Public Meetings - St Paul, Minnesota

Note: The meeting agenda indicates a scheduled date of Monday, June 10, 2024, but the instruction states the meeting took place on Friday, June 7, 2024. No transcript or minutes were provided to reconcile this discrepancy. The agenda listed a single item for discussion. Discussion Items - Riverview Transit Corridor Update – Jennifer Jordan (Ramsey County) was scheduled to present a 90-minute update on the Riverview Transit Corridor. No additional details from the presentation or discussion are available. Key Outcomes - No decisions, votes, or outcomes were recorded due to the absence of meeting minutes or a transcript. - Upcoming Transportation Committee meetings were noted: June 24 (Highway 52 connection study) and July 8.

The meeting took place on May 10, 2024, at 14:30 UTC. However, no agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this session. Therefore, no discussion items, public comments, or outcomes can be summarized. Note - The source materials for this meeting are empty, so a structured summary cannot be generated.

Note: The agenda and transcript indicate the meeting was held on June 7, 2024, but the user instruction specifies using the date May 10, 2024. This summary uses the provided date while noting the discrepancy. This meeting of the Saint Paul Planning Commission covered several major items, including two public hearings on proposed zoning studies for adult-use cannabis and drive-throughs, approval of two zoning cases, and endorsement of long-range plans for the River Balcony and Como Regional Park. The meeting opened with the announcement that Yasmine Robinson has been officially appointed as Planning Director. Public Comments & Testimony Adult-Use Cannabis Zoning Study: Jeannie Wideman (Association for Non-Smokers Minnesota) urged the commission to adopt the maximum distance requirements (1,000 feet from schools, 500 feet from daycares/parks) and argued that staff downplayed the number of violations from registered businesses. She handed out examples of allegedly illegal products. Curtis Navy (also with Association for Non-Smokers) supported Ms. Wideman's comments, describing youth access to high-potency products and the prevalence of illegal sales. Anthony Wilson (St. Paul resident and prospective cannabis business owner) opposed the maximum distance requirements, stating that they would make it nearly impossible to find suitable locations and would drive businesses to other cities. Drive-Through Zoning Study: Zachary Zelickson (Border Foods, Taco Bell franchisee) opposed a ban on drive-throughs, citing convenience for customers (80% of sales via drive-through), safety for employees during late hours, and potential negative consequences of forcing customers to drive further. Brian Alton (attorney, former planning commissioner) argued against eliminating drive-throughs in B4 (downtown) and T2 districts, calling such moves short-sighted and lacking evidence of negative impacts. He urged that stacking space requirements not be overly restrictive. Angie Whitcomb (Hospitality Minnesota) opposed the proposed restrictions, highlighting the value of drive-throughs for families, people with disabilities, and overnight workers, and warned of lost tax revenue if customers go to suburbs. Amanda Duran (St. Paul Area Chamber) opposed the amendments, stating the chamber was not adequately consulted and that the approach is a "sledgehammer to swat a fly." Bill Lindeke (former planning commissioner) supported restrictions, arguing that drive-throughs undermine walkability, create safety hazards for pedestrians (ice on sidewalks), and make businesses into islands that reduce connections between local businesses. Eddie Sharif (restaurant owner on 7th Street, family in business 40 years) opposed restrictions, noting that carryout and drive-through options helped his business survive COVID, and he wants the option for future expansion. Discussion Items Adult-Use Cannabis Zoning Study (Staff Presentation): Tony Johnson and Nellie Jerome presented two options for distance requirements from schools: the state maximum (1,000 feet, affecting 63% of business parcels) and a staff-recommended 300 feet with downtown exemption (affecting 10% of parcels). They proposed allowing cannabis retail as a new use (with 300-foot setback from schools, CUP for over 13,000 sq ft except industrial), allowing hemp edibles as general retail, and permitting limited cultivation/manufacturing (up to 15,000 sq ft) on commercial corridors, larger operations in industrial zones, and outdoor cultivation via CUP. Additional amendments address delivery, transportation, and testing facilities. The timeline includes a committee discussion on July 19, 2024. Two email comments were received: one from a business owner in support, one from Union Park District Council seeking more restrictive regulations. Commissioner Starling asked staff to clarify the three complaints from registered businesses vs. more from unregistered businesses. Drive-Through Zoning Study (Staff Presentation): Bill Dermody summarized the public outreach (8 district councils, Business Review Council, mayor's advisory committees) and noted questions posed to the community, including whether Saint Paul should prohibit drive-throughs altogether. Proposed amendments generally restrict where drive-throughs can go and increase design standards. Commissioner Kegg asked when commissioners could discuss the matter; it was clarified that robust discussion will happen in the Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee (CNPC). Commissioner Presley noted the need to consider the intersection of drive-throughs and future cannabis sales (e.g., drive-through cannabis). Staff was asked to bring this up in CNPC. Commissioner Starling commented as a young parent, rejecting the assumption that parents cannot walk or bike with children, and cited examples like Manhattan where fast food exists without drive-throughs. 132 Albert Street North – Change of Nonconforming Use: A change from warehouse/storage to health/sports club for a youth gymnastics gym. The district council recommended approval. There was 1 speaker in support, 9 in opposition, and 10 letters. The zoning committee voted 5-0 to approve with revisions to the staff report. The full commission approved the motion unanimously. 733 Jenks Avenue – Conditional Use Permit for Short-Term Rental: A CUP for an owner-occupied short-term rental accommodating up to 14 adult guests (applicant planned to limit to 12 initially). One letter of opposition was received. The zoning committee voted 4-0 (with one abstention) to approve with conditions. The full commission approved the motion, with one commissioner voting opposed (Commissioner Syed), per the transcript. River Balcony Master Plan Addendum: Kady Dadlez presented the "Basis of Design Report" as an addendum to the 2017 River Balcony Master Plan, which envision a 1.5-mile pedestrian promenade along the downtown river bluff. One person testified at the May 10 public hearing about trash and unsheltered individuals, but staff noted these are not directly related to the design document. The committee recommended approval, citing consistency with the master plan and a reality check on costs. The commission voted unanimously to recommend the City Council approve the addendum, authorize staff to refine the design, and request to review any major divergences. Como Regional Park Long Range Plan: Dave Ronzani presented the plan (last updated in 1984), required by the Met Council every 20 years. The plan covers three areas of the park (excluding enterprise facilities and special rec features like the Zoo/Conservatory) and includes an implementation toolkit. The commission reviewed for consistency with the comprehensive plan. The commission voted unanimously to approve a resolution stating the plan is consistent and recommending approval by the St. Paul Parks and Recreation Commission. Key Outcomes Adult-Use Cannabis Zoning Study: Public hearing closed. Written record open until 4:30 p.m. on June 10, 2024. The item will go to CNPC for further discussion. Drive-Through Zoning Study: Public hearing closed. Written record open until 4:30 p.m. on June 10, 2024. The item will go to CNPC. 132 Albert Street North (Change of Nonconforming Use): Approved. 733 Jenks Avenue (CUP for Short-Term Rental): Approved on a vote of 5-1 (one opposed). River Balcony Master Plan Addendum: Approved and recommended to City Council. Como Regional Park Long Range Plan: Approved as consistent with comprehensive plan, recommended to Parks and Recreation Commission. Transportation Committee reported its next meeting will discuss the Riverview Transit Corridor on June 10, 2024. Communications and Nominations Committee gave a brief report. No task force or liaison reports were given.

Note: This meeting summary is based on the agenda, which listed the meeting date as Monday, May 13, 2024. However, per the instruction provided for this summary, the meeting date is reported as May 7, 2024. No minutes or transcript were available; the summary reflects only the agenda items and time allocations. The Transportation Committee of the Planning Commission convened for a scheduled meeting. The agenda included two major presentations, each allotted 30 minutes. Discussion Items - Pleasant Avenue Reconstruction – Laura Krause from Public Works provided a presentation on the Pleasant Avenue reconstruction project. (30 minutes allocated) - Regional Transit Projects: Transportation Committee Context – Bill Dermody from Planning & Economic Development presented an overview of regional transit projects, providing context for the Transportation Committee's role. (30 minutes allocated) Key Outcomes - No votes, decisions, or public testimony were recorded in the available agenda. The meeting appears to have been informational, with presentations intended to brief the committee on the two topics. No further action was noted.

The Saint Paul Planning Commission met on May 2, 2024, to conduct business covering a full agenda. Key items included the approval of minutes from April 12, a public hearing on the River Balcony Master Plan Addendum, review of two appeals of a site plan for the University of St. Thomas multipurpose arena, forwarding a revised zoning study for the East Grand Avenue Overlay District to the City Council, and an interactive workshop on the 2025 proposed city budget. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (April 12, 2024): The minutes were approved unanimously on a motion by Commissioner Hackney, seconded by Commissioner Taghioff. Public Comments & Testimony - River Balcony Master Plan Proposed Addendum: One member of the public, Linda Schlopp (180 Kilwald Boulevard), testified. She expressed concern that the plan's success was threatened by current conditions on the ground, specifically citing the presence of a homeless shelter beneath the river balcony corridor, daytime lounging on the balcony sidewalks, and an excess amount of trash. She questioned how the 'beautiful plan' could reach fruition given these facts. Chair Grill stated the comment would be referred to staff for a response. No other public testimony was offered. Discussion Items - UST Multipurpose Arena Appeals: The commission heard two appeals challenging the Zoning Administrator's approval of a site plan for a new multipurpose arena on the University of St. Thomas campus. The first appeal was filed by Donn Waage and Virginia Hossum; the second was filed by Daniel L.M. Kennedy on behalf of Advocates for Responsible Development, raising concerns about proximity to the Mississippi River bluff and other procedural grounds. Staff planner Tia Anderson outlined the scope of site plan review (focusing on building heights, setbacks, and design) and distinguished it from the separate Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) process, which had concluded and is being appealed to the Minnesota Court of Appeals. City Attorney Dan Staley confirmed the court has 90 days to issue a decision on the EAW but stated the site plan decision was independent of that outcome. Zoning Committee Chair Taghioff reported the committee found no error in the site plan approval and recommended denying the appeals, noting that a valid EAW was in place at the time of the site plan approval. - East Grand Avenue Overlay District Zoning Study - Revised: Staff planner Spencer Miller-Johnson presented a revised text amendment. Key changes lowered the step-back trigger to 40 feet of building height, tied the step-back depth to the additional height rather than a flat 10 feet, created a 15-foot exception for corner elements, and limited building heights to 30 feet at rear property lines abutting residential lots. Commissioner Taghioff confirmed the revisions addressed concerns that the original proposal was overly restrictive and could have prevented smaller-scale, missing middle housing types. The Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee (CNPC) recommended forwarding the study to the City Council and directed staff to add language to the resolution that such standards should ideally be built into base zoning districts in the future to avoid the need for overlays. - 2025 Proposed City Budget and Activity: Noel Nix, Director of Community Initiatives from the Mayor's Office, led an interactive 'budget game' using the Prioritize platform to collect commissioner input on fiscal priorities under a simulated $5 million budget constraint. The city's budget is roughly $800 million, primarily funded through property taxes and Local Government Aid. During discussion, commissioners expressed positions emphasizing several priorities: expanding housing supply to better accommodate families and reducing barriers for small developers; investing in downtown office-to-housing conversions; modernizing city permitting, licensing software, and enabling online assessment payments; improving inter-departmental coordination on street and infrastructure projects to minimize repeated excavation; and investing in city personnel in non-public safety departments (such as inspections and permitting) to strengthen development services. Nix stated the feedback would be compiled and folded into final budget decisions scheduled for late July, ahead of the mayor's mid-August budget presentation. - Transportation Committee Update: Commissioner reported the committee's next meeting on May 13 will cover Pleasant Avenue reconstruction, continued discussion on the Purple Line, and an introductory discussion on the Riverview Corridor. Key Outcomes - Approval of April 12 Minutes: Approved unanimously. - River Balcony Master Plan Addendum: The public hearing was kept open for written comments until 4:30 p.m. on May 13, 2024. The testimony and future comments will be referred to the Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee. - 693 Raymond Avenue Farmers Market (CUP): The Conditional Use Permit was approved unanimously. - UST Multipurpose Arena Appeals: Both appeals were denied. The site plan approval was affirmed. Commissioners Ortega, Risberg, and Chair Grill abstained from voting on the motions. - East Grand Avenue Overlay District Zoning Study: Forwarded to the Saint Paul City Council with a recommendation for adoption, including a directive to incorporate the standards into base zoning districts in the future. - 2025 Budget Feedback: Commissioner input was collected to inform the administration's budget development process.

Note: The agenda provided lists the meeting date as Monday, April 29, 2024, 4:30–6:00 p.m. However, per instruction, this summary uses the date 2024-04-23. No minutes or transcript were available to verify actual proceedings. The summary below is based solely on the agenda. Discussion Items - City Budget Exercise (30 minutes): Shannon Forney (Office of Financial Services) and Noel Nix (Mayor’s Office) were scheduled to lead a 30-minute exercise on the city budget. No further details are available. - Purple Line Update (60 minutes): Craig Lamothe (Metro Transit) was scheduled to provide a 60-minute update on the Purple Line transit project. No further details are available. Key Outcomes - No votes, decisions, or public testimony were recorded in the available materials. The meeting was held for information and discussion only. Upcoming meetings were noted: May 13 (Como Park Long Range Plan, Pleasant Avenue reconstruction); no meeting late May; June 10 (Riverview Corridor transit study).

No minutes, transcript, or agenda specific to the April 12, 2024 meeting were provided. The only agenda supplied is for a meeting scheduled on April 26, 2024, which was marked as canceled. Therefore, no substantive discussions, votes, or decisions from the April 12, 2024 meeting can be summarized. Note: The agenda references “Approval of updated minutes from April 12, 2024,” but those minutes are unavailable.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no summary can be generated.

The Saint Paul Planning Commission met on April 12, 2024, from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. in City Hall Conference Center Room 40. The meeting included approval of minutes, announcements, a public hearing on the East Grand Avenue Overlay District, and a presentation on the Cannabis Adult Use Zoning Study. Key actions included approving the minutes, closing the public hearing with the record open until April 15, 2024, and releasing the cannabis study for public review with a public hearing set for June 7, 2024. Approval of Minutes - March 15, 2024, Minutes: Motion by Commissioner Holst, seconded by Commissioner Risberg; passed unanimously. - March 29, 2024, Minutes: Motion by Commissioner Holst, seconded by Commissioner Risberg; passed unanimously. Chair's Announcements - Secretary Mauricio Ochoa and his wife welcomed a daughter; he will be on leave for the next few meetings. Planning Director's Announcements - Quasi-Judicial Voting: Chair Grill will no longer vote on quasi-judicial issues (e.g., conditional use permits, variances, site plan reviews) unless there is a tie; she may vote on legislative decisions (e.g., rezonings, text amendments). - United Village Appeal: The city council granted all appeals regarding the denial of the entrance drive and conditions on variances (related to window openings and retail-mural connection). The council supported the mural wall and entrance drive but raised pedestrian safety concerns. Staff recommended reopening public hearings when adding conditions. - APA National Conference: The American Planning Association National Conference starts this weekend in Minneapolis; staff will participate and lead tours. Public Hearing: East Grand Avenue Overlay District - The hearing was held on the proposed East Grand Avenue Overlay District amendments. - Cody Fisher (Ward One resident, small-scale developer) supported the intent but expressed concerns that the proposed stepback requirements (10 feet on all sides starting at 30 feet) would prevent small-scale development. He recommended applying stepbacks to front yards only, reducing required stepback to 5 feet, increasing height allowed without a stepback to 40 feet, and applying stepbacks only to projects with over 200 feet of street frontage. - Bridget Allen (715 Lynwood Avenue, resident, former East Grand Overlay Task Force member) supported stepbacks, particularly along residential abutting areas, and emphasized balancing new development with existing homeowners' investments. - Catherine Kane (McCallister Urbanist Club) supported the proposed changes and echoed calls for reduced stepbacks and greater density. - Dan Marshall (Mischief Toy Store owner, 25-year retailer) preferred complete repeal of the overlay, stating it was unnecessary and duplicates other regulations. If amended, he recommended exempting buildings with under 100 feet of frontage from stepbacks and changing the height limit to three stories. - Adam (McCallister Urbanists) urged complete removal of the overlay, stating current zoning stifles growth and dynamism. - Lou Sudheimer (85-year-old, longtime resident) opposed the amendments, arguing historic preservation is critical; he warned that too much development could destroy Grand Avenue's character, comparing it to negative examples like Portland and Park in Minneapolis. - Ari Parritz (developer, former task force member) supported the amendments as a way to allow Grand Avenue to revive after 20 years of stagnation, but noted the stepback requirements could have unintended consequences. When asked about full repeal, he said that would be acceptable, as existing zoning and design standards would still provide protections. - Renee Meyer (913 Fairmount Avenue) highlighted the risk of land monetization and argued for building heights that fit the historic context; she supported alternatives that enable smaller-scale development. - No additional public speakers came forward. Motions: - Motion to close the public hearing and take the matter under advisement; passed. - Motion to hold the written record open until April 15, 2024 at 4:30 p.m., and refer the matter to the Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee; passed. Cannabis Adult Use Zoning Study - Staff (Tony Johnson and Nellie Jerome) presented the cannabis study, which proposes zoning amendments to allow cannabis businesses as permitted in commercial areas, with some conditional use permits for large facilities. - Proposed retail amendments: Allow cannabis retailers (over 15,000 sq ft require a conditional use permit) and lower-potency hemp edibles as general retail. - Manufacturing/cultivation: Limit lighter manufacturing to mixed-use districts; heavier operations to industrial districts; outdoor cultivation only with a conditional use permit. - Distance requirements: Staff recommended a 300-foot buffer from schools, rather than the state maximum (1,000 ft from schools, 500 ft from daycares/parks), to avoid over-restricting commercial areas. - Additional allowances: Package delivery, transportation, and testing facilities, plus cannabis as an accessory use for breweries. - Timeline: Public hearing set for June 7, 2024 (not May 24 due to canceled meeting), with city council review in July/August and potential effective date in early September. - Motion: Release the cannabis study for public review and set a public hearing for June 7, 2024; passed (moved by Commissioner Holst, seconded by Commissioner Ortega). Committee Updates - Zoning Committee: No meeting last week; next meeting April 18, 2024 at 3:30 p.m. in Room 300, City Council Chambers, for a conditional use permit case. - Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee: No meeting last week; received the cannabis study presentation. - Transportation Committee: Next meeting April 29, 2024 (April 15 meeting canceled). - Communications/Nominations Committee: No updates. - Task Force/Liaison Reports: None. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes from March 15 and March 29, 2024 unanimously. - Closed the public hearing on the East Grand Avenue Overlay District and kept the record open until April 15, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. - Released the Cannabis Adult Use Zoning Study for public review and set a public hearing for June 7, 2024. - Planning Director announced Chair Grill will not vote on quasi-judicial matters going forward (unless a tie); the planning director position has been posted (closes May 12, 2024). - The meeting adjourned after no new business. Note: The agenda listed the meeting date as April 12, 2024; the transcript confirms this. No minutes were provided for this meeting.