Public Meetings - St Paul, Minnesota

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

Note: The agenda and transcript indicate this meeting actually occurred on January 19, 2024, but the instruction specified the date as December 22, 2023. This summary follows the instructed date. This was a regular meeting of the Saint Paul Planning Commission, featuring updates from committees, director announcements, and an informational presentation on climate and sustainability efforts. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (December 22, 2023): The minutes from the previous meeting (December 22, 2023, per the agenda) were moved for approval, seconded by Commissioner Nate Hood, and passed unanimously. Chair’s Announcements - Chair Kristine Grill noted the rearrangement of seating in the room to allow the first and second vice chairs to sit at the front for meeting leadership experience, and asked for feedback on the new layout. Planning Director’s Announcements - City Council New Member Briefings: The mayor’s office is leading topic-based briefings; PED is participating in a housing-related briefing spearheaded by the Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI) and other departments. - Capitol Area Architecture and Planning Board (CAAPB): The Capitol area received significant funding for projects including Rice Street infrastructure and a Capitol Mall design framework. A design charette (public workshops) will be held February 5–8, 2024, with a key session on February 6. The theme is “connect, preserve, activate, and grow” the Capitol Mall. - Retirement of City Attorney Peter Warner: Warner, the zoning and heritage preservation attorney, is retiring at the end of January. A city council honor will occur on January 24, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. in council chambers. - Celebration for Former Chair Luis Morales: Due to his paternal leave, a celebration of his service is being planned; possible dates are February 15 or February 20, 2024. - Annual Meeting Reminder: The next full commission meeting on February 2, 2024, will be unusually full: two committee recommendations for public hearing, the bike plan public hearing, and the 2023 annual report and 2024 work programming discussion. Zoning Committee – 475 Chatsworth Nonconforming Use - Commissioner Nate Hood provided an update on item 23-110-253, a request to reestablish a nonconforming automotive repair/service station at 475 Chatsworth St. S (zoning RM2). The property has been vacant for over a year, triggering the need to reapply. Staff recommended approval, but zoning committee members wanted to add conditions related to site deterioration, driveway issues, fence problems, and sidewalk/right-of-way adjacency. The item was laid over for further discussion. - Commissioner Luis Ortega asked how the city identified the vacancy. Zoning administrator explained that the use is nonconforming; when discontinued for a period, the owner must reapply. The owner had not sought an extension during the vacancy period. Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee - Commissioner Holes (likely Jeff Risberg or similar) reported two items: 1. Heights Comprehensive Plan: The mapped plan for the Heights area does not match the development plan approved by the committee, causing concerns for the Metropolitan Council regarding sewer systems. A minor consistency update will go through the full process with public comment. 2. East Grand Avenue Overlay District: A major discussion at the committee; the overlay has been dramatically changed from its previous version, viewed as a positive development that might be considered for other areas of the city. This change does not trigger a comprehensive plan amendment. - The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for January 31, 2024, to discuss amendments to the River Balcony Master Plan. Transportation Committee - Commissioner (likely) stated the next committee meeting is Monday, January 22, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. in a new location (City Council Chambers). Agenda includes a presentation from Metro Transit on the Purple Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route modification study. The Purple Line runs from Union Depot to Maplewood Mall. Communications-Nomination Committee - No meeting occurred; nothing to report. New Business – Informational Presentation by Russ Stark - The commission temporarily suspended the meeting for an annual commissioner photo with the Office of Technology Communications (OTC). - Russ Stark, Chief Resiliency Officer for the City of Saint Paul, gave a presentation on the city’s climate action and sustainability work, originally delivered at a November climate forum. Key points: - Over 60% of local carbon emissions come from building energy use; 30% from transportation; 10% from waste/water. Scope 3 emissions (production of consumed goods) are not counted. - Climate vulnerability mapping (from Ramsey County) shows areas along freeway corridors, former industrial zones, and areas with low tree canopy are most vulnerable. - Community-wide greenhouse gas emissions dropped 25% from 2017 to 2020 (pandemic influenced), with 2021 essentially flat. Most reductions are from cleaner electricity; harder work remains in building heating and transportation. - The 2030 goal appears achievable, but longer-term targets are more challenging. - Federal Inflation Reduction Act and infrastructure bill have opened new funding opportunities; Stark’s office is applying for grants for EV charging network expansion, decarbonization, and a low-income weatherization/electrification program. - St. Paul has the largest electric car-share program in the country (over 170 vehicles, 8,000 members, 38 charging locations). Usage reached nearly 4 trips per vehicle per day. - The city’s Climate Action Dashboard (climateaction.gov) tracks 48 actions; it launched in April 2023 but is not yet comprehensive. - A pilot program (Center for Energy and Environment) is upgrading 10 electrically heated 2–4 unit buildings with heat pumps and weatherization. - A $1M American Rescue Plan program (Healthy Home St. Paul) will fund pre-weatherization work for low-income homes. - Commissioners asked questions about tire pollution, battery recycling, street design (e.g., Wabasha), coordination with school district HVAC, concrete/pavement, hydrogen fuel, workforce development and trades in inner-city schools, and making electrification accessible to renters and low-income residents. - Stark noted that the franchise agreement with Xcel Energy runs through 2026, which could be revisited to raise funds for climate work (as Minneapolis did). Key Outcomes - Minutes from December 22, 2023 (date per agenda) approved. - Item 23-110-253 (475 Chatsworth) laid over for further discussion at a future zoning committee meeting. - Future meetings scheduled: Transportation Committee Jan 22, Comprehensive Planning Committee Jan 31, Annual Commission Meeting Feb 2. - Celebration of former chair Luis Morales to be scheduled for Feb 15 or Feb 20. - Commissioner photo taken. - Presentation by Russ Stark received; additional follow-up may occur at a later date.

Note: The agenda and transcript indicate the meeting was held on December 22, 2023, but the instruction requires using the date December 8, 2023. This summary follows that instruction. The Saint Paul Planning Commission met on December 8, 2023 (per instruction) to discuss several items, including the approval of minutes from the December 8, 2023 meeting, updates on the anti-displacement committee, a major presentation on the Saint Paul Bicycle Plan update, a zoning case, and nominations for the executive committee. The meeting was chaired by Kristine Grill (acting as chair, with Luis Rangel Morales absent due to new baby). Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from the December 8, 2023 Planning Commission meeting was moved by Commissioner Risberg and seconded by Commissioner Thomas. The minutes were approved by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the meeting. Discussion Items - Planning Director Announcements: Director Pereira reported that the final community advisory committee meeting of the Anti-Displacement and Community Wealth Building committee was held on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. The committee reviewed recommendations from the consultant team focusing on housing and small business/commercial components. The goal is to refine a list of actionable items for the city, and the results will be brought to the Planning Commission and possibly the City Council or HRA. - Transportation Committee – Saint Paul Bicycle Plan Update: Commissioner Risberg introduced the item. Jimmy Shoemaker from Public Works presented a comprehensive update to the 2015 Bicycle Plan. Key points: - The plan aims to improve safety, attract new riders, and align with the Climate Action and Resilience Plan. - The biggest change is a major increase in planned separated bikeways (green lines on the map), based on state and federal guidance. - The plan does not have a dedicated funding source; implementation relies on leveraging other projects (mill and overlay, reconstructions, new developments, transit projects). - Since 2015, 79 miles of bikeways have been added. The update includes stronger policy direction for maintenance and snow clearing. - Engagement occurred in two phases: Phase 1 (fall 2021) with 1,700 survey responses, and Phase 2 (summer 2023) with nine in-person events. Community support was high for separated bikeways, but also heard opposition. - The plan will be an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. - Commissioners discussed prioritization, measuring success, funding sources (regional sales tax, city sales tax for street reconstructions), and ensuring the plan is not misused to justify only painted bike lanes. Commissioner Martinson noted the regional bike transportation network (RBTN) and new funding from the state omnibus bill. Commissioner Taghioff emphasized measuring modal shift and ridership outcomes. - The motion to release the plan for public review and comment and set a public hearing on February 2, 2024, was moved by Commissioner Risberg, seconded by Commissioner Martinson, and approved by voice vote. - Zoning Committee – 736 Oakdale Rezoning: Commissioner Taghioff reported that the committee voted 5-0 to approve the rezoning of 736 Oakdale Avenue from H1 residential to T2 traditional neighborhood. The site currently has a vacant former grocery store (legal non-conforming use that expired). The rezoning will allow a new use (leather goods store). No district council recommendation or public opposition was received. The full commission approved the motion by voice vote. - Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee: No updates; the meeting was canceled. - Communications-Nomination Committee: Commissioner Thomas reported that the committee reviewed a draft of the Planning Commission’s annual report. Commissioners are invited to submit reflections on their participation for inclusion. The committee also nominated the executive committee slate for the upcoming year: Kristine Grill as Chair, Nieeta Presley as First Vice Chair, Jeff Risberg as Second Vice Chair, and Mauricio Ochoa as Secretary. The full commission approved the slate by voice vote. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved: Minutes from December 8, 2023, approved. - Bicycle Plan: Released for public review and comment; public hearing set for February 2, 2024. - 736 Oakdale Rezoning: Approved. - Executive Committee: Slate approved for 2024 (Grill, Presley, Risberg, Ochoa). - Annual Report: Draft reviewed; commissioners to submit reflections.

Note: The user-provided meeting date is December 8, 2023, but the agenda lists December 11, 2023. This summary uses the date provided by the user. The committee met to discuss the Saint Paul Bicycle Plan, presented by Jimmy Shoemaker of Public Works. No minutes or transcript are available for this meeting, so no details on discussion, public comment, or outcomes can be reported. Discussion Items - Saint Paul Bicycle Plan – Presentation by Jimmy Shoemaker (Public Works), scheduled for 90 minutes. No further details are available. Key Outcomes - No decisions or votes are recorded due to lack of minutes or transcript.

The Saint Paul Planning Commission met on December 8, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. to approximately 11:00 a.m. to approve minutes, hear committee reports, and vote on several zoning and planning items. The meeting included discussion of a charter school in an industrial zone, billboard relocation, electric vehicle charging amendments, and a new commercial development district in the Creative Enterprise Zone. Approval of Minutes - The minutes from the November 17, 2023 Planning Commission meeting were approved by a motion from Commissioner Holst, seconded by Commissioner Hackney, with all in favor. Chair Announcements - Chair Luis Rangel Morales noted that Commissioner Starling will take his spot on the Zoning Committee. The commission is still seeking a secretary. Planning Director Announcements - Director Luis Pereira announced that several mobile workshops for the National APA conference in April 2024 have been preliminarily accepted. A reception honoring the outgoing chair is scheduled for December 21, 2023 from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. The next Planning Commission meeting is December 22, 2023 with a short agenda. Zoning Committee - Commissioner Reilly reported on four items considered by the Zoning Committee on November 30, 2023. 440 Thomas – Reestablishment of Nonconforming Use - The committee recommended approval to reestablish a nonconforming use as a music recording studio at 440 Thomas Avenue. The motion passed unanimously. 355 Randolph – Conditional Use Permit for Charter Elementary School with Variance for Bicycle Parking - The committee recommended approval of the conditional use permit (CUP) for a charter elementary school in the I2 industrial zone, but denial of the variance for bicycle parking (60 spaces required, 20 proposed). The school had been operating for 7-8 years without the required CUP due to city oversight. The full commission debated the tension between protecting industrial land and allowing an existing school. Commissioner Ochoa argued against approval, citing the potential for heavy industrial uses adjacent to the school. The motion carried 11-3 (Commissioners Ochoa, Hood, and Ortega opposed). 0 St. Clair – Rezoning - The committee recommended approval to rezone 1209 St. Clair Avenue from B1 local business to T3 traditional neighborhood to facilitate development. The motion passed unanimously. 0 St. Clair – Nonconforming Use Permit for Billboard with Variance - The committee recommended approval of a nonconforming use permit to relocate a billboard to the side of a new building, with a variance to attach the sign to the building. The proposal reduces three billboard faces (total 900 sq ft) to one 378 sq ft static billboard, a reduction of 522 sq ft. The Clear Channel representative stated that without approval, the property sale and development would not proceed. The commission debated the trade-off between fewer billboards and new housing. The motion passed unanimously. 2516 Wabash – Laid Over - This item was laid over by the applicant with no new date determined. Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee - Commissioner Holst reported on two items. Electric Vehicle Charging Zoning Amendments - The committee recommended approval of a simple change to Sec. 63.212: adding a requirement for one EV-ready space per 30 parking spaces for lots over 30 spaces (e.g., 90 spaces requires 3 EV-ready spaces). The motion passed unanimously, and the recommendation will be sent to the Mayor and City Council. Creative Enterprise Zone Commercial Development District - Tony Johnson presented a proposal to create a commercial development district in the Creative Enterprise Zone, allowing new liquor licenses for bars, event centers, theaters, and similar uses. The committee amended the boundaries to include additional parcels (cross-hatched area) to align with the Westgate Station Area Plan. The district is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and zoning. The commission voted to recommend approval to the City Council, finding the district consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code. The motion passed unanimously. Transportation Committee - Commissioner Risberg noted the next meeting on December 11, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. to discuss the draft St. Paul Bikeways Plan. If approved, it will go to a public hearing. Communications-Nominations Committee - Commissioner Thomas reported no meetings since the last commission meeting. The annual report is expected to be brought to the December 22, 2023 committee meeting. Old Business / New Business - No old business was discussed. Under new business, the commission was informed that the anti-displacement study final CAC meeting is December 19, 2023, and a summary will come to the commission in the new year. A cannabis zoning study is being initiated at the City Council. Adjournment - The meeting was adjourned. Note: The instruction stated the meeting date as November 17, 2023, but the agenda and transcript clearly indicate the meeting was held on December 8, 2023. This summary uses the actual date from the source documents.

Date: November 17, 2023 (Note: The user instruction specified 2023-11-09, but the agenda and transcript clearly identify the meeting as November 17, 2023. This discrepancy is noted.) The Saint Paul Planning Commission met on November 17, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. to approximately 11:00 a.m. The meeting covered routine approvals, committee reports, and key discussions on the Heights Redevelopment Plan and the Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Zoning Study. The commission approved minutes, recommended conformance for the Heights plan, and after extensive debate, sent the EV charging study back to committee for further refinement. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the October 27, 2023, Planning Commission meeting were approved unanimously after a correction (date changed from September 15 to October 27) and a clarification. Discussion Items - Zoning Committee Report: - 23-086-824 355 Randolph CUP & Variance for bicycle parking: A conditional use permit for a charter elementary school in an industrial zone (I2) with a variance for bicycle parking (60 spaces required, 20 proposed) was postponed to November 30, 2023, by the applicant. The public hearing was left open. - 23-093-624 1472 Grand Change of Nonconforming Use: The committee unanimously approved a change of nonconforming use from a barber shop/hair salon to office service at 1472 Grand Avenue. The full commission subsequently approved this recommendation unanimously. - Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee: - The Heights Redevelopment Plan – Comprehensive Plan Conformance: Staff presented that the Heights (112-acre former Hillcrest Golf Course) addition to the larger redevelopment plan is in conformance with the comprehensive plan. The plan includes light industrial, residential, and commercial mixed uses. The commission discussed the role of tax increment financing (TIF) and the requirement for a blight finding. The committee recommended approval (one abstention). The full commission voted unanimously to recommend that the city council find the Heights redevelopment plan in conformance with the comprehensive plan. - EV Charging Zoning Study: Staff presented a detailed overview of proposed zoning code changes to require EV-capable infrastructure (conduit, panel space) in new surface parking lots (15+ spaces) and one EV-ready space (wiring and outlet) for lots over 30 spaces. Key changes since the public hearing include: eliminating a requirement for actual chargers, increasing EV-capable spaces from 50% to 80%, applying the code only to surface parking (state now handles structured parking), and applying to any site plan review (including full reconstructions). Commissioner Moore expressed concern that the proposal was a step back from the original plan and urged keeping charger requirements. Other commissioners supported the changes, citing technology evolution and cost. After debate, a motion to approve the study with a staff-requested amendment (removing the word "new" from paragraph B) was made. The motion failed on a roll call vote (no clear tally provided, but the outcome was negative). A subsequent motion to refer the study back to the Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee for further work on scaling the 30-space requirement and adding wiring for EV-ready spaces passed. The study will return to the full commission on December 8, 2023. - Transportation Committee Report: The committee met on November 13 and heard presentations on two trails: the completed Cherokee Regional Park trail improvements and the planned Hamlet Avenue Trail (multi-use path along Highland Golf Course). The next meeting (November 27) is canceled. - Communications-Nominations Committee Report: The committee met that morning. They reviewed a draft planning commission annual report outline (due December/January) and discussed officer transitions following the chair’s departure. They also reviewed a matrix from the mayor’s office on possibly shrinking the commission size; recruitment for three vacancies is paused pending that decision. Key Outcomes - Approved: Zoning committee recommendation for 1472 Grand change of nonconforming use (unanimous). - Approved: Heights Redevelopment Plan comprehensive plan conformance recommendation (unanimous). - Referred to Committee: EV Charging Zoning Study was sent back to the Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee for refinement of the EV-ready space requirement (scaling beyond one space) and clarification on wiring. The study will be reconsidered at the December 8, 2023, full commission meeting. - Next Steps: The commission will meet on December 8 and December 22, 2023. The zoning committee will have a heavy agenda on November 30.

This meeting of the Transportation Committee of the Planning Commission was scheduled to discuss two trail improvement projects. The provided agenda lists the meeting date as Monday, November 13, 2023, but the official meeting date for this summary is given as 2023-11-08. This discrepancy is noted; no transcript or minutes were available to clarify the actual proceedings. Discussion Items - Cherokee Regional Park Trail Improvements – Presented by Katie Hamerlinck (Parks). Allotted 30 minutes on the agenda. - Hamline Avenue Trail – Presented by Katie Hamerlinck (Parks). Allotted 30 minutes on the agenda. No additional details, public comments, votes, or outcomes were recorded in the available source materials.

The Saint Paul Planning Commission met on October 27, 2023, from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. (agenda time) at City Hall Conference Center Room 40, 15 Kellogg Boulevard West. Key actions included swearing in a new commissioner, approving minutes, hearing a presentation on Rethinking I-94, and forwarding a micro-units ordinance to the City Council. Swearing-In and Introductions - Commissioner Jacy Johnson Becker was sworn in to represent Ward 1. She was recommended to the commission after involvement with the Business Review Council. - The commission introduced themselves and identified their wards. Approval of Minutes - Minutes from the October 13, 2023 meeting were approved with a motion by Commissioner Holtz, seconded by Commissioner Hagman, with a unanimous voice vote (no opposition). A correction to the date was noted. Chair’s Announcements - Chair Rangel Morales announced he is expecting a baby in late December and that he and his partner recently purchased a home in Hastings. He stated that he will be transitioning off the Planning Commission over the next few weeks, with Commissioner Grill stepping into the role. He expressed gratitude for the work of the commission. Planning Director’s Announcements - Director Pereira (no formal announcements) acknowledged the Chair’s contributions and recognized Haley from the youth on boards initiative, noting that Commissioner Johnson Becker is part of that broader initiative. Zoning Committee - No items were reported by the Zoning Committee. Transportation Committee – Rethinking I-94 Presentation - Melissa Barnes (MnDOT Project Director) and Renee Redens (Communications and Engagement) presented the Rethinking I-94 project. Key points included: - Project purpose: improve mobility along/across I-94, address aging infrastructure, support regional plans. - Livability framework: connections, public health, environment, economics, sense of place, safety, equity. - Timeline: 2015 Rondo healing ceremony; 2016-2018 listening; 2018 began NEPA process; 2023 released 10 alternatives; scoping decision document expected summer/fall 2024; tier one approval December 2027; construction 2028 or later. - Alternatives include: No Build/Maintenance (A and B), At-Grade A and B (fill trench, 2 lanes each direction, 35 mph, BRT), Local-Regional (limited access), Reduced Freeway A (3 lanes with managed lane), Reconfigured Freeway A (3 GP + managed lane), Expanded Freeway A (3-4 lanes + managed lane), Expanded Freeway B (adds GP lanes, bus on shoulder). - Survey open until October 31, 2023 (or November 1 at 7 a.m.), available online; feedback will inform whether alternatives need adjustment. - Public engagement spanned numerous community groups, including We Connect Rondo, St. Anthony Park Community Council, Union Park District Council, and the St. Paul Climate Justice Board. - Rail alternatives were considered but not advanced due to the Green Line's proximity (expected ridership: 6,900 on I-94 vs. 60,000 on the Green Line). - No preferred alternative has been identified; the process is collaborative, with the MnDOT Commissioner making final decisions after input. Questions & Discussion (I-94) - Commissioner asked about retaining wall alternatives; staff clarified they illustrate potential land bridge or cap scenarios. - Staff addressed questions on transit lane placement (outboard vs. inboard), potential right-of-way acquisition (no desire to take more land), outreach to non-English speaking communities (survey available in multiple languages, interpreters at events, but more work needed), the 7.5-mile project length (truncated in 2019 due to complex downtown interchanges), funding sources (federal, state, local, not yet considered), infrastructure below the highway (deep utilities, drainage concerns), and the timeline for alternative evaluation (spring 2024 public comment period). - Staff noted that public input through the survey is the best immediate action. Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee - Commissioner Host reported: - Micro-units dwellings as accessory use to religious institutions: The committee reviewed updated language (reorganized for clarity, no substantive changes). Commissioner Host moved to approve and forward to the City Council, seconded by Commissioner Presley. The motion passed unanimously (no opposition). - Electric vehicle (EV) parking requirements for service parking lots: The committee discussed recommending EV charging infrastructure for new or reconstructed lots; details to be brought to a future meeting. Communications-Nomination Committee - Commissioner Thomas reported the committee did not meet. Task Force/Liaison Reports - No reports were given. Old Business / New Business / Additional Discussion - Commissioner Presley raised awareness about the Sears (Sears) site in Saint Paul, noting ongoing outreach and a biweekly Zoom update that commissioners could join. - Planning Director Pereira provided background on the Sears site: the City and Capital Area Architectural and Planning Board (CAAP) are working with the ownership group; the City seeks a holistic master plan approach. Recent state appropriations for the surrounding area include infrastructure and capital mall redesign. - Commissioner Ortega asked about the state's plans to replace a park near the Sears site (for state office expansion) and the demolition of the Ford Building. Director Pereira noted plans are being explored to replace the parkland nearby, and the demo permit for the Ford Building would go through the Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI), though the heritage preservation supervisor does not consider it significant. - Director Pereira also mentioned state funding to redesign Rice Street as a community-focused street, overlapping with the Sears site and transportation planning. Key Outcomes - Jacy Johnson Becker was sworn in as Commissioner for Ward 1. - Minutes from October 13, 2023 were approved. - Micro-units dwellings ordinance was approved by the Planning Commission and will be forwarded to the City Council. - The commission received a presentation on Rethinking I-94 and provided feedback; no formal action was taken. - The Chair announced his upcoming departure; transition plans with Commissioner Grill are to be arranged. - The next Transportation Committee meeting (October 30, 2023) will include a presentation on Safe Routes to School. Note: The agenda listed the meeting date as October 27, 2023, but the transcript is dated October 18, 2023; the summary uses the agenda date as the meeting date.

The meeting took place on October 10, 2023, as specified. The sole agenda item was a presentation on the Rethinking I-94 project. Note: The agenda listed the meeting date as Monday, October 16, 2023, which conflicts with the actual meeting date. No minutes or transcript are available to provide further details. Discussion Items - Rethinking I-94: Melissa Barnes of MnDOT and Austin Hauf of WSB Engineering presented on the project. No additional discussion or outcomes are recorded. Key Outcomes - No decisions or votes were recorded in the available materials.