, but adding as conditional use in T3/T4.) 4. In T3/T4 districts, should drive-throughs be allowed only in buildings of four stories or more? - Councilmembers expressed varied views. Councilmember Yang noted convenience for families (as a mother of three), people with disabilities, and during the pandemic, citing a Ward 1 McDonald’s that closed indoor service due to safety and overdose incidents. Councilmember Jost noted different ward-specific impacts. Councilmember Coleman stressed avoiding past mistakes of car-centric planning but acknowledged late-night food access issues. Council President Acre prioritized pedestrian safety but questioned the impact of banning all new food/beverage drive-throughs. Key Outcomes - TNC Ordinance: No vote taken. DSI will finalize language with the City Attorney’s office by end of week following the meeting, then confer with Councilmember Yang and the administration before bringing to Council for a future vote. - Drive-Thru Study: No decision made. The item will return to the Council on February 18, 2026, for continuation of the second reading. Council President Acre encouraged colleagues to consider amendments and noted the goal of reaching a decision soon.

The Saint Paul City Council met on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 3:31 PM to 6:25 PM in the Council Chambers. Six members were present (Noecker, Yang, Kim, Bowie, Jost, Coleman) with Councilmember Johnson absent and excused. The meeting covered a wide range of topics, including routine approvals, legislative priorities, an eviction moratorium resolution, a day of truth and freedom proclamation, emergency notification systems, zoning changes, a reparations commission donation, and a lengthy public hearing on federal immigration operations. Consent Calendar - RES 26-129: Authorized the city to apply for a redevelopment grant for "The Beasley" at 642 Selby Avenue on behalf of the Rondo Community Land Trust. - RES 26-44: Authorized a Project Labor Agreement for a 2028 federal-funded Gold Line Pedestrian Improvements project. - RES 26-85: Authorized grant agreement for the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services 2026 Private Property Inflow & Infiltration Grant Program. - RES 26-106: Approved a liquor license for Gambit Brew Co LLC d/b/a Gambit Brewing at 141 4th St E, Suite LL2. - RES 26-119: Approved the Memorandum of Agreement for January 2026 wage adjustment with Painters District Council 82 (laid over to January 28, 2026). All consent items were adopted on a 6-0 vote. Public Comments & Testimony A public hearing (PH 26-2) was held on grievances about federal immigration operations. Over 20 residents testified, sharing personal stories of fear, detention, and economic disruption due to ICE activities. Key themes included: - Demand for a strong separation ordinance preventing city property use for immigration enforcement. - Reports of ICE agents using unmarked vehicles, lack of identification, and aggressive tactics. - Impact on child care centers, schools, and medical facilities, with some centers going into lockdown. - Calls for an eviction moratorium to protect families unable to work or pay rent due to ICE presence. - Testimony from a woman who alleged she was illegally detained by Border Patrol with assistance from St. Paul Police. - Requests for clear communication from city leaders about police cooperation with federal agents. The public hearing was closed on a 6-0 vote. Discussion Items - RES 26-132 Celebrating 140 Years of Saint Paul Winter Carnival: Council President Noecker and Winter Carnival representatives highlighted the festival's cultural and economic significance. Adopted 6-0. - RES 25-1914 2026 Legislative Agenda: Assistant Mayors Vang and Stumo-Langer presented the city's state legislative priorities, including arena complex investments, cyber incident reimbursement, capital complex reimbursement, West 7th corridor funding, immigration surge support, and downtown redevelopment tools. The agenda was laid over to February 11, 2026, for further refinement and council feedback. - RES 26-121 Eviction Moratorium: Council Vice President Kim introduced a resolution calling on Governor Walz to issue an executive order for an eviction moratorium to protect families and small businesses during the immigration crisis. An amended version (version two) added protections for business tenants. Councilmembers expressed strong support, citing widespread fear and economic disruption. Adopted as amended 6-0. - SR 26-9 Emergency Management Services - Early Notification Systems: Director Rick presented an overview of alert systems (IPAWS, Everbridge, ENS) and explained that alerts are issued by Ramsey County based on imminent threats. Councilmember Bowie inquired about custom ward-level alerts via the ENS system. The report was received and filed. - Ord 26-4 Rezoning at 500 Broadway: First reading of a rezoning from I1 light industrial to B5 central business-service for four parcels. Staff recommended approval. Laid over to January 28 for second reading public hearing. - Ord 26-5 Prohibiting Law Enforcement Staging on City Property: First reading of an ordinance banning use of city-owned parking lots, ramps, and non-public spaces for federal immigration enforcement, except with a judicial warrant. The Council's Chief Policy Officer presented the ordinance as part of a phased approach. Councilmembers voiced unity and urgency. Laid over to January 28 for second reading and public hearing. - RES PH 26-9 Reparations Commission Donation: The Council accepted a $100,000 donation from Unity Church-Unitarian to support the Saint Paul Recovery Act Community Reparations Commission. Speakers from the church and commission thanked the Council. Councilmember Bowie shared personal reflections on reparations. Adopted 6-0. Key Outcomes - Eviction Moratorium Resolution: Adopted as amended 6-0, calling on the governor to issue an executive order. - Day of Truth and Freedom: RES 26-166 adopted 6-0, proclaiming January 23, 2026, as a day for voluntary civic participation and solidarity against ICE. - Separation Ordinance (Ord 26-5): First reading approved; second reading and public hearing set for January 28. - Legislative Agenda (RES 25-1914): Laid over to February 11 for final adoption. - Rezoning (Ord 26-4): Laid over to January 28. - Staff Positions (Ord 26-1): Adopted on final reading 6-0. - Animal Control Name Change (Ord 26-2): Laid over to January 28 for final adoption. - Solar Grants: RES PH 25-293 ($85,709 for Dayton's Bluff Rec Center), RES PH 25-294 ($72,000 for Frogtown Community Center), and RES PH 25-295 ($203,680 for tree planting) all adopted 6-0. - Alley and Airspace Vacations: RES PH 26-10 (Church of St. Bernard alley) and RES PH 26-11 (Nova Classical Academy airspace) adopted 6-0. - Nuisance Abatement Appeal (RLH SAO 26-3): Adopted as amended with an extension to February 20 to complete abatement at 1079 Western Avenue North. - Legislative Hearing Consent Agenda: Items 22 (tax assessment at 1762 Englewood Avenue) and 23 (fire inspection appeal at 1891 Seventh Street East 301) adopted as amended 6-0. - Painters Union Wage MOA (RES 26-119): Laid over to January 28 for adoption. The meeting adjourned at 6:25 PM.

Note: The meeting transcript refers to this as the "February 6th meeting," and the previous minutes were from January 9, 2026. The date provided in the instructions (January 15, 2026) is used here but appears to conflict with the source material. The St. Paul Planning Commission convened on the above date. The meeting included approval of prior minutes, recognition of outgoing commissioners, committee reports on zoning amendments for congregate living and a green roof incentive correction, and transportation updates. All votes were unanimous. Approval of Minutes - The minutes from the January 9, 2026 Planning Commission meeting were approved unanimously (motion by Commissioner Styling, second by Commissioner Presley). Chairs Announcements & Resolutions - The Chair noted this was the last meeting in the basement location and offered donuts. - Two honorary resolutions were read and adopted unanimously: - Commissioner Hood was recognized for his service, including his role as a local comedian who brought comic relief, his work on the zoning committee, and his strong advocacy for missing middle housing. - Commissioner Sayed was recognized for three terms of service, his thoughtful and community-focused perspective, and bringing the viewpoint of a small business owner. (Commissioner Sayed was not present.) Zoning Committee Report Commissioner Tag presented three items, all approved unanimously: 1. Rezoning (File 000242-2025): One parcel from H1 residential to I1 light industrial – motion to approve passed. 2. Conditional Use Permit and Variance (PICUP 00262-2025 and FEDBAR 00263-2025) for 1645 Energy Prompt Drive: To increase parking for an office park and allow a setback over a city-owned lot line (easement secured) – unanimous approval. 3. Rezoning (1321 Pain): From B1 to RM2 to allow reuse of an existing building for residential units – unanimous approval. Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee Report Commissioner Presley chaired this session. Staff presented the congregate living zoning study and the green roof incentive correction. Congregate Living Zoning Study - Key policy questions addressed: - Sober house capacity: Recommended cap of 10 adult residents. Exceptions up to 16 with a conditional use permit; reasonable accommodation language changed from "shall be granted" to a case-by-case evaluation aligned with federal law (similar to Minneapolis). No effective limit through variance. - Sober house separation: No change from 330 feet. - Supportive housing separation: No change from 1,320 feet (quarter mile) citywide and 600 feet downtown. Management was cited as the key factor; separation distance may be revisited in a few years to avoid flooding corridors like University and West 7th. - Definitions: Sober houses must be "financially self-supporting"; supportive housing includes those with outside funding or services. - Mapping: 10 supportive housing requests in 2025 were concentrated along University and West 7th. Older sober houses showed clusters in similar areas. - Questions from commissioners addressed on-site managers (included in the six-person cap for sober houses), treatment of wet houses (not defined, would be a zoning administrator call), and transition for existing operators. - Motion: To approve the resolution recommending approval of the zoning code amendments related to congregate living. Passed unanimously. Green Roof Incentive Correction - A clerical error in the zoning code (Section 66.931 F) stated "5 percent" instead of the master plan's "10 percent" bonus for green roofs. - Motion: To approve the release of the corrected amendment for public hearing, with a hearing date of March 20, 2026. Passed unanimously. Transportation Committee Report Commissioner reported on the committees recent meeting: - Bronze Line/Boulevard Project: Presentation from staff; groundbreaking expected 2030-2031. - Earl Street Project: Committee recommended a preference for a shared bike/pedestrian facility. - Next transportation committee meeting: March 2, 2026. Directors Announcements - Update on implementing Ordinance 2579 (planning commission changes). - The next commission meeting (February 20, 2026) will be held in council chambers, not Room 40. - That meeting will include the annual meeting, election of officers, and training on quasi-judicial decisions. - An updated meeting calendar was provided; a poll on potential meeting dates/times will be sent. - Staff resources have been diverted due to federal issues, potentially slowing some items. Key Outcomes - All motions passed unanimously (no opposed votes or abstentions recorded). - Zoning code amendments for congregate living were recommended for approval. - The green roof incentive error was corrected and a public hearing scheduled. - Next regular meeting: February 20, 2026 in council chambers.

The Saint Paul City Council met on January 14, 2026, at 3:31 PM. Six members were present (Noecker, Yang, Kim, Bowie, Jost, Coleman); Councilmember Johnson was absent. The meeting covered consent agenda items, first reading of an ordinance, multiple public hearings, legislative hearing appeals, and a discussion on immigration-related actions. Consent Calendar - Approved the Consent Agenda (6-0) including: - Collective Bargaining Agreement with International Union of Elevator Constructors, Local 9 (Jan 2026-Dec 2027). - Memorandum of Agreement for Sprinkler Fitters Local 417 wage and fringe adjustment. - Payment of $12,325 in settlement of Adam Branstner's claim. - Sanitary sewer service line repair assessment and public hearing date (February 18, 2026). - Appointment of Campbell Knutson as special counsel for Saint Paul Regional Water Services. - Preliminary approval of 2026 general obligation and revenue bonds. - 10-day license suspension for Club Milton (334 Milton Street North). - Parking ramp license for Montcalm Apartments (535 Lexington Pkwy S). - Auto repair and body shop licenses for Tesla (2475 Doswell Ave). - Up to $450 for council staff appreciation event. - Appointment of Interim Fire Chief. - $500 grant application to St. Clements Faith Action Team. - Various property assessments and nuisance abatement findings (items 20, 22-30, 32-35 as adopted). Public Comments & Testimony - 2350 Bayless Place (Item 21): Seth Richardson, the property owner, appealed a summary abatement order requiring plant height reduction in a rain garden. He argued the garden is a delicate ecosystem, supported by city funds, and that a 24-inch height limit would destroy it. Pat Thompson from St. Anthony Park Community Council supported flexibility, noting the boulevard's depth (25-45 feet) and value for climate resilience. - 1079 Western Avenue North (Item 31): Miguel Neely, the property owner, testified that tires had been removed but pallets remained due to disposal issues. He requested an extension to arrange pickup. - No public testimony was offered for other public hearing items (Ordinance 26-1, RES PH 26-6, RES PH 26-5, RES PH 26-2, RES PH 26-1, or the legislative hearing consent agenda). Discussion Items - First Reading of Ordinance 26-2: Changing code references from "Animal Control" to "Animal Services" and correcting typos. Director Angie Weesey presented, noting the term is outdated and the change aligns with branding for a new facility. Councilmember Bowie asked about distinguishing animal service officers from ICE agents; Weesey said officers wear uniforms and IDs, and the city is developing communications to help the public identify city personnel. Laid over to January 21 for second reading. - Public Hearing on Ordinance 26-1: Modifying council staff positions in Administrative Code Chapter 16. No public testimony; laid over to January 21 for final adoption (6-0). - Public Hearing on RES PH 26-6 (St. Anthony/Rondo Mill and Overlay Project): Project cost $4.5 million. Staff requested continuation because some residents did not receive assessment notices. Councilmember Bowie moved to continue to January 28 (6-0). - Public Hearing on RES PH 26-5 (Wheelock/Grotto Phase II Paving and Lighting): Notices were delayed; continued to January 28 (6-0). - Public Hearing on RES PH 26-2 (Rondo Community Land Trust Homeownership Grant): Accepting Metropolitan Council grant for 642 Selby Avenue. Adopted (6-0). - Public Hearing on RES PH 26-1 (Amani Construction Serenity Townhomes Grant): Accepting grant for 0 Bush Avenue. Adopted (6-0). - Legislative Hearing Discussion - Item 21 (2350 Bayless Place): The legislative hearing officer recommended a variance allowing plants up to 24 inches in a 15% area near the intersection and up to 5 feet elsewhere, citing safety and sight lines. Councilmember Coleman supported the recommendation, noting the need to apply current law while committing to review boulevard garden ordinances. The resolution was adopted (6-0). - Legislative Hearing Discussion - Item 31 (1079 Western Avenue North): The owner failed to remove pallets and tires by the December 31 deadline. Vice President Kim moved to lay over for one week (to January 21) to help the owner dispose of items, with a warning that city cleanup would follow if unresolved. Adopted (6-0). Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Adopted (6-0). - Ord 26-2 (First Reading): Laid over to January 21, 2026. - Ord 26-1: Laid over to January 21, 2026 for final adoption (6-0). - RES PH 26-6 (St. Anthony/Rondo): Public hearing continued to January 28, 2026 (6-0). - RES PH 26-5 (Wheelock/Grotto): Public hearing continued to January 28, 2026 (6-0). - RES PH 26-2 (Rondo CLT Grant): Adopted (6-0). - RES PH 26-1 (Amani Serenity Townhomes Grant): Adopted (6-0). - Legislative Hearing Consent Agenda: Adopted as amended (6-0), including the Bayless Place and Western Avenue items as modified. - Suspension of Rules Motion: Failed (3-3, four needed) to introduce a separation ordinance regarding immigration enforcement. Councilmember Bowie argued for urgency; Councilmembers Coleman, Jost, and Noecker opposed due to lack of city attorney review and incomplete copies. Councilmembers Yang and Kim supported. The council committed to having a first reading by January 21, 2026. Other Business - Council President Noecker acknowledged child care providers present to express concerns about immigration actions. A meeting with the police chief, mayor's office, and council was planned. - Councilmembers reported on community events, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations, constitutional observer training, and a student walkout protesting ICE actions.

The Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Board of Commissioners met on January 14, 2026 at 2:00 PM in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Jost, with five commissioners present and two absent. The board considered two discussion items and approved both without opposition. Discussion Items - Resolution RES 26-52: Approving and Authorizing the Spending Plan TIF Loan Extension for the 652 Sherburne Project, District 7, Ward 1 – Vice Chair Jost moved approval of version 2 (an amended version). The resolution was adopted with 5 yeas and 0 nays, with Commissioners Johnson and Kim absent. - Resolution RES 26-63: Approving and Authorizing Additional Expenditures for Redevelopment of 560 Brunson Street under the Housing and Redevelopment Authority’s Inspiring Communities Program, District 5, Ward 2 – Commissioner Noecker, the sponsor, expressed excitement about the project, noting that these are the final dollars needed to get the project started and that she looks forward to seeing it become a reality. She moved approval. The resolution was adopted with 5 yeas and 0 nays, with Commissioners Johnson and Kim absent. Key Outcomes - Both resolutions were adopted unanimously (5-0) by the commissioners present. - Commissioners were reminded to submit any topics they wish to discuss at future HRA meetings to Melanie Johnson by end of day Thursday, January 15, 2026, so the chair and Director McMahon can determine the schedule for the year. - The meeting was adjourned at 2:03 PM.